Bonfante Gardens is a Perfect Choice for Families with Young Children
MaryAnn DePietro
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A great place to visit while in California is Bonfante Gardens. Located in Gilroy, Bonfante is an amusement park and botanical garden combined. We went on a perfect summer day and loved it. They have 
about 40 rides and attractions that are just right for children age two to about twelve. Their rides are on the tamer side, so teenagers and thrill seekers may find them a little dull. But my three year old had the time of his life.
The ticket prices were reasonable. I bought mine on the Internet on their web site for under thirty dollars for each ticket. Children under two are free. Gilroy is located in northern California about a two and a half hour drive from Sacramento, so not too far for a day trip for us.
As soon as we walked into the park, we felt it was different. It is on the small side, and covered with trees. As the name implies Bonfante Gardens has beautiful gardens throughout the park. We did not have to wait in line for any ride longer than twenty minutes. It is so clean and filled with flowers and trees I never did mind the wait. We enjoyed rides with names like the artichoke dip and the mushroom swing. The rides are similar to what you find at other amusement parks. For instance, the garlic twirl is like the tea cups in Disneyland. There is nothing really new here, yet the atmosphere makes it seem unique.
There are some scenic rides such as the boat ride through rainbow gardens, and a train ride around the park. My son loved the paddle boats shaped liked swans. There is a roller coaster for those who like the faster rides.
After a few hours of enjoying the rides we headed for some lunch. Bonfante Gardens has about four or five places to eat. We picked San Juan Grill which had pretty good tri-tip sandwiches. Other options include the typical amusement park food, burgers, pizza and ice cream.
After lunch we took a walk around and found our way to Bonfante Falls. We also strolled through Claudia's Garden, where there is a small carousal tucked away in the trees.
The ticket prices were reasonable. I bought mine on the Internet on their web site for under thirty dollars for each ticket. Children under two are free. Gilroy is located in northern California about a two and a half hour drive from Sacramento, so not too far for a day trip for us.
As soon as we walked into the park, we felt it was different. It is on the small side, and covered with trees. As the name implies Bonfante Gardens has beautiful gardens throughout the park. We did not have to wait in line for any ride longer than twenty minutes. It is so clean and filled with flowers and trees I never did mind the wait. We enjoyed rides with names like the artichoke dip and the mushroom swing. The rides are similar to what you find at other amusement parks. For instance, the garlic twirl is like the tea cups in Disneyland. There is nothing really new here, yet the atmosphere makes it seem unique.
There are some scenic rides such as the boat ride through rainbow gardens, and a train ride around the park. My son loved the paddle boats shaped liked swans. There is a roller coaster for those who like the faster rides.
After a few hours of enjoying the rides we headed for some lunch. Bonfante Gardens has about four or five places to eat. We picked San Juan Grill which had pretty good tri-tip sandwiches. Other options include the typical amusement park food, burgers, pizza and ice cream.
After lunch we took a walk around and found our way to Bonfante Falls. We also strolled through Claudia's Garden, where there is a small carousal tucked away in the trees.
