In Today’s Adventure, the Kim’s Head off to Gilroy Gardens. Gilroy Gardens is a Garden themed family amusement park in the city of Gilroy California. Opened in 2001, the 536-acre park has 40+ rides and is home to the circus trees created by Axel Erlandson. After selling their Nob Hills Food supermarket chain, Michael and Claudia Bonfante gradually built the park over 25 years. And before becoming Gilroy Gardens, it was known as Tree Haven, a commercial plant nursery and recreational facility for Nob Hill Food Employees. For 6 years it was originally named Bonfante Gardens but in 2007 it was changed to Gilroy Gardens and is now owned by the city of Gilroy and managed by Cedar Fairs.
Being a family of five it took us forever to get packed up and ready to go. The first thing we noticed were these crazy circus trees. We forced the boys to pose in front of it against their will. After security, the ticket check-in was quick and easy. We came during their 20-year anniversary celebration. And if you so desire, you can have your wedding ceremony and Gilroy Gardens. Just call 408 840-7100. For those of us with a lot to carry, there a convenient locker rental at the entrance, more on how this works later.
Now let’s get to the fun parts. The Rides! The Strawberry Sundae is a spinning ride perfect for little tykes. You must be 36 inches to ride alone or else accompanied by an adult. The next one is the Banana Split, a swinging ride inside a giant banana. This one has a minimum height of 48 inches. Tired of waiting in lines? You can bypass the them by purchasing a fast lane for $25 each or $20.00 each if you get 3 or more.
One of the most ornate carousels ever produced, this beauty dates back to 1927. It has 64 beveled glass mirrors, 1,200 lights, 96 carved figures and 48 horses lead by a spectacular rose horse. Must be 46 inches to ride alone. Looking for a little thrill? The Timber Twister Coaster is a rattlesnake-shaped kiddie coaster that sits up to 26 passengers and has a top speed of 21 mph. The ride is tucked away in a hidden glen surrounded by hundreds of trees. Me and Dylan really enjoyed this one, but I must say it was a bit short at only a total of 655 feet in length. You must be 42 inches with a supervising adult or 51 inches to ride alone. While we were on Timber Twister Ellie got to have some fun of her own. Unlike the other rides, tubs-o-fun and bulgy are just for the little ones, with a height limit of 48 inches.
Research shows that spinning around activates tiny, fluid-filled cavities in the inner ear and stimulates the vestibular system. Which is interesting because when I spin it only stimulates a headache and nausea. Next, we take a ride on the Bonfante Railroad Train. A 1/3 scale replica of the 1863, C.P. Huntington steam locomotive, this authentic narrow-gauge railroad has custom-designed roofs that allow a full 180-degree view. The train makes a loop around the entire park and makes two stops at redwood and coyote junction.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the park as you twirl on a swing suspended from the biggest mushroom you’ve ever seen. Must be 48 inches to ride. The best thrill ride in the entire park would be the quicksilver express. This thrilling mine coaster speeds you through dips and turns surrounded by nearly 600 trees. It’s a long ride, with a track length of 3787 ft and reaches speed up to 38 mph. Riders must be 42 inches with an adult or 48 inches to ride alone. In the South Country Backroads cruise through lavishly landscaped grounds in either a 1920’s roadster or 1950’s chevy.
The line was covered by a trellis with interesting beans hanging off of it. Also, the longest wait time amongst all the rides was this one, so it might be a good idea to get on it first. The last ride of the day was on the Rainbow Garden. Float through a spectacular annual color garden full of topiary art in a gently swaying boat. Must be 42 inches to ride alone. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to go on everything, but that just leaves room for another visit.
Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020
Website: https://www.gilroygardens.org/