Is Great America Appropriate for My 19 Month Old Daughter

I think you are right...she is to young. Its to busy there with all the kids out of school too... what about pixi playland in Concord.Much more age appropriate...and fun for her.

hope all works out ok...

Ok, ya not at all! What is he going to do there- she can't go on any of the rides, and it is dirty and hot. Maybe you could talk him out of it by offering something else he wants (hee hee like a toddler)

No, but park rules should keep her out of jeopardy. There are minimum height requirements for most if not all of the rides. He won't get to go on the rides, either, unless he is bringing along someone else to watch her!

Best wishes!

If he really wanted to take her somewhere, Happy Hollow in San Jose is a good choice. Who is he going with? who is going to watch your baby while he goes on all the adult rides?

He should take her to Gilroy Gardens. There are many rides she can go on, shaded areas, and water features. It is an amusement park designed for the 12yrs and under crowd. Great America has a children's area but it mostly known for the coasters. Gilroy is a nice park to just walk around too and is usually not that crowded so she won't have to spend the whole day strapped into a stroller. I would suggest this to him.

I am happy to hear he is present in her life somehow, trying to come up with something to do. if he is a sober, providing, ethical, kind and appropriate person, he may just need some coaching and support on child age appropriate places and also how simple is always better.

I know this is going to be hard but out of love for your daughter and to encourage him, I would get a binder...get all of the brochures, maps and even coupons for kids, a few copies of Bay Area Parent...
A list of discovery museums, parks, free days, Gilroy Gardens, Parades, Fairs, Festivals.
A list of PARKS, BEACHES, LAKES
A life jacket, Sunscreen
A little Park Kit (shovels, sand toys )

This is what we do in Marriage and think it just helps in Divorce. I wish my parents had those skills and in retrospect, they do too.. I know it does not feel the same but it is always for the children. I would not give it to him but tell him you made it and he is open to check it out, borrow it...If he wants it great. I would not prescribe it to him because it may provoke some issues but just let him know if he wants to..and ask if he has ideas...including Great America...

This is encouragement. Great modeling for your daughter.

I would encourage you to ask him to take pictures and notes..she needs positive memories.

I am sorry you are in this situation.

Unless your ex has exhibited inappropriate behavior or mental health issues, you will need to let him be the Dad. If you continually question or challenge him, it will make the situation more difficult for you. If he wants to take her to Great America, it is his right. Pack what you think your daughter will need (sunscreen, hat, change of clothes) and then tell her to have fun. Even if she ends up people watching, it is an outing with her father and time to bond with him. Pick your battles - Great America is not one of them.

Great America would not be a good place for a 19 month old. Your husband would be better off going somewhere like Marine World or Sea World where there are rides and lots of animals for her too. Good luck!

W.

Why would it be inappropriate??? People take their little ones to places like Disneyland, Santa Cruz, and so forth?? I mean yeah she cant go on many rides But think of all the new things that will stimulate her ever so learning Brain. There is music, new smells, sounds and as long as she has Sunblock, shade and water/food. She should have a blast! I took my 11 month old to Disneyland and she enjoyed being out side and being with our family! So My answer is Sure!!!!

Dear L.,
I know how hard it is to have a cruddy ex and at 14, my son is still very much a "show thing" for his dad. My son is an amazing human being and his dad likes to think it's a reflection on him, when I am the one who has raised my son with morals and integrity. But you know what? All that matters is that my son has a good foundation and yes, he enjoys time with his father. He genuinely enjoys it so I would never take that away from him.
I think getting to go to Great America would be perfectly fine. When I was married, we took our kids to Disneyland while my son was still nursing. Does he remember it? No. But, he had a wonderful time while we were there. I mean, what would be the difference if your ex wanted to take your daughter to the State Fair? You see lots of babies in those places. I don't think it harms them to stroll around and see people and things.
She might have a blast! If she becomes fussy or overstimulated, then he will obviously have to deal with it, but I don't think you can assume the worse will automatically happen.
You have to ask yourself: If you and Dad were still together, would you think going to Great America for a day was inappropriate? Would you honestly never consider going somewhere like that for a day if your parents wanted to take the baby there?
I'm not defending your ex because I don't know him, but he's not going to be allowed to do anything age inappropriate with her. He can win her a stuffed animal, take her on the carousel, listen to music...
I know it's hard when you have a baby to worry that Dad will do what's best and safe. I left my husband when my son was your daughter's age. But, in my opinion, spending a day at a carnival or Great America won't harm her, just like it doesn't harm any of the other thousands of babies that go with intact families.
Make sure he has a little bonnet and some sunscreen for her...plenty of diapers, and let them have fun. Find something for you to do that day and try not to worry so much.
If it's true that he thinks of her as a toy, he will realize, as he should, that babies are work. But give him a chance. Lord knows my own father wasn't perfect and didn't always treat my mother right, but he and I had a bond that lasted until the day he passed away last September 1. I was his Angel. He taught me how to fish, he taught me how to drive a stick shift at 8 years old, (which is wildly inappropriate, but that was 40 years ago when kids that age were driving tractors)....
Unless your ex is abusing your baby in any way, let her have the chance to love her dad. I know you love her, and I know you won't regret it in the long run.
My ex is almost 60. My dad was only 68 when he passed away. My son is 14 and I find myself worrying what he will go through if he only has 8 more years with his father. Regardless of what my ex has done to me or how I feel about him, I want my son to have all the time he can get with his dad. My son loves me a thousand times more because of it.

