15 Fun Theme Parks in California for an Amazing Time with Kids
Last updated on August 14, 2026
Looking for a round-up of the best theme parks in California?
From the magic of the Disneyland to the adrenaline-pumping coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain to the laid-back seaside charm of classic boardwalk parks, California is home to some of the best amusement parks in the country.
And as a mom who has lived in Southern California for more than 20 years, I’ve personally visited every major theme park in the region – many of them multiple times!
With so many options to choose from, planning a theme park trip in California can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to all the best theme parks across the state to help you find the perfect fit for your family.
To make things easy, this guide is divided into two sections: Northern California theme parks and Southern California theme parks.
Theme Parks in Northern California
While Southern California is home to the biggest and most famous parks, Northern California has a few standout amusement parks that are definitely worth a visit – especially if you’re traveling near the Bay Area or along the Central Coast.
1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Best For: Families looking for a classic beachfront amusement park experience.
One of California’s most iconic seaside amusement parks, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk combines vintage charm with oceanfront views.
The park is home to the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster (similar in feel to the one at Belmont Park), as well as a variety of classic rides, arcade games, and carnival-style attractions.
Admission is free, and you can pay per ride or purchase an unlimited ride wristband.
- 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz
- beachboardwalk.com
2. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Best For: Families with younger kids looking for a relaxed, low-key theme park.
Gilroy Gardens is one of the most unique theme parks in California, with a focus on nature, gardens, and family-friendly rides rather than thrill attractions.
This park is especially great for younger children, with gentle rides, beautiful landscaping, and quirky attractions like the famous Circus Trees – living trees shaped into artistic designs.
I took my son here for the first time when he was around six, and we had the best time. This park is truly a gem!
It’s smaller and less crowded than most major theme parks, making it a great option for a slower-paced day.
- 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy
- gilroygardens.org
3. California’s Great America
Best For: Families and thrill-seekers visiting the Bay Area.
Located in Santa Clara, Six Flags California’s Great America is one of Northern California’s top theme parks, offering a mix of roller coasters, family rides, and seasonal events.
The park features several popular coasters, including RailBlazer (a single-rail coaster) and Gold Striker, a fast-paced wooden coaster that consistently ranks as a fan favorite. There are also plenty of rides for younger kids, making it a well-rounded park for families.
Important Note: California’s Great America is currently open for the 2026 season, but its long-term future is uncertain due to a land sale and lease set to expire in 2028. The park is expected to operate through at least the 2027 season, though its future beyond that is uncertain.
- 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara
- sixflags.com/cagreatamerica
Southern California Theme Parks
Southern California is home to the bulk of theme parks in California. Here is a rundown of major parks in this part of the state.
4. Disneyland Park
Of all the amusement parks in Southern California, are there any more famous than Disneyland? This iconic park offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and thrilling adventures, making it ideal for all ages.
Though the Disneyland Resort has received much ire for its price hikes over the last several years, it remains one of the busiest theme parks in California – proving that the quality of the park is worth the price. We have been going to Disneyland for so long, the cost of my first annual pass was less than what a one-day ticket is today!
► For help planning your Disneyland vacation, start with my Ultimate Disneyland Guide for info on rides, discount tickets, and planning tips.
- 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
- disneyland.com
5. Disney California Adventure Park
Often lumped in with Disneyland but very much a theme park in its own right, Disney California Adventure is located adjacent to Disneyland Park in Anaheim.
When it opened in 2001, Disney California Adventure highlighted the state of California. You could ride a 1920s Red Car Trolley, visit a seaside amusement park, or ride the rapids through a gold mining wilderness.
Since then, it has added way more Disney magic to the mix. DCA has expanded to now include Cars Land, Pixar Pier, and Avenger’s Campus. They also host numerous special events throughout the year, like the Food & Wine Festival and Plaza de la Familia during Disneyland Halloween Time.
► Don’t miss our quick guide to rides at Disney California Adventure .
If you are short on time and want to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks, consider purchasing Park Hopper tickets so you can go back and forth between the two. However, I recommend at least two days at the Disneyland Resort so you have ample time to enjoy both parks.
