School may be starting soon, but you don’t have to travel very far to enjoy the last days of summer. California is home to a variety of popular theme parks, many of which are located within a perfect driving distance for end-of-summer weekend trips. In addition to the classic Disneyland (click here for instructions on purchasing discount Disneyland tickets), here are a few other parks that families or coaster fans may want to visit before Labor Day.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park (Gilroy, CA):
The former Bonfante Gardens is located about an hour and a half away from San Francisco and is a great destination for families with younger children. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the famous “Circus Trees,” hop on board the Bonfante Railroad, or relax in cabanas by the Water Oasis wading pool.
Tip: SFPCU members can save up to $12 on a single-day ticket by purchasing online! Visit http://bit.ly/2ayc99w and log in with the username SF Police CU and password 2016fun. If you plan on making repeat visits, you can apply the cost of your admission towards a Premium Membership pass that will grant you free parking and the ability to bring a friend along for free on certain Fridays (conditions apply, visit http://bit.ly/2ajLugd for details).
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA):
Lounging on the beach is free, but if you want to experience historic boardwalk attractions such as the Giant Dipper coaster, you’ll need to buy a ride card or unlimited ride wristband. These items can be reloaded at any of the kiosks throughout the boardwalk in order to pay for more rides or arcade games. If you’re visiting with kids under 2 (or under 36 inches), they can ride designated attractions such as the Ferris Wheel or Cave Train at no cost, as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.
Tip: SFPCU members might want to plan a trip during the Boardwalk’s Public Safety Days this August 27th and 28th. First Responders and military veterans will enjoy FREE rides during this special weekend promotion honoring law enforcement, fire, EMT, and military professionals. Family members attending with a First Responder will be eligible for discounted unlimited-ride wristbands. Visit http://www.boardwalk.com/heroes for more information on this offer.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA):
Thrill seekers will want to strap themselves in for rides on The Joker or SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight coasters. Less daring visitors will appreciate tamer attractions like go-karts and animal encounters with giraffes or dolphins. In celebration of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, Six Flags is inviting patrons to enjoy the Summer of GAMES through August 21. Compete for a gold medal at the midway games or enjoy limited-edition snacks during the “world’s first fryathlon.”
Tip: SFPCU members can visit http://bit.ly/2azHlpk to save on admission. Just use the login sfpcuDK and password SixFlags7 to purchase your tickets.
LEGOLAND California Resort (Carlsbad, CA):
Located just north of San Diego, this theme park might require a longer drive for Bay Area residents. Luckily, SFPCU members get a discount on their LEGOLAND Hotel reservations, if you feel like turning your visit into an overnight stay in a Pirate, Kingdom, or Adventure-themed guest room. During the day, LEGO fans who have purchased a Park Hopper ticket can visit the LEGOLAND Water Park, SeaLife Aquarium, NINJAGO coaster, Star Wars Mini Land and more.
Tip: SFPCU members, click here to book your trip via our special discount link!
At SFPCU, we love giving back to our members and their families, and discounts on local attractions and services is just one way we show our appreciation. This list is only a small sample of the many special offers available to you as a member of SF Police Credit Union—we also offer discounts on admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, rental cars, AAA memberships, and more. Visit https://www.sfpcu.org/membership/special-discounts to take advantage of your deals and make the end of your summer special!