Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park, a non-profit organization, offers a variety of special events and entertainment that families can enjoy together during our 2006 season. Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park educates and inspires families to appreciate horticulture and the importance of trees in our lives. All events are FREE with park admission unless otherwise noted.

Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park blossoms in 2006 as the state’s only horticultural theme park introduces South County Backroads Garden, colorful floral additions in Claudia’s Garden, a redesigned Holly Garden and three new educational exhibits designed to teach guests about butterflies, bees and trees. Bonfante Gardens, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is located in Gilroy, Calif. and features more than 40 family attractions including six majestic gardens, educational exhibits, rides and the world famous Circus Trees. The non-profit park was awarded a 2005 Golden Ticket by International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for Best Landscaping. For park information and discount tickets, visit www.bonfantegardens.org or call 408-840-7100.

Easter “Egg” Hunt in the Gardens – Sunday, April 16
Spend Easter Sunday at Bonfante Gardens for a breathtaking day in the vibrant gardens. Children ages 12 and under will make their way through the park, stopping at each of the nine Circus Trees to receive a special holiday treat. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is free with park admission. Park open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.bonfantegardens.org or call 408-840-7100.

Spring Break at Bonfante Gardens
Friday – Sunday, April 14 – 16 & Wednesday – Sunday, April 19 – 23
Spend Spring Break enjoying more than 40 rides and attractions that include stunning gardens, the intriguing Circus Trees and educational exhibits. Rides include a restored 1927 Illions Carousel, the Quicksilver Express - a thrilling mine train coaster, the Artichoke Dip, Garlic Twirl and Mushroom Swings. Bonfante Gardens also features Splash Garden™, an interactive water play area with five attractions, where kids of all ages can climb up a replicated Circus Tree, play on a water-soaked teeter-totter, spin water wheels, tip over buckets of water or splash around in a bubbling fun zone. The park is located in Gilroy, Calif. Take Hwy. 101 to Hwy. 152 (West) and follow signs. Discount tickets and additional information are available online at www.bonfantegardens.org. Park open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. April 14 – 16, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. April 19 – 21 and 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. April 22 & 23.

Red Hat Society Day – Saturday, April 22
Red Hat Society members and their families can enjoy a fun-filled day at the park including special docent-led tours of the gardens, an all-you-can-eat picnic lunch and afternoon tea in the shaded Events Plaza. Special discounts are offered for this program. Information and registration materials are available online at www.bonfantegardens.org or by calling (408) 986-5862.

Gran Fiesta de Bonfante Gardens – Sunday, April 23
Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park celebrates Latin culture with an afternoon event for the entire family. Gran Fiesta de Bonfante Gardens is a fun and educational festival featuring live musical entertainment, a children’s gardening activity in one of the park’s majestic gardens and a Quinceanera Expo, showcasing the latest trends associated with the traditional event for young Latin women. Gran Fiesta de Bonfante Gardens runs 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. and is free with park admission. Park open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Girl Scout Camp Nights – April 22, May 12, June 10, October 7 & 13
Boy Scout Camp Nights – June 9, July 15, August 4, September 16
Calling all Scout campers! Experience camping in a unique environment -- a family theme park! Guests stay in the lush Bonfante Garden Pavilion and camping facilities include: maintained restrooms, shaded picnic area, well-lit walkways and close parking. All guests will enjoy a catered lunch and dinner, docent-led activities, educational packets with horticulture related material and complimentary admission to the park the next day. Each participant also receives a Bonfante Gardens patch! For more information or to book a group, please call 408-986-5862.

Spring Garden Days – Fridays, May 5 & May 26
Garden aficionados can enjoy the beauty and wonder of Bonfante Gardens without the crowds during Spring Garden Days. Discover the park’s magnificent gardens, take part in docent led tours throughout the day, and browse through select stores and restaurants during these special garden-only days. No rides will be in operation during this event. Garden Days admission is $15 for all ages and tickets can be purchased at the park. Event is sponsored by KLIV 1590. Park open 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days.

American Camp Association’s Camp Preview Day – Saturday, May 6
Bonfante Gardens hosts the American Camp Association’s Camp Preview Day, where parents and their children can learn about summer camp options. Camps from all over Northern California will be onsite to answer questions and entertain guests with camp activities, games and songs. Children are encouraged to wear their summer camp tee shirts. For more information, visit www.bonfantegardens.org or call 408-840-7100.

Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk – Saturday, May 6
Bonfante Gardens partners with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for the third annual Great Strides Walk at Bonfante Gardens. The morning walk inside the park raises money and awareness of the life-threatening genetic disease. Participants receive a continental breakfast and complimentary admission to Bonfante Gardens the day of the walk. For more information visit Great Strides or call 408-723-3525.

Gourmet Garden Gala – Friday, May 19
New in 2006! Get a sneak peek at the Home, Garden and Culinary Show the Friday before it opens to the public. The park will open for this special event from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. and will feature all of the show vendors plus an evening of wine tasting, music, and walking through the gardens. No rides will be in operation during this event. Tickets are just $15 and are available at the door. For more information about the Home, Garden and Culinary Show please call 408-682-4700 or visit www.svshows.com.

Home, Garden and Gourmet Show – Saturday – Sunday, May 20 – 21
Northern California’s most beautiful Home, Garden and Gourmet Show returns to Bonfante Gardens! The show takes place on May 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Guests will get tips on home decorating and gardening, attend informative gardening workshops throughout the day and shop for gardening and repair supplies and interior-decorating products. For more information please call 408-682-4700 or visit www.svshows.com.

Junior Horticulture Day – Tuesday, May 23
Students learn about nature firsthand at Junior Horticulture Day! Bonfante Gardens hosts more than one thousand kindergarten through sixth grade students for this private day of learning. Volunteer park docents will teach students about the importance of trees, the environment, water preservation, the life cycle of plants, local history and agriculture while enjoying the appeal and excitement of a traditional family theme park.

All events and dates are subject to change without notice.

Bonfante Gardens is a non-profit organization managed by Paramount Parks. Bonfante Gardens, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is located in Gilroy, Calif. and is California's only horticultural theme park featuring more than 40 family attractions including six majestic gardens, educational exhibits, rides and the world famous Circus Trees. The non-profit theme park was awarded a 2005 Golden Ticket by International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for Best Landscaping. For park information and discount tickets, visit www.bonfantegardens.org or call (408) 840-7100.

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