Find kid-friendly places in Gilroy (9)

A large Gilroy park along the creek with playgrounds, ball fields and picnic groves under oaks.

A 30-acre Gilroy park with a playground, permanent restrooms, tennis, handball, a skate area, and jogging paths. The most activities-per-acre in Gilroy for mixed-age families.

Gilroy's fully fenced toddler pick: a contained play area with swings, slide, and lawn where small kids can roam without open edges - clear boundaries without hovering.

The 'best little theme park you've never heard of': rides scaled for young kids among giant landscaped gardens and the famous Circus Trees, plus water play areas - gentler and prettier than the big coaster parks.

The practical Gilroy Gardens base: outdoor pool, fridge and microwave in the rooms, five minutes from the park entrance.

Downtown Gilroy's 23-acre everyday park: playground, community center, picnic areas, courts, and a seasonal public pool on the same grounds - playground plus pool session in one stop all summer.

Gilroy's reliable family base: outdoor heated pool plus hot tub and free full hot breakfast, minutes from Gilroy Gardens and the outlets - the theme-park-weekend workhorse.

Downtown Gilroy's garlic-themed diner - garlic fries, garlic in the milkshake if you're brave - in an old-school cafe setting. A fun, cheap stop on a Gilroy Gardens day.

A gentle, garden-themed amusement park built for younger kids - circus trees, paddle boats, a monorail, and two small water play areas. Gate admission is $80 but online advance tickets run lower ($65 select dates); under 3 free. Check the calendar: outside summer it runs weekends and event dates only.