If you’ve been missing your favorite theme parks, here’s some good news: Many of them have reopened, though certain restrictions do remain. Certainly, any stage of reopening comes with pandemic-minded health and safety measures in place, such as limited capacity, a reservations system, increased cleaning, and face-covering requirements.
As always these days, check each park’s website, local guidelines, and the Responsible Travel Hub before you visit. For now, here’s a planning guide, with parks listed north to south.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
The Vallejo theme park has reopened its doors to California residents.
California’s Great America, Santa Clara
The Santa Clara park, which does not run year-round, has been fully reopened since May 22. The date also marked the debut of its on-site water park, South Bay Shores.
The old-school amusement park in Santa Cruz is currently offering old-fashioned fun: midway games, mini golf, arcades, and a limited selection of rides to California residents. Park capacity and ride reservations are limited, and advance reservations are recommended.
The agricultural theme park in Gilroy, with its little-kid-friendly rides and whimsical Circus Trees, kicked off its 2021 season on May 22.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia
The Six Flags theme park, located in Los Angeles County’s Santa Clarita area, is now open to California residents only.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
The movie-themed park in Los Angeles has now fully reopened to California residents or out-of-state visitors who are fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after final dose was administered) for COVID-19; photo ID will be required for park entry by out-of-state visitors). Click here for full out-of-state visitor requirements.
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
The Buena Park theme park had its grand 2021 opening on May 21 for California residents only. Safety protocols and new reservation requirements are in place, and the park will be celebrating its 100th anniversary all summer long.
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney District, and Disney’s Grande Californian Hotel & Spa are all open, with safety protocols in place. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will plan to reopen on June 15, and the Disneyland Hotel will plan to reopen on July 2, both with reduced capacity. Advance reservations are required, and per state guidelines, the park is only open to California state residents.
LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad
LEGOLAND California Resort’s phased reopening is well underway for guests within the state of California. Out-of-state guests will be required to show valid identification and proof of COVID-19 vaccination that has been completed a minimum of 14 days prior to entering. Select rides are back to providing thrills, plus CHIMA Water Park, SEA LIFE aquarium, the LEGO Movie World attraction and both LEGOLAND Hotels are open at a limited capacity with advanced reservations required. The rest of LEGOLAND Water Park will open on June 4. Read more about safety protocols in place here.
The San Diego theme park has reopened; entry is limited to California state residents or out-of-state visitors with proof of a fully completed COVID-19 vaccine. Read about the safety protocols that are in place at the park to promote visitors’ safety here.