Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
3050 Hecker Pass Highway
Gilroy, CA
So many theme parks are all about the thrill rides: the faster and the more nausea-inducing, the better. While they are a lot of fun for families with teens, theme parks full of mega-coasters don’t make for a great outing with little ones. Luckily, the Bay Area has a theme park that is truly designed for the whole family, particularly families with younger kids. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is located in the city of Gilroy, which is home of the famous annual garlic festival each July and the park is only about 20 miles south of San Jose. Gilroy Gardens, a Mommy Nearest partner, is the ideal amusement park—with manicured gardens and fun rides—for a day trip with toddlers, preschoolers and elementary aged kids. Here’s what to do and what to expect on a visit.
What to expect
With a giant head of garlic as the park’s mascot, the theming of Gilroy Gardens revolves around the agriculture and horticulture of California. The focus on flowers and trees makes for a beautiful park setting as well as for a theme park experience that isn’t as driven by commercialism as some. Park landscaping is meticulous, rivaling Disney theme parks in cleanliness and orderliness. Ample trees bring lots of shade, giving families a break from the heat (but sunscreen is still a must!). Make time to stroll the many gardens when your kids need a break from rides, and especially make time to look for Gilroy Garden’s famous circus trees. These historic trees were designed with the help of elaborate grafting processes, creating strange shapes, twists and turns in trunks and branches. Pick up a brochure at the entrance that shows location and information.
The lowdown on rides
With names like the Garlic Twist and the Artichoke Dip, the rides at Gilroy Gardens carry on the agricultural theme. Rides are mostly of the milder variety and appropriate for the whole family. My family’s favorites include Balloon Flight, Bonfante Railroad Train Ride, South County Backroads and Illions Supreme Carousel. Lines are usually short except on the busiest of weekends when rides for the paddle boats and South County Backroads can be long at mid-day.
Be aware that a few of the rides at Gilroy Gardens are made exclusively for the littlest of visitors—no big siblings or parents allowed. These rides often have height maximums, which my daughter exceeded when she was about six. While these mild thrills are often really exciting for toddlers seeking independent adventure, make sure your little ones are comfortable separating from parents before taking them for a spin. While my now seven-year-old adventurous daughter adored these rides as soon as she could sit up, my two-year-old son had a little more trepidation on our most recent visit.
For thrill seekers, the only true thrill ride at Gilroy Gardens is the Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster, a mine train that is a bit mellower than Big Thunder Mountain in Disney parks. The Timber Twister coaster offers even milder thrills and is an excellent first coaster for younger kids once they reach the 42 inch height requirement. There are also easygoing thrills to be had at the Mushroom Swings and the Banana Split (both 48 inch height minimums).
Water areas aplenty
Gilroy can get quite hot in the summertime. Luckily, Gilroy Gardens addresses that problem with two dedicated water areas. The original water play area, Bonfante’s Splash Garden, has a giant waterslide built into a circus tree replica, spray guns and a splash pad. The newer water play area, Water Oasis, opened in 2014 and is more crowded due to its newer offerings. It has two water slides that splash into a pool and other water play and exploration areas designed with California water conservation in mind. On hot days, be sure to bring a bathing suit, towel and change of clothes for your kids and maybe also the same for yourself.
What to eat
Because of its agricultural theming and influence, Gilroy Gardens is one of the few theme parks I’ve visited that actually serves—gasp—vegetables! My family’s favorite lunch option is teriyaki chicken with veggies at Uncle John’s Side Room. Salads can be found almost everywhere as well. If you want to take a cheat day on healthy eating, there’s plenty of theme park indulgences to be found. Dippin’ Dots, Icees and funnel cakes are all available. One of the best treat values at Gilroy Gardens are the giant soft serve ice cream cones. Buy two for a discount (because if you have two or more kids, you know they won’t share).
Tips for your visit:
• Check the calendar: As a local amusement park, Gilroy Gardens has limited hours, particularly in the spring and fall (it’s closed in the winter except for special holiday events).
• Get a discount: Gilroy Gardens offers major discounts for purchasing tickets online in advance (buy and print before you hop in the car on the same day). If you are going to visit more even just twice with your family in a single year, consider one of the annual passes.
• Watch for special events: Gilroy Gardens has numerous special events throughout the year, including Girl Scout and Father’s Day camp out nights, Halloween decorations, winter holiday lights and more.
Hours and Admission
Location: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA
Hours: Varies seasonally. Open most Saturdays and Sundays in summer from 10am to 5 or 6pm and weekdays from 11am to 5pm. The park is only open on weekends in the spring and fall.
Admission: Adults $48, Children $58, Parking $15 per vehicle.
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