11 Things To Do In San Jose With Kids

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One of the safest cities in the United States, San Jose began as a farming community for the Spanish colony of Neuva.

They grew food (prunes, grapes, pears, etc.) for the military and had the first commercial broccoli fields in the country.

From 1871 through the 1920s, the town was the world’s largest canning and dried fruit center.

The innovation of the area continued, when, in the 1980s, it was as established as the capital of Silicon Valley.

Apple Computers was founded there, and it was soon followed by IBM, Adobe, eBay, and Cisco.

The floppy disk was created in San Jose, as was the technologically unrelated, but super tasty Eggo waffle.

San Jose is the 10th largest city in the United States, with a population of just over 1 million people.

They were home to the world’s first radio broadcast station in the world.

The town enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year, making it an attractive outdoor destination.

Surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and vineyards, it’s a natural beauty with a lot to offer.

The historic downtown is rich with culture, history, and iconic Spanish architecture.

There’s plenty to do for adults, by way of restaurants, wine tasting, and shopping.

Don’t worry if you’re going with the kids though, there’s plenty for them to do too.

Keep reading for some nice activities to do in San Jose with kids.

11 Things To Do In San Jose With Kids

1. Happy Hollow Park And Zoo – San Jose California

This adorable zoo and small amusement park is open daily from 10 AM until 5 PM.

In the zoo area, visitors will find animals like anteaters, jaguars, red pandas, alligators, and monkeys.

Kids can pet and feed select farm animals in a separate area of the zoo.

When done visiting the animals, kids can move onto the amusement area and hop aboard rides like the Froghopper, carousel, Danny the Dragon, and a train that goes throughout the park.

Other experiences include costumed characters, a puppet theater, and stage shows.

Food is available, as are hand cleaning stations, restrooms, and water filling stations.

2. Children’s Discovery Museum – San Jose, California

This fun museum has over 150 exhibits with which kids can tinker, touch, test, and create.

Visitors can explore scientific topics involving nature, health, architecture, and engineering.

Go outside to Bill’s Backyard and scoop, dig, and climb, then go through the amazing air maze.

The award-winning museum is open Tuesday through Sunday with a morning block and afternoon block.

Healthy snacks are available for purchase, and a free hydration station is provided.

3. Almaden Quicksilver County Park – San Jose, California

This San Jose landmark is home to over 135 years of mercury mining activities.

The site was also home to over 1800 miners and their families and contained a mining town as well.

Families can hike, bike, or join a guided tour to explore the remnants of one of the largest mercury mines in the country.

You can then walk a short trail to the county park and play a variety of sports, fish in the lake (catch and release due to the mercury levels), and visit the mining museum.

4. Japantown – San Jose, California

One of only 3 in the country, San Jose’s Japantown celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the Japanese community.

San Jose was the site where thousands of Japanese Americans were interned in camps during WW II.

Japantown pays tribute to those Americans while shedding light on an American atrocity.

The Japanese Heritage Museum is a centerpiece of the area, as is the Friendship Garden which promotes healing and peace.

Some less somber aspects of the area include the spectacular Japanese cuisine, traditional clothing and gift shops, art galleries, live entertainment, and of course, karaoke.

5. Raging Waters – San Jose, California

This exciting water park offers the most diverse selection of water rides in Northern California.

From thrilling slides to wave pools and splash pads, there’s something for all ages at Raging Waters.

Float down the lazy river or shoot through the water down state-of-the-art slides into 10-foot pools.

Enjoy the day with your own cabana that includes chairs, food service, a safe, and many the amenities.

There are plenty of dining options and a beach shop for souvenirs or forgotten things.

The park is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

6. Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California

The Winchester House is hands down the most interesting place in San Jose.

It will satisfy history buffs, architectural enthusiasts, and ghost hunters alike.

This wonder of modern architecture is also a historical landmark built by Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester firearms fortune.

Long story short, Sarah suffered a number of tragedies.

She felt she was cursed by the ghosts of people who had been killed with her family’s product.

So according to lore, she visited a psychic, and they told her as long as she kept adding to what was her modest farmhouse, she could avoid any further problems.

Sarah commenced construction in 1886 and didn’t stop until her death in 1922.

The result was 160 rooms, 47 staircases (many that go nowhere), 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, and 6 kitchens, just to name a few projects.

7. Mt. Hermon Adventures – San Jose, California

If you’re looking for some good family fun, with a splash of adrenaline, then try the treetop adventures at Mt. Hermon.

Start your day with a safety course, then gear up and hit the course.

You’ll start your 2-hour event crossing rose and timber bridges.

Then maneuver 2 ziplines with 40 elements, through the giant redwoods.

Photos are included with your day.

Gear is included and children must be 10 years old to participate.

8. Monopoly In The Park – San Jose, California

If you’re visiting the Discovery Children’s Museum, make a pit stop at the world’s largest Monopoly board.

At 930 square feet, it holds the Guinness Book record.

It’s located in the center of a large playground and makes a great backdrop for photos.

There are no pieces to actually play, but kids will have fun using their imaginations.

9. Santa Clara Fairgrounds – San Jose, California

The Santa Clara Fairgrounds is an iconic open space that hosts events (concerts, art fairs, etc.) all year round.

But if you’re in the area at the end of July, you’ll definitely want to take the kids to the annual county fair.

The fairgrounds are hopping for a week straight with rides, games, and concessions full of delicious food and treats.

There’s also live entertainment, music, and contests.

It’s a San Jose tradition that should not be missed.

10. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum – San Jose, California

This Egyptian museum is in the heart of San Jose and offers the largest collection of ancient artifacts in western North America.

The museum is open Fridays from 10 AM until 5 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM until 6 PM.

Stroll through galleries that focus on different time periods and view how the ancient people worked, lived, and played.

There’s also a gallery dedicated to the afterlife, with a recreation of an actual tomb.

A gift shop is available for souvenirs.

11. Emma Prusch Farm Park – San Jose, California

If you’re in search of some inexpensive fun, where kids can learn at the same time, take a ride to Emma Prusch Farm.

This working farm is within the city limits and offers mini-classes and workshops, so kids can learn and interact with daily farm life.

They’ll learn about animal care, farm equipment, growing veggies, and ways to cook them.

There are 2 playgrounds on the property and kids can pet and feed some of the animals as well.

You’re invited to bring a picnic lunch and eat in the field.

The farm is open to the public daily, from 10 AM until 5 PM.

San Jose Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: San Jose Safety Review

Safety Index:

58

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW