Gilroy Gardens

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Amusement Park Photos

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Description

Gilroy Gardens, formerly known as Bonfante Gardens, is California's only theme park with a horticultural theme. The park, which opened in 2001, was created and designed by Michael Bonfante to educate guests and foster a greater appreciation of the natural world and man's ability to shape it.

Ideal for families with young children and garden lovers, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park features 21 rides, 27 attractions, 6 majestic gardens and the world famous Circus Trees.

Gilroy Gardens is very much geared toward the age 5 and under set. The pace is less chaotic than many larger amusement parks and thus a great introduction to amusement parks for kiddos.

One very wonderful aspect of the park is its three water features. Splash Gardens is a huge water play area for kids of all ages, Bonfante Falls treats you to views from behind waterfalls, and Splash and Squirt is designed for babies in diapers. If you know Gilroy, it gets hot there- so these are fabulous options to stay cool.

Beware that you are not supposed to bring any outside food into the park. Several people think the food in the park is so-so and quite expensive, so one recommendation is to eat big meals outside the park and just have snacks inside.

Special thanks to Jennifer for the photos.