There are many great things to do in San Jose. The city is the anchor of the San Francisco Bay Area's Silicon Valley region, known around the world as a major hub for innovation and technology. Children's playgrounds abound, with many parks offering separate play areas for older and younger children. Kelley Park is home to more than 32 preserved historic buildings within its History Park section. Explore these wonderful parks on your weekend getaway in California.
1. Almaden Lake Park
Almaden Lake Park is a gorgeous 65-acre recreational area anchored around its names 32-acre lake, which serves as a popular seasonal fishing spot for San José residents with valid California fishing permits. The park, which is open to the public each day between 8:30am and dusk, offers opportunities to rent pedal boats for exploration of the lake's waters throughout the summer months. Visitors should note that personal boats and watercrafts are not currently permitted on the lake due to California's drought concerns. The park is connected via the 3.9-mile Los Alamitos Creek Trail to adjacent Santa Teresa County Park, which is home to a public fitness course.
6099 Winfield Blvd, San José, CA 95120, Phone: 408-277-5130
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2. Berryessa Creek Park
Berryessa Creek Park is a charming 13.5-acre regional park in northeastern San José, located near Milpitas. The park is anchored around its namesake seasonal creek, which spawns tributaries such as Piedmont, Calera, and Penitencia Creek and collects urban runoff throughout the summer months. Two children's playgrounds are offered at the park, including a safe play space for young children up to age five and a livelier playground for children up to the age of 12. ADA-accessible swings are offered, along with a softball field, soccer field, and exercise course. Day-use picnic sites are also available, with barbecue grills offered on a first come, first served basis.
1855 Majestic Way, San José, CA 95132, Phone: 408-535-3570
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3. Cahalan Park, San Jose, California
Cahalan Park is a lovely 9.5-acre neighborhood park in San José's eastern region, offering a wide variety of park amenities for families and children to enjoy throughout the summer months. Two separate children's playgrounds are offered, including a safe play area for children up to the age of five and a more active playground to be enjoyed by children ages five through 12. Play equipment includes swings, slides, and a tire swing, with a variety of sporting courts open to the public, including basketball, tennis, and softball fields and a multipurpose turf. First come, first served picnic sites are offered for visitor use, with several barbecue pits available for food preparation. The park's Homeward Shelter is also available for private special event rental.
770 Pearlwood Way, San José, CA 95123, Phone: 408-535-3570
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4. Canyon Creek Park
Canyon Creek Park is a delightful 37-acre park located adjacent to the Evergreen Community Center, bordered by the Hillstone Development and Thompson Creek. A developed community park area spans 1.2 acres near Larkspur Canyon Drive, with extensive areas of open space remaining undeveloped. Visitors can enjoy use of a children's play area, which offers separate equipment for younger and older children, including bucket swings and climbing equipment. A lovely globe-esque water fountain is a popular spot for children and families to play, while large grassy areas provide space for picnics and pickup sporting games. Lovely city views are offered from the top of the park's hill, including excellent vantage points for Fourth of July fireworks viewing.
Larkspur Canyon Drive & Trinity Hills Court, San José, CA 95138, Phone: 408-793-5510
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5. Edenvale Gardens Regional Park
Edenvale Gardens Regional Park is a spacious 19.5-acre public park located on the grounds of the 1891 Hayes Mansion, a designated National Historic Landmark since 1975. The Hayes estate was once home to more than 646 acres of orchards and farmland, producing a wide variety of fruit, vegetable, and nut crops throughout the year. During the mid-2oth century, the estate was home to the Frontier Village amusement park. Following the park's closing, the estate's lands were purchased by the City of San José in 1987 for the purposes of creating a public community park. Today, the park is home to two age-separated children's playground areas, along with basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts and day-use picnic sites with barbecue grills.
200 Edenvale Ave, San José, CA 95136, Phone: 408-793-5510
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6. Emma Prusch Farm Park, San Jose, California
Emma Prusch Farm Park is a unique 43.5-acre public park in East San José, originally opened to the public in 1962 after its lands were donated to the city by regional resident Emma Prusch. The park preserves the former farm homestead of Prusch's as a living history museum, which showcases the largest preserved barn in the city, open to use by the region's 4-H groups and Future Farmers of America nonprotfit organization chapter for the purposes of raising urban livestock. A rare fruit orchard showcases more than 125 rare tree species, overseen by the California Rare Fruit Growers Association. Other attractions include a sustainable urban agricultural community farm known as Veggielution. Each October, visitors can attend the annual Harvest Festival at the park, which offers a 4-H animal show, wagon rides, and a variety of live performances.
