A Theme Park Grown in Harmony with Nature: The Legacy of Gilroy Gardens

Tucked into the lush countryside of Santa Clara County, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park stands out as one of California’s most remarkable family destinations. Unlike traditional amusement parks designed around concrete walkways and towering steel structures, Gilroy Gardens was built around a singular, guiding philosophy: letting nature dictate the design. From visits with Gil and Roya to rides on the artichoke dip, the park will have you (like it did us) laughing like children.

Built into Nature, Not the Other Way Around

Founded by visionary nurseryman Michael Bonfante, the park began not as a commercial entertainment venue, but as a living botanical sanctuary. When construction began, the team carefully integrated every pathway, water feature, and ride into the existing canopy and topography. Rides wind through mature oak groves, boat paths float along flower-lined streams, and towering trees canopy the pedestrian promenades.

Home to the World-Famous Circus Trees

The crown jewel of the park’s botanical collection is Axel Erlandson’s historic Circus Trees. Shaped in the 1920s and 1930s through meticulous grafting and training, these living sculptures—including the iconic Basket Tree, Arch Tree, and Four-Legged Giant—were rescued and transplanted to the park in the 1980s. Today, they serve as a testament to the park’s deep commitment to horticultural preservation.

A Nonprofit Mission with Deep Local Roots

What truly sets Gilroy Gardens apart from standard amusement parks is its structural identity as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution. The park operates with a clear, community-focused mission: to educate and inspire families through agricultural awareness, environmental stewardship, and outdoor play.

Powered by the Local Community

For decades, Gilroy Gardens has served as a vital economic and social anchor for Gilroy and the surrounding Santa Clara Valley.

• Community Employment: The park has served as a rite of passage for generations of local high school and college students, providing thousands of young residents with their first jobs in hospitality, operations, and horticulture.
• Reinvesting in Education: As a nonprofit entity, earnings generated from ticket sales and events are funneled directly back into park maintenance, educational school tour programs, and local community outreach initiatives.

Summer Fun: The Ultimate All-in-One Value

For families visiting in the summer, Gilroy Gardens delivers incredible double value by bundling a complete theme park and water park into a single admission ticket.

Rides and Attractions

Featuring over 40 rides, the park caters specifically to young families. Highlights include agricultural-themed attractions like the Artichoke Dip, Banana Split, and Strawberry Sundae, alongside classic family coasters and narrow-gauge train rides that circle the park’s perimeter.

Cool Down at Water Oasis and Lakeside Splash

When summer temperatures rise in South County, guests can head straight into the park’s expansive water play zones:

• Water Oasis: Specially designed for younger children and toddlers, featuring low-depth splash pads, gentle slides, and interactive water play structures.
• Lakeside Splash: A dynamic aquatic play complex with larger water slides and interactive splash zones designed to keep kids entertained for hours.

By offering full access to both lush garden rides and refreshing water attractions under one roof, Gilroy Gardens remains one of Northern California’s most affordable, rewarding summer outings.