Family Entertainment: Great America Tips And Insider Tricks You’ll Love!

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We love a lifestyle with traveling. We also love entertainment. What happens when you add a short day trip plus entertainment? For us it was Great America, CA. You might remember when I mentioned that we were going to take a trip to check out the theme park? You can see my previous post here: Great America Theme Park You’ll Flip Over And Discount I promised when we got back I’d share a few family photos of our trip, along with some insider tips and tricks for making the most of your family entertainment at Great America.

Since we traveled almost three hours to get there we decided to eat prior to heading into the park. For us we stopped along the way in Morgan Hill. We hit up their local In & Out Burger. But, if you want to eat in the park there is plenty to choose from. Lots of eats and treats. I knew on this day not everyone would make it without the stop. Have you ever woke up teens to get somewhere? You can bring in waters but, no food. I’ll list all my tips at the end of post.

They were all so excited to get in to hop on rides that we didn’t get this photo op until after our adventure. I’m happy to say we all had a blast. 

Since we are a family of all ages from the little ones to the teens, older kids having kids. We made a plan. That was to stay together for a while, break up to different areas and then meet up again. Before entering the park there is security at the entrance. You also see the security here and there as you make your way around. We ran into helpful staff when we couldn’t find one ride we were helped with directions. There are maps as you enter, grab one.

Entertainment

Let’s go! Great America

 First stop two level Merry Go Round. It’s beautiful, fun and a mild ride for the little ones, or young at heart. There are so many animals to pick from. Cat carrying a fish, lion, giraffe, horses and we have a winner for the little one. Eli picked a Reindeer.

Next up the swings! This ride is gorgeous! Even little Eli wanted to ride it but, we felt he was too little. The rest of the gang hopped on. We watched and took photos.

This really gets them flying! Thumbs up. Warmed up for roller coaster and fast flipping fun!

This got a thumbs up! This is when we split up half of us to Snoopy’s area (taking my grandson Eli around) the older kids headed to the Vortex and other rides.

A snapshot of just a few of the rides we went on in Great America theme park. click to view larger

• The teens favorite rides were: Vortex, Flight Deck, Roller Coasters & Rip Roaring Rapids (Log Ride).
• Eli’s favorite rides in the Planet Snoopy: Love Buggies, Mini Roller Coaster, Flying Pumpkins, Air Plane Ride.
• Busiest ride with the longest wait, The Grisly.
• We all enjoyed the sky tram and Double Decker Merry Go Round.
• We loved the rides were rated which made it helpful to know who it was suited for.

Tip if you have smaller kids going to Great America:

Eli was so excited for the race car ride he started to run, then tripped on the connector for the ride as he went to the wrong side to get in. Luckily he ended up fine. Only with a few scraps and hurt feelings. A lovely lady shared first aide items. I highly recommend walking the little ones all the way onto their rides! We were behind him but, probably should of been holding his hand.

We stopped at the arcades to meet up with the teens. They had been playing games while we took Eli back for final rides. We all grabbed favorite park treats to share, cotton candy, soft ice cream, big pretzels. Pressed a penny for Eli with the parks image on it. Then headed for one last family spin on the merry go round. There are plenty of shops if your wanting to purchase souvenirs.

Tips for Great America park:

• Bring charged up cell phones to keep in touch with others in your party.
• Bring layers. It’s CA. it might start out foggy and end up hot! (sunglasses and hat if summer)
• Sunscreen and first aide supplies (at least a small kit)
• Wipes! Your bound to want to wipe your hands and the bathrooms are spread out a bit.
• Water! Seriously, you can fill it up at fountains too. Forget it and you will pay $4. or find the water fountains near the bathrooms.
• A backpack to toss all the stuff, excess layering.
• Camera, because who doesn’t love keeping family memories!
• Your eye glass cases as, you’ll want to take them off for rides that flip.
• Good walking shoes, your covering lots of area.
• If you have little ones a change of clothes….
• If it’s hot bring their swim suits: They have water centers and bubble areas for the kids! (towel? or drip dry)
• Grab a map at the gate to make your plan
• Know where the bathrooms are especially if you have little ones.
• Live closer than we do? You might want to grab a season pass 2016’s passes are already on sale!
• To See Great America’s Insider Tips
• They do have fast lane (pass) options see site for details. This is an additional charge on top of entrance ticket.
• Have a great time!

Right now Great America is still open on weekends. We missed their haunt nights in October but, heard it was awesome. We did see some stuff still up when visiting. If your headed their grab the discount from the other post before you get your tickets. We hope you enjoy the park as much as we did. We can’t wait to go again. PS off summer season is great for getting on rides quick, with short or no wait times. Live in CA. you might consider giving the gift of a season pass as a holiday gift.

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