647 King Rd, San José, CA 95116, Phone: 408-794-6262
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7. San Jose Parks: Falls Creek Park
Falls Creek Park is a lovely 1.07-acre neighborhood park in San José, offering a wide variety of play equipment and park amenities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Two separate play areas are offered for visitors with children, including play structures for older and younger children and a set of baby swings. Day-use picnic tables are available on a first come, first served basis, available for birthday parties and relaxing with lunches on warm days. Visitors should note that no barbecue grills, fire pits, or public restrooms are offered at the park. Ample bench space is offered for parents to sit and watch children at play, and a large grassy field offers additional opportunities for free play.
4673 Batten Way, San José, CA 95135, Phone: 408-535-3570
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8. Foothill Park
Foothill Park is a sparse but spacious 6.9-acre public park located at the edge of the Santa Teresa Foothills, offering stunning views of the surrounding Blossom Valley. The park is home to a walking trail that follows alongside the Coyote-Alamitos Canal, which moves water between the Los Alamitos and Coyote Creeks and protects the region from hill runoff. Visitors can pick up the park's trail at the intersection of Foothill Drive and Cahalan Avenue and walk for more than one mile, with an additional dirt bike trail area that continues on past another foothill toward nearby Almaden Lake. The park is an excellent hiking route for visitors with children in tow due to its lack of trail obstacles and dramatic elevation changes. Each year, the park serves as an excellent spot for viewing the city's Fourth of July fireworks.
6209 Cahalan Ave, San José, CA 95123, Phone: 408-535-3570
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9. Fowler Creek Park
Fowler Creek Park is a charming 9.5-acre neighborhood park offering beautiful panoramic views of San José's skyline. The park is home to a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages, including two children's playgrounds divided by age group and a seasonal children's water play area. Fall risks are minimized at both playgrounds by rubber flooring covering the play area's tanbark surface. Three tennis courts and two bocce ball courts are available for visitor use, along with a number of day-use and reservable picnic sites with barbecue grills. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the park hosts the Evergreen Farmers Market.
Altia Ave & Cortona Dr, San José, CA 95135, Phone: 408-535-3570
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10. Frank M. Santana Park, San Jose, California
Frank M. Santana Park is a lovely neighborhood park spanning 5.3 acres along South Monroe Street, home to ample shaded areas and large open spaces perfect for stretching out and relaxing or playing. A children's playground at the park offers climbing and play structures best geared to children ages five to 12, with a number of day-use picnic sites and barbecue grills available on a first come, first served basis. A softball field is also available for visitor use, along with a cement pathway that offers jogging and walking opportunities around the park's perimeter. Nearby, one of the city's most upscale shopping districts offers a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops.
511 S Monroe St, San José, CA 95128, Phone: 408-793-5510, (website link)
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11. Guadalupe River Park
Guadalupe River Park is home to more than 2.6 miles of walking and cycling trails, known for the wide variety of outdoor seasonal recreational opportunities it offers to San José citizens. Several large open spaces are offered throughout the park, including the Arena Green, the Discovery Meadow, and Confluence East, which all preserve sensitive ecological areas. The park's Heritage Rose Garden is home to plantings of more than 3,700 gorgeous roses, while its Courtyard Garden serves as a showcase for drought-resistant plants and landscaping techniques. Visitors can also enjoy play at the world's largest Monopoly board, which allows groups to rent tokes for communal game play.
438 Coleman Ave, San José, CA 95110, Phone: 408-298-7657
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12. San Jose Parks: Hester Park
Hester Park is a tiny public park facility located adjacent to the facilities of San José's Rosicrucian Museum and Rose Garden and Library. The hidden-away park is home to two children's playgrounds divided by age group, which feature swings, several climbing structures, and a climbing wall. Day-use picnic sites at the park allow families to bring lunches and relax together, available on a first come, first served basis. Ample shade is offered throughout the park, keeping it cool and out of direct sunlight for young ones to play. A soccer field at the park is available for use by permit. Visitors should note that no restrooms are offered at the park and should plan accordingly when visiting with children.
1578 Naglee Ave, San José, CA 95126, Phone: 408-535-3570
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13. Kelley Park
Kelley Park is an expansive urban park located on the former estate of San José city mayor Judge Lawrence Archer, stretching for more than 172 acres. The park is home to a plethora of family-friendly attractions, including a charming Japanese friendship garden with koi ponds and the lively Happy Hollow Park and Zoo facility. At the park's free-admission History Park living history facility, visitors can explore 32 preserved and replica area buildings and landmarks, meant to represent the city's 19th and 20th century history. Historical exhibits and demonstrations are showcased daily, including a collection of rotating art exhibits showcased at the park's Arbuckle and Leonard & David McKay Galleries. Other attractions include the restored O'Brien's Ice Cream Parlor and Candy Shop, which serves up milkshakes and other turn-of-the-century-era delights.
