Visiting Gilroy Gardens With Kids Does Not Stink

First things first: My family and I were provided with free passes to go to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. That’s it, I haven’t been compensated in any other way unless you count fun as payment. 

Our first visit to Gilroy Gardens Theme Park finally happened.

We went to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park for the first time this summer and honestly, we’re kind of pissed that we had never gone before because it’s perfect for families with young children. 

Garlic can stink, but Gilroy Gardens doesn’t. 

I apologize for not being able to resist making a stinky garlic joke. It’s just that Gilroy Gardens, formerly known as Bonfante Gardens, is located in Gilroy, California which happens to be the “garlic capital of the world.” There’s even a garlic twirl ride in the park. 

The place is all about nature. 

This isn’t your average amusement park, it’s actually California’s only horticultural theme park. Yup, HORTICULTURAL! And if you are wondering why I’m putting bunny ears on the “i” in the Claudia’s Garden sign it’s  because my name is Claudya with a “y” and I wanted to pretend that the garden was named after me instead of the founder Michael Bonafante’s wife. 

Horticulture aside, there are over 40 rides. 

Sure you’ll find many gardens and opportunities to learn about the natural world, but there are also plenty of rides for kids and adults alike. 

And if you get hot, which you will in the summer, there’s a Water Oasis.

It was freakin’ hot when we went and I’m telling you the Water Oasis part of the park really did feel like an oasis.

ALSO READ: First Visit to California’s Great America  

We spent most of our time at the park in this newly expanded area. 

The kids loved it and the place is designed with young kids in mind so I didn’t have to spend the entire time worrying that my kids would end up in water that was too deep for them. 

Bonus: I got to lounge and sip on a margarita. 

Why yes that is an adult beverage looking all coy and blue on the arm of my deck chair. You can buy these kinds of refreshments within the Water Oasis part of the park so that you can sip and lounge. 

So that’s a peek into our first visit to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. We all loved it. In fact, my husband and kids said they like it more than California’s Great America and they really like California’s Great America just not as much as Gilroy Gardens.  

Gilroy Garden’s Family Theme Park

3050 Hecker Pass Hwy
Gilroy , CA 95020

 
I showed you mine, now show me yours.

ALSO READ: When the Kids Are Away
 
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