San Jose Museums

(San Jose, California - CA, USA)

The city's cosmopolitanism stretches to its cultural offerings, where the area's history can be fully explored at Historic San Jose (formerly the Historic Museum) and also at the San Jose Museum of Art.

Two other museums of particular interest to kids are the Children's Discovery, with its amazing interactive exhibits and sculptures, and the Tech Museum of Innovation, showcasing Silicon Valley and including both an IMAX theater and a simulator ride.

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Address: 180 Woz Way, at Auzerais Street, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 408 298 5437
As far as museums go, kids will love the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. There are fun hands-on activities and exhibits galore, including giant bubble blowing, large animal sculptures that can be clambered upon and educational displays investigating things such as how everyday things in the world work. The museum is a striking, purple structure located near the convention center and features an inviting lawn where parents may rest while their kids are playing. There is also a children's art gallery on-site.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors and children, children under one year free

History San Jose

Address: 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 408 287 2290
History San Jose occupies an area of Kelley Park, near the city center, and retells the story of the city's past and its importance within the Santa Clara Valley. Highlights of the museum include many historic and reconstructed buildings, a letterpress printer and the O'Brien's Ice Cream Parlor, while an antique trolley provides free transport. There is also a candy store on-site.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount for children and seniors, children under six free

Tech Museum of Innovation

Address: 201 South Market Street, San Jose, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 408 294 8324
The Tech Museum of Innovation is housed in a massive building with all sorts of nifty exhibits and activities, including an IMAX theater, virtual bobsled ride and the Jet Pack Simulator. There are also some superb interactive exhibits, such as a giant earthquake table, a virtual rollercoaster ride and a ROV.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discount for children, active military and seniors, children under three free