A western state in the United States of America, California has no scarcity of attractions for its tourists, as well as, local residents. In fact, starting from its granite peaks to pristine coastlines and sunny beaches, enjoy the experience of a lifetime in this lovely state. It is undoubtedly one of the finest holiday destinations in the entire world. From exciting water rides to nail-biting 4D experiences and to absolutely thrilling rollercoasters, you will barely have even a single dull moment at the amusement parks of California. Fulfill your little one’s wish list by taking him /her to one of these theme parks or relish some of the finest wine and food experiences in the entire world. To make your life simpler, here are some of the top theme parks in California that you should definitely visit with your entire family.
1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
If you want to see a broad grin on your little one’s face, you should definitely visit this Californian theme park, which is a part of Hollywood’s Universal Studios. From magical creatures to wicked villains, and from brave heroes to exciting magical spells, the place has it all. Visit some of the most renowned establishments in the world of wizardry, explore the enigmatic Hogwarts castle or tour the Hogsmeade shops. Also enjoy the exciting rides here, which will take you to a fascinating world of thrills.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Website: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm
Price: 109 - 129 USD (1-Day General Admission)
2. Knott's Berry Farm
This huge park is set on what used to be a berry fruit stand and farm. It first opened in the 1920s but has emerged as one of North America’s most popular amusement parks. Knott’s Berry Farm is located in Buena Park and at a convenient distance from the world-famous Disneyland. The park features 10 roller coaster rides along with shows and western themed tourist attractions. This original theme park is thoroughly focused on pure family fun. In case you are looking forward to spending some quality hours with your dear ones and have a fun time without creating a dent in your pocket, go for this one.
Knott's Berry Farm
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, USA
Website: Knott’s Berry Farm
Opening hours: Hours vary depending on season and holidays
Price: 46 - 62 USD (Daily admission/single day ticket)
3. Adventure City
Welcome to Adventure City, an amusement park based in Stanton, California. If you have small children in the family, this crowd-pleasing theme park is an apt place to be in with its little coasters. However, some of these rides have been made creative so that your kids are kept thoroughly engaged and entertained. There are also some rides targeted towards those children who are ready for greater thrills. When your little ones feel hungry, treat them to delicious and lip-smacking delicacies ranging from salads to pizzas, frozen lemonade, churros, and curly fries.
Adventure City
Address: 1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804, USA
Website: Adventure City
Opening hours: Fri: 10 am - 5 pm Sat - Sun: 11 am - 7 pm
Price: 15.95 - 19.95 USD
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4. Universal Studios Hollywood
If you are a movie buff, make sure you visit this world-famous amusement park, which is located quite close to the Hollywood Universal Studios. Enjoy an impressive range of latest motion simulator rides, exciting 3d attracts that highlight the most popular movies of the production company, and live shows with your entire family. You will also get an idea of a blockbuster movie’s behind-the-scenes while availing the famous Studio Tour. Board one of the trams and explore the actual props and sets of Hollywood blockbusters such as Psycho and Jaws.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA
Website: Universal Studios Hollywood
Opening hours: Mon & Fri: 10 am - 6 pm, Tue - Thurs: 10 am - 5 pm
Price: 109 - 129 USD
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is unique in a way as there are very few amusement parks in California like it. The park continues to follow the vision of Michael Bonfante, its founder. It boasts more than 40 attractions and fun rides amongst trees and picturesque gardens, The setting here is truly unique and mesmerizing. Several of this park’s rides have been inspired from the rich historic and agricultural past of the locality.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Opening hours: Hours vary depending on season and holidays
Price: 37 USD
6. Children's Fairyland, Oakland
It is one of the most amazing theme parks in California to delight your little ones. The theme park has been entertaining parents and their kids since 1950 with all those features the little ones love. There are about 60 storybook sets, friendly animals, and rides for your kids in Children’s Fairyland, Oakland. While the park caters to visitors belonging to different age groups, it is more suitable for children below eight. So, come here with your entire family, and spend some hours of unadulterated fun.
Children's Fairyland, Oakland
Address: 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, USA
Website: Children’s Fairyland, Oakland
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10 am - 4 pm
Price: 12 USD (Free for kids below 1 years)
7. SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld is a wonderful theme park famous for its exciting rides, beautiful aquariums, and lovely education programs and landscaping for various age groups, interactive attractions, and an enviable collection of animals. Get ready for a memorable experience as you enjoy an unforgettable undersea adventure. You will see and feel the tiny fish all around you, will be able to touch a shark near you and enjoy an interactive experience of a ray. There are five new rides to keep your little ones enthralled. You can also relish a number of popular delicacies inspired by Asian cuisines. Discover mesmerizing and rich marine life all through the park.
SeaWorld San Diego
Address: 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Website: SeaWorld San Diego
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10 am - 5 pm, Sat - Sun: 10 am - 6 pm
Price: 35 USD
8. Six Flags Magic Mountain
A wonderful theme park situated in California’s Santa Clarita, Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts more than 100 rides, games, and 19 state-of-the-art roller coasters and other attractions for your entire family. Some of the popular rides in this park include Full Throttle, Twisted Colossus, Drop of Doom, and much more. Also, the park ensures that its youngest visitors do not get bored. You can take your young ones to Bugs Bunny World, an interactive wonderland that has innumerable attractions and joy rides suitable for children, as well as, adults.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, USA
Website: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30 am - 6 pm Sat - Sun: 10:30 am - 8 pm
Price: 59.99 USD onwards
9. Legoland
A visit to this beautiful theme park in California will be loved especially by the fans of the well-known toy. While a majority of the rides at this amusement park target the younger kids, even the adult visitors will marvel at the amazing Lego creations. Enjoy a miniature form of the famous Las Vegas strip, as well as, some famous scenes from the immensely popular Star Wars franchise. Irrespective of your age, you should not skip exploring the Lego factory.
Legoland
Address: 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Website: Legoland
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm (May vary from season to season)
Price: 89.99 USD onwards
10. Disneyland Park
There is hardly anyone who can remain immune to the charm of the original Disneyland Park. Situated in Anaheim, California, the amusement park is equally popular among the children and adults. Some of the park’s major attractions include iconic rides, superb dining, fabulous shows, and special events all through the year. Come summer and you can go for undersea diving, or enjoy the Splash Mountain to cool you off. So explore this magical park with your entire family and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Disneyland Park
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Website: Disneyland Park
Opening hours: Mon 9 am -10 pm, Tue - Thu: 9 am - 9 pm, Fri - Sat: 8 am - 12 am, Sun: 8 am - 11 pm
Price: 179 USD onwards
Amazing amusement parks in California
Are you planning to visit California with your kids for your upcoming vacation? The state of California has numerous theme parks to allure your little ones. The above-compiled list of theme parks in California will definitely come handy for you to get started.
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