The City of San Jose is the largest city in Northern California that offers exciting opportunities to its locals and tourists. It was once a farming city that lies at the southern end of the bay area. Several attractions are available like museums, parks, zoos and gardens perfect for family getaways. Here are some of the most loved sites for a day of fun with the entire family.
The Tech Museum of Innovation
The Tech Museum of Innovation is an educational place for people of all ages. It was established to explore and experience technologies that affect our lives as well as to inspire children to become innovators of the future. This museum empowers teachers with training and application development to complement classroom teaching. It will also enable a person, local families and visitors to discover new things through exploratory activities.
The Tech Museum offers interactive and hands-on exhibits such as the Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years into the Future and Tech Virtual Test Zone. There are themed galleries with over 240 hands-on experiences and an IMAX museum. Online exhibits include MPG Marathon, a driving strategy on a hybrid car; Destination Space 2001, a space odyssey with artworks of Robert McCall; and Robotics. There are also exhibits for medal winners of innovation, The Satellite Site and Imagination Playground.
The Tech also has signature programs like the annual design competition and awards to benefit people who use technology for humanity.
Children’s Discover Museum
The Children’s Discovery Museum is one of the largest museums with 150 interactive exhibits. It lies on a 52,000 square foot building designed by Architect Ricardo Legorreta. This museum welcomes 5 million visitors starting June 1990 to explore and understand the world they live in.
The museum’s mission is to serve the needs of families and schools as a center for discovery and learning. It also offers interactive exhibits and educational programs. Such programs encourage children to identify their role and contribution to both local and global communities. Children’s Discovery Museum is a center for creative plays that provide opportunities to discover the world.
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is located in Kelly Park that provides affordable family education, entertainment and fun. Since 1961, they have been holding regular puppet shows as one of their premiere attractions. They also have rides, play areas and showcases 150 animals.
The park was been renovated to include a new animal care facility, animal barn, education center, retail shop, new rides and zoo exhibits. The zoo is an AZA-Accredited Institution that promotes the propagation and conservation of endangered species. The zoo also provides hands-on experience with animals.
Happy Hollow Park is a safe place for all ages that focuses mainly between ages 2 to 10. Over 360,000 visitors enjoy an array of exotic animals with interactive environment.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Japanese Friendship Garden is located in Kelly Park modeled after Korakuen Park in Okayama, Japan. The garden offers a relaxing and peaceful setting of ponds, bridges, pathways and classic Japanese landscape. Its gardens are immersed with lavenders and azaleas. There are three ponds inter-connected by streams with koi from Okayama.
Paramount Great America
Paramount Great America is the best choice for fun and adventure with thrilling rides, Nickelodeon Central, KidZville town, live shows and Boomerang Bay Beach Club. The place offers a variety of entertainment and events for the whole family such as the Holiday Lights at Gilroy Gardens, job fair, entertainment auditions, and science, physics and math days.
Most travelers and visitors come to enjoy family and kid friendly attractions in San Jose. It is not just a place for fun but a place for learning. Families tend to incorporate educational sites on a weekend getaway for an unforgettable bonding moments.