Hang in there. Let go a little. You've got 17 years of trying to make this work for the benefit of your daughter ahead of you and it goes by so very quickly.

I wish you the very best.

P.S. My daughter is 10 years older than my son.
I never once thought it was inappropriate to take her places and travel with my son when he was a baby. Maybe that's just me, but my son was so used to going that he was never any trouble.
And he loves travelling to this day.

Hi L.,
I too don't think is appropriate. The park is too crowded and too noisy for 19 month old.

Hi L., yes, I think it is age appropriate. Not only do they have 2 huge sections that are designed for the little ones, but they also have the water area and shows. Adults can go on the kiddie rides. She will have fun.

The pros and cons have been covered. My suggestion is that you have a talk with him, pointing out some of these. Give him the perspective of what she will or will not get out of it, and the limitations it will put on his enjoyment of the park. Then suggest that he might want to save Great America for a time when he can go with older friends of his, take her someplace a bit more age appropriate for her now, and in a year or two plan a trip to Great America with her. I think if you can have a conversation with him that is based on you being concerned for his best interests as well as hers, you have a better chance of getting through to him on what you think is best.

L.,

No, its not appropriate. She should be way older before going there! What is he planning on doing with her there? I would encourage you to tell him to take her somewhere else.

Good luck!

Molly

Frankly, I don't think Great America is appropriate for any one, especially at the price. For a 19 month old, I would recommend a petting zoo (the Oakland Zoo used to have one, and it has rides, too, if that's your ex's level of entertainment), or a little farm type of place.

That being said, you may not be able to influence what he does with her, just try to undo the damage later...

NO! If your talking about the one in Santa Clara there's a better place close by. Suggest Gilroy Gardens. GA has the Nickelodean area, but that's it. Plus it's not family friendly as far as the entire atmosphere. Gilroy Gardens is a wonderful SAFE place for young ones and there family. When suggesting GG ask what he thinks GA would have for her. Do your research on GG and have a list of things that you know she will have fun doing. Like the butterfly garden and the rides are geared to her age.
Good luck!

Gilroy Gardens is better.

Sounds like you are in the same situation I have been in with my ex. There maybe some rides now that she can go on in the kiddy area but he will not be able to enjoy all the adult rides while she is with him. My ex has done the same thing and really there wasn't much I could do because while my son was with him it was his parenting time and I could not tell him what to do during it either unless it involved drugs and alcohol. I was even told that by the court. All I can really say is to pray that he changes his mind or maybe that is a mutual friend that can help change his mind. I will also warn you that it really doesn't stop there with some men (ex's) Mine could never put sun block on my son while they were out but thank goodness that he has the darker skin like me but I still had to deal with a sunburt child and he is 7 now but 11 months old when I left and divorced my husband.

I know they have a childrens area, but she is too little to remember the trip and a smaller amusement park would be cheaper and more aporpriate. If he wants to waste the price of a ticket let him. He will not be able to ride any of the large attractions as she will not be allowed on them. He may just have to learn this on his own.
J.

No it is not apropriate at her age and your ex will find that she is too little to go on most things so unless someone else is going to take care of your daughter he will not be able to go on the things he wants to go on either.