- 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
- disneyland.com
6. Knott’s Berry Farm
Located in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm is Southern California’s oldest theme park. What began as a fun little ghost town in the 1940s to entertain guests while they waited for a table at Mrs. Knott’s chicken dinner restaurant, has transformed into a thrilling theme park. is an iconic destination in Southern California.
Knott’s Berry Farm caters to the entire family with its unique blend of history, entertainment, and modern attractions, making it a must-visit theme park in Southern California. While the ghost town still exists (as does the chicken restaurant, and you’ve got to try it) big roller coasters and other thrilling rides have been added.
► Check out these Knott’s Berry Farm Tips & Tricks based on our personal experience to help plan your visit!
If you are visiting in the summer, Knott’s Soak City is adjacent to the park and a fun place to go to cool off with a water ride or two and some amazing water slides.
- 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
- knotts.com
7. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a fun experience for thrill-seekers and families alike. It is a great park, especially for adults, older kids, and teenagers. You’ll find thrill rides and shows, and of course the world-famous Studio Tour where you can experience “movie-making magic” from the comfort of a tram.
Universal Studios Hollywood is also home to the new Super Nintendo World. It has an exciting Mario ride, which was not my favorite but if you have gamers in your family, they will love it!
► If you have some more time to spend in the Los Angeles area, be sure to also check out these things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood.
- 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
- universalstudioshollywood.com
► Explore Universal Studios Hollywood Discount Ticket Offers
8. Six Flags Magic Mountain
There’s a reason Six Flags Magic Mountain is called the Thrill Capital of the World.
Located about an hour north of downtown Los Angeles, Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts more than 20 heart-pounding roller coasters, including the iconic Twisted Colossus, Tatsu, X2, Batman, and Goliath that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
With an electrifying atmosphere and an assortment of thrilling attractions, Six Flags Magic Mountain promises an unforgettable escapade for thrill seekers. If you have a teen, Six Flags is guaranteed to be their favorite theme park.
Although they do offer lots of family-friendly rides including a Looney Tunes-themed area for small children, Six Flags Magic Mountain is best suited for teens, tweens, and adults who love a good thrill.
- 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia
- sixflags.com/magicmountain
9. SeaWorld San Diego
Best For: Families with kids who want a mix of rides and animal encounters.
From thrilling rides to fun and educational live shows, SeaWorld San Diego offers a unique experience with marine life. The park does a nice job creating a balance between learning and entertainment.
There has been a shift in the park’s focus since the bad press it received after the documentary Blackfish was released in 2013. While there are still shows, you won’t see any performers riding on the backs of dolphins or getting in the water with the orcas. Instead, the message is now about sea life protection and learning about the marine animals’ natural habitats and conservation. I think that is a good change!
Another shift you’ll see at SeaWorld San Diego is the addition of more thrill rides. There is also an entire section of the park with rides and activities just for little kids, making SeaWorld San Diego a park the whole family can truly enjoy.
- 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
- seaworld.com/san-diego
► Click here to purchase discount tickets directly from SeaWorld!
10. LEGOLAND California Resort
Best For: Families with kids under 9 years old.
Located north of San Diego in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND California offers a wide range of attractions perfectly suited for little kids. The park has more than 60 interactive play areas, shows, and kid-friendly rides.
When my son was younger we visited often. The park’s emphasis on creativity and learning through play makes it an ideal destination for families with younger kids. Not only can they build things with Lego bricks themselves, but they will love wandering through Miniland USA, which features more than 30 million LEGO bricks in its fascinating displays.
LEGOLAND California also has a water park. The main thing to know is that although the LEGOLAND Water Park is separate, it is only accessible through the park. Therefore, you cannot but just a ticket to the water park.
- One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
- legoland.com/california
11. Balboa Fun Zone
Best For: Experiencing a vintage amusement park experience on the harborfront.
The Balboa Fun Zone is one of the oldest coastal amusement parks in California. Located on the waterfront in Newport Beach, you can go on rides, play games at the arcade, rent water sports equipment, check out a nautical museum, catch a harbor cruise, or just enjoy great food and drinks.
The rides at Balboa Fun Zone aren’t huge or particularly thrilling, but they are fun in a classic way and the views from the top of the Ferris wheel are pretty spectacular.
