Category: Things to do with kids in San Jose

San Jose Museum of Art

San Jose Museum of ArtThis popular city art gallery has a permanent collection of contemporary art, post-1980 pieces and catchy revolving exhibitions. You will also find an education center, bookstore and café that are all located in the restored historic wing of the San Jose Museum of Art. There are a couple of guided tours offered every day, as well as tours on the second Saturday of every month for the deaf and those with impaired hearing. A number of attractions reside close by, including both the Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park and the Tech Museum of Innovation.

Contact number: 408 294 2787

Location: 110 South Market Street, San Jose, California , 95113

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Portuguese Historical Museum

The museum is one of the major attractions of History San José. In keeping with the theme of the historical park, it depicts life as it was in the Santa Clara Valley (now known as Silicon Valley) at the turn of the 20th century. The Portuguese Historical Museum is a replica of the first permanent império (Chapel to the Holy Spirit) built in San José circa 1915. It was constructed on the present site of the I.E.S. Hall on East Santa Clara Street and U.S. 101.

Contact number: (408) 808-1471

Location: 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112

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Tech Museum of Innovation

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.

Location: 201 South Market Street, Downtown, San Jose, California

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History San Jose

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.

Contact number: 408 287 2290

Location: 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, California

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Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

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.

Contact number: 408 298 5437

Location: 180 Woz Way, at Auzerais Street, California

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New City Hall

New City Hall was opened at the end of 2005 and is a striking building, with imposing modern architecture, a vast civic plaza area and glass Rotunda structure. Full of natural light and spacious rooms, San Jose’s New City Hall is home to many notable events, large meeting rooms and public art displays.

Contact number: 408 535 3500

Location: 200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, California , 95113

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Sikh Gurdwara

Founded in 1985 by the burgeoning Sikh community in San Jose, the Sikh Gurdwara is located in the east of San Jose in a colorful building that is popular with visitors. The building is adorned with a series of domes including a large gold one situated in the center of the roof. The setting is superb and the building is surrounded by lush, green hills.

Contact number: 408 274 9373

Location: 2785 Quimby Road, San Jose, California

Learn more here.