Lodi Lake with Kids: Beach, Wading Pool & Trails
When you think of a lake near Sacramento, Folsom Lake likely comes to mind. Lodi Lake, however, is a hidden gem, and it’s only a 40-minute day trip from Sacramento.
While Folsom Lake is expansive and requires more driving time to reach certain areas, everything you can do at Lodi Lake starts from one parking lot. The peak time to visit Lodi Lake with kids is in the summer, when Lodi Lake Beach is open. This lake is an absolute gem, and more families need to know about it. Lodi Lake isn’t just a lake—it has several kid-friendly amenities, including a playground and wading pool. Lodi Lake Beach is one of the best water play spots near Sacramento.
The Lodi Lake Nature Trail is also one of the best family-friendly hikes near Sacramento. With a beach, boat rentals, a playground, a wading pool, and a nature trail meandering through redwood and oak trees, families can do many fun things at Lodi Lake.
Lodi Lake makes a perfect day trip from Sacramento. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to Lodi Lake with kids and learn how to make the most of your day.
Quick Planning Guide
👨👩👧👦 Lodi Lake is best for all ages
🚗 40-minute drive from Sacramento
🅿️ Daily parking fee is $10 for non-residents and $8 for Lodi residents
🏖️ Lodi Lake Beach and wading pool open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
⛱️ Separate entry fee to Lodi Lake Beach (and wading pool), including $3 for Lodi residents and $5 for non-residents
⏰ Lodi Lake Beach and wading pool operating days vary by day of the week in the summer and are open from 12:30pm to 6pm
Why Families Will Love Lodi Lake
When families want a convenient lake day near Sacramento, Lodi Lake is a great option. You can keep it to a day at the beach and wading pool, or expand the family-friendly fun with the playground, nature trail, or a kayak on Lodi Lake.
Our family loves Lodi Lake, and it’s such a hidden gem. Families may not realize all there is to do, since it’s not just a lake—it’s a lake with several activities that turn a lake outing into a full day of fun and memories for kids of all ages. Going to Lodi Lake Beach each summer will become a summer tradition, just like it has for our family.
Lodi Lake at a Glance
Here’s everything Lodi Lake has to offer families:
🏖️ Seasonal beach
💦 Seasonal wading pool
🚣 Seasonal boat rentals
🛝 Playground
🌲 Nature trail
🎉 Family-friendly events and programs
Getting to Lodi Lake
Sacramento families might not realize just how close Lodi Lake is to Sacramento. It’s less than an hour, and the drive takes 40 minutes. From Elk Grove, it’s even closer and takes 30 minutes.
Lodi Lake Admission & Parking
There is a vehicle entry fee to access Lodi Lake for the day. As of 2026, the fee is $8 for Lodi residents and $10 for non-Lodi residents. You can pay with cash or card at the entrance. The main parking area is next to the Lodi Lake Beach entrance and across from the Lodi Boathouse. This lot is accessible to all activities at Lodi Lake.
If you’re planning on just doing the Lodi Lake Nature Trail, you can drive to a separate parking lot and park at the trailhead. When you enter Lodi Lake, take a right and continue down the shared access road. At the sign that says, “Share the road”, take another right, and you’ll reach the Nature Trail parking lot.
In the summer, there’s an additional entrance fee to access Lodi Lake Beach. As of 2026, the beach entrance fee is $3 for Lodi residents and $5 for non-Lodi residents. So, the entrance fees would include paying the vehicle entrance fee and the beach access fee for each person in your family.
Some cars park in the neighborhood on the street next to the playground and walk into Lodi Lake for free. However, the street spots get taken early. Also, check for any parking signage to confirm that you can park there.
Lodi Lake Beach & Wading Pool
While most lakes near Sacramento have a sandy beach, you don’t usually see a wading pool next to a lake. The wading pool adds a nice extra touch to the whole experience at Lodi Lake Beach and gives kids the option to take breaks from the lake and go back and forth between the pool and the beach.
