A family trip to Silicon Valley is not complete without visiting Northern California’s Great America amusement park. The park offers fun and entertainment for kids of all ages. Spend a day out in the California sunshine while enjoying fantastic rides along with a variety of dining options. Great America also hosts various special events throughout the year.

Young Guests

Little ones and their families delight in a special area commemorating the most famous beagle on the planet and all of his equally popular young friends. Snoopy Planet contains family rides geared for the youngest members of the family. Help the Peanuts gang escape ruthless pirates while navigating miniature pirate ships, or lead Linus to the Great Pumpkin while enjoying a ride on a spinning pumpkin. Cool off in the heat of the day by venturing into the wet and wild Snoopy Splash Dance Maze.

Kidzville provides youngsters with the opportunity to drive pint sized classic autos and miniature bumper cars, or soar high in the sky in an airplane. Young thrill seekers experience their first stomach dropping adventure on the Junior Jump Club or the need for speed on the miniature roller coaster. Let the little ones climb, jump and play to their heart’s content at the Kidz Construction Zone.

Families

Take a leisurely cruise through a designated route while driving an antique roadster or journey back in time by riding the world’s tallest double decker carousel. Enjoy a refreshing journey by navigating down the rapids in a special circular 6-person raft, or take the plunge down a 45-foot waterfall and pass through a 20-foot tall wall of water. Indulge in an exhilarating ride on the The Grizzly wooden roller coaster or experience the drops, twists and turns of the Psycho Mouse.

The fun continues as families dare to take the Survivor challenge, based on the wildly popular CBS reality show. As a member of a survival team, ride the tribal roller coaster on a journey through lush tropical settings and tribal relics. Experience the great circular vessel as it swirls, tilts and climbs to a height of five stories. Compete with the rival tribe through dances and chants.

Thrill Seekers

The FireFall climbs 60 feet into the air before subjecting occupants to a variety of 360° spills, twists and turns while traveling through fire and water special effects. Dare to climb 22 stories and instantly plunge 224 feet at the Drop Tower. Experience 360° vertical loops, zero gravity rolls and afterburn turns while traveling at a speed of 50 mph on the completely suspended Flight Deck roller coaster.

Unique chills and thrills await visitors on the Vortex. Instead of conventional cars, riders straddle seats in a standing position while traveling 45 miles an hour through 360° vertical loops, twists and turns. Indulge in the thrill of the Xtreme Skyflier, a combination of hang gliding and sky diving. A harness hoists guests 17 stories above the ground before releasing and allowing guests to soar at speeds of up to 60 miles an hour before safely stopping 6 feet above the ground.

Dining

When hunger strikes, families enjoy a fried chicken dinner at the Maggie Brown’s restaurant. If fast food is more appealing, stop in at the Joe Cool Café or the Food Festival for everything from burgers and fries to pizza. Children’s and vegetarian menus are available at most of the venues. In addition, throughout the park are locations providing numerous favorite treats including churos and cotton candy.