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Summer Thrills & Spills

The days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter, which means summer is right around the corner here in California. Family fun is endless in our outdoor playground, from sandy beaches and secluded lakes to extravagant waterparks and thrilling theme parks. Just pack the sunscreen and a swimsuit – we’ve got everything else covered.

WATERPARKS

Waterworks Park
Attention all thrill-seekers! Redding’s Waterworks Park is the perfect place to cool off and make a splash this summer. So whether you’re looking to relax in the Lazy Lagoon or take the plunge down the Cyclone, Waterworks Park is perfect for all ages.

Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center
Located in Fresno, Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center has everything from waterslides to mini golf, bumper boats, ropes courses, arcade games and rollercoasters. Specializing in family fun, Blackbeard’s is an endless source of entertainment. 

Ravine Water Park
Beat the heat this summer at Ravine Water Park in Paso Robles. This family attraction is complete with a lazy river, water slides and a wave pool, along with a poolside cafe, tiki bar and private cabanas.

Palm Springs Surf Club
Slated to open in 2023, the surfer-designed Palm Springs Surf Club will feature a wave pool, private cabanas, a restaurant and a spa. The wave can be adjusted for beginners and pros with state-of-the-art technology, making it perfect for site events and team building.

AMUSEMENT PARKS

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is home to majestic gardens, unique rides, water attractions and over 10,000 trees. Visitors can walk through a thundering waterfall, paddle duck boats across a peaceful lake, and swing from the belly of a giant mushroom.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
Calling all adrenaline junkies to Six Flags Magic Mountain! The iconic amusement park, located in Valencia, can be spotted from afar with its swooping roller coasters and towering waterslides. Six Flags Magic Mountain has everything from live entertainment to thrilling rides and is the perfect family fun destination this summer.

Fiesta Village
Knott’s Berry Farm is set to reopen Fiesta Village in Buena Park as a space that celebrates the Hispanic roots of Southern California. Equipped with all-new experiences, entertainment, dining, shopping and thrills, the amusement park is full of celebration and culture.

Belmont Park
In the heart of San Diego’s Mission Beach, Belmont Park is a classic beachfront boardwalk featuring amusement rides, games, high-end and casual dining, and bike rentals. The park recently opened two new thrilling rides with incredible ocean views and is welcoming guests day and night all summer long.

CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE

Redwood Sky Walk
At the Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, visitors can follow the skywalk 100 feet above the ground, experiencing the redwood forest in an entirely new, immersive way. Exploring the wildlife from up above, visitors will see the brand new American black bear and coyote exhibit.

Safari West
Experience wildlife up close this summer at Safari West in Santa Rosa. Safari-goers can see nearly a thousand animals in large, mixed-species habitats and might even spot Safari West’s newest family member, a Southern white rhino baby. 

Covell Clydesdale Ranch
Summer is the perfect time for the whole family to enjoy horseback riding at Covell Clydesdale Ranch in Cambria. This beautiful ranch is the only place in the world where you can see approximately 100 Clydesdale horses grazing on nearly 2,000 oceanside acres. 

Oceanside Whale Watching
Check out an awe-inspiring, two-hour whale watching trip at Oceanside Whale Watching this summer. Perfect for families and large groups, Oceanside Whale Watching is the best way to see and learn about whales, dolphins, sea lions and more in their natural habitat.

OUTDOOR THRILLS

Kayak Mendocino
Take your summer adventures to sea with Kayak Mendocino. Sea cave tours leave daily from Van Damme State Park and are professionally guided, so you can relax and take in the marine and avian life.

Water Adventures in Bass Lake
Whether you’re looking to waterski, sail, paddle or fish, the list of activities is endless at the beautiful Bass Lake in Madera County. After a record snowfall, the summer is sure to be full of fun in the sun at Bass Lake. 

Hangtown Motocross Classic
As racing season approaches, the Prairie City OHV Park is gearing up to host the 54th Annual Hangtown Motocross Classic! If your family loves the thrill of motocross racing, you’ll want to head to Rancho Cordova for a can’t-miss long weekend of dirt-slinging fun from June 1-3, 2023.

Action Segway an Zipline Tours
Action Tours offers the most unique ways to see Big Bear Lake with high-speed ziplines and guided Segway tours. Fly over the forest on nine different ziplines or take a scenic Segway ride to learn about species native to the area. 

Trapeze School New York in Santa Monica
Learn to fly and perform on several Aerial arts apparatuses at Trapeze School New York on the famous Santa Monica Pier. With two-hour Flying Trapeze classes and one-hour Trampoline and Silks classes, you’ll find the perfect flare to your vacation in Santa Monica.

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