Founded in 1912, Sunnyvale, California, sports the title “Heart of Silicon Valley.” The city is a mix of quiet residential areas and industrial malls, with a bit of quirkiness thrown in for good measure. An example of the latter is a museum called Embrace the Weird, specializing in old technology “junk.” Architect Joseph Eichler got his start here, building his first mid-century modern home and raising eyebrows in the process. When it’s time to cool down, it’s just a short drive to water parks in neighboring Santa Clara, San Jose and Fremont.
Fun With an Aussie Twist
- California’s Great America in Santa Clara has the closest water park to Sunnyvale -- only a 7-mile drive. This vast outdoor entertainment complex features Boomerang Ba,y with thrill rides for the brave and splash parks for the younger set. Some of the more challenging rides include the Screamin’ Wombat, Ripsnort Ridge and the Great Barrier Reef. The latter mimics wave action on a beach. The little ones can splash around in the spray park Kookaburra Cay, or in the shallow, family friendly Boomerang Lagoon. The whole family can challenge the fortress of Jackaroo Landing. Be prepared for unexpected water jets and buckets of water that douse anyone standing near. Boomerang Bay is a seasonal park, open from the end of May through mid-September.
Thrills, Chills and Giggles
- Just 17 miles down the road in San Jose, Raging Waters also is a seasonal park, open from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-September. The thrill rides have names including Bombs Away, Great White Shark and Shotgun Falls. Learn to body surf in the wave pool, or relax on an inner tube on the Endless River, a snakelike journey that includes hidden coves, streams and waterfalls. Visit Pirate’s Cove and shoot water cannons, but watch out -- you might get doused by water from an oversize pirate’s skull. The Little Dipper and the Wacky Water Works offer interactive water play areas for little ones.
Mini Golf and Waterslides
- Golfland Emerald Hills also is in San Jose. It is part of a chain of mini-golf courses in the Bay Area, but this is the only location with waterslides. The water part isn’t very extensive, but the slides do have some thrilling loops and twirls that send you splashing into a giant pool. Separate tickets are required for the waterslides and the golf courses. Golfland is open year-round, weather permitting. The waterslides are open on weekends from roughly Labor Day through September and for private events.
Fremont Family Fun
- Aqua Adventure, another seasonal park open from the end of May through September, is 18 miles away in Fremont. This is more of a family park than one that aims to deliver nonstop thrills and chills. The centerpiece is the Roundabout River. Inner tubes are available to rent to take a lazy ride around this winding waterway. The Fortress of Fun has the largest waterslides, while Bucket Bay has short splashdowns suitable for the little ones. The park also offers swimming lessons in the Oasis Pool, a traditional lap pool near the picnic area. Seasonal passes are available for the park. For an additional fee, reserve your own locker for the season.
