California’s Great America Discount Tickets: Best Deals

California’s Great America Theme Park in Santa Clara is the largest amusement park in northern California. Its thrill rides match or exceed those at theme parks in Southern California, including Six Flags. Great America is one hour from San Francisco and two hours from Sacramento. Popular rides at California’s Great America Theme Park include Gold Striker, a colossal wooden coaster, Flight Deck, the Demon, the Grizzly, and Vortex. Rip-Roaring Rapids is exhilarating, replicating a whitewater rafting trip, and RailBlazer is a single-rail steel coaster.

Nine Ways to Save at Great America

To find the best deals for California’s Great America discount tickets, it’s helpful to consider various sources and promotions. Here are some options to explore:

1. Direct Purchase: The official website offers tickets starting at $39.99 for kids tickets. This option provides the convenience of direct purchase and the assurance of authenticity.
2. Group Discount: If you’re planning a trip with friends or a large family of 15-99 people, you can get tickets for as low as $37.99 per person. This is a fantastic option for families or groups of friends, ensuring you can have a fun day out without straining your budget.
3. Season Passes: A season pass might be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit the park multiple times.
4. The 2024 Silver Pass is $89, while the Gold Pass is $105. Both passes offer additional perks like free general parking and bring-a-friend discount tickets, making them a smart choice for frequent visitors.
5. Costco Great America Discount – Occasionally, Costco may offer discounted tickets for California’s Great America. Check your local store for information and details.
6. Third-Party Websites: Websites like Daytrippen.com offer discount tickets when you book a hotel. These tickets can lead to significant savings, making your visit to California’s Great America even more affordable.
7. Special Promotions: Look for special promotions and flash sales, typically announced on the park’s website and social media channels. For instance, during a flash sale, the park has previously offered WinterFest tickets for as low as $19.99.
8. Military Discount: Active and retired military personnel and veterans can get a free ticket for a single-day visit on select dates. To avail of this discount, you may need to present a valid military ID or proof of service at the ticket counter.
9. Free Pre-K Pass: Children ages 3 to 5 can purchase a Gold Pass to get a free Pre-K Pass for the 2024 season.

Check the park’s website for the most up-to-date ticket prices and promotional information. It’s also good to compare prices across different sources for the best deal.

South Bay Water Park California’s Great America

South Bay Shores Water Park, nestled within the thrilling realm of California’s Great America, is the ultimate destination to beat the heat and embrace your inner mermaid or merman. This aquatic wonderland boasts a delightful array of attractions, including water slides that will have you screaming louder than a banshee on a rollercoaster. South Bay Shores Water Park, nestled within the thrilling realm of California’s Great America, is the ultimate destination to beat the heat in the San Francisco Bay Area.

California’s Great America Children’s Activities

California’s Great America is a treasure trove of fun for kids of all ages. Here are some highlights:

• Planet Snoopy: This park section is dedicated to the younger crowd, featuring rides and activities based on the beloved Peanuts characters. Kids can spin on Woodstock Express or enjoy the gentle thrills of the Kite-Eating Tree.
• Psycho Mouse: For kids ready to graduate to a “real” coaster, Psycho Mouse offers mild thrills and a fun, twisting track.
• South Bay Shores Water Park: This water park, which is included with park admission, offers a variety of attractions for all ages, from the relaxing Rushin River to the thrilling Pacific Surge.
• Special Events: California’s Great America hosts various special events throughout the year, including the family-friendly Tricks and Treats event, which offers activities, entertainment, and attractions for all ages.
• Parent Swap: If you have kids of different ages or thrill levels, the park offers a Parent Swap program. One parent can ride while the other waits with the kids, and then they can swap without having to wait in line again.
• Baby Amenities: For families with infants, the park has a private area in Planet Snoopy for changing or nursing your baby.

Food and Drink

California’s Great America offers more than just exciting rides and attractions; it’s also a food lover’s paradise. The park features various dining choices, from classic amusement park treats like funnel cakes and cheeseburgers to local favorites such as boba tea and sushi rolls. Thanks to the park’s drink wristband, you can even relax in the wave pool with a Coca-Cola fountain drink.

For those with a more refined palate, the Food & Wine Festival offers exceptional wines from local Santa Clara Valley wineries, perfectly paired with food items crafted to complement each sip. And if you’re a fan of funnel cakes, you’re in luck – the park has a new eatery, French Quarter Funnel Cakes and Churros, offering creative twists like unicorn and gummy bear funnel cakes and creamsicle churros.

Great America’s Halloween Haunt

Great America’s Halloween Haunt features two lands: the Land of Tricks and the Land of Treats. In the Land of Tricks, you’ll find playfully spooky, gross, and weird adventures, while the Land of Treats offers all the nostalgia of a cozy fall festival. Both lands are filled with Halloween activities and live entertainment, and, of course, your favorite rides are open to deliver the amazing thrills and chills found only at California’s Great America.

Parking at Great America

The main parking lot is at 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Here’s a breakdown of the parking fees:

• Regular parking is $22 per vehicle, but you can save a few bucks by pre-purchasing online for $20.
• Preferred parking: For those who like to be closer to the action, it’s $30 per vehicle or $25 if you pre-purchase online.
• RV parking: If you’re rolling in with an RV, it’ll be $27 per vehicle.
• Handicap parking: Near the front gate, there are 340 handicap parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those looking to save a few dollars, consider pre-purchasing your parking pass in advance for $50. Keep in mind that parking prices increase by $10 on the day of an event, so planning ahead can be a wise move.

Getting There

Cedar Fair also operates Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park and Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, CA. This is why you will see snoopy characters when you visit the theme park. California’s Great America Theme Park 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, California. Website.

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Visit the San Francisco Zoo

While adults interested in wildlife may find the San Francisco Zoo enjoyable, it is primarily designed to cater to children. The young ones will love the hands-on Children’s Zoo, the flock of pink flamingos, Grizzly Gulch, the giant anaconda, and the classic Little Puffer train ride.

Things to do with Kids in NorCal

Explore our family-friendly activities in Northern California, including children’s museums, train rides, zoos, science centers, playgrounds, and hiking trails.

Knott Scary Farm Tickets

If you plan a trip to Southern California with kids, consider adding Knott’s Berry Farm. California’s oldest and most affordable theme park is a great alternative to Disneyland.

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