The Beach
I have to say, I was really impressed by Lodi Lake Beach! It was perfect for families and wasn’t too overwhelming. The sandy beach is large, with lots of space for kids to play and build sandcastles. The lake is also really nice, with clear water. My 4-year-old went out pretty far, and we found the lake to be relatively shallow. Overall, this is a wonderful beach and swimming lake for families near Sacramento.
The lake is roped off to mark where swimmers must stay and to ensure they don’t go past the ropes. A lifeguard is also on duty. Another thing to know is that complimentary life jackets are available to borrow at Lodi Lake Beach. Staff will help you find the right size.
For setting up your beach base camp, most people set up among the redwood trees instead of the sandy beach. That’s because the trees offer shade. It’s not every day you can visit a beach and set up in the shade of redwood trees! Just know that because this area is on a forest floor, it’s not the most comfortable to sit on the ground. Beach chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Our family was able to grab some when arriving right at 12:30pm. However, it’s best to bring your own chairs to ensure you have some.
If you’re looking for a fun and clean lake near Sacramento for kids, Lodi Lake Beach is an ideal spot. Our family makes this an annual summer tradition! I can’t say enough good things about it. As a reminder, Lodi Lake Beach is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Wading Pool
If you haven’t heard of a wading pool, it’s a pool intended for young kids that usually doesn’t go over 1-2″ inches of water. They usually have a mushroom fountain feature in the middle, too. They are a safe way for kids to splash around in a very shallow pool. Wading pools are some of the best free things to do in Sacramento in the summertime.
Having a wading pool next to a beach is very convenient for a bunch of reasons. First, if kids get sandy from the beach, they can splash around in the wading pool. Or, let’s face it, kids can get bored easily, even at a place where you can build sandcastles all day and swim in a lake. So, the wading pool gives them another fun option for a day at the beach.
Since Lodi Lake is small, it’s easy to go back and forth from the beach to the wading pool just feet from where your towel setup will be. It’s also a really nice wading pool. It’s larger than most and is set in a serene oasis surrounded by palm trees. A lifeguard is also on duty at the wading pool.
The wading pool at Lodi Lake Beach operates on the same schedule as the beach. Like the beach, it is seasonal and open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 12:30pm to 6pm. The Lodi Lake Beach entrance fee includes access to the wading pool.
Boat Rentals at Lodi Boathouse
The Lodi Boathouse is at the main entrance of Lodi Lake, making it convenient to get out on the water. All ages are welcome to use the boat rentals, but inexperienced paddlers must ride with a person capable of paddling a vessel. Everyone must wear a life jacket while out on the water. Lodi Boathouse provides life jackets.
A variety of boat rentals are available including:
- Single kayaks (sit-ons)
- Premium kayaks (sit-ins)
- Tandem kayaks
- Stand up paddleboards
- Pedal boats
The pedal boats are a great option for a family of four, as they comfortably fit two adults and two small children. All Lodi Lake boat rentals are limited to 4 miles up the river.
2026 boat rental pricing is below:
- $25 for 1 hour for single kayak
- $25 for 1 hour for stand up paddleboards
- $39 per 1 hour for premium kayak
- $50 for 1 hour for tandem kayak
- $66 for 1 hour for pedal boat
While boat rentals at Lodi Lake are seasonal, the season often includes spring and fall. Boathouse rentals are not limited to just the summer months. During its operating season, the Lodi Boathouse is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Playground at Lodi Lake
Another thing to love about Lodi Lake is the playground! The playground is in the lake area, not the beach area; therefore, you can access it anytime Lodi Lake is open.
The playground is near the main Lodi Lake entrance. When driving or walking from the entrance, turn right, pass the restrooms, then keep walking straight. The playground is straight ahead past the Kiwanis pavilion.
The main playground structure is more suitable for ages 3+. It was perfect for my 4-year-old, but my cautious 2-year-old wasn’t ready for the structure yet. There are two regular swings, but no bucket swings. Overall, it’s a typical playground and not the best playground you’ll come across, but it’s still a win for families visiting Lodi Lake.
