Ready to start visiting theme parks again? This post originally went live last year…. but then you know what happened and theme parks in California remained closed for over a year. If you are planning to visit California’s Great America this year then check out this post. I’ve updated it and given you all the details you need to know on the park reopening.

in 2019 our big family gift for Christmas was annual passes to California’s Great America. Located just 2 1/2 hours away from us it’s the perfect chance to explore a new northern California theme park! Mike is from Fairfield and grew up going every year with his family. However, I’m from southern California and am much more familiar with Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios. We actually took the kids for our first visit on New Year’s Eve in 2019. It made me so excited to visit California’s Great America even more times!

when does Great America open?

Great America officially reopens on Saturday, May 22. Until further notice you will need a reservation to get into the park, this is on top of your ticket or season pass. They do not cost money but you must reserve ahead of time. If you have a season pass your reservation is added right to your card so you do not need to print anything out.| You can make your reservation by clicking here. | I was able to easily reserve two dates for our family. Once we use our first reservations then we can make reserve another day. Note–Children two and under do not require a ticket or a reservation.

what to see at California’s Great America this year

You can bet after a year-long closure 2021 is going to be exciting! If you’re thinking about a trip anytime soon I definitely recommend checking out a season pass. You may find that it’s well worth the cost. Personally, our family opted to get the Platinum Pass which gives us access to any Cedar Fair park for the year. This includes Knott’s Berry Farm and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. Both of these parks are ones we’ll be visiting this year and all require advance reservations to be made. Note–if you have a 2020 season pass it has been extended through the 2021 season.

South Bay Shores Waterpark

One of the things we’re most excited for is the grand reopening of South Bay Shores Waterpark on Saturday, June 5. Great America has completely revamped their water park (originally called Boomerang Bay) and entrance is included with your regular theme park admission! That means you’ll be able to utilize your season pass even more if you opt to get one. Note–when making your reservation you will have to either choose a theme park reservation, or a theme park and water park reservation. Make sure you choose the one you want.

We’re definitely looking forward to enjoying the waterpark this summer. South Bay Shores is literally bigger and better, with more acreage, attractions, lounging space, and dining options. Families with little ones will appreciate the Tide Pool family lagoon, with plenty of kid-sized water slides and areas for parents to get a break–fingers crossed.

more seasonal fun

Taste of Orleans is also returning this summer, July 17-August 1. Admission is free with your park ticket, and a sampling card can be purchased separately so you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of Cajun cuisine. Fireworks and live entertainment will also be a part of Taste of Orleans, so don’t miss it!

We’re excited to experience the park during other seasons as well! We already know how magical WinterFest is and are waiting to hear what that will look like this year. Halloween Haunt and The Great Pumpkin Fest will also be making a comeback this year–dates to be announced.

diy Peanuts gang shirts

No theme park visit would be complete without some cute outfits and themed shirts, right? Awhile ago on Instagram I asked for your input on some Peanuts gang t-shirts for my kiddos. Well, I actually ended up going in a completely different direction than what I showed you. I love the way these tees turned out! I hope you’ll use them as inspiration to make some of your own!

Have you ever made a visit to California’s Great America? What about any other Cedar Fair park?