Vallejo, CA

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
DESCRIPTION: America's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park, recently debuted Zonga, a roller coaster which takes its name from a Swahili word for coil or loop; this supercoaster features four full looping and two giant back to back circles inversions; the Sea Lion stadium, shark experience, alligator isle and the go carts are family favorites; Tony Hawk's Big Spin is the latest ride; there are a multitude of dining options and nearby inexpensive hotels; newest entertainment attraction is holiday-themed characters on parade and those lovable Looney Tunes characters; family reunion packages are available

ADMISSION: Adults $45 at the park or save $15 by purchasing online; you can also order a Flash Pass online to speed your way through long lines for many popular rides

DAYS & HOURS: daily 10:30a-7p, longer hours in Summer

ADDRESS: 2001 Marine World Parkway  MAP

TRANSIT: High-speed ferry to the park from San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf via Blue & Gold Fleet (415-773-1188) or from San Francisco Ferry Building via Baylink Ferry (707-643-3779) 

PARKING: One-day $15

PHONE: 707-643-6722

WEBSITE: http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom

Concord, CA

Waterworld California
DESCRIPTION: More than 25 innovative waterslides and attractions, including Tornado, a six-story funnel of swirling water that drops riders 75 feet down a 132-foot tunnel before splashing through a waterfall and into a refreshing catch pool; Cliffhanger, Big Kahuna, Diablo Falls, Honolulu Halfpipe, Typhoon Slide Complex, and Breaker Beach Wave Pool attractions also showcase among the million gallons of beat-the-heat family fun for all ages

ADMISSION: Adults $32, Kids under 48" $16; you can also rent a cabana for the day

DAYS & HOURS: daily, hours vary by season

ADDRESS: 1950 Waterworld Parkway  MAP

PARKING: $10 per day

PHONE: 925-609-1360

WEBSITE: http://www.waterworldcalifornia.com

Fairfield, CA

Jelly Belly Visitor Center
DESCRIPTION: Take the kids on a FREE 40-minute tour to see them cook over 150 different sweet treats and discover why it takes more than a week to make a single bean; the best part -- tasting samples of the world’s best jellybeans

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p

ADDRESS: 1 Jelly Belly Lane  MAP

PARKING: free on premises

PHONE: 800-522-367

WEBSITE: http://jellybelly.com/Cultures/en-US/NewsEvents/Stores

Santa Clara, CA

California’s Great America
DESCRIPTION: Features the most thrill rides and the most audacious roller coasters in Northern California, including Survivor The Ride, Delirium (a powerful spinning pendulum), Demon (airtime with multiple loops), Top Gun (feels like Superman flying), Invertigo (loops 138 feet above ground) and Vortex (a rollercoaster that ride standing) and then there’s the scary stuff; when you need to tone down the excitement a bit, the world’s tallest double-decker merry-go-round, Nickelodeon characters and live stage productions are worthy diversions; Boomerang Bay satiate your need to have cool fun on hot days in Great Barrier Reef (simulated & safe ocean waves), Boomerang Lagoon (a huge heated lagoon), Castaway Creek (a long lazy river), Didgeridoo Falls (one really big waterslide), DownUnder Thunder (two-person tube ride), Kookaburra Cay (a “sprayground” that will get you “really” wet) and many more water rides sure to please all ages

ADMISSION: $46 Ages 3-61 AND at least 48" tall, Age 62+ $36

DAYS & HOURS: Fri-Sun 10a-7p Mar-April; May-Oct open longer hours, check website

ADDRESS: 4701 Great America Parkway  MAP

PARKING: $12 per day

PHONE: 408-988-1776

WEBSITE: http://www.pgathrills.com

Gilroy, CA

Gilroy Gardens
DESCRIPTION: This family theme park combines world-class gardens with a traditional family theme park; a monorail travels through the beautiful Monarch Garden greenhouse where exotic plant life, waterfalls, and greenery flourish; the gardens specialize in California agriculture and are a horticultural fantasy of uniquely manicured trees and plants – you have to see how they grow trees in so many jaw-dropping designs to appreciate their magnificence; plenty of other attractions to keep the kids happy as well; start early in the day so you can leisurely enjoy Claudia's Garden, Camellia Garden, Monarch Garden and Rainbow Garden

ADMISSION: Ages 7-64 $43, Ages 3-6 and Age 65+ $33; buy online to save

DAYS & HOURS: days and hours are reduced from November-March

ADDRESS: 3050 Hecker Pass Highway  MAP

PARKING: $10 per day

PHONE: 408-840-7100

WEBSITE: http://www.gilroygardens.org