Best Outdoor Activities in San Jose

1. Alum Rock Park

This massive park feels like a real escape from the city, with wide trails, rock formations, and a creek that kids love splashing in. It's an easy intro to hiking for little legs, and there's enough variety to keep older kids engaged, too.

2. Guadalupe River Park

Tucked into downtown, this park has a solid playground, Rotary PlayGarden, scooter-friendly paths, art walks at Discovery Meadows, and a small seasonal carousel that feels like a treat when it’s running. It's also near Monopoly in the Park, a giant, permanent Monopoly board game that visitors can see and play on with giant dice. 

3. Almaden Lake Park

Great for bringing scooters, throwing a frisbee, or just letting the kids burn off energy on the playground. The lake adds a peaceful backdrop, and there's usually plenty of space for a family picnic or fishing off the pier.

4. Municipal Rose Garden

This spot is stunning in spring and summer, but even in the off-season, the open lawns are great for running and relaxing. Bring snacks and a blanket, and it becomes a surprisingly peaceful way to spend an hour with the kids. 

5. Japanese Friendship Garden

Quiet, shady, and full of koi to watch, this is our go-to for calming everyone down after a busy day. It’s stroller-friendly and a great reminder that you don’t need bells and whistles to keep kids engaged in nature.

6. Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge

A hidden gem for families who like wandering and wildlife spotting, with flat trails and big skies that make it feel like you're far from the city. It’s especially good for curious kids who love binoculars, mud, or pretending to be explorers.

7. Emma Prusch Farm Park

A gigantic play structure in the shape of a chicken is the big draw for this large playground. There are also live chickens, goats, pigs, and a huge open field, making this a great spot for free-range play. It’s especially ideal for younger kids who just want to roam and pet something fuzzy.

From rides to animals, there's so much to do at Happy Hollow. Photo courtesy of Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

8. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

This combo of low-key rides, animal exhibits, and a giant climbing structure hits the sweet spot as one of the best things to do in the Bay Area with preschoolers. It’s manageable, fun, and just enough without being overwhelming.

9. History Park

Wander through old-time buildings, ride the trolley, and stop for ice cream in a place that feels like stepping back in time. There’s space to run and plenty to look at without needing a structured plan.

10. Hellyer County Park

This huge park has something for everyone, like shady picnic spots, a big playground, and paved trails that are perfect for strollers and scooters. The Cottonwood Lake area is especially peaceful, and there's usually plenty of space to let the kids roam free. 

11. Calabazas BMX Track

If you’ve got a kid who’s into biking, this dirt track located in Calabazas Park is a total thrill. It’s beginner-friendly but still cool enough to impress older kids who want to catch some air.

12. Cesar Chavez Park

Right in the heart of downtown, this plaza has a fountain kids can splash in, open lawn space, and seasonal events that keep things lively. It’s a great pit stop if you’re exploring the area or grabbing a snack at San Pedro Square nearby. Speaking of seasonal events, Christmas in the Park is free and draws crowds every year. 

13. Golfland

This family entertainment center has both indoor and covered mini-golf, arcade games, and batting cages, so you can roll right in no matter the weather. Kids love choosing between glow-in-the-dark golf or tickets from the arcade, and parents will appreciate that it keeps everyone entertained in one spot.

Top Indoor Activities in San Jose for Kids

14. The Great Big Game Show

This feels like stepping onto a real-life game show set, complete with buzzers and lights. It’s fast-paced and funny, and older kids who love trivia or competition will be totally into it.

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Step into a strange but wonderful experience. Photo courtesy of Winchester Mystery House

15. Winchester Mystery House

Older kids will love the mystery and weirdness of this sprawling, staircase-to-nowhere mansion. It’s a little spooky, but mostly just fun and strange in a way that gets everyone talking.

16. Children's Musical Theater San Jose (CMT)

These kid-led productions are seriously impressive and a great way to introduce kids to live theater. Even if your child isn't on stage, it’s fun and inspiring to see peers performing.

17. LEGOland Discovery Center

A dream come true for LEGO lovers, with build zones, tiny models of the Bay Area, and a gentle ride or two. It’s indoors, contained, and perfect for a few hours of screen-free play. There is also a human claw machine right around the corner that is a fun experience for kids. 

18. Alamo Drafthouse 

Dinner and a movie without leaving your seat? Yes, please. The Godzilla-themed cinema just recently opened its doors, and it's awesome. They also offer sensory-friendly showtimes and are surprisingly welcoming to families.

19. Lost Worlds Funtropolis

This cavern-sized play center has ball pits, arcade games, mini golf, and even Bazooka Ball are all under one roof, so kids can bounce from zone to zone without touching the car on the way home. Parents appreciate that it’s clean, climate-controlled, and a good escape for a few hours of energy-burning fun. 

20. Sharks Ice San Jose 

Ice skating is always a fun curveball for kids, and this large rink has public sessions where beginners and casual skaters can glide around to fun music. There’s nothing like watching your kid wobble on skates and giggle when they finally make it halfway around the rink. 

Awesome Museums in San Jose for Kids

21. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

You can easily spend a whole day here with little kids. There's water play, a pretend city, and a giant mammoth to climb on. The outdoor play area is messy in the best way and gives everyone space to explore.

RELATED: The Lawrence Hall of Science with Kids: A Parent's Guide 

Interactive science meets tech. Photo courtesy of The Tech Interactive 

22. The Tech Interactive

Older kids and teens can get hands-on with robots, virtual reality, and earthquake simulators, and it’s genuinely fun for grown-ups too. It feels like a science museum made by people who actually know what excites kids. 

23. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

This place is surprisingly cool, especially for kids who are into myths, mummies, or a little bit of spooky. The replica tomb is a highlight and makes history feel way more real than a textbook ever could.

24. San Jose Museum of Art

A quick but worthwhile visit with modern art that's actually fun to look at, plus occasional hands-on activities for families. It’s small enough that even a short attention span won’t be overwhelmed.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in San Jose 

25. Bill's Cafe

A classic brunch spot with huge pancakes and a menu even picky kids will eat from. It’s casual, cheerful, and always packed with families for a reason.

26. Mark's Hot Dogs

This old-school orange-roofed stand has been serving hot dogs and fries since the 1930s, and kids love the novelty of eating at a walk-up counter. It’s super casual, quick, and just the kind of low-key meal that hits the spot after the playground.

27. Santana Row

We love Santana Row for the open space, splash fountains, and food options that work for everyone from toddlers to teens. Grab boba or a bite and let the kids run while you sit for a minute. There are also a ton of events held throughout the year for kids like Halloween parades, pop-ups and more. 

28. San Pedro Square

Casual and chaotic in the best way, this open-air spot lets you grab tacos or pizza while the kids wander nearby. It’s stroller-friendly, loud enough for noise not to matter, and perfect for weekend lunch. San Pedro Social is right in the middle and has an arcade and bowling alley downstairs that is always fun for a family date night. 

Family-Friendly Hotels in San Jose

29. Hotel Valencia Santana Row

If you want to feel like you're on a little vacation without leaving San Jose, this is the spot. You’re steps away from shopping, splash fountains, and plenty of food that even the kids will eat.

30. Hayes Mansion San Jose

Hayes Mansion feels more like a resort than a hotel, with open lawns and a pool to cool off in. The historic vibe is relaxing, but kids are absolutely welcome.

31. Residence Inn San Jose

With roomy suites and full kitchens, this place is a lifesaver for longer stays or bigger families. Plus, free breakfast makes the mornings one step easier.