With all of the great amusement parks to be found in the Silicon Valley area, visitors and residents alike should never be at a loss for plenty of family-friendly destinations to make memories to last a lifetime every time of the year. Although there are nearly a dozen top-notch amusement parks located within the Silicon Valley area, the five most popular include California's Great America, Gilroy Gardens, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Raging Waters and Winchester Mystery House.

California's Great America

When it comes to Silicon Valley area amusement parks, California's Great America has earned a reputation for providing families with terrific memories for generations. As the only amusement park in the area to offer a complete water park in the area, California's Great America provides one of the best ways to keep cool during the hottest months of the summer. There are also dozens of exciting rides located at the park ranging from roller coasters and double-decker carousels to river rafting and fume rides, as well as some great live music.

Gilroy Gardens

If you are in the mood for something a little bit more down to earth, you might find that Gilroy Gardens is closer to your speed. Gilroy Gardens is family theme park based upon a garden theme and features six different gardens with different themes. Although this theme park offers a substantially more relaxed atmosphere than most Silicon Valley area amusement parks, there are plenty of fun rides and activities available at Gilroy Gardens for kids of all ages to enjoy, including roller coasters for older kids and smaller attractions for the little kiddies.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

Although Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is not as large as most other Silicon Valley area amusement parks, this family destination has earned some serious loyalty with locals since the park first opened its doors to the public back in 1961. There is something for everyone to see at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, but first time visitors should take note that most of the rides and structures at the park are designed for younger children. The park offers an extensive zoo feature over 140 different types of animals, including a very popular petting zoo. There is also a welcoming education center available at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo that offers year-round educational activities about animals and the natural world.

Winchester Mystery House

For a truly unique experience at an out of this world Silicon Valley area amusement park, you won't want to miss the famous Winchester Mystery House. This amazing house has been in a state of construction for nearly 40 years and is truly a sight to behold. Although the architectural style is clearly informed by Victorian mansions, this one-of-a-kind building has been built with no obvious floor plan and is unlike any other mansion of its kind. Allegedly haunted, younger visitors are sure to get a kick out of bizarre rooms and hallways comprising the building, while adults will find the colorful history of how the Winchester Mystery House into existence to be simply fascinating.