1300 Senter Rd, San José, CA 95112, Phone: 408-794-7275
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14. La Colina Park, San Jose, California
La Colina Park is an expansive 25.5-acre public park in San José that serves as the home park for one of the city's popular flag football leagues. The park, which is home to a number of small hills offering panoramic views of the city's skyline, offers two children's playgrounds divided by age, accessible for use by children up to the age of 12. A seasonal children's water play area is also offered, along with a permit-use soccer field available for reservation. Visitors can enjoy a number of first come, first served day-use picnic sites, with some offering barbecue grills and shaded wooden patios. A lovely walking trail at the park ascends a hill behind the playground area, peaking at a scenic plateau.
6100-, 6138 Ansdell Way, San José, CA 95123, Phone: 408-793-5510
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15. Los Paseos Park
Los Paseos Park is a spacious 10.8-acre public park in San José, offering a 0.25-mile decomposed granite track that is popularly used as a running and jogging site for exercise enthusiasts. A fitness course is also available, along with a multipurpose turf used for exercise and sporting play. Four lighted tennis courts are offered for visitor use, along with several large grassy fields that are commonly used for baseball, soccer, and softball games. Two children's playgrounds are divided by age, with safe play spaces available for young children under the age of five and more active equipment available for children up to the age of 12. Day-use picnic sites are also offered, including reservable sites with barbecue grills. Other amenities include public restrooms and a number of benches for parents to sit on and observe play.
San José, CA 95139, Phone: 408-535-3570
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16. Mayfair Park, San Jose, California
Mayfair Park is a lively six-acre public park located adjacent to San José's Mayfair Community Center, both of which are surrounded by lush greenery which creates a secluded feel despite the park's urban location. A wide variety of park amenities are offered for visitors of all ages, including divided children's playgrounds available for use by children up to the age of 12 and a seasonal children's pool and spray pad with fountain features. A skate park area is offered adjacent to the park's pool, along with a community garden open to public use. A wide variety of public special events are held at the park throughout the year, including an annual Camp San José summer camp for area youth.
2039 Kammerer Ave, San José, CA 95116, Phone: 408-535-3570
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17. San Jose Parks: Parma Park
Parma Park is a community neighborhood playground spanning 4.5 acres near the Almaden Library along Camden Avenue. The park is home to a wide variety of children's play structures, including two age-separated playgrounds accessible to children ages two to 12. A sandbox play area within the younger children's playground is designed in a mining theme, paying homage to the Almaden Quicksilver mines, while a rock climbing wall offers unique opportunities for young children to try their hands at safe climbing experiences. Two seasonal water play areas are also offered, along with a baseball diamond, soccer field, and a shaded outdoor reading area showcasing ardenwood trees and decorative statues. Day-use picnic sites are offered on a first come, first served basis.
6409 Camden Ave, San José, CA 95120, Phone: 408-793-5510
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18. Penitencia Creek County Park
Penitencia Creek County Park is a wide and rolling green space park spanning 38 acres throughout San José, located adjacent to the Berryessa Community Center. The park offers gorgeous city views from a mile-long trail that surrounds a small lake, which is shaded by thick palm trees and home to substantial populations of geese. Children's playground areas are available for use by youngsters ages two to 12, with separate play areas offered for younger and older children. Play features include a bouncy bridge, slides, and swings. Baseball and softball fields are available for visitor day use, along with a number of first come, first served picnic areas. Other public amenities include dog-friendly areas, public restrooms, and a spacious parking lot.
3050 Berryessa Rd, San José, CA 95132, Phone: 408-535-3570
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19. Rosemary Gardens Park
Rosemary Gardens Park is a lovely 1.3-acre public park that is home to a unique circular concrete walkway, serving as a popular spot for area residents to stroll in the evenings and enjoy beautiful sunset views. An exercise course is available for visitor use, along with a bocce ball court available for reservation. Children's play areas include a charming playground best used by children ages two to five, featuring a twisting slide, toddler swings, and bouncing play equipment. Throughout the summer months, a children's splash pad and water play area is operated. First come, first served day-use picnic tables are available, some with barbecue grills for food preparation. Other amenities include a small dog run available for community use. Visitors should note that there are no public restrooms at the park and should plan accordingly when visiting with children in tow.
