With all of the great amusement parks in the Silicon Valley area, visitors and residents are never be at a loss for a choice of family-friendly destinations where they can make memories to last a lifetime. There are nearly a dozen top-notch amusement parks located within the Silicon Valley area; the five most popular are California's Great America, Gilroy Gardens, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Raging Waters, and Winchester Mystery House.

California's Great America

When it comes to Silicon Valley area amusement parks, California's Great America has earned a reputation for providing families with exciting memories that last a lifetime. It's the only amusement park in the area to offer a complete water park and California's Great America provides one of the best ways to keep cool during the hottest months in summer. There are dozens of heart-pounding rides located at the park ranging from thrilling roller coasters and stomach-dropping double-decker carousels to river rafting and fume rides. All this while catching some great live music.

Gilroy Gardens

If you are in the mood for something a little closer to nature, you will find Gilroy Gardens a pleasant outing. Gilroy Gardens is family theme park based on an amazing garden that features six individual gardens with different themes. Although this theme park offers a more relaxed environment than most Silicon Valley area amusement parks, there is no shortage of fun rides and activities for kids of all ages. You can find roller coasters for older children and smaller attractions for the little ones.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a small amusement park created for young children. This family destination has earned its loyalty with residents in the San Francisco Bay area ever since the park first opened its doors to the public in 1961. There is something for everyone to do at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, and first time visitors will see that most of the rides and structures at the park are designed for younger children. The park has an extensive zoo feature with more than 140 different types of animals, including a very popular petting zoo. There is also a great education center that offers year-round learning activities about animals and the natural world.

Winchester Mystery House

For a truly unique experience at an out-of-this-world Silicon Valley area amusement park, you won't want to miss the famous Winchester Mystery House. This amazing house was under construction for nearly 40 years and is truly a sight to behold. Although the architectural style clearly follows that of Victorian mansions, this one-of-a-kind building has been built with no obvious floor plan and is unlike any other mansion of its kind. Allegedly haunted, younger visitors are sure to get a thrill out of bizarre rooms and hallways snaking through the building. Adults will find the colorful history of how the Winchester Mystery House came into existence simply fascinating.