Great Escape: Deals on Local Amusement Parks and Museums

Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer break. But even though most of the kids have returned to school, it's hard to get back in the mood.

So before we get too entrenched in schoolwork, and if you already miss the kids, it’s still possible to get in on some last-minute weekend fun at local amusement parks and museums.

Smithsonian Museum Day 

Deal:  Get one ticket per household for two people for free admission to one of the participating museums, excluding parking and special events and exhibits. Ticket must be printed/downloaded from the Smithsonian Museum Day site. Be sure to get tickets early as the site becomes very busy on the Friday before. 

Participating museums: Bedford Gallery, Blackhawk Museum, California Historical Society, Cartoon Art Museum of California, Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, Curi Odyssey, Hiller Aviation Museum, The Lace Museum, Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles, Monterey Museum of art, Museum of Craft and folk Art, Museum of Vision, Napa County Historical Society, Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum, Richmond Museum of History and Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.

This offer is posted early so you too can plan ahead.

Valid on: Sept. 24

California’s Great America, Winchester Mystery House, Roaring Camp Railroads by Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce & Convention & Visitors Bureau

Deal:  Get discounted tickets to California’s Great America, Winchester Mystery House and Roaring Camp Railroads. Examples: $33 for regular admission to Great America (reg. $54.99) and $21 for Mansion Tour at Winchester Mystery House (reg. $30)   

Tickets must be purchased in person at the office of Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau. Phone: 800-272-6822.

Valid to: Ongoing; call for details.

Raging Waters 

Deal: $5 off ticket by purchasing tickets online or buy a season pass for 2011/2012 season and the rest of 2011 is free. Price: $49.99. Raging Waters is open weekends including Labor Day through Sept. 18.

This offer is posted early so you too can plan ahead.

Valid to: Sept. 18

Gilroy Gardens

Deal: Get the 2011 season on Public Operating Days FREE if you purchase a 2011 single-day admission. Must pre-purchase ticket online and print e-ticket.

OR purchase Online Special one-day ticket for $29.99 (reg. $44.99)

Parking of $10 is not included with these offers. 2011 Season ends on November 27.

This offer is posted early so you too can plan ahead.

Valid to: Ongoing to end of season; contact office for details.