Photo: Frank Seijas
Photo: Evgeniy Novoseltsev
Photo: David Yen
California's Great America
★4.4(15,959 reviews)$$$Amusement Park
🕑 Full day (6-8 hours)👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Toddlers and preschoolers will love Planet Snoopy's pint-sized rides and meet-and-greets with Snoopy characters, while school-age kids and teens can graduate to world-class coasters like Gold Striker and Flight Deck. The variety of ride heights means families with mixed ages can all find their comfort zone.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
California's Great America is a full-scale theme park offering something for every family member, from gentle rides in the charming Planet Snoopy area for little ones to pulse-pounding roller coasters for thrill-seeking teens. With over 40 rides and attractions spread across themed areas, plus seasonal festivals and events, it's the Bay Area's premier destination for family amusement park fun.
Highlights
- ✓Planet Snoopy kids area with 15+ gentle rides sized perfectly for little ones
- ✓Gold Striker wooden roller coaster consistently ranked among the world's best
- ✓Boomerang Bay water park included with admission during summer months
- ✓Character meet-and-greets with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang
- ✓Seasonal events like WinterFest and Halloween Haunt for older kids
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive at park opening to hit popular rides like Gold Striker with minimal wait times before crowds build mid-day
- 2.Download the park's mobile app to check real-time wait times and plan your route efficiently around the park
- 3.Head to Planet Snoopy first thing in the morning when young kids are fresh and energized, then tackle bigger rides during the afternoon
- 4.Bring sunscreen and refillable water bottles,the park allows sealed bottles and has refill stations throughout
- 5.Consider upgrading to a Fast Lane pass during peak summer days or weekends to skip the longest lines
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekdays during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for the best combination of good weather and smaller crowds. Arrive right when gates open at 10-11am to maximize ride time before afternoon peak hours.
What to Know
General admission tickets start around $45-70 depending on the day (check online for discounts). Parking is $30-35. The park offers numerous dining options from quick-service to sit-down restaurants, plus accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergies at guest services.
Seasonal Notes
The park operates seasonally, typically late March through early January with limited operating days in spring and fall. Summer (June-August) offers daily operation plus the Boomerang Bay water park. WinterFest (November-December) transforms the park with holiday lights and activities. Halloween Haunt in October is geared toward teens and adults, not young children.
Nearby Eats
In'N'Out Burger is just 5 minutes away at 4669 Willow Rd for a quick California classic meal. For sit-down dining, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse at nearby Santana Row offers a extensive kids menu, pizza, and casual atmosphere perfect for hungry families after a park day.
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