Gilroy Gardens

A gentle theme park built around gardens and odd-shaped Circus Trees. Rides fit little kids just right.

1.5 hrs drive · 1 day · Best for toddlers to big kids · Apr–Aug & Dec

Day 1: Park day

The park opens at 11 am, and few people come at opening. Go to the Duck and Swan paddle boats and South County Backroads first, since those are the only rides with real lines. One older review reported paddle boat waits of over 90 minutes, and they close earlier than the rest of the park. Trips With Tykes
Bring swimsuits. The water play areas come with admission, and Lakeside Splash (2024) is aimed at younger kids. They get crowded once it heats up, so go before lunch. Trips With Tykes
Many rides are spinning rides that small kids need an adult to ride with, so bring an adult who doesn't mind spinning. The two bigger coasters need riders to be 48 inches tall. 510 Families
The Sky Trail Monorail seems to need riders taller than 36 inches. Some kids couldn't ride the Mushroom Swings or Banana Split until about age 6. The Wok's teriyaki bowl was a parent favorite for food. Trips With Tykes
About two dozen Circus Trees are spread around the park and are easy to miss. Make finding them a scavenger hunt. Garlic fries and mini corn dogs are the snacks people mention. Theme Park Insider trip review

The park is open weekends and select weekdays from March to December, and daily from June to mid-August. Check the online calendar before you go.
Gate price is $80 for ages 12 to 61, with lower prices online in advance. Kids under 3 are free.
Each child can bring one snack bag, plus water and juice. Outside meals go in the picnic area outside the front gate.
Holiday visits: North Pole Nights runs on select dates in late November and December.