San Jose, located 70 miles north of Monterey, is the largest city in Northern California. While San Francisco and Oakland tend to get more headlines and name recognition, don’t overlook this slice of the Bay Area. San Jose is a great place to take the family for all the benefits of an urban environment without nearly as much traffic!
Below are a few family-friendly locations where you and your loved ones can enjoy a day…or three!
The Tech Interactive
Located in the heart of San Jose, The Tech Interactive is one of the best science and technology museums and activity centers on the west coast. With STEAM-targeted exhibits like BioDesign Studio, Cyber Detectives, Space Exploration, and Social Robots, the entire family can learn more about science, tech, and the way it is helping to shape our future. Don’t forget to check out the IMAX theatre, currently offering a variety of programming.
- 201 S. Market Street, San Jose
- 408-294-8324 • thetech.org
- Open Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Winchester Mystery House
This is one of those you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it sort of places. Originally an eight-room farmhouse, the official website describes the current facility as the result of “the world’s longest home renovation.” Sarah Locke Winchester, the widow of William Wirt Winchester and heiress to a significant portion of the Winchester® Repeating Arms fortune, purchased the farmhouse shortly after relocating to the area after the death of her husband and child. From 1886 until Sarah’s death in 1922, constant construction resulted in 24,000 square-foot behemoth with 160 rooms, 10,000 windows and six kitchens.
The motivation behind such a project remains part of the mystery, along with reports of paranormal activity around the residence. With over 12 million visitors to date, the attraction has been named a “Top Destination” by USA Today, Time Magazine, Travel Channel and more. Several tours and activities are available at different times and price points—please see the official website for information and booking.
- 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose
- 408-247-2000 • winchestermysteryhouse.com
- Open daily: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays; 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekends
Raging Waters
As lovely as the Monterey Peninsula beach offerings are, sometimes there just isn’t a substitute for screaming down a waterslide. Raging Waters is the largest water park in Northern California, with over a million gallons of water spread over 23 acres of attractions. Popular spots include the Wave Pool, Pirate’s Cove, and Bomb’s Away—an enclosed waterslide with a surprise beginning! Throw in the Endless River and Activity Pool and you’ll never want to feel salt water again!
- 2333 South White Road, San Jose
- 408-238-9900
- rwsplash.com
- Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through August 6
California’s Great America
Featuring thrilling rides, entertainment and a top-notch waterpark, California’s Great America is the perfect choice for families of all ages. Great America features more than 60 rides, from heart-fluttering roller coasters to quiet track rides perfect for your youngest kiddo. It’s also the only amusement park in Northern California that has a waterpark included with park admission. Be sure to check out the Gold Striker, an old-school wooden roller coaster that zips patrons along at over 50 miles per hour!
- 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054
- 408-908-1776
- cagreatamerica.com
- Open daily during the summer except for Tuesdays. Park: 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Waterpark: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.—some exceptions, please check the website calendar for details.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Have a little one who wants to go to the zoo? Don’t want to drive to San Francisco or Oakland? You’re in luck. The perfect place to meet and greet animals and enjoy age-appropriate rides is only an hour away in south San Jose. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals such as the Black & White Ruffed Lemur, Capybara, Giant Anteater, Jaguar, Monkeys, Tortoises, many different species of birds and much more.
- 748 Story Road, San Jose
- 408-794-6400
- hhpz.org
- Open Wednesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
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