San Jose, California offers some unique opportunities for family fun from the Egyptian Museum to the Municipal Rose Garden. There are a variety of parks, museums, and other unique places to visit in the city just south of San Francisco.
If your family is looking for a great weekend getaway, San Jose is worth checking out and we’ll show you why. We’ll list out the best family activities in the city including historical places to visit, parks to explore, and other outdoor adventures to discover.
What Are the Best Family Friendly Activities in San Jose?
If you’re looking for the best places to take your family in San Jose this weekend, look no further, we’ve got you covered.
Visit the Tech Interactive, a museum devoted to science and technology. Get your kids interested in all things STEM with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that will help you learn and discover more about the technology that permeates through every aspect of daily life.
Go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and explore the kelp forest exhibit, the open ocean tank, and watch the sea otter play. Located right on the water, this unforgettable experience will be one your kids will be talking about for weeks.
The Children’s Discovery Museum is another great place to explore and interact with all different kinds of exhibits. Your kids can set up their own marketplace or build giant block cities. The opportunities for educational fun are endless; you can easily spend an entire day here!
If you happen to be in San Jose in late July or early August, you might get a chance to catch the annual fair at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Ride the Ferris wheel and get some fair food as you spend the day playing fair games and enjoying amusement park rides.
What Are Some Fun Family Historical Places to Visit in San Jose?
If your family loves to explore historical places and learn about people of the past, San Jose offers some unique venues.
The Winchester Mystery House is a goldmine of historical artifacts from the famous gun family dating back to the 19th century. Explore the beautiful gardens, try your hand at ax throwing, and step back in time as you wander through the dozens of rooms in this unforgettable mansion.
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is also a sight to behold with exhibits that depict life in ancient Egypt and explore the unique cultural practices and art from the long ago dynasty. Check out the Peace Garden and get lost in the labyrinth as you wander back in time.
History Park features a way to look into the past and discover California as it was when times were simpler. Enjoy exploring the quaint cafes and historic houses and take a ride on a running trolley to get your fill of 20th century San Jose.
Are There Any Good Parks for Families to Visit in San Jose?
San Jose has some of the most unique parks to visit that will make your weekend trip worthwhile.
A must-see park is Monopoly in the Park where you and your family can play the famous board game on a gigantic board in the great outdoors. With dice bigger than your head, you can roll your way to victory and purchase Boardwalk and Park Place.
Castle Rock Park is perfect if your family loves to climb rocks, hike, and explore nature. With beautiful canyons and amazing natural rock formations, you won’t regret your choice to stay outdoors and spend some time with Mother Nature.
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a wonderful center of entertainment for everyone in the family. Enjoy all of the animal exhibits like the lemurs, red pandas, and baby monkeys. There are also fun rides for the kids including a rollercoaster and different castles and houses to explore.
Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is a great place for your family to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Plan a picnic in the park or plan your visit around one of the many festivals or concerts that are hosted here. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident beaver family and variety of bird life.
What Outdoor Activities Are Good for Families to Do in San Jose?
If you want to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air of beautiful San Jose, your family can check out these awesome outdoor places.
The Municipal Rose Garden is a haven for your nose and your eyes. Walk among hundreds of dazzling roses of all colors and species. Talk to the rose cultivators about how they grow and maintain their beautiful flowers and spend some peaceful quiet time near the fountain.
If it’s a hot day in San Jose, take everyone to Raging Waters park. This awesome water park features pools and water slides for all ages. Cool off in the different aquatic play areas or experience the thrill of a lifetime racing down the stories high water slides.
Big Basin State Park is another outdoor venue you won’t want to miss. Stand beneath the massive redwood trees and experience the wonder and awe of feeling so small compared to these ancient arboreal giants.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is another unique place to wander through with its beautiful trees and flowers and artistically designed bridges and meditation houses. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy some much needed family together time in this wonderful space.
Summary
San Jose, California is a hidden gem among the other big cities in California. With so many unique places to visit including the Rose Municipal Gardens, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and Big Basin State Park, you will not be at a loss for family friendly fun.
There are so many educational opportunities and outdoor venues to explore in San Jose, that you will wish you had more than just one weekend to spend here. It may be well worth a return visit to experience what you didn’t get to do the first time around!
