Things to Do at Turtle Bay Exploration Park Redding
Turtle Bay Exploration Park turns a stretch of the Sacramento River in Redding into a full day of discovery. This 300-acre nonprofit campus mixes a hands-on museum, outdoor wildlife exhibits, Mediterranean-climate gardens, forest-themed playgrounds, and one of California’s most photographed bridges. You can feed colorful lorikeets, watch animal shows, walk through an aquarium tank, and cross a glass-decked span that doubles as a working sundial—all in one stop.
Whether you’re driving up from Sacramento (about 2.5 hours) or making a longer trip from the Bay Area (about 3.5 hours), the park offers easy, engaging fun for kids and adults who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and interactive exhibits.
McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Most of the park’s acreage sits on the north side of the river in the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. More than 200 acres of arboretum connect directly to the Sacramento River Trail system. In comparison, roughly 20–25 acres of display gardens showcase plants suited to Redding’s Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters.
You’ll find native California species alongside plants from similar zones around the world, ornamental grasses, shrubs, a children’s garden with playful water features, a medicinal garden, and seasonal butterfly plantings. Garden access is typically available with park admission or a modest suggested donation; members enter free. Paths stay open daily from early morning until dusk.
Meet the Animals at Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp
On the south side of the river, Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp brings the timber and wildlife story of the North State to life. Modeled after historic forest camps, the area includes the Mill Building with hands-on exhibits about local forests and wildlife, two playgrounds, water features, an amphitheater, and outdoor animal enclosures.
Wildlife Woods and the Mill Building house more than 50 species of living animals, many of them non-releasable animals that came through rehabilitation programs. Kids especially enjoy the chance to see animals up close during daily shows.
Don’t miss the Parrot Playhouse, an interactive walk-through aviary filled with brightly colored lorikeets. For a small fee, you can buy nectar and let the birds land on your arm. Seasonal Wings of Summer butterfly house features dozens of native species in a peaceful enclosed garden.
The Forest Adventure Playground challenges older kids and adults with towers and climbing walls. At the same time, Babe’s Corral offers a gentler experience for younger visitors with log tunnels, nest swings, and slides.
The amphitheater hosts the Walk on the Wild Side animal show (check the daily schedule), and Stimpel Creek lets kids experiment with a miniature version of the Sacramento River system.
Inside the Turtle Bay Museum
Save time for the air-conditioned Turtle Bay Museum, where art, science, history, forestry, and horticulture come together. Permanent exhibits focus on the natural and cultural history of the region. A full-size Wintu bark house lets you step inside a traditional structure. A 22,000-gallon river aquarium offers underwater views of native fish and aquatic life. Interactive science stations invite experimentation, and rotating gallery spaces host traveling exhibitions that change throughout the year.
Cross the Iconic Sundial Bridge
The free Sundial Bridge links the north and south campuses and serves as a gateway to the Sacramento River Trail. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and opened on July 4, 2004, the 700-foot-long, 23-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle bridge is a cantilevered, spar-cable-stayed structure. Its 217-foot inclined white pylon and translucent glass-and-granite deck create the feeling of floating above the river.
The bridge also functions as one of the world’s largest working sundials—the pylon casts a shadow that tracks time roughly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on most days. At night, the glass deck glows. Access is free year-round and does not require park admission. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Northern California and an easy add-on even if you only have a short stop.
Planning Your Visit to Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Turtle Bay Exploration Park rewards a full day or a focused half-day visit. Start outdoors in the cooler morning hours at Forest Camp and the gardens, then shift indoors to the museum when temperatures climb (Redding regularly hits triple digits in summer). The combination of live animals, interactive exhibits, sustainable gardens, and that striking white bridge over the Sacramento River makes this one of the strongest family day trips in the North State. Check the official website for details.
FAQ: Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Where is Turtle Bay Exploration Park and how long does it take to get there?
844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA 96003. Roughly 2.5 hours north of Sacramento and 3.5 hours from San Francisco via I-5.
What are the current hours and admission prices?
Museum and Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp are generally open Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (confirm online for the latest). Adult (16–64): $22; child (3–15): $18; senior (65+): $18; ages 0–2: free. Members enter free. The Sundial Bridge and river trails are free and open daily. Gardens have their own schedules and may charge a suggested donation or require a separate ticket at certain times of year.
Are dogs allowed?
Only service animals may enter the Museum and Forest Camp. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Sacramento River Trail, Sundial Bridge, and in the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens—no kennels on site.
Is parking free?
Yes. Complimentary parking is available at the Sundial Bridge lot. Overflow and RV/trailer parking are nearby. Wheelchair and stroller rentals are free on a first-come basis.
How much time should we plan?
Most families spend 3–5 hours. Arrive earlier in the day during summer to enjoy outdoor areas before the heat, then move inside.
Can we bring food?
Picnic areas are available outdoors. Soft or hard coolers are fine (no glass or alcohol). Branch House Riverfront Bistro and Mosaic Restaurant offer on-site food and drinks—no outside food inside the museum or Parrot Playhouse.
Are there animal shows and interactive experiences?
Yes. Daily animal shows, the Parrot Playhouse lorikeet feeding, seasonal butterfly house, playgrounds, and hands-on museum exhibits keep kids engaged. Check the daily calendar for exact times.
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