Exploring California’s Great America in Santa Clara, California

Located just 15 minutes from downtown San Jose, California’s Great America is the only amusement park in Santa Clara, that has its own waterpark. This is a major plus for families with young children. The park also offers thrill rides, live entertainment and fun carnival games for all ages.

It’s always a good idea to arrive early at California’s Great America as you will have to queue up for some of the most popular rides. You can save some time and money by getting a pass for the water park and unlimited refills of soda drinks for your entire visit. There are many rides to choose from, including roller coasters and a carousel. It is important to bring along sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses as it is usually hot at the theme park.

If you have kids in tow, the theme park has a kids area called Planet Snoopy that features rides and attractions such as Joe Cool’s Dodgem School, Planet Snoopy Construction Zone and Lucy’s Crabby Cabbies. There are also several musical shows to watch, as well as a water park with slides, pools and cabanas. The theme park has a few seasonal events, as well, like the Peanuts Celebration in spring and WinterFest during the holidays. Check the website for details on each season’s offerings and plan your trip accordingly.

Summer is a particularly popular time to visit, with the opening of the Boomerang Bay water park and a BBQ and beer festival. In the fall, Halloween Haunt takes over, with haunted mazes and scare actors roaming the park. You can book a tour of the theme park or rent a bike and explore the area at your own pace. It is also possible to purchase tickets at the park’s gift shop.

During the summer, there is a big festival in the middle of the day which includes food, music and fireworks. You can get a discounted ticket if you show your Stanford student ID. There are plenty of rides to choose from, including a double-decker carousel and a 225-foot drop ride called the Drop Tower. If you’re looking for something more thrilling, check out the Gold Striker wooden coaster, which was named one of the top wooden coasters by Amusement Today.

Other rides you can try include Flight Deck, a looping coaster that goes 45 mph; Patriot, a floorless coaster that reaches 45 mph; and the Grizzly, a spinning pendulum coaster that lets you scream as high as 200 feet (61 meters). The Grizzly is a classic family roller coaster that will give you a thrill of a lifetime. It is the tallest and fastest coaster in Northern California. Make your summer vacation extraordinary with discounted tickets to the theme park! Reserve your entry ahead of time online or at the venue and get ready for a fun-filled day.