- 600 E. Bay Avenue, Newport Beach
- balboafunzone.com
12. Castle Park
Best For: Families with younger kids looking for a budget-friendly, local amusement park experience.
Located in Riverside, Castle Park is a smaller, family-friendly amusement park that offers a fun and affordable alternative to the larger Southern California theme parks. It has a medieval “castle” theme and a more relaxed, low-key atmosphere that makes it especially appealing for families with younger children.
The park features more than 20 rides and attractions, including a junior roller coaster, spinning rides, and classic carnival-style attractions that are perfect for elementary-aged kids. Unlike bigger parks, wait times are usually shorter, which means you can experience a lot in just a few hours.
Our favorite thing about this park is its four huge themed mini golf courses. There’s also a large arcade and a seasonal water play area called Buccaneer Cove, which is included with admission during the summer months.
Castle Park is a great choice if you are in the Inland Empire or driving through on your way to Palm Springs and looking for a smaller, more affordable theme park in California.
- 3500 Polk St, Riverside
- castlepark.com
13. Belmont Park
Best For: Families looking for a casual beach day with a few rides and fun activities.
Belmont Park in Mission Beach is a beachfront amusement park featuring numerous rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, a National Historic Landmark that opened over 100 years ago in 1925.
The iconic presence of this coaster against the backdrop of ocean waves creates an atmosphere of excitement and nostalgia. Other attractions at Belmont Park include arcade games, bowling alley, mini golf, laser tag, sky ropes course, and more than a dozen rides. There are also plenty of spots to grab a bite, and of course the beach is just steps away.
Much like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Northern California, Belmont Park is a fun theme park experience by the sea. It is the perfect place to visit on hot summer days, and so much fun to split your time between the beach and rides!
- 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego
- belmontpark.com
14. Pacific Park
Best For: Visitors wanting a classic amusement park experience on the pier.
For a classic beachfront amusement park, look no further than Pacific Park in Santa Monica. Visiting this spot is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids.
The vibrant energy of the Santa Monica Pier combined with Pacific Ocean views creates an exciting atmosphere. Though the rides themselves are not what you’d call amazing – they have the West Coaster and Pacific Wheel, plus about ten other small carnival-type rides – it’s the beach vibe you are here to enjoy.
The cool thing that sets Pacific Park apart is that it is an admission-free amusement park. This means anyone can walk up the pier and enjoy the sights and sounds, play some games, or buy a snack. Though it can be kind of seedy, the abundance of kid-friendly rides and attractions combined with the casual beach atmosphere makes Pacific Park the fun destination.
- 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
- pacpark.com
15. Sesame Place San Diego
Best For: Toddlers and younger kids.
If Belmont Park is one of California’s oldest theme parks, then Sesame Place San Diego is the newest. Opened in 2022 (it replaced Aquatica San Diego), Sesame Place offers a mix of theme park and water rides, shows, parades, games, and fun activities. The park features all the characters from Sesame Street with plenty of opportunities to meet and take pictures with them.
In September 2025, Sesame Place announced that it would transition to a seasonal theme park, so only plan on visiting if you are traveling to San Diego from late spring through early fall.
Kids will love the 500,000 gallon wave pool on hot summer days. No roller coasters or thrill rides here, so if you have teenagers or older kids this is not the park for them!
- 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
- sesameplace.com/san-diego
Discount Theme Park Tickets
There are a variety of ways to save money on tickets to Southern California theme parks, including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, or bundling tickets through CityPass. I recommend purchasing park tickets from authorized seller and our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Get Away Today has discount theme park ticket prices and offers a variety of ticket types to suit any budget.
Get Away Today sells discount theme park tickets as well as vacation packages. They will even assist with all your vacation plans with their free concierge service! Get Away Today’s tickets are also flexible and refundable.
Map of California Theme Parks
To help you visualize where these California theme parks are located, here is an interactive map!
Final Thoughts: Best Theme Parks in California
With the exception of maybe Florida, California is truly one of the best destinations in the country for theme park lovers.
Whether you’re planning a full vacation or just a fun day trip, California’s theme parks offer unforgettable experiences, year-round sunshine, and something new to discover every time you visit.
Save This List of California Theme Parks for Later!
Planning to visit an amusement park or two in California? Pin the image below for future reference.
