California's Great America Santa Clara: Great America Pkwy., between Hwys. 101 & 237; (408) 988-1776 www.pgathrills.com
Northern California’s largest family entertainment attraction offers over 50 thrill rides, along with tons of family rides and attractions. Take a trip Down Under with Crocodile Dundee’s Boomerang Bay™, an Australian-inspired water park, or indulge your inner daredevil with the FireFall ride, which brings riders to a height of 60 feet, sending them tisting and turning through fire and water effects. Enjoy exciting water slides, a giant water-powered playhouse and a kiddie splash area. The epicenter of action for younger kids is Nickelodeon™ Central, an expanded area for kids. Open daily in July: Sun-Thurs, 10-8; Fri-Sat, 10-10.
Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy: 3050 Hecker Pass (Hwy. 152); (408) 840-7100 www.gilroygardens.org
Set among 600 acres, this family park is a one-of-a-kind experience combining four unique gardens and amusement rides with the mid-20th century history and agricultural roots of Santa Clara Valley. Attractions include the Mushroom Swing, Garlic Twirl, Artichoke Dip, Quicksilver Express and The Dehydrator. Also at the park is a 1927 Illions Carousel, a 36-hole miniature golf course, and a greenhouse with an assortment of trees, flowers, and plants that can be experienced—like much of the park—by monorail or train, or on foot. The most unusual sights at the park are its Circus Trees: 29 coiled, twisted and spiral-shaped sycamores, box elders, and Spanish cork trees created in the 1920s using special grafting techniques. In July, open daily: Mon-Fri, 11-5; Sat-Sun, 10-6. Open through December.
Raging Waters San Jose: 2333 S. White Rd.; (408) 238-9900 www.rwsplash.com
Twenty-three acres of slides and attractions include a 350,000-gallon wave pool, kids' water attractions, the Barracuda Blaster, and the Dragon's Den. Open daily in the summer: Sun-Fri, 10:30-6; Sat, 10:30-7, thru September.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz: 400 Beach St.; (831) 423-5590 www.beachboardwalk.com This ocean-side amusement park features 34 full-size and children’s rides, including the Giant Dipper roller coaster, a merry-go-round, a haunted house, and the Hurricane. Additional entertainment at the Neptune’s Kingdom. Rides open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends only during spring and fall.
