Whether artistic leanings, athletic energies, or simple explorations are in your plans, there are plenty of great family activities in San Jose.
As the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose may be firmly rooted in the future of innovation, but it’s also brimming with culture, vitality, and character. This Bay Area gem is home to a wide array of museums and parks as well as three professional sports teams.
Founded in the 1700s as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, it was the first civilian Spanish colony of Nueva California. Now, San Jose is not only the largest city in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, it’s also the largest in Northern California! Let’s check out things to do in San Jose with kids!
Fun Family Activities in San Jose, CA
Visit Three Different Parks in One Stop
Kelley Park is a popular San Jose spot with a surprising array of fun things to do with kids. It’s home to three distinct and different attractions you wouldn’t expect to find amid picnic facilities and winding trails.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo offers educational opportunities to get up close with animals. It is home to 150 animals such as jaguars, red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, and capybaras.
It’s also home to one of California’s oldest puppet theaters and classic park attractions like Danny the Dragon, a train ride that has been delighting kids for generations. There is also a carousel, kiddie coaster, and nature-theme play areas.
The next attraction is a living symbol of San Jose’s sister city’s relationship with Okayama, Japan. The Japanese Friendship Garden is a great (and free!) place for a tranquil walk among koi ponds, arched bridges, waterfalls, and stone lanterns. There is also a traditional tea house onsite.
Lastly, History Park allows visitors to step back in time to experience turn-of-the-century San Jose. Seriously, visitors stroll through streets of a bygone era! The park is comprised of over 30 original and reproductions of homes, businesses, and landmarks, and a cafe.
Highlights include a 19th-century fire station, a one-room schoolhouse, a replica of a Chinese-American temple, and a Trolley Barn with restored antique trolleys and automobiles. Riides in historic trolleys are offered on weekend afternoons.
Explore Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House is a baffling and extraordinary maze of Victorian craftsmanship. The home is infamous for staircases that lead to nowhere, miles of sinuous hallways, and doors that open into walls.
The intent of these architectural oddities was to throw off the spirits that might be following the resident. Sarah Winchester was the wife of the Winchester rifle heir. Many believe her incessant home remodeling was fueled by grief and superstition. She had lost her husband and only child.
She may also have been feeling tremendous guilt over the souls lost at the barrel of the Winchester rifle. Today, the 160-room house is open for tours and visitors report experiencing spirit activity.
Halloween and Christmas are very popular times to visit. A spooky flashlight tour is offered on Friday the 13th. This San Jose attraction is great fun for kids in their teens.
Want more kid-friendly fun in California? Check out the best things to do in California with kids!
Shop & Dine on Santana Row
San Jose’s upscale shopping district, Santana Row, offers a scene somewhere between a quaint village and an haute couture runway. Grab a table along the sidewalk at any café, such as Left Bank Brasserie, and you’ll soon notice that Santana Row also offers fine people-watching. Our favorite time to visit is during Makers Market in the Park which takes place the second Saturday of the month.
Kids will likely want to head into Build-A-Bear Workshop or Young Art Lessons where kiddos can learn through guided painting and drawing sessions. There’s also a nice playground complete with climbing structures as well as water features that are fun to play in during the warm months.
The area also hosts kid-friendly events from the Easter Bunny’s visit in the springtime to Santa’s arrival during the holidays.
Soak in the SoFA District Art Scene
Short for South of First Area, the SoFA district is San Jose’s visual arts and entertainment hub. From street markets to art walks and outdoor concerts, there are lots of fun things to do with kids in this San Jose district. The colorful atmosphere of the SoFA District always offers a creative spirit that fuels free expression and fun.
Our favorite time to visit is on the South First Fridays Art Walk when local galleries and studios open come together for an evening of art and music for the community.
One of the more unique experiences is a visit to the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles which is dedication to the textile arts. There is a permanent collection with 1,500 quilts, ethnic textiles, and garments as well as workshops led by master fiber artists. Children can visit for free and adults are free on the first Friday of the month.
The Institute of Contemporary Art is a free museum that has rotating exhibits featuring (you guessed it!) contemporary art. This museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 12-5PM.
Do you have older kids who prefer a more DIY experience? Then take a clay and wheel-throwing class with them at Higher Fire Clayspace and Gallery. They offer 6-week beginner classes that include everything you will need to create all sorts of amazing projects as well as weekend workshops for those shorter on time. They now have a location in Japantown as well.
If you’re looking for a more cultured event, the gorgeous California Theater hosts performances such as Symphony Silicon Valley and Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley.
Hockey or Soccer? Take the Kids to See Both!
If you’ve timed your visit to San Jose during hockey season then you’ll want to catch a Sharks game! Be sure to get your young hockey fans over San Jose’s SAP Center. During games, it transforms into what locals have nicknamed the Shark Tank, home of the National Hockey League team.
