Gilroy Gardens: Family-Friendly Theme Park Means Big Fun for the Little Ones

Charm the younger set with over 40 rides and attractions—while everyone can enjoy the gorgeous gardens.

It’s fun to find a theme park that doesn’t try to terrify, tip upside-down, or zoom at a zillion miles per hour. Instead, Gilroy Gardens targets the fun for families with small children. That means classics like glittering carousels, magical swings, and chugging choo-choos keep the kids grinning from ear to ear, not clutching in terror. The park’s rides and attractions loosely follow an agricultural theme that reflects the region’s expansive farmlands. Favorites include the exciting-but-not-scary Quicksilver Express mine coaster; a boat ride through gardens of annual color; and an antique car ride where you travel through the "back roads" in vintage 1920's and 1950's cars. Gilroy Gardens also features beautifully landscaped areas for strolling and relaxing—a nice place to take a break from the liveliness in the park.

Gilroy Gardens is open daily in summer, weekends only September through November. Late November through December, enjoy stunning displays during the park’s Holiday Lights displays, including lights, lasers, and fireworks.