Like Florida, California’s year-round sunny weather makes it an ideal spot for theme parks. What sets amusement parks in California apart, however, are the variety of options spread across the entire state.
While Southern California theme parks are the most popular due to Disneyland taking residence there in 1955, Northern California theme parks have a lot to offer as well. No matter which half of the state you decide to visit, California has many family-friendly theme parks including roller coaster-heavy theme parks, water parks and even educational parks.
Best All Around
1. Disneyland
Disneyland shares some of the same rides as its Florida counterpart, but has even more attractions. In addition to well known favorites such as Haunted Mansion and It’s A Small World, Disneyland still has some of the original kiddie rides from its inaugural year, most of which you’ll find in the Fantasyland section of the park.
“Star Wars” fans will enjoy the franchise’s takeover of Tomorrowland where kids can train to be jedis, meet their favorite characters, and ride the “Star Wars” versions of Space Mountain and Star Tours. There are also multiple playgrounds on site and plenty of faster rides enjoyable for teens and adults.
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2. Disney’s California Adventure
Disney’s California Adventure combines character theme rides with the added experience of a classic California-style boardwalk amusement park. At Paradise Pier, you’ll find a steel roller coaster, over-sized Ferris wheel, and a number of game booths as well.
Aside from the boardwalk area, Carsland has some of the best rides in the park that are appropriate for older kids and teens. California Adventure also plays host to a must-see nighttime outdoor show called World of Color, which culminates in nightly fireworks.
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3. Universal Studios Hollywood
With the recent opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the addition of a number of new themed restaurants in “The Simpsons” area of the park, Universal Studios Hollywood has emerged as one of the most popular Southern California theme parks and a major competitor for Disney.
Full of Universal’s kid-friendly franchises such as “Despicable Me,” “Jurassic Park” and “Transformers,” your family can experience the films through interactive experiences, exciting live shows and thrill rides. Universal is better suited for older kids and teens, but most of the rides are accessible to little ones, provided they’re 3 feet 3 inches or taller.
Best for Roller Coasters
1. Six Flags Magic Mountain
Of all the theme parks in California, Six Flags Magic Mountain has the best roller coasters by far. It boasts one of the longest and fastest coasters in the world, Goliath, which speeds you along at 85 miles per hour and has a g-force so strong it will literally take your breath away.
In the DC comics section of the park, there are multiple themed coasters including the terrifying Superman: Escape From Krypton that speeds you backwards at 100 miles per hour and drops you at a 90-degree angle. There are even a couple of kids’ coasters for the little ones and a number of tamer attractions for family members who aren’t keen on thrills.
All in all, the park has 16 different roller coasters, which makes it well worth the ticket price.
2. Knott’s Berry Farm
For nearly 100 years, Knott’s Berry Farm has been a staple of the Southern California theme park scene. After Disneyland opened only a few miles away, they had to reinvent themselves and offer something that Disneyland wasn’t — roller coasters.
Knott’s now has the longest, tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster on the west coast, Ghostrider. The park has nine different roller coasters in total, perfect for older kids, teens and adults.
Part of what makes their park so valuable is how they manage to appeal to all ages so well — even your little ones — with rides and entertainment catered to their limited attention spans.
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3. California’s Great America
One of the most budget-friendly California theme parks and certainly the most affordable Northern California theme park, California’s Great America has plenty of roller coasters to fulfill your need for speed.
Each of their six coasters offers something a little different, from inverted tracks, to wooden coasters, to 360 loops. There are also thrilling amusement rides such as Delirium and the Tiki Twirl, in addition to Peanuts-themed kiddie rides and a carousel.
Best of all, after you’ve had your fill of roller coasters for the day, you can cool off at the onsite water park that’s included in the ticket price.
Best Waterparks
1. Raging Waters San Dimas
Raging Waters has three different water parks across the state, one in Northern California, one in the San Francisco Bay Area and one in the Greater Los Angeles area. Out of the three, Raging Waters San Dimas (Greater Los Angeles area) is the largest and consistently ranks as the best water park in California.
With over 50 water attractions including raft rides, multiple slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, an obstacle course, and even a hydromagnetic coaster that speeds along at 30 miles per hour — there’s no beating the value that Raging Waters San Dimas offers for your money.
2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor shares a complex with Six Flags Magic Mountain and has equally thrilling rides in a water park setting. The park’s Black Snake Summit has four different slides, including the tallest enclosed water slide in Southern California that whips you around in complete darkness.
If small spaces aren’t your thing, family members can race each other on a toboggan ride, ride in a four-person raft down a 132-foot tunnel, or splash together in the wave pool, lagoon or water playground.
There are designated play zones for little ones too and even a special lounge area for adults to watch the kids from.
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3. Legoland Water Park
Legoland Water Park is perfect for families with kids under 12 and is one of the best water parks in the US. This Southern California water park, located just 35 miles north of San Diego, incorporates interactive Lego play with typical water park fare.
Kids can build bridges and dams out of Legos at the Imagination Station and play on a shipwreck themed water playground. There’s also a Splash Zoo for toddlers and thrill rides for older kids and adults to enjoy.
One of the coolest attractions here is the Build-A-Raft River where you can stick over-sized Legos onto your raft while you float. They’ve also recently added a second area to the water park with more slides and interactive zones based on the Legends of Chima Lego series.
Best Educational Parks
1. Gilroy Gardens
An entire theme park devoted to the appreciation of horticulture — particularly the importance of trees — Gilroy Gardens merges education and fun seamlessly. Most rides are made for kids under 4 feet tall, which makes this Northern California theme park a must for families with small children.
Aside from the rides, the park is also home to “The Circus Trees,” which were grafted into interesting shapes by a Swedish farmer during the 1940s. They also have a number of beautifully landscaped gardens and educational programs to teach kids about nature and the Earth sciences.
2. San Diego Zoo
Over 3,700 animals inhabit the grounds of the 100-acre San Diego Zoo, making it one of the largest zoos or safari parks in the world. You can ride across the park in style in the Skyfari Aerial Tram or on one of the many open-air bus tours.
There are special zookeeper talks throughout the day and a couple of exciting animal shows your whole family will love. Aside from viewing all the animals in their habitats, the San Diego Zoo also has a few unique animal encounter experiences, where you can get up close and personal with certain animals for an additional price.
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3. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Originally called Marine World, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has evolved into a full-fledged theme park with thrill rides in addition to their classic animal attractions. Large tanks allow viewing of African penguins, stingrays and different kinds of sharks.
For an additional fee, teens or adults can experience the park’s trainer for a day program and feed, touch and train dolphins and sea lions. Discovery Kingdom even has an exclusive overnight experience that allows you to sleep under the sharks’ aquarium and observe their nocturnal behaviors.
The park’s facilities have also expanded to include other animals besides marine life including birds, giraffes, lions, tigers and cougars.