The Sharks are six division title winners and their many fans fill the venue with a sea of teal-colored jerseys. These fans are loyal, and loud, and bring their boundless energy to make the games jovial and fun.
However, the Sharks are not the only major sports franchise that call San Jose home. This is Earthquakes country, too. Head over to Avaya Stadium to catch this Major Soccer League (MLS) team.
The two-time MLS Cup champions offer a lively atmosphere and a lesson in seismology at the same time. The US Geological Survey installed a seismograph onsite as part of a study of how ground motion varies during earthquakes. It may interest you to know that it records raucous crowd activity at home games as well as natural earthquakes.
Shop the San Jose Flea Market
The largest open-air market in the U.S., the San Jose Flea Market (aka: the Berryessa Flea Market) draws over four million visitors a year. It’s comprised of over eight miles of aisles housing more than 2,000 vendors. They sell everything from jewelry, clothing, and furniture to produce, collectibles, and cars, among other things.
Fun things to do with kids at the San Jose Flea Market include the vintage carousel, three playgrounds, arcade games and carnival rides. Many families enjoy live entertainment. Musical acts routinely play at the venue which has two stages, one of which is often occupied by Mexican Mariachi bands.
There is an extensive food court serving up all sorts of cuisines as well as a quarter-mile-long farmers market section provides fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers.
Peralta Adobe
While San Jose may be a city at the forefront of futuristic innovation, it is also a place that has not forgotten its history. One of the fun things to do in San Jose with kids is to revisit history.
Sites such as the Peralta Adobe, a picture-perfect example of the home life of early residents, have been carefully and painstakingly restored. While the adobe itself is now surrounded by high rises, school children and their families can still visit to learn about those who lived in Nueva California.
Emma Prusch Farm Park
Emma Prusch Farm Park demonstrates the valley’s more recent agricultural past. Donated to the city, the 43.5-acre park in East San Jose includes a 4-H barn with a bunchof diffferent farm animals like chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits. Another highlight for the little ones are the two farm-themed playgrounds.
The rare fruit orchard has 100 different exotic fruit trees and it is really cool to see what is growing. There is also a high-density orchard that shows visitors how to grow trees in small spaces. There are lots of seasonal activities to enjoy here including a pumpkin patch in the fall.
Spot Rising Giants Stars
Baseball fans know all about the San Francisco Giants, the World Series Champion team that call the metropolis to San Jose’s north home. What they may not know is that many players get their start in San Jose.
Excite Ballpark has been home to the minor league San Jose Giants for more than 70 years. The team not only enjoys an enormous local fan following, it has been affiliated with those other Giants since the late 80’s. Well known major leaguers like Brandon Belt, Madison Bumgarner, Buster Posey, and Brandon Crawford have played on this field.
One majorly fun thing to do with kids in San Jose is to attend a minor league ball game. It not only gives kids the opportunity to see potential future major leaguers in action, it also provides an intimate look at the game itself. Visitors won’t find a vendor selling his homemade Churros at a major league game.
Kids also get multiple opportunities to hang out with the team mascot. Because the venue is smaller, it’s a bit more up close and personal. Little visitors may even spy a row of scouts measuring pitch speeds with an arsenal of radar guns.
Experience Unique Museums in San Jose
San Jose is home to some incredible interactive museums covering an array of subjects.
The Tech Interactive
The Tech Interactive, a hands-on technology and science museum, is a resource for innovation rather than a collector of it. Spaces are designed so that visitors will find the tools and materials to unleash the innovator in them. Highlights include:
- Dream Garden: An AI-powered immersive exhibit that transforms visitors’ ideas and movements into a vibrant, surreal ecosystem
- Pixel Playground: A space where digital innovation meets real-world creativity, allowing visitors to design roller coasters, create digital art, and more.
- BioDesign Studio: Explore the intersection of biology and technology through hands-on activities that delve into bioengineering and sustainability.
- Cyber Detectives: An interactive experience that educates visitors about cybersecurity through engaging challenges.
- Body Worlds Decoded: A permanent exhibition featuring plastinated human anatomical specimens, enhanced with augmented reality experiences.
There is also a domed IMAX theater with a four-story wraparound screen and 12,000 watts of digital surround sound. No surprise that a techonology museum theater would be state-of-the-art! Sponsored events like the Tech Challenge, a team-design competition, also give kids an opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned.
Children’s Discovery Museum
Little kids learn by touching everything and anything, and the Children’s Discovery Museum is set up to let them do just that. Water play and Sand Laboratory experiments aren’t the only tactile learning experiences kids enjoy at this museum. Healthy eating role play in the imaginative Rainbow Market will spark imaginations and set kids on the right dietary path.
