Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy Gardens is a unique amusement park that emphasizes horticulture in a clever combination with amusement rides. Trees throughout the park have been trained, twisted, and braided into complex shapes. These are not small tress and are quite remarkable.

The trees were featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and in Life magazine. The park has plenty of rides sans extreme roller coasters. The rides range from peaceful toddler level to higher thrill levels for your 12-year-old.

There are restrictions for being too small and restrictions for being too big. See their website for the three thrill levels. They also have a fun water park where you can rent a family cabana. There are only 12 family cabanas in the water feature area and need to be reserved.

Bring an extra change of clothes if you go to the water park. The park is stroller friendly and there are plenty of rides for all ages under 12. Gilroy Gardens is an enjoyable amusement park especially for smaller children.