So Much Fun

    • Find a full day of entertainment all in one place. At Universal Studios Hollywood, you can take the Studio Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking secrets and witness heart-pounding special effects and shocks from familiar blockbusters.
    • Walt’s inimitable Disneyland is the granddaddy of all contemporary amusement parks. In 2007, its classic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction has been updated to include Jack Sparrow and his nemesis, the ghostly Barbossa.
    • Kids and kids at heart will love LEGOLAND California, just 30 minutes north of San Diego. Opened in 1999, the family theme park has more than 55 rides, shows and attractions including the new Land of Adventure.
    • The Wild Animal Park at the world famous San Diego Zoo, is an expansive wildlife sanctuary home to more than 3,500 animals represneting more than 400 species - including a renowned botanical collection.
    • For undeniable kid-friendly appeal, take the family to SeaWorld in San Diego to experience unique animal encounters including the famed killer whale show, "Believe - the Shamu Show".
    • If you're a fan of Knott's Berry Farm, you can also get wet at Knott’s Soak City Palm Springs, a 16-acre, 1950s-surf-themed desert oasis with a seven-story, high-speed slide and a 600-foot “lazy river” for peaceful floating.
    • Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia competes for attention with numerous Los Angeles–area parks, from the Santa Monica Pier to Universal Studios Hollywood. Six Flags distinguishes itself by packing in more superlative coasters—17 in all—than any other park.
    • A world-class museum in a small California town - stop by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and see stunning displays of underwater life, not to mention the enormous Outer Bay tank and the ever charming sea otters.
    • In 2007, the classic seaside Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk celebrated its 100th year of entertaining all ages with a mix of venerable roller coasters, old-fashioned arcades, brand-new thrill rides (look for the high-energy, surfer-themed WipeOut), and free concerts on the beach.
    • Explore the Central Coast’s newly christened Gilroy Gardens (formerly Bonfante Gardens), which bills itself as the country’s “only horticultural theme park.”
    • Beat the Central Valley heat by slipping down one of the 20-plus body, inner-tube, and flume slides at Clovis’s 52-acre Wild Water Adventure Park.
    • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo combines numerous live animal shows and exhibitions with hyper-size amusement park rides.
    • Thrill seekers can sluice down a five-story serpentine waterslide into a cyclone pool at Redding’s Water Works Park. Smaller guests can splash safely in a shallow pool tricked out with a mushroom fountain and a trickling mini river.
    • From late spring through early fall, Tahoe Amusement Park offers old-fashioned fun for kids. Attractions range from the gentle train and carousel to the stomach-churning Tilt-A-Whirl.
    • Take your young ones to Sacramento’s small Funderland, with plenty of rides (and thrills) to excite the under-12 set, but without the long walks and lines of larger parks.