Gilroy Gardens facts for kids
| Previously known as Bonfante Gardens (2001–2006) | |
 |
|
| Location | 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy. Gilroy, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 37°0′19″N 121°37′41″W / 37.00528°N 121.62806°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | July 2001 |
| Owner | City of Gilroy, California |
| Operated by | Cedar Fair |
| Operating season | Late March–Early January |
| Area | 536 acres (0.838 sq mi; 217 ha) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 21 |
| Roller coasters | 2 |
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a special theme park in Gilroy, California, United States. It's known for its beautiful gardens and fun rides. The park has 22 rides and five other cool attractions. One of its most famous features is the amazing Circus Trees, which were shaped by a man named Axel Erlandson. Michael Bonfante designed and built this unique park. It first opened in July 2001. Today, the City of Gilroy owns the park and its large area of 536 acres. The park is run by Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, and Cedar Fair helps manage it.
Contents
History of Gilroy Gardens
The park was started by Michael and Claudia Bonfante. They sold their supermarket business, Nob Hill Foods, to create this special place. Building the park took a long time, about 25 years!
Before it became a public theme park, it was called Tree Haven. It was a plant nursery and a fun spot for Nob Hill Foods employees. The park officially opened to everyone in June 2001. Back then, it was known as Bonfante Gardens. In February 2007, its name was changed to Gilroy Gardens.
The park is famous for its six unique gardens. The most well-known garden has 24 Circus Trees. These trees were grown and shaped in amazing ways by Axel Erlandson. He made them look like baskets, hearts, and other cool patterns.
Since 2004, Gilroy Gardens has hosted a special holiday event. It's called Gilroy Gardens Holiday Lights.
Challenges and New Management
When the park first opened, it faced some challenges. It had money problems and not many visitors in its first two years. The park even closed early for its first two seasons. There was a discussion about whether to open it at all for the third season.
In 2003, a company called Paramount Parks started managing the park. Later, in 2006, Cedar Fair bought Paramount Parks. This meant Cedar Fair took over the management of Gilroy Gardens.
The City of Gilroy bought the park on March 5, 2008. On March 14, 2020, the park had to close temporarily because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fun Rides and Attractions
Gilroy Gardens has many exciting rides and attractions for everyone to enjoy!
Exciting Rides
- Apple & Worm: A fun caterpillar ride that goes around a giant apple core.
- Artichoke Dip: An artichoke-themed ride that spins around a large oak tree.
- Banana Split: A swinging ship ride shaped like a banana.
- Balloon Flight: A gentle ride that lifts you up in a colorful balloon.
- Big Red Engine Co.: Kids can pretend to be firefighters on this ride.
- Bonfante Railroad: A small train ride that takes you all around the park.
- Bulgy The Goldfish: A cute fish-themed ride for younger kids.
- Claudia's Carousel: A classic carousel ride for children.
- Garlic Twirl: A "tea cups" style ride with a garlic theme.
- Illions Supreme Carousel: A beautiful modern carousel.
- Mushroom Swing: A swing ride shaped like a giant mushroom.
- Paddle Boats: You can pedal these duck-shaped boats on the water.
- Panoramic Wheel: A mini Ferris wheel that offers nice views.
- Pitstop Racers: Kids can race each other in these fun cars.
- Quicksilver Express: A roller coaster designed to look like a mine train.
- Rainbow Gardens Boats: A relaxing raft ride through pretty flower gardens.
- Sky Trail Monorail: A monorail ride that goes through the Monarch Butterfly Greenhouse.
- South County Backroads: A car attraction with two different tracks. One track has cars from the 1920s, and the other has cars from the 1950s.
- Strawberry Sundae: A spinning ride shaped like a delicious strawberry.
- Timber Twister: A junior roller coaster with a rattlesnake theme.
- Tubs-O-Fun: Another "tea cups" style ride for kids.
Other Cool Attractions
- Bonfante Falls: You can walk on a bridge behind a beautiful artificial waterfall.
- Bonfante's Splash Garden: A fun water play area where you can cool off.
- Oak Park Playground: A great play area for children to explore.
- Water Oasis: A water play area especially for smaller children. It was added in 2014.
Past Attractions
- Pinnacles Rock Maze: This was an artificial maze that looked like the caves at Pinnacles National Park.
See also
In Spanish: Gilroy Gardens para niños
