San Jose with Kids

The Tech Interactive, often referred to as ‘The Tech’, is a renowned museum of technology and science in San Jose, California. This Silicon Valley museum is considered to be among the top technology and science museums within the United States.

In 2015 it was awarded the highest honor that any United States museum can receive, the National Medal of Museum and Library Service. The Tech is also home to the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater that features a 4K laser projector. The museum offers a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages, where they can partake in innovation and science labs, as well as enjoy educational IMAX films.

201 South Market Street, San Jose, CA, Phone: 408-294-8324

The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a center for discovery and learning that is located in San Jose, California. At over 50,000 square feet, the sprawling purple museum focuses on serving the needs of schools, families, and children. Ricardo Legorreta, a renowned architect out of Mexico City, designed this striking museum. The museum offers a number of interactive exhibits, educational activities, and impressive art galleries for visitors to enjoy. A half-acre of outdoor space filled with many activities was added to the museum to help introduce nature to the community’s families and children. Some of the museum’s top exhibits include Mammoth Discovery, Secrets of Circles, WaterWays, and the Wonder Cabinet.

180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA, Phone: 408-298-5437

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a modest, 16-acre amusement park and zoo that is located in San Jose, California. The park was established in 1961, it closed briefly from 2008 to 2010 for major renovations. The zoo’s exhibits have been designed to provide secure and safe habitats for all of its animals, while providing the necessary space for species with specific behaviors, such as climbing, jumping, running, resting, etc. The park features several fascinating attractions that include The Crooked House, Doc’s Critter Care, Redwood Lookout, and the Lemur Woods Exhibit. Kids absolutely love the Puppet Theater, where they can catch shows of The Three Pigs, The Elves and the Shoemaker, and The Frog Prince.

748 Story Road, San Jose, CA, Phone: 408-794-7596

Winchester Mystery House, an infamous mansion located in San Jose, is the site of purported paranormal activity. It was at one time the home of Sarah Winchester, whose husband was William Wirt Winchester, the famous firearm magnate. Since 1923, the fascinating story of Sarah and her very peculiar house has captured the imaginations of over 12 million people. They travel from all over the world to come and tour the mansion’s dark passages, lonely hallways, and ornate rooms. Some of the tours include the Mansion Tour, Explore More Tour, and the Video Tour. They also offer seasonal tours; parents can spook their kids at the Hallowe’en Candlelight Tour Experience.

525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose, CA, Phone: 408-247-2000

TheRosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a museum that is devoted to Ancient Egypt, situated in Rosicrucian Park, within the Rose Garden neighborhood of San Jose, California. The museum was established by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis. It is home to the biggest collection of Egyptian artifacts that are displayed on exhibit within Western North America. Children will have the chance to enjoy guided tours via a school trip, or potentially with their families. Kids can also partake in the Junior Archaeologist program, where young people will be introduced to the studies of Egyptology and archaeology. Every visitor should check out the Museum Tomb Tour, Alchemy Garden Tour, and Alchemy Exhibit in 360.

1660 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA, Phone: 408-947-3635

California Great America is a large, 100-acre amusement park that is located in Santa Clara, California. The park was originally built in 1976 by the Marriott Corporation; it is now operated and owned by Cedar Fair. The park is home to several coasters, thrill rides, family rides, kid’s rides, WinterFest rides, and a waterpark. Some of the top kid’s rides include the Character Carousel, Gr8 Sk8, Flying Ace, The Pumpkin Patch, and Snoop’s Space Race. The waterpark is a hit with the kids during the warmer months, there they can splash around in the Boomerang Lagoon, ride the waves at the Great Barrier Reef, and zip down the Tasmanian Typhoon.

4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA, Phone: 408-988-1776

Deer Hollow Farm is a historical ranch that is over 160-years-old and located within the Silicon Valley, in Cupertino, California. The ranch’s mission is to develop and support educational programs that bring awareness to the environment. The farm receives over 100,000 annual visitors each year, 5,000 of which are students from 45 different schools within the Bay Area. The farm offers environmental education programs, a complimentary “living museum,” farm animals, orchard, and demonstration garden. There’s also a nature center equipped with exhibits of plants, animals, and birds. Visitors and children will have the chance to learn about sustainable agriculture; respect for farm animals, wildlife, and land; and the history of Silicon Valley farming.

22500 Cristo Rey Drive, Cupertino, CA, Phone: 650-903-6430

San Jose Museum of Art is an art museum that features revolving exhibitions, located in San Jose, California. The museum celebrates new ideas, inspires connection, and stimulates creativity with every visit. Thought provoking and welcoming, the museum delights its visitors with a playful and surprising perspective on the artists and art of current times. SJMA has been a leader in showcasing contemporary and modern art within the Bay Area. It has earned a positive reputation for having fresh, distinctive exhibitions that engage visitors of various cultural backgrounds and ages. The museum also serves as a center of art education for approximately 40,000 school children annually.

110 South Market Street, San Jose, CA, Phone: 408-271-6840