Hello L.: There will be little a child can do at Great America, so you don't have to worry about the dangerous rides. She will enjoy the cartoon characters & just being with him. Let him discover that the Montery Aquarium might be a better choice the next time because at 19 months there is some pretty fun things for them to see and watch. But it is his lesson to learn.
If it is his time with his daughter then he gets to choose how to spend it. You may not get the choice of making or controlling decisions for him. At least he is spending time with his daughter. I know far to many single moms that have not seen the guy since he was told of the child coming! or once divorced the father just is not interested. So please accept that as parents that are not a couple- you won't have to agree on everything except that you love your child and move beyond the other feelings that you have about one another. Good Luck, Nana G

My impression of Great America is that it is a lot of fast rides that you have be at least so tall to get on to. I would think your ex would feel burdened by taking a 1.5 year old child to such a place because he won't be able to go on any rides with her. They have height requirements and they won't let you on the ride if you are not tall enough. I don't think it is any risk to the child, because the park is careful about not letting stupid people do stupid things (like take babies on roller coasters.) Perhaps I'm not familiar enough with the park - maybe there are some areas for very young children that I don't know about - in which case that is fine. If I were you I would call up Great America or do some research and find out if there are any appropriate activities for a 19 month old there. People must bring them all the time - so that the older children can go on the rides - while one parent waits with the kid. It's not harmful. Sounds like you are just nervous in general about your ex's judgement - which I can totally understand.

Hi L.,

We just returned from 3 days at 6 Flags which is comparable to Great America. My answer is NO, NO, NO - Not for a 19 month old child. We took our 15 year old daughter and her friend recently and they had a grand time riding the rides - our girl was chosen to participate in the dolphin show and that was great. But a baby? What is he thinking? She is not a toy and it is your job as her mother to protect her. I know you will make the right decision and I really wish you well. Being a Mom is the greatest Gift and Job you will ever have!
Be strong!
Patti B

No. GILROY GARDENS is much better. We took our grandsons, ages 3 and 1 and they had a great time. Gilroy Gardens is really perfect for toddlers and young children. You also have less people overall and less older children & teenagers running around.

Hey L.,
It's been awhile since I've been there. I have an 18 mos. old and it wouldn't dawn on me to take him there. I'd say Marine World would be better, but I'd still think it was a waste of $ at such a young age. Heck, why not just let him take her there? It's not a dangerous place. He'll probably get annoyed that there isn't much for him to do w/ his child. It's not like he can jump on rides himself! Pick your battles.....

While there are many attractions and rides at Great America for smaller kids, I'd think that most of them are too overwhelming for an under two year old. I personally would wait until a child was at least three to take them to a theme park like that.

I think COLLEEN'S idea about encouraging him to take pictures is a great idea. You might even get one of those disposable cameras for them and tell your child's dad you would like pictures of your daughter on her first trip to Great America! He will probably be surprised at your positive attitude and maybe this will be the turning point it your relationship as single parents.

“He always thinks of himself not her. Am I crazy?”

Dear L.,

No, you’re not crazy. Hurt feelings, disappointment, the possibility that your former husband may be going places with another woman, coupled with and the fact that you don’t have 100% control of what goes on with you child when she is with her father is probably what you are dealing with.

If he’s taking a child her age to an amusement park, he will have to think about her because she will need feeding, changing and being looked after. He will have to go to the toddler areas because she’s too little to go on any of the big rides.

Sounds like he’s moved on with his life. Why don’t you take the time to pamper yourself a little while your daughter visit with her dad?

Blessings…….

This is a hard one because I went on their website recently because I was questioning what we could do with our almost 3 year old there. There are a few things for toddlers, and while I don't think it would be completely appropriate, it would be an experience for both of them. Good or bad experience is up to the 3 of you :)

My 2 cents:

If you are looking for people to agree with you against your ex, you're gonna get it (and from the few responses I skimmed, you did)

However if you're smart,you could possibly use this as an enlightening experience for her dad. If he takes her there, there is not going to be too many rides he can ride on, and it wont be as fun for him! Plus she's gonna get tired at some point and probably get cranky and/or have a meltdown.

Your issue at this point should be on how to minimize the effect on her (fighting with her dad is NOT good for her). Simply, calmly & rationally, remind him that there are a number of rides that little kids can't ride on (and for good reason) and that she (all little kids) need a lull and calmness (esp right around naptime) and that being well hydrated & fed helps the body immensely (this goes for adults as well!!) in dealing with long day, wild rides, fatigue, over-stimulation, etc.
So, give him some suggestions or tips (not orders!) that will allow him to have the fun rides with her, and help her handle them better so that he won't have to deal with meltdowns and get frustrated with her. Things like bring water, snack food that's easy on the tummy and nourishing (to counteract the fun fair food you know he's gonna get her because to him it's part of the experience) and so on.

