As school lets out for the summer, Gilroy, California, is the perfect family-friendly destination to chill out, cool down and create unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re seeking indoor, air-conditioned fun, easy hikes, educational outings, or just a sweet, cool treat, Gilroy packs in a lot of stress-free, budget-friendly fun for parents and children of all ages.
Soaked & Smiling at Gilroy Gardens
Beat the heat at the beautiful Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, filled with multiple water play areas for kids of all ages — and parents, too! Even the youngest guests will enjoy the Water Oasis Lagoon while bigger kids can splash down twisty water slides and blast 90 water jets. Meanwhile, moms and dads can recline in beach chairs or lakeside cabanas, complete with TVs and waiter service.
Water attractions are included in park admission, which also includes access to the park’s majestic gardens, unique rides, tasty restaurants and more than 10,000 trees, including the world-famous Circus Trees. Gilroy Gardens also hosts family-friendly events, including the Cherry Jubilee and Carnival Nights, as well as activities inspiring artistic discovery and science exploration all summer long at the park’s Green Barn.
Soar High at Sky Zone
High-flying fun awaits at Sky Zone, an epic trampoline park with one-of-a kind attractions. Jump the afternoon away on a trampoline court, play some hoops or dodgeball, or try your hand at one of the climbing walls.
Make Some Downtown Memories
Laid-back fun seekers will delight in our city-wide mural and art trail. You’ll find many of the more than 20 murals dotting our historic downtown. Connect with Gilroy’s history and culture while taking in the beautiful artwork painted by local artists.
Next, bowl a few frames at our downtown’s newly redesigned Gilroy Bowl, boasting nine lanes, large-screen TVs and a restaurant and bar. Afterwards, refuel at one of our mouth-watering restaurants, serving up pizza, tapas, tacos, and plenty of other delicious family-friendly fare.
For a refreshing pick-me-up, look no farther than Savvy’s, downtown Gilroy’s vintage soda fountain, ice cream parlor, and candy shop. Indulge in a root-beer float, a scoop or two of Marianne’s ice cream, or bring home gourmet chocolates and candy reminiscent of your childhood.
Young artists will enjoy getting creative at our downtown art studios. Both 6th Street Studio & Art Center and Paint’n with Friends offer summer camps, workshops, and classes from ceramics and sculpting to canvas and pottery painting, certain to spark your artist’s imagination.
Music lovers of all ages can get their groove on every Thursday at our free Downtown Live concert series, running through Aug.14. Enjoy a superb summer evening while dancing to rock, country and R&B classics from various local bands.
Get a Taste of Summer Farm Fare
Be sure to bring home sun-ripened berries that you pick yourself at one of our many local farms, including True2Earth Farm, Berry Island Farms, and Borello Family Farms. In addition, visit one of our roadside produce stands, featuring corn, tomatoes, garlic, and peppers.
Explore Local Gilroy History
To learn about local Native American culture and history, head to nearby Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park. Offering an immersive experience and an easy hike, the 4.5-acre park features the stunning Uvas Creek and a wealth of cultural artifacts, including bedrock mortars and petroglyphs created by the indigenous people who inhabited the area for thousands of years.
A short drive away, San Juan Bautista is brimming with history and natural beauty. Step back in time and experience life in the 1800s at five historic structures centered around the original San Juan Mission Plaza. They include the Plaza Hotel, built in 1856, and the San Juan Bautista Mission, one of the oldest Spanish missions in California, built in 1797.
Get Some Family Shopping Done
A visit to Gilroy isn’t complete without stopping at the Gilroy Premium Outlets, home to more than 145 stores. While shopping, stop for a sweet treat at Top-a-lot Frozen Yogurt or Happy Lemon, or opt for locally made cookies and ice cream sandwiches at nearby Tristan’s Cookies and Cream. Be sure to stop by and see our Visit Gilroy team at the California Welcome Center Gilroy. Located at the Outlets (near Forever 21), it’s the ideal spot to shop for local and garlic-themed gifts and pick up helpful maps, guides and coupons.
Book Your Weekend Soon!
From garden adventures and summer concerts to art trails and old-fashioned soda shops, Gilroy makes it easy for your family to savor the season. Book a weekend getaway soon in our affordable, welcoming community. The flavors of summer are waiting.
