Higher, faster, wetter, better: Plan your summertime fun at California's theme parks

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SANTA CRUZ BOARDWALK

Where: 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz

(831) 423-5590 (live operator); (831) 426-7433 (recorded information)

www.beachboardwalk.com

Hours: Opens at noon weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends until Memorial Day weekend, then 11 a.m. daily to Labor Day; closing times vary.

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS

Double Shot: Elevator-drop ride propels riders up 125 feet for a grand view and shoots them back down for a zero-gravity thrill.

Cyclone: A centrifugal journey high above the boardwalk.

Giant Dipper: Classic wooden roller coaster built in 1924 is a National Historic Landmark with thrills.

Carousel: Merry-go-round built in 1911 has 73 hand-carved horses, a working ring dispenser and a 342-pipe Ruth und Sohn band organ.

Casino Arcade: Offers more than 300 video games, laser tag and more.

Boardwalk Bowl: A state-of-the-art bowling alley with a lounge and cafe.

Free Concert Fridays: Starting June 22, bands from the '60s, '70s and '80s will have guests dancing in the sand. Check the Web site for schedule and guidelines.

TIPS

Coupons: Available on Web site.

Essentials: Sunscreen and sweat shirts.

COST

Season pass: $64.95 (when purchased online, includes a free all-day pass for a friend; must purchase 24 hours in advance).

All-day, unlimited rides-plus pass: $28.95 (online price discounted $8, must purchase 24 hours in advance) for all rides and two attractions.

60-ticket strip: $37.95 (good for 10 to 20 rides, depending on choices; rides range from $2.25 to $4.50).

All-day, unlimited-rides wristband: $28.95

SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM

Where: 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom

Hours: Opens 10:30 a.m. weekends through May 27, daily May 28-Sept. 3. Closing times vary from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHAT'S NEW

Land, Sea and Sky: The park gets a face-lift and offers three themed areas. "Land" features the wonders of the jungle, "Sea" showcases marine life, and "Sky" is filled with exhilarating rides.

Kingdom Stage: A new stage near the park entrance where guests can meet animals and trainers.

Explorer Outpost: Sign up here to plan your day and register for extra-cost animal encounters.

Thomas Town: Play area featuring Thomas the Tank Engine opens Memorial Day weekend.

Trainer for a Day: Spend a day working with elephants and dolphins; additional fee.

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS

Medusa: "Floorless" coaster climbs to 150 feet and reaches a top speed of 65 mph.

Spirit of Shouka: Show features Shouka the killer whale performing tricks and splashing the audience.

TIPS

Discounts: Save $10 when you buy online and print tickets at home for $39.99. Children under 48 inches, $29.99.

Don't chill: Bring a sweat shirt or jacket for overcast mornings. Lockers are available for temporary storage.

COST

$49.99 general; $29.99 for children 48 inches tall and under, free for ages 2 and under. Season pass $69.99. Parking $15.

SAN DIEGO ZOO AND WILD ANIMAL PARK

Zoo: Balboa Park, San Diego

www.sandiegozoo.com, (619) 231-1515

Wild Animal Park: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, 35 miles north of the San Diego Zoo and east of Escondido

www.sandiegozoo.com, (760) 747-8702

Hours: Both parks open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer.

WHAT'S NEW

Babies: A sun bear cub joins the 4,000 animals on exhibit at America's most expansive zoo.

Journey Into Africa: Re-themed area of the Wild Animal Park features a revamped lion exhibit, cultural performances and a narrated tram ride through African habitats.

Photo Caravan Safaris: Get up close and personal with rhinos, giraffes and other critters at the Wild Animal Park. Extra charge.

Cheetah Run Safari: Learn about endangered cheetahs and watch from the sidelines as one shows off its speed on a Wild Animal Park lure course. Extra charge.

TIPS

Tram tours: Get oriented to the grounds and exhibits at both parks, included with admission.

Audio tours: Download iZoofari audio tours free from www.sandiegozoo.com before you go.

Plan ahead: Extra-cost activities should be booked in advance.

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