Southern California Park Fun For a Non Coaster Lover?

[ashley solo]

Hey all, don't know if this has been asked, but I'm not really a coaster rider, but I've been trying to find some fun for the boy and I outside of Disneyland. I am not a fan of extreme coasters, like upside down ones or whatever. I ride almost anything else... but all I've noticed is tons of coasters around... any ideas on how I can have a good time in another park?

I'm also new to the area so I'm all kinds of lost. Thanks, everyone.

[sir clinksalot]

If you don't like coasters, then I would avoid Knott's and Six Flags. Knott's has a few non-coaster attractions, but not enough to last you a full day. Six Flags is ALL about the coasters.

Sea World is great and can be educational. There are lots of Zoo's in SoCal, the Wild Animal Park and also lots of Museums. We went to the Getty last Saturday and had a BLAST. The kids really enjoyed it.

[DisneyIPresume]

Clinks has some good ideas. As far as museums go there is the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino. They have a children's garden there with a lot of interactive features. Also the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana is a nice place for kids to go with interactive scientific exhibits.

[Rex Dopey24]

ah discovery I haven't been there in years. it is very interesting stuff especially the small earthquake ride lol.

[Jspider]

I'd bring up Legoland as a non Coaster park myself but I've never been there personally

it'd be good to know your other preferences outside of noncoasters

[DisneyRoyalty]

Sea World was mentioned, and it's a great park to spend a day at. They don't focus as much on rides as Disneyland does, they focus on the animals, but SW does have some decent rides.

The biggest "thrill" they have is Journey to Atlantis which is a water roller coaster. Think... Big Thunder crossed with Splash Mtn.

Then there is Shipwreck Rapids which is along the same lines as GRR, a raft ride where you get soaked! A very fun one for a hot day!

Wild Arctic is a motion simulator ride, like Star Tours and you exit into an awesome exhibit with Beluga Whales, Polar Bears, and Walruses.

Then there are the rides at Bay at Play, which are brand new and I haven't been on yet, but they are aimed for kids and have things similar to Tea Cups, etc.

The Bay Side Skyride and the Skytower are rides you have to pay for, but it's like $3.00 for one and $5.00 for both, and they give great views of San Diego and the surrounding coastal areas.

And that's just the rides, SW had lots of great Animals and shows, and free Beer samples if you're over 21

Wow... I sound like a rep for Sea World. But I guess I kinda am since I work there as a Tour Guide, among other things. Hope I haven't bored you to death! If you ever want to know more about the park just PM me

[ashley solo]

Oooh, Sea World sounds way fun!

Sorry I didn't give any specifics besides no upside down coasters! The boy and I are really ok with anything. We used to enjoy in the bay area: water parks, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Exploritorium, etc. We are easily entertained.

[Dutchman]

Have you considered Castle Park in Riverside? It was originally built by Bud Hurlbut, and is a classy little operation.

[sir clinksalot]

I forgot about Legoland, that would be a good choice.

Plus there are a few waterparks in SoCal (Raging Waters, Wild Rivers, Soak City (Knott's) and Hurricane Harbor).