If you still feel strongly about not going to Great America, suggest delaying this until she is old enough to remember & enjoy it, and suggest a fun alternative. Don't just nix whatever he suggests - he just might be suggesting this because he wants to do something fun but doesnt know what else to do, because he has fun memories (or some friend took their kids there), or simply because he knows it will make you froth at the mouth. (Don't give him the pleasure of getting you riled up, just be a teammate, not an opponent in the responsibility of rearing your daughter.)

I don't think it is inappropriate at all. She will have a great time. We took our little one to Disneyland and Six Flags when he was about her age, and he had a fantastic time. Just be happy that your ex wants to do something fun with his daughter!

There are very few rides that your daughter can get on, but there are some fun ones... but if you take swimming gear, you can go to Boomerang Bay which is like a water park attached to Great America... There are lots of areas that she can explore there, but as far as rides it is limited... I just took my 19 month old daughter there last month.

Hi L.,
I agree with you. Great America is geared toward older children and Teenagers. I don't think there are too many rides for age/size.
I think the old name Marine World (can't remember the new name, in Vallejo would be more age appriopate for her. I believe they have things for her to see and participate in. You can go on line and check it out.
Sorry to hear your ex is difficult, he really needs to put your daughter's safety first. I think you should tell him that.

L.,
I think that it depends on what they have to offer her and what she is interested in. I recently took my 20 month old and my 8 month old to siz flags.. My 20 month old really enjoyed herself, even moreso then i thought she would! We mainly went for the shows though. I haven't been to GA in years and don't know what they have to offer the kids this young. Do what you feel is in her best interest.

Good Luck hun,
C.
Helping Moms work from home
www.AtHome4MyGirls.com

There's a lot more to Great American than roller coasters. There's shows, there's a whole Nick Jr area, there is a carousel, there's Nick characters that walk around the park. No different than Disneyland really. So NO it's not inappropriate.

As another poster said .. he won't be able to ride the roller coasters but like I said there's more to Great American than just Roller Coasters. I think it's fine .. heck I've taken my kids to all kinds of amusement parks ... I think my daughter was around 10 months old the first time we took her to Disneyland.

Hi L.,

Sorry to not agree :O), your Ex is not only thinking of himself. There is alot of things she will enjoy.

He needs to be prepared for changing clothes. Lots of Parks have added small water areas for toddler to run through WITH SHOES. Even though I haven't been to Great America in a long time, I bet they're one of the Parks.

That with suncreen, a sippy cup, and a reclining stroller, and he'll be set to go :O)

She will have fun, not to worry :O)

~N.

We used to take our kids there when they were that age. This is a number of years ago, but they had a nice children's play area. It's rather expensive, and either Happy Hollow or Gilroy Gardens would be cheaper, but any one of them would a lot of fun for your daughter. Your ex won't be allowed to take her on the adult rides so unless you seriously think he would leave her unattended while he rode, I would let her go. Pack her necessities, and let him learn something about being a father.

i would not take even a 2 year old to great america. the things there are not geared for children that young. have him take her to happy hollow or the park to play. tell him to save the experience with her till she is old enough to enjoy it and remember it. good luck.

I have a friend who recommended it to me for my two kids. I have a 4 year old and a 17 month old. She said it was perfect for both kids. She takes her children there multiple times during the summer and she has two young ones. THey have a water park suitable for little kids and she said it was a place that both kids could play together, even with only one parent around. I have never been there, but I don't think this is a battle you should pick with your ex. Since she is so young, there doesn't need to be that many rides to even entertain her. Just walking around and looking at stuff would be thrilling for her. Yes, Gilroy Gardens may have more stuff and you could recommend it, but if he wants to take her to Great America, why not? I am sure it will be fun for the both of them. He can't JUST be thinking about himself, because he can't ride the rides if he has your daughter with him. So he will just have a good time walking around and taking her to the things that she can ride. I am sure your daughter will enjoy it. I hope you can let this one go and allow your ex to enjoy a day out with his daughter. If it turns out that there is not many rides for young kids, then he can just learn the hard way. Best of luck to you!

There are probably things he could do with her, but I would look at the web sight to see if they have anything age appropriate.

Anyone who has compared this to taking a child to Disneyland-well G.A. is totally different. It is mainly roller coasters where as Disneyland is created for children and adults.

I have said I will not go to G.A. until my kids are at an age and height that they could ride rides, because that is what you go there for-so honestly I am with you on-what is he going to do with her there. Look into the web sight and maybe they have info on if they have age appropriate stuff. If not I would talk to him about what he is going to do with her if he wants to ride the rides.