Chico Municipal Airport is within 10 minutes of downtown. A municipal bus line, CATS, provides bus service throughout the community, and Butte County Transit provides service throughout Butte County. The Chico Clipper provides transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities. About 290 softball teams play in CARD leagues. Chico has more than fifty tennis courts, over a dozen racquetball courts, a bowling alley, a roller-skating rink, three golf courses, and six gymnasiums.
Snow skiing is two hours away.
Three recreational lakes are within a few hours' distance. Bidwell Park has barbecue pits, swimming pools, softball diamonds, a children's playground, horseback and jogging trails. Bidwell Nature Center and Chico Creek Nature Center offer educational experiences for children and adults. Community theatre productions run year round. The Chico Museum, Bidwell Mansion, and Stansbury House are open to the public.