One thing to know about the playground is that it’s not shaded. So, you’ll probably want to check out the playground in the morning before it gets too hot.
Lodi Lake Nature Trail
Lodi Lake is an underrated day trip from Sacramento, especially in the summertime for the lake and wading pool. It also has one of the best family-friendly trails near Sacramento. There’s the Lodi Lake Nature Trail and the Lodi Lake Wilderness Trail. The two trails connect. You can easily mix and match the various pathways. No matter which route you choose, the entire nature trail area is kid-friendly, and even better, stroller-friendly.
Getting to the Nature Trail
There are two ways to reach the Lodi Lake Nature Trail. First, walk past the playground, away from the beach and boat rentals. You’ll walk along a road that hugs the lake to the left.
This road along Lodi Lake to reach the Nature Trail is shared with cars. However, the cars are always respectful and drive slowly.
When you reach the ‘Share the road’ sign at a fork, turn right. This will bring you to another parking lot, which is also the trailhead. If you prefer to drive, you can do that, too. However, it might be easier to park once and walk.
The walk from the lake to the trailhead is not far. An additional restroom and water refill station are also at the trailhead.
All Lodi Lake Nature Trails begin through a gated fence next to the restrooms at the Nature Trails parking lot.
Lodi Lake Trail Options
When reaching the trailhead, there are three routes you can take:
- The far left on the North trail
- The middle trail on the Bypass Loop to the Central Trail
- The far right on the South trail
Our family likes starting with the Middle Trail. We take the Bypass Loop to the Central Trail. Then we turn left onto the North Trail and loop our way back to the trailhead. This total route is around 1.7 miles.
The Middle Bypass Loop and Central Trail are my personal favorites. At the start of this path, you’ll walk through towering redwood trees. It’s always hard to believe you’re in the middle of wine country in Lodi, California! The scenery on this trail is gorgeous, lined with large, stunning oak trees. It might be my favorite family-friendly trail in the entire area. Informational panels are on this trail, which can be fun for kids. The middle path is also paved, so it’s particularly easy for strollers.
The North Trail is also nice, as you’ll be walking next to the lake the whole time. While this path isn’t paved, it’s flat and dirt, and still very stroller-friendly.
All of the trails connect and loop together, so each way is lovely, no matter what path you choose. They are all very easy trails with wide paths. All of the trails are mostly shaded.
Restrooms at Lodi Lake
Restrooms near the Main Entrance
Lodi Lake has full bathrooms, and they are really nice restrooms. When driving in, they are to the right of the main entrance. Changing tables are also inside both the women’s and men’s restrooms.
Restrooms at Lodi Lake Beach
Additional restrooms are at Lodi Lake Beach. However, these are open restrooms with no roof. Therefore, the seats get hot! I’d recommend skipping these unless it’s an emergency and instead using the nice ones next to the main entrance.
Restrooms at the Nature Trail
More restrooms are at the trailhead of the Lodi Lake Nature Trail. You’ll see an additional parking lot, and the restrooms are right there.
Family-Friendly Events at Lodi Lake
Another thing I really like about Lodi Lake is its monthly family-friendly events. Aside from the vehicle entrance fee, these events are completely free. I often include Lodi Lake events in the Sactown Supermom Events Calendar.
A favorite event at Lodi Lake is their annual Bloom Fest in April. Families can make flower bouquets; kids can get face painting, paint potted plants, and enjoy many fun, interactive activities. Another highlight is the scavenger hunt throughout different stops at Lodi Lake, including the Lodi Nature Wilderness Trail. After completing the scavenger hunt and collecting stamps at each stop, kids receive a tote bag with many prizes, including bubbles and stickers.
