Family travel destinations attractions and things to do with kids in san jose

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

San Jose, California is a fascinating place for anyone interested in technology. However, for families traveling to the area, young children may not be so interested in marveling over the birthplace of the dotcom boom. Luckily, the area holds numerous interesting recreational opportunities for tourists of all ages. Here are some of the neatest things to do in the area if you'll be traveling with kids:

1. Hit a theme park.

There are two major theme parks in the San Jose area that are huge fun for kids. The first is Paramount's Great America, which is a wonderland full of rides ranging from roller coasters to carousels. The second is Raging Waters, the largest water park in Northern California, which is a great place to get wet and wild in the hot summer months.

If you feel up to driving some, you can also hit Six Flags Marine World in the North Bay. This nifty theme park has rides, but also wild animals ranging from tigers to killer whales. Kids of all ages should have a blast, as should their parents.

For Great America, call: (408) 988-1776

Raging Waters: (408) 238-9900

Six Flags Marine World: 707-643-6722

2. Go to a museum.

There's a really great museum just off the first light rail stop heading into downtown San Jose called the Children's Discovery Museum. It has great exhibits for kids of all ages, and their parents too. It has everything from a child-sized pizza kitchen to an early childhood room for babies and toddlers. There's also a storytelling theater and a water exhibit that are sure to delight the whole family. The Tech Museum of Innovation is also nearby for families so inclined.

Call: 408-298-5437 for the Children's Discovery Museum.

Call: 408-294-TECH for the Tech Museum.

3. Let's go to the zoo.

Downtown San Jose is also home to the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, where you can take a stroll through and look at a variety of creatures. It doesn't have as many exotic animals such as tigers or elephants, but it does have lots of neat birds and other small creatures. There is also a petting zoo where kids can go in to interact with goats and small farm animals. Outside the zoo, you'll also find a fun playground area with a carousel and climbable playground equipment, as well as a pleasant garden where you can enjoy a walk.

Call: 408-277-4193

4. Tour the Winchester Mystery House.

The Winchester Mystery House is among the strangest attractions you'll find in any city anywhere. The old widow Sarah Winchester built and built on her mansion to hold off the ghosts of people killed by Winchester rifles. Now, the house sits as a highly unusual building with scattered rooms and stairs that go nowhere. Your kids will be fascinated, and you can walk in the gardens outside after your tour. For more information, call: 408-247-2101

5. Take a trip through time.

If your kids are old enough to be interested in world history, you might try visiting the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium. The museum houses purportedly the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the western US, and the museum itself is inspired by the Temple of Amon and is designed accordingly. Gaze on old mummies and Egyptian pottery, and be glad to live when you do. Call 408-947-3636 to learn more.