Summertime Fun for Kids—in San Jose California
Fun & Educational Activities for All
Summer’s almost here and the kids are already itching for it, wiggling on their seats at school, daydreaming about sleeping in, watching or listening to cartoons every morning, and all the adventures summer brings with it.
If you live in or around San Jose, California there are plenty of adventures to keep them going, going, going! You have your pick of interesting and fun museums, water parks, theme parks, theatres, arts, and entertainment. Combine learning with an outing, or just go for the sheer fun of it!
ONE PLACE YOU can get a mix is The Children’s Discovery Museum, a wonderful source of enjoyment as well as learning for children of all ages. They have activities geared toward a wide variety of ages and audiences, from parents and caregivers to teachers and older youths. Check out their website to find activities that might be of interest.
ANOTHER FUN ACTIVITY is Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton. The original railroad was named The Santa Cruz & Felton railroad, which started rail trips to Big Trees and the beach in 1875.
All Aboard! If your kids love railroads (or if YOU are the one with the conductor’s hat), then this is the place for you!
When you visit Roaring Camp, you’ll find two trains satisfying your urge to hear the clickity-clack as they chug along. One train trip will take you on a meandering roll through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, winding down through the San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a steel truss bridge built in 1909, and through a tunnel constructed in 1875 all the way to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Another iron horse, an 1890 steam engine, will take you through monolithic redwood groves before pulling you up a winding grade to the summit of Big Bear Mountain. These trees are the first virgin stand of coastal redwoods protected from logging, way back in 1867.
There are a few summertime events at Roaring Camp I bet you and the kids would really enjoy. Why not go for a train ride on Father’s Day? Spend June 18th enjoying a chuck wagon BBQ, live music, and model train displays at Roaring Camp. Dad will love it, and so will da kids!
For fun in the evenings at the Camp, reserve August 19 for a Starlight Evenings train ride. These train trips start at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, winding you through the redwood forest before heading back to the beach. Why not delight your kids with dinner on the wharf in Santa Cruz after a great 60 minute ride through the forest? Reservations are required, so call or check their site on the internet for details. They have a bunch of other activities you and your mini-me(s) may be interested in.
HOW ABOUT A visit to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo? You and the kids will have a fun packed day, with a great variety of activities to enjoy. The children will love to venture into the petting zoo to stroke the soft coats of baby goats and many other small animals.
From the Petting Zoo, journey through the park to the Puppet Theater where you’ll all have belly laughs watching the antics of Pinocchio’s wooden and cloth cousins. After enjoying the marionettes, replenish your strength with something to eat in their picnic area and get ready for the rest of the park.
Next up, venture on over to the Rides & Play Area. Here the kids can burn off some of their energy playing with other munchkins and enjoying the rides. They’ll be talking about the fun for the rest of the week! You’ll want to be prepared for your visit by checking out their website for cost, whether reservations are required, and parking info. Also be prepared for a great day of fun with the kids!
IF YOU’D RATHER enjoy a day of indoor fun and interesting activities, head to the Tech Museum of Innovation in downtown San Jose. This is another place that cleverly combines learning and fun in a way kids really enjoy.
There are so many interesting things to see at this museum, including the following exhibits — Body Worlds Decoded, BioDesign Studio, BioTinkering Lab, Innovations in Healthcare, and Body Motion. Be sure to scope out details for each one, such as timing, ages the exhibit is appropriate for, and more details on the topics. Also, they change up the exhibits occasionally, but these are current as of April 8, 2023.
This museum offers so many things to look at and experience, it’s a must see for the summer. Check their website for hours, location, and cost. You won’t regret this Tech Trip!
THERE ARE MANY other activities in and around San Jose to keep you and the kids busy and bustling the entire summer. I’ve listed a few below for more ideas, but you’ll have to check their websites for details. Have fun in the planning, and in the doing. Don’t forget your sunscreen, your kids, and your patience!
THE MOSAIC FESTIVAL is a two day celebration of Silicon Valleys richly diverse cultures, illustrating cultural commonalities and showcasing performances, workshops on art & movement, arts & crafts vendors, and food trucks enticing you with yummy eats from a vast variety of cultures. Get info here.
YOU AND THE children shouldn’t miss the Santa Clara County Juneteenth Festival, a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation which took place on June 19th, 1865. This festival takes place on June 17th, 2023 from noon to 7pm in downtown San Jose. The festival shows the strength of a united African American community, as well as showcasing and supporting African American artists, entrepreneurs, and entertainers. It brings to life African American culture through food & arts, and also educates everyone involved and attending about the significant contributions by African Americans in Santa Clara Count and this country.
Check out the website here.
CALIFORNIA’S GREAT AMERICA in Santa Clara has thrill rides, family rides, and rides that fit just about any age.
DON’T FORGET THE Santa Clara County Fair held in the Fairgrounds in San Jose where you’ll find the usual fun fair activities such as a destruction derby, animals, games, and the midway. You’ll be able to drag the kids through the livestock barns to marvel at the animals (and the smell). Don’t forget the sticky cotton candy and candy apples, yummy corn dogs, and slurpees. You’ll have games to play, and bands to listen to, as well as excited kids to laugh with! Get info here.
IF ALL OF the above doesn’t wear you out before the end of June or July, then head for the Center for Performing Arts, maybe check out an ice hockey game watching the Sharks, or take in a game with the San Jose Giants Triple A baseball team.
THE SAN JOSE Museum of Art and Children’s Musical Theater offer many fun exhibits and performances for the family to enjoy.
Check out both the museum and the Children’s Musical Theater!
Whew! I’m tired just thinking about all these activities, but so excited to be able to share the wonder of San Jose in the Summer with you!
Are we there yet?
~ Frani