San Jose Museum of Art
Are there art lovers in your crew? The San Jose Museum of Art is home to an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. The institution also hosts Community Days each year that are themed and geared toward connecting art and cultural events.
They also have Art Learning Labs where families can engage in hands-on art-making activities inspired by current exhibitions and week-long art camps for kids during the summer.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The most unusual of all may be the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. Inspired by an ancient Egyptian temple, it houses the largest collection of authentic Egyptian artifacts in western North America.
In all, there are 4,000 artifacts on display as well as a walk-through replica of an ancient Egyptian tomb, mummies, and the Thoth AI Robot that is modeled after the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom.
Rosicrucian Park has an Alchemy exhibit which showcases the seven stages of the alchemical process and has a reproduction of an alchemist’s workshop and a meditation chamber. There is also an authentic 18th Dynasty Egyptian Peace Garden, a labryinth designed using native California plants, and a research library on site.
Visit Vibrant Neighborhoods
Rose Garden
Many of San Jose’s culturally vibrant neighborhoods seem named to appropriately describe the surroundings. The Rose Garden is a prime example of this obvious naming. This neighborhood features over five acres of more than 4,000 beautiful rose shrubs spanning 189 varieties.
Little Saigon
Little Saigon is home to the largest Vietnamese population of any city outside of Vietnam. It is located primarily along Story Road between Senter Road and McLaughlin Avenue and is home to a culinary scene that must be sampled!
Bò Né Phú Yên is known for r its sizzling steak and eggs (bò né), Bún Bò Huế An Nam specializes in bún bò Huế soup, Thien Long Restaurant is the place to try cha ca la vong- a Hanoi-style grilled fish dish served with dill and rice noodles, and Huong Lan Sandwiches is a great spot for banh mi sandwich lovers.
Grand Century Mall is the shopping heart of the neighborhood with plenty of Vietnamese shops and eateries to explore. Make plans to visit this neighborhood during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year for the Tet Festival which includes traditional performances and plenty of food.
Japantown
One of the last three remaining Japantowns in the US is located in San Jose. It is centered around Jackson Street between 4th and 7th Streets.
As you might have suspected, this neighborhood is another good place to eat. A mom-and-pop joint known as Santo Market features Japanese and Hawaiian fare. Minato Japanese Restaurant serves bento boxes and sushi rolls in a family-friendly setting. If you are jonesing for tempura or teriyaki, head to Gombei. Japanese sweets like manju and mochi can do purchased at Shuei-Do Manju Shop.
There are several shops selling Japanese goods like Nichi Bei Bussan (clothing, gifts, martial arts supplies), Nikkei Traditions (gifts, crafts, and home decor), and Nijiya Market which is a Japanese supermarket where you can purchase groceries as well as ready-to-eat meals.
During July, attend the Obon Festival which includes Bon Odori dancing, taiko drumming, and food booths. In the fall, Spirit of Japantown Festival takes place and is a great time to enjoy local artists, musicians, and more food.
Downtown San Jose
Downtown San Jose is the city’s nucleus. Children beat the summer heat by splashing around in the fountain in Plaza de César Chávez. Families also gather in the same park for Music in the Park or outdoor movies.
During the wintertime, the plaza is transformed into Christmas in the Park, a festive tradition involving acres of decorative trees. If you are visiting San Jose during the holiday season, don’t miss our guide to San Jose Christmas events.
It also hosts cultural festivals like the Vietnamese Spring Festival, Japanese Obon Festival, the San Jose Mariachi and Mexican Festival, and the San Jose Jazz Festival. On a side note, downtown also has a family-friendly attraction you’d never expect to find – a giant Monopoly board game!
Where to Stay in San Jose with Kids
Hilton San Jose
While the Hilton San Jose may see more business travelers, families will find the rooms spacious and the rooftop pool manageable. The pool is smaller than your average hotel pool and its surrounding are well-maintained.
The hotel is a short walk from the Children’s Discovery Museum, Guadalupe Park, and the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.
The Westin San Jose
Like San Jose itself, the Westin San Jose in the Sainte Claire building embraces the splendor of yesteryear while staying at the forefront of innovation. The hotel, which is located in San Jose’s active downtown area, is known for service that is as impressive as its detailed and gilded surroundings.
Signia by Hilton
Newly renovated and stylish, the Signia by Hilton San Jose is not only a comfortable and convenient place to stay, but it is also a terrific meeting spot. It’s a short walk to Tech Interactive and the Children’s Discovery Museum among other downtown attractions.
Plaza de Cesar Chavez is right outside the hotel’s front door. Depending upon the time of year you visit, this park hosts outdoor events like concerts. During the holidays, it is transformed into Christmas in the Park.
