Picnic at Five-Mile

What:  Chico hosts one of the largest urban parks in America.  One lovely portion of Bidwell Park is the area known as Five Mile, being as it’s five miles up from the the beginning of the park. 

This is a year-round place to enjoy nature.  During the warmer months, Chicoans come out and wade in the fresh, cool creek.  It ranges from very shallow, which is a great place for small children to toddle around, up to about five feet deep, for the swimmers.  There are also BBQ stations, picnic tables, and plenty of lawn to spread out grandma’s quilt, and eat some watermelon.

In the cooler months, it is lovely to sit by the creek and enjoy the fall colors, watch the ducks fly up and down the creek, and just enjoy the crisp air and solitude of Bidwell Park.

Where: enter from either Centennial or Upper Park Road Map of Bidwell Park

For more information on Bidwell Park, and the many stations it has to offer, check out this article:  BIDWELL PARK on Wikipedia

Chico Theater Company

What:  Chico Theater Company provides a great cultural experience for everyone.  This family-friendly theater performs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, with a  usual Sunday matinee.  Most of the shows are musicals, but sometimes a dramatic play is thrown in. 

To see what’s playing, check their website.  And don’t forget to eat some of Andrea’s amazing home-baked goodies (my wife loves the caramel corn!)

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Farmer's Market

What:  Chico hosts multiple farmers’ markets throughout the year.  These are great events where you can pop-in and shop quickly, or linger and enjoy the small-town atmosphere. 

When:  There are multiple markets in Chico:

Every Saturday Year-Round

2nd & Wall, Downtown Chico

7:30am-1:00pm, Rain or Shine

Wednesdays

North Valley Plaza Mall

(at the corner of East Ave & Pillsbury Rd)

June - October • 7:30am

Thursday Night Market: 

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Broadway from 2^nd to 5^th street (They close the street to traffic, so prepare to park up to a few blocks away, or be detoured around if you’re not staying)

April thru September.  6-9pm

The Thursday Night Market is quite a lively community event, hosting the largest number of local vendors, farmers, street-food vendors, and entertainment.

 

 

Skating, Batting Cages & Miniature Golf at Fun Land

Where
2465 Carmichael Drive in Chico, California.

When
Year round.

What
Roller Skating: Calskate has provided loads of fun for our community since 1978. Kids of all ages come to skate around the rink listening to music. They have snacks, candy, and a small arcade. It's great for birthday parties.
Batting Cages: Fast pitch and slow pitch available.
Miniature Golf: Full 18 hole golf course with a lot of fun obstacles.

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Swimming at Rock Creek

Where
Drive up hwy 70 until just before the Rock Creek Power Plant. Drive up the gravel road as far as you dare and park here. Take the trail along the creek to the water slide and swimming hole.

When
Best in mid to late summer when it's hot because the water is pretty cold.

What
This is some great fun and adventure. The scenery is beautiful. There is a great swimming hole with rocks to jump off and a waterfall. There is also a natural rock waterslide.

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Hike to Monkey Face

Where
Upper Bidwell Park - map it

When
Almost year round. Some days in the summer it can be too hot or too wet and cold in the winter.

What
There are a couple trails that start at the east end of the parking lot that take you up to a little peak named Monkey Face. If you take the trail that heads due north you will end up on the Maidu trail. If you look at the peak from here the rocks really look like a monkey. Once on top you have a great view of Horse Shoe lake, Bidwell Golf Course, and all of Chico valley.

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Eat ice cream at Shuberts

Where
178 E 7th St, Chico, CA 95928

When
Best in the warmer months of the year. Starting in April and going through October. But they have great candy for Easter and Christmas holidays.

What
Shuberts is a great place to take your family or a date for some home made local ice cream or chocolate candy treats. They've been making ice cream since 1938. CBS's Good Morning American Weekend Edition ranked them 2nd best ice cream in the nation!

Links
http://www.shuberts.com/

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