The list below extends from Vallejo to Santa Cruz (a trip well worth taking), but there are a fair number of parks in our immediate area. As always, check their websites to get the most accurate information on hours and pricing.

Local, or worth the drive (with strong emphasis on rides for little ones):

Pixieland: www.pixieland.com, Concord. “Admission is free” means that every one can enter the park, and just pay for the rides you want to take. Most of the rides take tickets (with the exception of a few coin-operated rides). Some rides are for little people only, such as the Red Baron Planes; others require adult accompaniment. All restrictions are based on height rather than age. Rides include the Frog Hopper (a free-fall ride), Antique Cars, Dragon Roller Coaster, Tea Cups, Train, and Carousel. It will provide several hours of laughter and cries of delight! The park sells concessions but is also located next to a large open space, perfect for picnics. The current ticket prices are: $1.50 for single tickets; $14.00 for a book of tickets. They also offer an unlimited-ride wristband ($22.00) for those who plan to ride a lot. Their website often offers coupons for free tickets and or concessions. And, fortunately , their tickets never expire.

Children’s Fairyland: www.fairyland.org, Oakland. Fairyland lets kids meet characters from their  favorite fairy tales (including Peter Peter pumpkin eater) and is really intended for children ages two to eight. Note to self: all adults must be accompanied by a child. Also, height restrictions are used for the rides: you have to be less than 54” tall to ride. Admission is an affordable $6.00 per person (plus $2.00 for the magic key). The price of admission provide access to all the rides, attractions, and entertainment that the park has to offer. Favorite rides include bumper boats and a mini-Ferris wheel. And attractions abound, with talking story books, animals, puppet shows, and performances by local groups. GoCityKids describes it as follows: “Sappy name notwithstanding, this is a place little kids, especially the girls we know, just love. The 10-acre theme park in Oakland was built in 1950 and looks every bit its age, though a massive restoration effort is currently underway. The best way to describe the park is like a miniature golf course without the golf. Small plaster representations of different fairy tales greet you at every turn, like Snow White in her cottage surrounded by the Seven Lawn Gnomes, er, the Seven Dwarfs.”

The Oakland Zoo: www.oaklandzoo.org, Oakland. The rides are to the right of the main entrance provide the experience of a mini-amusement park and are tailored to the interests of a child. Carousel, car rides, train rides (the sky ride is inside the park), and a small roller coaster offer all the thrills of an amusement park with the added advantage of the zoo right next door. The Zoo rides require tickets to ride, but you do not need to enter the Zoo to enjoy the rides.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo: www.happyhollowparkandzoo.org,
San Jose (408-277-3000.). Best suited for those between two and 10. Verify prices, but at last check it was $4.50 per person. Also, check for reciprocity or discounts with memberships to Oakland Zoo or the Lindsay Wildlife museum. The meandering paths of Happy Hollow let children discover all sorts of new places. As they ramble along they will come upon rides (carousel, boats, etc.), play structures (with slides, mirrors, or other fun things), animals (goats, parrots, lemurs, pigs, to name a few), a fire engine, and puppet shows. Once you have paid, all the rides and activities are free to enjoy. Concessions are available, but there are lovely areas to picnic, both inside and out of the park.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: www.beachboardwalk.com, Santa Cruz (831-423-5590). On Beach Street in Santa Cruz. It’s a trek but if you have the energy, it is well worth it.  Like Pixieland, “admission is free” – you can buy tickets and pay per ride (roughly between $1.30 and $3.25 per ride), or you can buy an unlimited-rides wristband ($33.00). Even better is a current promotion on Wednesdays and Thursdays after 5 p.m., where you can purchase an unlimited-rides wristband for $7.00.  if you bring in an empty Pepsi can (or any Pepsi product, including Aquafina bottles). On the south end of the boardwalk, they have created a mini-park for the smaller guests. With planes, boats, cars, trucks, roller coasters (suited to those under 40”, but with the guts to enjoy them), a ride to shoot at ghosts, and bumper cars,  you and the kids will have a blast. Even the carousel (a historic monument) is fun – the bigger kids (read Dads) can try to capture a ring and toss it into the clown’s mouth. And there is a lot more for the big kids to do (the historic Giant Dipper is still running, in addition to a host of new roller coasters). All the rides are marked with charts indicating how tall you have to be to ride, and if you can ride with an adult if you don’t meet the minimum. They have all sorts of concessions (avoid the deep fried Twinkies) but even better is the large expanse of beach, perfect for a picnic! In addition there are video games, mini golf, and laser tag.

Bonfante Gardens Theme Park: www.bonfantegardens.com, Gilroy (408-840-7100) This is an unusual theme park centered on trees and horticulture in a mid-20th century Silicon Valley historical setting. The park boasts over 40 rides and attractions, and world-famous Circus Trees (as seen in Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not). It features pleasant rides (trains, monorails, boats, carousel, the garlic twirl, among many others), with history of the agriculture of the area.  Review of the gardens suggest that it is most interesting for children under the age of 10 (give or take). According to their website, “Bonfante Gardens is geared toward families looking for a more natural day of fun.”  A day pass is $25.00 per person (adult and children over two), but if you think you will go frequently, they offer a Lotsa Card for $36.00 or season passes for $60.00-$70.00.

Further afield, or not necessarily dedicated to the little ones:

Waterworld USA Concord: www.sixflags.com, Concord. (609-1364). Admission costs Adults $24.00; children (48" and under) $18.00; parking $6.00.  Though most of the park is geared towards the taller guests, Waterworld does offer some rides and zones for younger kids to splash about in, and some guides have noted that the tot areas were fun and appropriate for  kids under 48”/six years old.

Raging Waters: www.rwsplash.com, San Jose. (408-270-8000)
Raging Waters is the Bay Area’s largest water theme park. Offers rides for all ages, including a Pirate’s cove and a Wacky Water Works. $26.00, under 48”:$20.00. No one has reviewed it recently for smaller kids, but the website shows some age appropriate (read safer) water play for our wee ones.

Paramount’s Great America: www.pgathrills.com, Santa Clara. (408-988-1776)
This movie and theme park is filled with thrilling roller coasters. However, in addition to its more terrifying rides, the park also houses Nickelodeon Central, which is built for young kids. Other kiddie attractions exist, but it is a big park and mostly aimed at bigger kids. Admission is a steep $45.00/$34.00 adults/kids. Check local supermarkets and soda cans for special deals.

Six Flags Marine World: www.sixflags.com, Vallejo. (707-643-6722)
This is a combo wildlife park, aquatic park, and theme park, with the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in Northern California  (The Medusa). Though relatively nearby, this is probably best suited for kids older than eight, but the animal attractions may provide some amusement if you find yourself there. Admission is pricey at $34.00 per adult, $17.00 for kids, but check local supermarkets and soda cans for special deals.

Did we miss one? Let us know!