California Theme Parks
Many families visiting California want to spend at least one day at Disneyland. If big crowds aren’t your thing or you weren’t planning to head that far south, fear not. California has quite a few other theme parks to choose from. To get more info from a pro, I asked Alex Miller, author of California Theme Parks, and employee of the Walt Disney Company, to write about three theme parks throughout California. For a more complete listing you should check out his book.
When you hear the words “theme park,” what do you think of?
Mickey Mouse? Sleeping Beauty Castle? Disneyland?
Most people do! When Disneyland opened in 1955, it captured our imaginations and redefined family entertainment. Don’t stop there, though. There are 20 amusement parks to enjoy across California, and each offers a unique theme. From fairy tales to agriculture to the wild west, here are a few that offer terrific family adventures.
Children’s Fairyland, Oakland, CA
Did you ever wonder where Walt Disney got his ideas for Disneyland? This charming little park was one of his biggest inspirations. Filled with a variety of storybook sets and children’s activities, this is a great park for families with young children. You won’t find much in terms of rides—there are just four—but be sure to catch a puppet show. Frank Oz of The Muppets fame got his start in puppetry performing on this stage!
Tucked away among the artichoke and garlic fields Gilroy is famous for, Gilroy Gardens is definitely worth the trip for families with children. The park is themed on agriculture, and recognized as one of the best landscaped amusement parks in the country. Ride the Mushroom Swing, Garlic Twirl, and Artichoke Dip, and look for the two family coasters, so well hidden among the trees that they often aren’t noticeable at first.
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA
Anyone like Boysenberries? This was the farm that first cultivated them back in 1932. Since then, Knott’s has become one of California’s most popular theme parks. For those with little ones, don’t let the roller coasters scare you away; the park is also famous for its “Camp Snoopy,” a land themed to the popular Peanuts gang with attractions for young guests. Families will also enjoy panning for gold or traversing the park in an authentic stagecoach in this “Old West” themed park.
Photo credit: Destination 360
We recently come from here and had the great family vacations trip experience. California theme parks are really ideal place for family trip. There are great variety and we really love them.
Best Regards,
Nice post. I like old fashioned amusement parks – one of my favorites of all time is the Jardin d’Acclimatation in Paris – that’s where the photo on the upper-left of my blog comes from (the boys are riding in a completely charming little rowboat). Closer to home we have Dutch Wonderland, which is similarly sweet and manageable for even the younger set.