Adventure City - Anaheim, California - privately owned family theme park

Adventure City, located just outside Anaheim, California, is a family theme park that is specifically geared toward young children. The attractions include kids' rides, educational areas, interactive exhibits and a petting farm where kids can cuddle up to rabbits, sheep and other farm animals. Billed as the "little theme park that's big on family fun'', the park is aimed at the younger, toddler to pre-school set.

Located behind a small shopping mall, Adventure City can be difficult to find without directions. Because it is off the beaten path, the park is seldom crowded, and children can get on rides without waiting in long lines, making it an attractive entertainment choice for families with young children.

The park features 17 attractions, including two roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and a vintage carousel. The rides are geared for young children, but large enough to accommodate adults so that even the youngest kids can get on board and enjoy the fun. Some of the rides are more than just rides, as well. The Emergency Car ride, for instance, features the opportunity for children to dress up in fireman and policeman garb, try on safety gear and then climb into a fire rescue car to drive parents around the ride. Throughout the entire ride, an emergency 911 dispatcher provides a soundtrack of "emergencies'' to which kids can respond.

The Balloon Race is one of the few rides at Adventure City that has a height requirement. Like the Rescue Ride, kids get a chance to learn a little before they climb on board the Great Balloon Race, which is housed in a miniature airport terminal complete with an air traffic control operator giving a play by play of the air traffic above.

Another ride that may appeal to older kids is the Tree Top Racers, a new addition to the Adventure City lineup. Unlike modern coasters which rely on speed for the thrills, the Tree Top Racers ride uses hairpin turns and switch-backs to tilt the car and give the illusion of hanging on to the very edge of the rails. The park also includes two other vintage rides - the Express Train, which had operated at Hobby City for over 25 years before becoming part of Adventure City, and the Carousel, which was built in 1946.

Besides the theme rides, visitors to Adventure City can take a walk through a petting farm, relax and watch a puppet show or magic show at the little theater, build a railroad with other kids at the Thomas the Tank Engine area, climb a rock wall or get into the arcade games at the arcade.

Adventure City is especially popular for kids' birthday parties. The $199 birthday package includes pizza and soda for up to ten guests, all day admission to the park with the exception of the Mount Adventurous rock climbing wall, a t-shirt for the birthday child and special treatment for the birthday child throughout the day.

Admission to Adventure City is inexpensive and includes all of the rides and attractions. The hours are seasonal, but the park is generally open 7 days a week during the summer months, weekends during the rest of the year. For more information on hours and admissions, contact the park at (714) 236-9300.