A trip to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a fantastic way to enjoy a day of whimsical rides, stunning gardens, and family-friendly attractions—but there’s no need to pay full price for admission.
With the right Gilroy Gardens discount tickets, you can put the money you save toward upgrades, fun food, and souvenirs.
In this article, I’ll share where to get the best Gilroy Gardens discount ticket so you won’t have to search for promotions and coupon codes. We fact-check our sources regularly and welcome you to share alternatives in the comments below.
Key Takeaways
Why Visit Gilroy Gardens
This is one of California’s truly unique theme parks, located within an hour of Santa Cruz, Monterey/Carmel, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Must-See Attractions
- The Famous Circus Trees – These intricate, sculpted trees are a one-of-a-kind feature and a must-see for garden enthusiasts.
- Botanical Gardens – A vast array of plant species creates a beautiful, educational experience for visitors.
- Family-Friendly Rides – Perfect for younger children, the gentle rides ensure fun without overwhelming crowds.
- Bonfante’s Splash Garden – A great spot to cool off on warm days with water play areas for kids.
- Monorail & Roller Coaster – Scenic views and a thrilling ride offer something for everyone.
If you love a mix of nature and amusement, Gilroy Gardens is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Gate Prices for Gilroy Gardens Tickets
Understanding the standard admission prices can help you appreciate the value of available discounts. Single-day ticket gate prices are:
- General Admission: $80
- Children and Seniors: $70
- Ages 0-2: Free
Best Ways to Buy Gilroy Gardens Discount Tickets
Since this park is smaller and fewer authorized resellers carry tickets, options are limited—but we still have some places for you to look.
1. Good Any Day Discount Gilroy Gardens Tickets
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to save on Gilroy Gardens admission is through our tickets site, which is powered by aRes Travel, an authorized seller of tickets to this theme park and others across the United States, such as LEGOLAND parks and Disneyland.
Tickets are sent instantly via email, with no hidden fees or taxes.
Valid any operational date including Carnival Nights, The Great Big BOO!, North Pole Nights, New Year’s Eve through 12/31/25. Includes access to water attractions! Price: $42/ages 3+
2. Purchase Tickets Directly from Gilroy Gardens Online
You can also buy tickets directly from Gilroy Gardens, where special promotions and seasonal discounts may be available. Prices vary based on the season and promotions they run throughout the year.
But you will pay less online than at the gate. Here’s a breakdown of their current ticket options:
- Single-Day Tickets:
- Online price (saves $15): $65 for ages 3+
- Does not include parking
- Children under 3 are always free
- Special event tickets are required for select seasonal events
On Mother’s Day, all moms are free with the purchase of a child’s ticket!
3. Get a Membership Pass
If you plan to visit multiple times, consider purchasing an annual membership. These passes offer unlimited visits throughout the year, often including additional perks such as free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and special event access.
Gilroy Gardens offers different membership levels, so you can choose the best option based on how often you plan to visit.
- Premium Membership ($104):
- Unlimited visits through December 31
- Free parking ($25 value per visit)
- Free admission to special seasonal events
- Discounts on food, merchandise, and cabana rentals
- Bring-a-friend-free every Friday
- Tax-deductible
- Value Membership ($70 – Limited Time Offer):
- Unlimited regular-season visits
- Free admission to select seasonal events
- Does not include parking
- Tax-deductible
4. Gilroy Gardens Vacation Packages
If you’d like to spend the night. You can bundle cheaper tickets with 31 nearby hotels. Choose your dates, choose your hotel, and then select the number of tickets you need.
5. Memorial Day Weekend Military Promotion and Family Discount
Gilroy Gardens celebrates Memorial Day Weekend with a special “Salute to Heroes” tribute. From Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26, active and retired military members receive free admission on all three days.
Plus, up to six family members can enjoy discounted admission—making it a great opportunity to kick off summer with the whole family. Expect sunshine, BBQ, and additional savings throughout the park.
6. Online Discounts & Deals On Optional Upgrades
Save time and money by purchasing add-ons in advance:
- Prepaid Parking: $25 (Valid through 12/31/25) – Save time at the gate by purchasing parking ahead of time.
- FAST LANE Wristband: $30 – Skip the lines on more than 20 popular rides for a smoother experience.
- Premium Bring-A-Friend Any Day: Premium Members at Gilroy Gardens can purchase up to two discounted Premium Bring-A-Friend Any Day tickets per visit. These tickets are valid for guests aged 3 and above and provide access to all shows and experiences on any operating day.
Pros of buying tickets in advance online include direct access to discounts, some of which might not be available at the gate.
Special Events at Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 with a series of special events:
- 25th Anniversary Celebration: Kicking off on March 22, this springtime event features live musical performances and historical exhibits honoring the park’s history.
- Cherry Jubilee: Debuting in the summer, this festival offers cherry-themed attractions and treats for guests to enjoy. Gilroy California
- Gilroy Garlic Festival: Returning after a six-year hiatus, this iconic event will take place from July 25-27, 2025 at Gilroy Gardens, featuring signature garlic dishes, live entertainment, and arts and crafts. Attendance is limited to 3,000 guests per day, and you definitely need to buy tickets in advance.
Other seasonal festivities include Carnival Nights, The Great Big BOO! for Halloween, and North Pole Nights during the holiday season.
Year-round events such as Family Camp Nights and Educational Field Trips offer additional opportunities for fun and learning. For the latest details and scheduling, visit the Gilroy Gardens Event Calendar.
Important Tips for Planning Your Visit to Gilroy Gardens
Visiting Gilroy Gardens can be a wonderful experience for families and solo travelers alike. Here are some key tips to make the most of your day at this charming theme park.
- Plan Ahead: I always recommend buying your tickets online. Not only is it convenient, but online tickets often come with discounts on both admission and parking, saving you time and a few bucks at the gate.
- Check the Park Calendar: Visit the calendar page to confirm operating hours on the day you’d like to visit. The park is usually open on weekends and select weekdays from March through December and then open daily from June through mid-August
- Arrive Early: The park has a variety of attractions that appeal to everyone. If you’re like me and want to beat the crowds, arrive when the park opens.
- Must-Ride Attractions: Be sure to check out the monorail for a scenic ride, the roller coaster for thrills, and the carousel, which is a classic favorite.
- Thrilling Rides and Water Fun: The Bonfante’s Splash Garden and other water play areas are perfect during warm days. I can attest to how refreshing they are, especially for little ones eager to cool off.
- Seasonal Highlights: Don’t miss the holiday lights if you’re visiting during the festive season.
- Dining Options: While the park offers a range of food options, bringing a small bag of snacks can be handy. Just remember to check park policies on outside food.
- Consider Fast Lane Passes: If you want to maximize ride time, Fast Lane wristbands allow you to skip regular lines on select attractions. Prices start at $30 online.
- Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Highway Gilroy, CA 95020
- Phone: 408-840-7100
Final Thoughts
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park offers a unique blend of thrilling rides and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and relaxation.
By planning ahead and utilizing available discounts, you can create unforgettable memories without overspending.
