Here are some favorite destinations for family fun in the South Bay.
Amusement Park
Great America in Santa Clara has thrilling coasters, fun shows, KidZville (rides, play area, and shows for younger children) and even a water park.
Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk has a fun atmosphere with rides, carnival games, an extensive video arcade and indoor miniature golf course. Bring swimsuits and beach toys and spend some time on the sand or enjoy an ice cream cone on the nearby wharf.
Aquariums
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is world class… fun, educational, big! The breathtaking setting makes a great weekend destination in early Fall when both the crowds and the fog are gone. Stay overnight and enjoy kayaking on the bay. Let your kids burn off some energy at the Dennis the Menace playground before the drive home.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz is a working marine science laboratory that provides tours, touch pools, and other exhibits. Visit nearby Natural Bridges State Beach to enjoy fun on the beach, explore tidepools, and admire Monarch butterflies during their winter stay from October to March.
Art Museums
The San Jose Museum of Art has many kid-friendly exhibits and events and is within walking distance of the Tech Museum and the Children’s Discovery Museum.
Beaches
Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz is scenic and has lively tide pools just a short hike from the main beach. Nearby natural trails lead through the winter habitat of monarch butterflies. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is nearby and is a worthwhile side trip.
Children’s Museums
The Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose is a fun place to explore and conveniently located near the Tech Museum.
Children’s Theaters
Bay Area Children’s Theatre adult actors performs family favorites in Sunnyvale. Young actors with the Peninsula Youth Theatre in Mountain View perform both new and old favorites with impressive sets and costumes.
Children’s Musical Theatre San Jose is the nation’s largest musical theater and training program for youth of its kind. CMTSJ offers a wide variety of performances through their Rising Stars (ages 6-14), Mainstage (ages 14-20) and Marquee Productions (adult).
Farms
Emma Prusch Farm Park in San Jose features farm animals, community gardens, a fruit orchard and acres of open grass perfect for picnicking, kite flying, games and relaxing. Bring a quarter or two so you can feed the chickens and goats. UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden offers weekday kids tours in spring and fall.
Historical Museums & Parks
History Park at Kelley Park in San Jose is home to numerous historic buildings, including a one room school house, print shop, and blacksmith. Highlights are streetcar rides on the weekend and an old-fashioned candy store and ice cream parlor.
Music
Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View offers special family concerts on a regular basis.
Parks
Vasona Park in Los Gatos has picnic areas, playgrounds, boat rentals, and paved bicycle paths. Adjacent Oak Meadow Park has train ride and carousel.
Planetarium
Fujitsu Planetarium in Cupertino offers family-oriented shows on most Saturdays.
Science & Technology
Explore life sciences, earth sciences, technology, energy and communication at The Tech Museum in San Jose. Learn about the evolution of technology at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View and the Intel Museum in Santa Clara.
Specialty Museum
Rosecrutian Museum in San Jose houses amazing Egyptian artifacts and a planetarium.
Sports
The San Jose Giants minor league baseball team offers an easy and affordable alternative to major league games. The San Jose Sharks and San Jose Earthquakes make the south bay the place to be for professional hockey and soccer.
Stanford University, Santa Clara University and San Jose State and offer the opportunity to watch top notch men’s and women’s college athletes compete in over 20 sports.
Train Rides
The Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad in Felton (near Santa Cruz) is fun any day, but especially fun during one of their many special events. Worth the drive for Thomas the Tank Engine days, Moonlight rides, Harvest Festival, Halloween Ghost trains, and Pioneer Christmas.
Zoos
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose doesn’t have the exotic animals one typically associates with zoos (no elephants, zebras, or tigers), but there are plenty of cute, furry animals to entertain your children. Plus, there are fun rides, a puppet show, and play areas. The nearby History Park has interesting refurbished buildings and an old-fashioned ice cream shop and candy store.
