Northern California's collection of amusement parks feature thrill rides, animal encounters and live entertainment. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Nor Cal amusement parks.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
, which opened in 1968, combines thrill rides with animal adventures. The 140-acre park, located in Vallejo, is about a hour's drive northeast of downtown San Francisco.
The SkyScreamer
The
, the signature ride at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, opened in 2011. This towering swing ride takes riders up 15 stories before swinging them around at 43 miles per hour.
Coasters, Water Rides, Wildlife And More
In addition to the SkyScreamer, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has 44 other rides, including eight roller coasters and two water rides. Equally enjoyable for visitors are the park's
-- swim with dolphins, see Shouka the giant whale perform and even interact with exotic animals like anteaters, sloths and macaws.
Johnny Rockets And Food Stands
There are many food stands scattered throughout Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. In addition, the park boasts one full-service restaurant, the 1950s-style diner chain Johnny Rockets.
Safety Record
There have been several accidents at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in the last decade. Among these are
, one in 2001 and one in 2002. In addition, a
on the Scat-a-bout, when he intentionally slid beneath the safety restraint.
Address: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo, CA 94589Phone: 707-643-6722Hours: Open from March through December; hours vary by week; check website for current informationPrice: General admission, $49.99; children under 48 inches tall, $36.99; general admission tickets purchased online, $36.99; children under age 3, free
California's Great America
California's Great America is a favorite amusement park in the Nor Cal, combining thrill rides with family entertainment and even a water park. The 100-acre park is located in Santa Clara, about an hour south of San Francisco, and features everything from the latest roller coasters to tamer kiddie rides -- and even a classic carousel.
Firefall
, opened in 2008, is the signature ride at California's Great America. This 40-person thrill ride takes riders up 60 feet before twisting and turning through fire and water on its way back to home base. But don't forget old favorites like The Demon and Top Gun.
From Boomerang Bay To Kidzville
In addition to Firefall, California's Great America features 54 other rides, including six other roller coasters and three water rides. The park also offers a variety of live shows,
for the park's youngest visitors and
, the park's summer water park.
Dining Options
California's Great America features food stands throughout the park, offering classic amusement park items like churros, pretzels, cotton candy and French fries. In addition, the park has several full-service restaurants, including the Joe Cool Cafe in the Planet Snoopy area and Maggie Brown's, which is known for its fried chicken.
Safety Record
There have been several accidents at California's Great America in the last decade. In 2007, a
in the Great Barrier Reef attraction, and in 1999, a
from the Drop Tower: Scream Zone attraction and died.
Address: 4701 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA 95054Phone: 408-988-1776Hours: Open from May through October; hours vary by month and by day; check website for current informationPrice: Guests 48 inches and taller, $54.99; seniors 62 and older and guests under 48 inches tall, $34.99; children under age 3, free; parking, $12
Other Noteworthy Parks In Northern California
What's your favorite amusement park in Northern California?
Check out more AMUSEMENT PARKS.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
