Adventure City552

There is little room for doubt that the local Disney theme parks and Knott's Berry Farm are world-class fun centers. But for the 10-and-under set, and their parents, Adventure City may be the best all-around amusement park experience.

Adventure City is small, inexpensive, and packed with young-kid oriented rides and attractions. Residing in the Hobby City shopping complex, the two-plus acre park presents nine rides, including the miniature train (a replica of a 1936 steam engine), a vintage carousel, and an airplane ride.

There's a relatively gentle roller coaster, though it still might scare some toddlers. All kids will get a kick out of the Rescue Ride fire engine, which allows young ones to dress up in hats and drive their parents around.

The park also features a classic arcade, a hands-on Thomas the Tank Engine train set, and an outdoor theater where kids are treated to delightful, and sometimes educational, shows.

Other special attractions include the petting farm and the Mount Adventure climbing apparatus, which pits older kids against a mountain replica.

Food is cheap and edible, which is good news since you're not allowed to bring in your own grub. The bathrooms are clean and well equipped for diaper care.

Adventure City also hosts parties. For $199 (plus tax), you can entertain 10 guests with the park's rides, a party room, and food, among other features. Best of all, your child gets to be the engineer on the miniature train! Additional party guests are $16.95 for each child and $9.95 for each adult.

Admission prices for Adventure City are inexpensive by theme park standards and include unlimited use of all rides, shows, and attractions except the climbing wall and arcade. Those with AAA cards can receive a 10% discount on each ticket for up to six people.

The park is open all year long, but the hours vary, depending on the season. In the summer, the hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 11am-7pm. In the winter and spring, Adventure City welcomes visitors on weekends and selected holidays for the following schedule: Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 11am-7pm.

While there's lots to do at Adventure City, this is such a manageable place that great fun can be had without extra stress and exhaustion.