This is a great place to pick berries, convenient (really close to I-280) and fairly inexpensive. Very low-key. Be prepared with sunscreen and hats, as there aren't really any shady spots to hide away, and it can get quite hot.

I don't recall whether there were bathrooms, but I do remember a hand-washing area, which was key after my toddler picked (ate!) so many olallieberries!

We love Farmer John's! It has the feel of a real down-home farm. Farmer John himself was there the first time we visited, and we chatted with him for quite a stretch. He had some fun stories to share, and my son was fascinated by the whole experience.

This is a much quieter pumpkin farm than, say, Lemos or others on the main stretch into HMB. No frills but certainly lots of nice pumpkins, and you can actually walk out to the field where they're grown. We like that it's close to the water, off the beaten path (kind of), and that it has a makeshift picnic area where you can relax and eat lunch. Friendly and low-key.

And they'll send reminder postcards each year to let you know when the pumpkins are ripe for picking!

We enjoyed this more than I expected... My kids are little (2 and 4), but we were able to hold on to each other's tubes so that we could go down together. The little one gave up after two runs, but my older one was up for a couple more tries. It's tricky at the end of the slope, because you have to bring the tube back to the line -- before the next rider hits the bottom of the run. Staff were pretty helpful, conscious of the fact we had little ones with us.

I do have to admit that my two adult-only runs were the most fun. The staff is willing to spin your tube if you request it, and you really do feel like you're going to fly away! That said, be careful NOT to request this with little kids -- could be quite scary!!

We attended a birthday party here. I have to say, I was really impressed by the staff and how well they entertained and managed a large group of 4- and 5-year-olds. My son had a ball.

The place was really clean, and the party room was great for the kids. Nothing really stood out as different from any other bounce house place, really, but otherwise this is a fun place to go with energetic kids!

My kids are 2 and 4, and Gilroy Gardens is totally geared toward their demographic. We visited for the first time this year, ended up doing the upgrade to a season pass, and we've been back twice more in less than two months.

Rides are catered toward young kids, but the roller coasters are fun (albeit not "crazy thrilling") for adults as well. There's really something for everyone. We saw an elderly grandmother having the time of her life "driving" the old-fashioned cars. The park is clever -- and a bit kitschy in parts (eg, the garlic and artichoke rides).

Gilroy Gardens (formerly Bonfante Gardens) originated as a private park built around its botanical gardens. The grounds still boast an amazing assortment of flora -- really cool trees (grafted in funky ways) and fragrant flowers. Mini "gardens" throughout the park are great for short strolls, and when you need a rest (especially on those 100-degree Gilroy summer days) there are plenty of benches spread throughout the park to sit and take a rest.

Speaking of those hot days... It's a good idea to bring along swim gear (or at least a spare set of dry clothing) so the little ones can romp around in Splash Gardens. Definitely a relief from the heat, and a nice break from the rides.

Food isn't bad; there's quite a variety. You can't bring sandwiches and larger items into the park, but drinks and snacks from home are okay. Prices are reasonable.

We found that membership was worthwhile because we plan to return at least a few times this season. The park is nonprofit, and membership is tax-deductible. Benefits include 20% off food (which you pretty much have to buy anyway) and souvenirs, as well as free parking ($10 a pop). So even with the apparent high cost, it might make sense to take the plunge.

We love this place and will go back for at least the next couple of years.