More Things to Do in Lodi with Kids
A&W Restaurant
A fun fact about Lodi you might not know is that it’s the birthplace of the original A&W Restaurant. While the original location no longer stands, another location with a classic vibe is just a few blocks from the original site. Since it’s technically fast food, it’s a good option when you want something quick with kid-friendly fare like French fries, chicken strips, and, of course, root beer floats.
The Lodi A&W is a 7-minute drive from Lodi Lake, making it a convenient food stop after a day at the lake.
World of Wonders Science Museum
Lodi has a cute science museum for kids called World of Wonders. It’s a smaller museum you can visit in one hour. Although small, it has plenty of fun activities to entertain kids. The indoor bubble wands are a favorite at World of Wonders. I’d say this museum is better for younger kids, including toddlers. There is a separate area for babies. Since you only need an hour to explore everything, you can easily combine it with Lodi Lake on the same day.
Tip: Use your Sacramento Public Library card to get up to 4 free admissions (2 adults and 2 children ages 2+) each year to the World of Wonders Science Museum using the Discover & Go Program.
Michael David Winery
You might not think of a winery as kid-friendly, but Michael David Winery in Lodi is the exception. Michael David Winery has a playground for kids! That’s also why it’s one of the best kid-friendly restaurants near Sacramento. The play area includes a train-themed play structure with a slide and some Old West play buildings for kids to explore. It’s also gated, which is another nice bonus.
Tables are available next to the play area. The winery is beautiful and huge, and has a lovely, relaxing atmosphere. The kids’ play area is separated at the back of the vineyard, so you won’t feel like your kids are disturbing the vibe. They are very welcoming to families.
Check out a preview of the kids’ area at Michael David Winery in my Instagram Reel.
What to Bring to Lodi Lake
If you’re planning on going to Lodi Lake Beach and the wading pool, I recommend bringing the following:
- Beach towels
- Sand toys
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Bathing suits
- Snacks
- Water
- Beach chairs
If you’re planning on going out on the lake for boat rentals, bring the following:
- Hats
- Ziploc bags to place phones and personal items to stow with you while on the water
- Waterproof bags to place items
- Sunscreen
- Water
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lodi Lake good for kids?
Yes! Lodi Lake is perfect for kids and has a wide range of kid-friendly amenities, including a playground, wading pool, beach, pedal boat rentals, and, of course, swimming in the lake. Kids of all ages will love a day at Lodi Lake.
Is there a beach at Lodi Lake?
Yes, the seasonal beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is a separate entrance fee for Lodi Lake Beach.
Does Lodi Lake have a wading pool?
Yes! A wading pool is next to the beach. It also operates seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day and has the same hours as the beach. Wading pool access is included in the Lodi Lake Beach entrance fee.
Can you swim at Lodi Lake?
Yes, you can swim (seasonally) at Lodi Lake Beach. The water is roped off for the designated swimming areas. The water is also shallow pretty far out, making it perfect for kids. A lifeguard is also on duty.
Can you rent boats at Lodi Lake?
Yes, a variety of water vessels, from kayaks to stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats, are available to reserve through the Lodi Lake Boathouse. While it’s also seasonal, it has a longer operating schedule than the beach.
Is the Lodi Lake Nature Trail kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The Lodi Lake Nature Trail is one of the most kid-friendly trails near Sacramento. It’s flat, easy, mostly shaded, and wide, making it a suitable trail for kids of all ages.
Is the Lodi Lake Nature Trail stroller-friendly?
Yes, the Lodi Lake Nature Trail is stroller-friendly. We’ve tested out all the various trails with a stroller!
Does Lodi Lake have a playground?
Yes, kids can enjoy a playground at Lodi Lake.
How much does it cost to visit Lodi Lake?
In 2026, the vehicle entry fee to Lodi Lake is $10 for non-residents and $8 for Lodi residents. Lodi Lake Beach has an additional entrance fee of $5 per person for non-residents and $3 per person for Lodi residents.
Where is Lodi Lake?
Lodi Lake is a 40-minute drive from Sacramento. The official address is 1101 W Turner Road, Lodi, CA 95242.