Children who aren't exposed to early nature education can never develop important life skills such as photosynthesis and how to attract bees. Teach your family the natural facts with today’s Groupon: for $22, you get one single-day ticket to Gilroy Gardens (a $30 value in advance, up to a $45 value at the door).

Gilroy Gardens weaves thrilling rides and the wonders of nature into a child-oriented, horticulture-themed amusement park. More than 21 rides combine adrenaline with plant life, including mushroom-shaped flying swings, tilt-a-whirl-style spinning garlic cloves, and the Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster (whose dips and turns wind around 600 majestic trees). Drive a lavender 1920s roadster or a ’50s Chevy through the South County Backroads attraction, comprising acres of meticulously landscaped grounds and 300 mature trees, or climb aboard the ornate 1927 Illions Supreme Carousel, with 1,200 lights, 64 beveled glass mirrors, and 144 figurines for riding or befriending.

Those who prefer to wander on their own two feet can visit Gilroy Gardens’ prized circus trees featuring grafted trunks and branches that create unusual shapes such as hearts, spirals, baskets, and Truman Capote. The park's amusements and expansive gardens are open seven days per week until August 19, when the hours transition to a weekend-only schedule.