Here’s our Top 10 list of great local attractions for families looking for both a cultural and educational experience. Enjoy!
1) Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
The Cantor Arts Center’s diverse collections span continents, cultures, and 5,000 years of art history and include one of the largest presentations of Rodin bronzes outside Paris. Come see a wide range of changing exhibitions and take advantage of docent tours, lectures, gallery talks, symposia, classes, and special events.
WHERE: 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford, CA 94305
For more information: museum.stanford.edu | (650) 723-4177
2) Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose inspires creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Let your kids explore the many hands-on exhibits in a fun, creative and safe environment!
WHERE: 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110
For more information: www.cdm.org | (408) 298-5437
3) Computer History Museum
The world’s largest history museum for the preservation and presentation of artifacts and stories of the Information Age located in the heart of Silicon Valley.
WHERE: 1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
For more information:Â www.computerhistory.org | (650) 810-1010
4) Hakone Japanese Gardens
One of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s premier sites and nearly a century old, Hakone is the oldest Japanese estate, retreat and gardens in the Western Hemisphere: 18 acres of magnificent beauty nestled in the verdant hills of Saratoga overlooking Silicon Valley.
WHERE: 21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070
For more information: www.hakone.com | (408) 741-4994
5) Happy Hollow
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose provides an affordable, sustainable, conservation-centered outdoor adventure for families with children.
WHERE: 1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
For more information:Â www.hhpz.org | (408) 794-6400
6) Hiller Aviation Museum
Hiller Aviation Museum is a great place to bring children for family & educational activities. Learn the history of aviation and come see the museums gallery!
WHERE: 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070
For more information: www.hiller.org | (650) 654-0200
7) New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum
The museum presents visitors with an array of exhibits about the history of mercury mining and the lifestyles of mining communities at New Almaden. A fascinating chapter in Santa Clara County history!
WHERE: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120
For more information: Website | (408) 323-1107
8) Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
The Zoo is a place where children and their caregivers come to explore, discover, create, and play. Through hands-on science exhibits and a diverse community of live animals, your child’s natural scientist will be nurtured. The Zoo is home to more than 50 species of animals, including bobcats, raccoons, jungle bats, hedgehogs, ferrets, snakes, fresh water fish and invertebrates, birds, turtles and a giant tortoise!
WHERE: 1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301
For more information: Website | (650) 329-2111
9) Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The only museum in the U.S. of authentic Egyptian design—inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak—houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America. The fascinating collection includes over 4,000 artifacts, objects and ritual items.
WHERE: 1660 Park Avenue, San Jose CA 95191
For more information:Â www.egyptianmuseum.org | (408) 947-3636
10) The Tech Museum of Innovation
The Tech Museum of Innovation located in Silicon Valley is the only museum to offer visitors of all ages learning, exploration and discovery of the unique, comprehensive Silicon Valley experience with hands-on interactive exhibits in genetics, alternative energy, virtual design, microchips, and more. The museum also features a state-of-the-art IMAX theater.
WHERE: 201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
For more information:Â www.thetech.org | (408) 294-8324
