Amusement Parks Near San Francisco

1. Boomers! Livermore

Regardless of how old you are, Boomers! Livermore is a fun-filled place where you can spend hours playing games and enjoying yourself with friends and family.

You can test your putting skills at the Championship Miniature Golf Course or rev up the excitement in one of the hi-octane go-karts on the winding track. Gather everyone for a vibrant game of lazer tag or crash into your loved ones in the waters in the bumper boats. In addition to the attractions, there is a state-of-the-art game room with games based on the Walking Dead, DC Comics superheroes, and much more.

2400 Kitty Hawk Rd, Livermore, CA 94550, Phone: 925-447-7275

2. California's Great America

California's Great America is one of the best ways to spend the day if you’re in San Francisco.

The RailBlazer is the newest addition to their collection of thrilling roller coasters; the single rail steel coaster lifts riders up, down, and side to side throughout the 1,800-foot track. There are attractions for thrill seekers, families, and little ones scattered throughout the park. In addition to the rides, you can experience many shows at the amusement park; past performances include daring acrobats, entertaining live music, and live action performances by Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the gang.

4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, Phone: 408-988-1776

3. Children's Fairyland

Bringing magic and mystery to San Francisco, Children's Fairyland is a whimsical amusement park that has delighted children since 1950.

There are imaginative storybook sets, gentle rides, and friendly animals, and live performances like puppet shows and magicians are on offer throughout the season. Children’s Fairyland is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday, weather permitting. During the summer months, visitors are given an opportunity to camp in the park. The little ones will love sliding down Jack and Jill Hill, winding through the Alice in Wonderland Tunnel, or hopping aboard the Jolly Trolly train ride.

699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, Phone: 510-452-2259

4. Pixieland Amusement Park

Created specifically for children up to 8 years old, Pixieland Amusement Park is the place for little kids to have big kid fun in a safe environment.

Admission and parking are completely free, while the rides themselves require tickets, which can be purchase at kiosks throughout the park. Single tickets are $2.25 and packs of 10, 20, 30, or 60, tickets can be purchased for discounted rates. Kids and parents can jump into a teacup and spin themselves silly, slay the dragon roller coaster, hop aboard the Pixieland Express, fly high on the Red Baron Airplanes, drive their first car at Windy Grove, and relax on the classic antique carousel.

2740 E Olivera Rd, Concord, CA 94519, Phone: 925-676-9612

5. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is renowned throughout the nation for being one of the most thrilling and fun-packed amusements parks, so expect just as much excitement at San Francisco’s Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

There is lots to see and do based on your age and what interests you; Discovery Kingdom has thrill rides, family rides, kids’ rides, animal attractions, animal encounters, and other entertaining live shows and performances. There are over 15 thrill rides, with some of the most popular being Kong, SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight, and Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth. Even the littlest thrill seekers will love it at Six Flags, especially at the Acme Fun Factory, which is a giant two-story indoor playhouse filled with foam.

1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589, Phone: 707-644-4000

6. Funderland Amusement Park

You will be the most popular parents in town when you take the family to have some fun at the Funderland Amusement Park.

Funderland is all about kids, and all about making kids and their families happy. The park has 10 exciting child-sized rides, most of which can also accommodate parents or grandparents of timid children. The Flying Dragon roller coaster is probably the most popular ride and is suitable for most children over the age of two. The Classic Carousel and the Funderland Express is fun for all ages, while the Crazy Teacups is perfect for everyone older than 2. The park is easily navigated by younger visitors and there are food concessions when hunger strikes.

1350 17th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95822, 916 456 0131

7. Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy Gardens is the place to go for hours of outdoor fun and games. The non-profit gardens are designed to educate children while they are having fun.

There are several magical rides which are suitable for most children over the age of 2 years with an accompanying adult (or 48 inches tall to ride alone). These include the Apple and Worm, the Bonafante Railroad Train Ride, the exciting Garlic Twirl and the Mushroom Swing. During the warmer months you can also enjoy the Paddle Boats and Round Boat Ride. Be sure to visit the amazing Circus Trees (carefully trained living sculptures) before you leave.

3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, 408 840 7100

8. Adventure Park, Visalia

Encompassing 7 acres devoted to family fun, Adventure Park, Visalia is the place to go for a fun day out.

During the warmer months, from May to September, the Sequoia Springs water park is the most popular attraction at Adventure Park, offering hours of fun splashing, rides and slides. There are 2 closed tunnels, 1 open tunnel and 2 massive dump buckets. When the water park is closed you can enjoy go-karting on the child-sized Kritter Karts, Mini-Golf, the exciting Laser Maze and the modern Games Arcade. There are also Go-Karts for adults, Bumper Boats and a whole lot more.

5600 W. Cypress Ave, Visalia, CA 93277, 559 6537275

9. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Widely known as the best seaside entertainment park in the area (if not the world), the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular destination for a fun day out.

The park has an assortment of rides for all ages including several which are suitable for the youngest children, who can ride with a chaperone. Older children and adults can enjoy 11 thrilling rides which include the Cliff Hanger, Crazy Surf and Cyclone ride.

If you don’t like rides you can head to the nautical-themed Neptune’s Kingdom or Casino Arcade to play mini-golf, arcade games, foosball, air-hockey and more. There are several restaurants and bars where the whole family can refuel.

400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, 831 423 5590