161 Sonora Ave, San José, CA 95110, Phone: 408-793-5510
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20. Ryland Park
Ryland Park is a delightful 3.2-acre public park that is home to a seasonal children's pool, spanning in depth from two to four feet. Lifeguards are staffed on duty at the pool throughout the summer months, with life jackets available for children's use and water toys permitted within the pool with lifeguard approval. Children's playgrounds are available for young visitors ages two to 12, with climbing features, slides, swings, and safe play surfaces for young children. Separate large and small dog play areas are offered at the park's dog park facility, with ample bench space offered for observing both children and dogs at play. Visitors can also use the park's exercise course, basketball court, and chess tables, along with a number of first come, first served picnic sites.
First Street & Fox Avenue, San José, CA 95112
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21. San Tomas Park, San Jose, California
San Tomas Park is a compact but lively 4.8-acre public park in Campbell that is open to visitors of all ages, including parkgoers with four-legged friends in tow. The park, which is located along San José's western end, offers two children's playgrounds for youngsters ages two to 12, with safe play equipment for younger children and active equipment for livelier play for older children. A children's water play feature is also operated throughout the summer months, and a large grassy field area offers benches and ample space to stretch out and relax. A circular track at the park offers opportunities for walking and jogging, while two basketball courts are reserved for sporting activity. First come, first served picnic sites offer barbecue grills and public restroom facilities.
Valerie Dr & Eva Ct, Campbell, CA 95008, Phone: 408-793-5510
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22. Saratoga Creek Park
Saratoga Creek Park is a charming one-acre park in West San José near Saratoga Creek, known as a popular gathering spot for parent groups with children in tow. The park, which is located at the intersection of Cordelia Avenue and Hoyet Drive, offers two separate children's play areas divided by age group, with safe play experiences available for children ages two to five and active play available for children up to the age of 12. Play equipment includes swings, slides, seesaws, and a sand play area. Three public exercise courses are also offered, as well as a dog play area that provides separate off-leash play areas for large and small breeds. Day-use picnic sites with barbecue grills and restrooms are available for visitor use, along with a shaded walking trail.
Cordelia Ave & Hoyet Drive, San José, CA 95129, Phone: 408-793-5510
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23. St. Elizabeth Park, San Jose, California
St. Elizabeth Park is a small 0.7-acre park located on St. Elizabeth Drive in San José, perfect for parents looking to keep an easy close eye on children as they play. Two children's playgrounds at the park offer divided play experiences for older and younger children, with safety features offered for children ages two to five. A large grassy lawn area is also offered for stretching out and enjoying sports and picnics, with ample afternoon shade keeping the park cool and safe for young ones to play throughout the day. A first come, first served picnic area offers space for enjoying meals together, though visitors should note that public restrooms are not offered and should plan accordingly when bringing children.
St Elizabeth Dr, San José, CA 95126
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24. Wallenberg Park
Wallenberg Park is a popular nine-acre community park in San José's Willow Glen neighborhood, named in honor of humanitarian and businessman Raoul Wallenberg. The park is a very popular tennis playing site in the city, offering eight lighted tennis courts for use by area residents and visitors. Two children's playgrounds are separated by age group, while a number of dog-friendly areas allow visitors to bring their four-legged friends for play. Large grassy field areas offer opportunities for soccer and other sporting play. Other park features include a day-use picnic area with barbecue grills, a walking trail, and a lovely community garden along the park's eastern edge.
Curtner Ave & Cottle Ave, San José, CA 95125, Phone: 408-535-3570
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The 25 Best San Jose, California Parks near me today according to local experts:
- 1. Almaden Lake Park
- 2. Berryessa Creek Park
- 3. Cahalan Park, San Jose, California
- 4. Canyon Creek Park
- 5. Edenvale Gardens Regional Park
- 6. Emma Prusch Farm Park, San Jose, California
- 7. San Jose Parks: Falls Creek Park
- 8. Foothill Park
- 9. Fowler Creek Park
- 10. Frank M. Santana Park, San Jose, California
- 11. Guadalupe River Park
- 12. San Jose Parks: Hester Park
- 13. Kelley Park
- 14. La Colina Park, San Jose, California
- 15. Los Paseos Park
- 16. Mayfair Park, San Jose, California
- 17. San Jose Parks: Parma Park
- 18. Penitencia Creek County Park
- 19. Rosemary Gardens Park
- 20. Ryland Park
- 21. San Tomas Park, San Jose, California
- 22. Saratoga Creek Park
- 23. St. Elizabeth Park, San Jose, California
- 24. Wallenberg Park
