California's Great America Amusement Park Tips for Guests

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Tips for Guests

Want to know the best times to visit or what to bring along to the park? You've come to the right place. We're committed to helping you make the most of your visit to Great America!
  • Don't let a few clouds, or even rain, keep you from enjoying a great day at California's Great America. Days with inclement weather can be the best time to visit because lines are short and fewer guests are in the park. The park is open as scheduled (usually with almost all rides operating), rain or shine. Our website will always have the most up-to-date park hours.
  • Want to check weather conditions before you go? Visit the Weather Channel.
  • California's Great America is committed to providing a safe environment for all of our guests and associates. All guests arriving at the park are electronically scanned with a handheld "wand" and/or metal detector. Guests are also asked to open any backpacks, purses or waist packs for a brief examination.
  • Bring a jacket or sweatshirt for cool evenings; store it in lockers at the Front Gate or South Bay Shores Bring sunscreen, lip protection and a hat or sun visor to protect yourself from the summer sun.
  • Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes. Wear cotton clothing: it is light and dries quickly on water rides such as Whitewater Falls and Rip Roaring Rapids. You may want to bring an extra pair of dry socks.

  • Pocketknives and metal chains, regardless of size, are not permitted inside the park. You will be asked to return the item to your vehicle or dispose of it prior to entering the park.

    • Other prohibited items include speakers, chairs, glass of any kind (except perfume bottles), food (except for special dietary needs), water guns, luggage, prescription drugs (unless in original packaging), weapons, metal chains, bottled or canned beverages (except sealed bottles of water), hard-side coolers, beach umbrellas (standard rain umbrellas are allowed), fireworks, scissors, knives, and child scooters.
  • Lockers are available for rent at the Front Gate and in South Bay Shores.
  • Guests may rent either manual or electric wheelchairs for use within the park. Visit our rentals page for the most up-to-date pricing. 
  • Familiarize yourself with the park's layout by taking a moment to look over the park map handed out at turnstiles. Then take a ride on the 200-foot-high Star Tower, located to your right in Carousel Plaza, for a panoramic view.
  • Arrange a meeting place should your party get separated. Carousel Columbia, located near the main entrance, and Drop Tower, the park's highest landmark, are good choices.
  • For the shortest lines, always ride the most popular rides - such as RailBlazer and Flight Deck - when the park first opens or in the early evening when many large groups leave the park.
  • Upon entering the park, point out to a uniformed security officer that your child can easily spot if he or she should become lost. If your children do get lost, go to the Family Care Center, located in Planet Snoopy, where all unaccompanied children are brought.
  • Stroller rentals are available near the front gate. Single-passenger strollers and double-passenger strollers are available. Strollers can be rented ahead of time or in the park, but supplies are limited. Please visit our rentals page for the most up-to-date pricing. 
  • A guest's height is an important safety factor on many rides. Be sure the children in your party are tall enough to enjoy each activity. Check out the fun and safety guidelines (located at each ride entrance) before you get in line.
  • Rider Swap allows one guest to ride while another guest waits with the guest(s) who did not ride. When the ride is complete, the guests swap responsibility at the exit. Inquire at Guest Services.
  • KidTrack is a free program that assists in quickly reuniting lost children with their parents. Guests with cell phones can register for this safety system at Guest Services, Town Hall or Family Care Center.
  • Diaper changing stations are available in restrooms throughout the park.
  • Family Care Center, located in Planet Snoopy, offers bottle warming, private nursing areas and other special services for families with young guests in an air-conditioned space.