Hi neighbor,

I almost didn’t realize how many nearby theme parks we had (and how many I’ve yet to visit) until I started counting!

We’ve had various memberships over the years at Six Flags, Universal Studios, and Fairyland, and sprinkled in a few single day visits to some other parks. Maybe we can squeeze a new one in before the new school year starts (in two weeks?!).

Here’s the full list, sorted by driving distance from Pleasant Hill.

Prices and hours can change seasonally — please verify details with the park website before you go.

Seven little rides including a train that loops the whole park, plus a classic carousel and a small roller coaster. This is the gentlest possible introduction to theme parks with nearly no lines to speak of, and you can genuinely do the whole thing before nap time. Best for ages 2–8.

Cost: Single tickets are $3 each, with package discounts; Each ride costs 1–3 tickets

Location: 2740 East Olivera Road, Concord (~20 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

A small, but very close, theme park for little kids. Small World Park has a few rides, playground structures, and crawdad fishing.

Cost: $3–6 per person

Location: 2551 Harbor Street, Pittsburg (~20 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

Storybook sets, a puppet theater, farm animals, and a handful of small rides. There's so much tucked into this park that you can find something new every single visit. It’s great for preschoolers and younger elementary kids.

Cost: Around $20/person; memberships start at $139/year

Location: 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland (~20 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

Half theme park, half marine/wildlife park. There’s genuinely something for everyone at “Disco King,” as my family calls it. The littles can stick to the smaller airplane-type rides, trains, and animal exhibits, older kids can try some of the family rides, and thrill seekers can hit up the big coasters.

Cost: Single-day tickets start at $39; Season passes for $85 can be worth it if you plan to visit more than once or want access to Hurricane Harbor, Great America, and a few SoCal theme parks

Location: 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo (~30 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

A carousel, ferris wheel, and a few other small rides. Plus a 20-minute miniature steam train ride through the park, with a petting zoo stop halfway. Pairs beautifully with a day in Sonoma.

Cost: Train trip is $9.75 per person, All other rides are $4.25 per person (or you can get 5 rides for $18.75)

Location: 20264 Broadway, Sonoma (~60 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

A good combination of kids rides, family rides, and thrill rides — plus a water park. This theme park might not be around much longer, so don’t wait too long if you want to visit.

Cost: Single-day tickets start at $45; Season passes for $89 can be worth it if you plan to visit more than once or want access to more theme parks

Location: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara (~60 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

A zoo with a cute amusement park attached. Happy Hollow has rides, a puppet theater, and animals.

Cost: Single-day tickets are $22; Season passes start at $65

Location: 748 Story Road, San Jose (~60 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

A theme park with horticulture-inspired rides, like the Garlic Twirl teacups. There are also multiple water play areas open during the warmer months.

Cost: Single-day tickets start at $65; Season passes for $109 can be worth it if you plan to visit more than once

Location: 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy (~80 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

This theme park is right on the beach in Santa Cruz. It has rides for every age group, as well as attractions like mini golf, laser maze, and bowling.

Cost: Pay-per-ride cards start at $50; Unlimited ride wristbands start at $45; Season passes start at $105

Location: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz (~90 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

These aren't theme parks, but they all have rides — which counts for something when you have a kid who just wants to go on a carousel.

Tilden Park: A steam train and a Merry Go Round nestled into this beautiful park are easy to get to, and won’t break the bank. You can also stop by Little Farm and the Botanic Garden while you’re there! The Merry Go Round is $4 per ride, the Steam Train is $5 per ride (or 5 rides for $20), and the Little Farm and Botanic Garden are both free. Locations vary (~20 minutes from Pleasant Hill).

Oakland Zoo: There’s a small ride area with a train, carousel, and a few other attractions for small kids. Unlimited rides for $20 or 16 tickets for $45. 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland (~30 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

Pier 39: A carousel, arcade, sea lions, and Aquarium of the Bay are on the pier, with the ferris wheel right around the corner. Pricing varies by attraction. The Embarcadero, San Francisco (~50 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

San Francisco Zoo: A little steam train, a beautiful carousel, and a playground. Train is $9 per person and carousel is $4 per person. Sloat Boulevard and Upper Great Highway, San Francisco (~60 minutes from Pleasant Hill)

Which Bay Area theme park is your family’s favorite? Reply back and let me know!

See you around town,

Jen