San Francisco area amusement parks?

Question

My wife and I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old. We are going with my sister and bro in law who have a 3 year old and a 13 year old. We are going to San Francisco the 2nd week of June. Which amusement park would be fun all around for the whole family, Great America or Six Flags Discovery? I have never been to either of them. I want six flags because they have rides that are more extrememe it seems but I want to know what would be good for the kiddies too. Any recommendations would be helpful. What are the crowds like the second week of June (probably wed or thur)?

Answer 1

The crowds are always there. Both parks are fun.. but the one in Vallejo (north of San Francisco ) is better for kids because there are more animal related shows I think. If you are just staying in a hotel, consider in spending THAT night in a local hotel because you will be tired from not only your walking but also from carrying the kids.

Weather is getting hot now so bring sunscreen and your own food/drinks if possible (both places have poor to lousy food)

BRING MONEY.. bring LOTS of money.. Admission - especially Great America is not cheap.

Somebody recommended the SF Zoo.. great idea !! Oakland has rebuilt its Zoo too with a major kids area.. both are easy to get too and have lots to see. Even the 13 year old may enjoy it.



ok.. have fun either way, the kids will

.

Answer 2

Six Flags Great America is in Chicago. As such, you should check out Amtrak's web site and see if they have a train route that will get you there, or get a AAA membership and let them do the work for you. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time unless you want to do other things in the Chicago area. For top thrills, Six Flags Magic Mountain is the best amusement park on the west coast, while Six Flags Great Adventure (NJ) and Cedar Point (OH) are the best in the east. If you travel to Chicago or anywhere else towards the eastern US, keep in mind that the weather is less reliable than it is on the west coast. It would suck if you crossed the country with an inflexible schedule, only to have rain or wind spoil the entire trip. There's a reason they call Chicago the Windy City. If you plan on spending a few days in the Chicago area and you have a flexible schedule, it might be an idea to get a season pass (which is good for ALL Six Flags parks) so you don't waste your money on a one-day pass that won't be refunded if your day is ruined by weather or the unavailability of the rides you wanted to go on.

Answer 3

I haven't been to Great America in a long time, and I haven't gotten to go to Discovery yet. They both have their own amount of thrill, family, and kid rides and are both around the same price (Six Flags is $10 cheaper if you by adult tickets online). It would probably depend on what your kids like the most. Great America has a Nickelodeon themed area for little kids, plus they have another kids zone section. Then Six Flags has their share of Looney Toons themed rides, and have animals. You should probably compare everything they have (shows, rides, events...) and pick which one is best for your family.

Here's what they have to say on their websites about when is the best time to go:
"Plan to visit the park when attendance is lightest. Best bets: weekdays during the summer and any day during the months of June and October."

Answer 4

Six Flags in Vallejo (probably about an hour outside of San Francisco) is pretty cool. I don't think Great America is fun at all but your kids might. Lots of big roller coasters, though. And they're kind of rickity. Plus, it's really far from SF. I would DEFINITELY recommend the San Francisco Zoo. I was just there last weekend and it's a very nice zoo! I think it would be perfect for your kids & nephews/nieces.

Answer 5

Six Flags will be more fun for everyone. For the little ones they will have 3 areas just for kiddies (looney toons area, tava's jungleland and the new Thomas the Tank Engine area opening around Memorial Day). The older kid and the adults will like the thrill rides and all the rest. Everyone will like the animal shows.

Crowds during the weekdays shouldn't be too bad that early in the summer.

Answer 6

Given the age of your children can I make another recommendation....Paramount's Bonfante Gardens in Gilroy.
Fewer crowds, many rides for kids your ages, shorter lines, pleasant garden environment, historical circus trees, splash park within the grounds. Downside is sometimes the summer heat - although June is still pleasant.

My kids prefer Bonfante to both options you are considering - and only 20-30 minutes south of Great America. Check out the web site: www.bonfantegardens.com

Answer 7

Six flags east of SF toward Sacramento on I80
or san jose has one

Answer 8

I would suggest Bonfante Gardens. I took my kids there last summer (ages 2,7,9) and they LOVED it!! It's down in Gilroy, so it's a bit of a drive, but to me it was so worth it! They are still talking about it. It is very simple, clean, and very family friendly!! It's not a riders park, but my kids went on just about everything, it's very shady, and inexpensive compared to the other options!