Bradley Smithpixel
  Local Family Fun Deals: Attractions, Shows & More!  
articles

10 Things to Love About Chico

A Love Letter

By Jillian Smith - Editor & Publisher of Macaroni KID Chico, CA February 13, 2025

Dear Chico,

There's so much to love about you! You are more than just a town - you are our home, our playground, and the keeper of our most cherished memories. For families with children, you offer a life filled with adventure, community, and the simple joys of childhood. Here are 10 reasons we love raising our kids here in Chico:

1. Bidwell Park - Your heart beats in the shade of ancient oaks and along the winding trails of Bidwell Park. From biking and hiking to picnicking and splashing in Big Chico Creek, this is where our children learn to love nature and where family time feels magical.

2. Caper Acres - A fairy-tale playground like no other, where our kids can climb castles, slide down dragons, and let their imaginations run free. The laughter that echoes through these gates is the soundtrack of childhood.

3. Sycamore Pool - Summers in Chico wouldn’t be complete without cool dips in the natural beauty of Sycamore Pool. Watching our little ones wade in the gentle water while we relax under the trees is pure perfection.

4. Thursday Night Market - Thursday afternoons come alive with fresh produce, live music, and friendly faces. Our children munch on blueberries and dance to local musicians, while we connect with the heart of our community.

5. Family-Friendly Festivals - From Kite Day and the Endangered Species Faire to the Color Run and Parade of Lights, you give us reasons to gather, celebrate, and make memories year-round. These traditions become the stories our children will tell for years to come.

6. A Strong Sense of Community - You are a place where neighbors know each other, where small businesses treat us like family, and where our children grow up feeling safe, loved, and supported.

7. Excellent Schools and Libraries - Your teachers and librarians nurture young minds, turning curiosity into lifelong learning. The Chico Library’s storytimes and engaging activities are a gift to parents and kids alike.

8. Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Park - Whether it’s a visit to Chico Creek Nature Center or a trip to local farms and pumpkin patches, you offer endless ways for families to explore and learn together.

9. A Slower, More Meaningful Pace of Life - Here, childhood feels like it should—full of bike rides through tree-lined streets, backyard barbecues, and evenings spent together. You remind us to slow down and savor the little moments.

10. Your Timeless Charm - No matter how much the world changes, you hold onto your character, your history, and your spirit. Our children are growing up in a place that feels both nostalgic and full of possibility.

Chico, you are the backdrop of our family’s best moments—the place where scraped knees are kissed, where first bike rides happen, where friendships are formed, and where childhood feels like the beautiful adventure it should be. We are so lucky to raise our children in your care.

With love and gratitude,
MacKID Chico

  



This article was written with some help from ChatGPT