Hotel De Anza
Once the tallest hotel in downtown San Jose, this historic 10-story art deco Hotel De Anza is within walking distance of SAP Center (i.e.; the Shark Tank) and San Pedro Square Market, a public market with vendors selling everything from sushi and crepes to tapas and home goods.
Family-Friendly Day Trips from San Jose
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Located about 40 minutes from San Jose, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has an endless summer vibe all year around. Old-fashioned amusement park rides, cotton candy, fried treats, arcade games, and the beach are the order of the day at the Boardwalk.
It’s also home to the Giant Dipper, the fifth oldest roller coaster in the United States. A wooden thrill ride, the Giant Dipper has appeared in movies and commercials.
Read about the best things to do in Santa Cruz with kids.
Gilroy
A little more than a half hour south of San Jose, Gilroy is the Garlic Capital of the World. In fact, it celebrates this crop annually with their Garlic Festival where people line up to sample unusual fare like garlic ice cream.
It is also home to Gilroy Gardens, a horticultural-themed amusement park for the under 10 set with incredible circus trees bent into fantastical shapes.
California’s Great America
How about an amusement park with something for each one of your traveling companions? Great America is brimming with roller coasters, live shows, and ample opportunities to hang out with the Peanuts gang!
Time your visit for summer, and you’ll enjoy some water park fun as well! That’s when Boomerang Bay opens, giving visitors a cool way to enjoy two amusement parks in one place. Great America is located in Santa Clara, San Jose’s next-door neighbor!
Monterey
There’s so much for families to enjoy in picturesque Monterey! For starters, you can shop ‘til you drop at Cannery Row. It’s so fun to explore Monterey’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf.
You can even introduce your kids to a classic comic strip character as they play at Dennis the Menace Playground. Get close to marine life and brush up on local history with a visit to the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Here are the best things to do in Monterey with kids.
San Francisco
World famous for its cable cars, Victorian homes, and hilly landscape, San Francisco is located about 55 miles north of San Jose. You can hike across its most iconic landmark, the splendid Golden Gate Bridge.
Time your visit accordingly, and you can have Dungeness Crab with your sourdough at Fisherman’s Wharf! Also, be sure to take time to explore Golden Gate Park and tour the infamous Alcatraz.
Trekaroo has lots of great SF coverage. Check out the 10 Best Things to do in San Francisco with Kids and 10 Great Things to do at Presidio Park.
Find More Fun in These Great West Coast Cities for Families
- Over 20 Awesome Things to do in Palm Springs with Kids
- 12 Things to do in Santa Rosa, CA with Kids
- Over 40 Fun Things to do in Orange County with Kids
- 35 Fun Things to do in San Diego with Kids
- 10 Epic Things to do in North Lake Tahoe
- 25 of the Best Things to do in Santa Barbara with Kids
- 10 Fun Things to do in Half Moon Bay, CA
- 15 Fun Things to do in Solvang with Family
- 10 Fun Things to do in Carlsbad, CA with Kids
- Family Friendly Things to do in Napa
- The Best Things to do in LA with Kids
- 10 Fun Things to do in Long Beach with Kids
- Things to do in Mammoth in the Summer
- Over 35 Things to do in San Diego with Kids
- The Best Things to do in Sacramento with Kids
- 20 Cool Things to do in Portland with Kids
- Great Things to do in Astoria, OR with Kids
My family has been traveling since our kids were very small. Many have thought we were crazy for hopping on planes with little kids. My response to that is, “There’s a handle on the infant carrier, so you can take them with you!”
I wanted to tell travel stories because one of my children is on the autism spectrum, and I wanted to show other families that a diagnosis like that did not necessarily mean a life of being homebound.I’m proud to report that my son has a passport full of stamps; it just took a little extra preparation to get him into the world.
I received my degree in Journalism from San Francisco State University in 1990. I have a vast writing background that includes newspaper reporting, web content for high-tech companies, and feature writing.
I have frequently collaborated and contributed to other family travel blogs, including the Hilton Hotel blogs, Hilton MomVoyage, and Hilton Suggests.Visit California named me a Digital Feature Entry Winner for my story titled, “Silicon Valley Tour – Adventures for Geeks of all Ages.”I am also the leader of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of Travel Massive, a travel community connecting thousands of tourism professionals, travel media, creators, and startups from around the world.
I live in Mountain View, CA, with my husband and son. I also have a daughter, who is in college. While we currently don’t have any pets, we will soon adopt a golden retriever through a rescue organization. My favorite things (besides travel) are spy novels, hanging out at the San Francisco Presidio, Greek food, wandering through bookstores, plants, and my greenhouse.
- 25 Fun Family Activities in San Jose - May 13, 2025
- Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort Review - May 5, 2025
- Christmas in Hawaii- Hawaii Christmas Events for 2024 - November 30, 2024