From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bill's Backyard.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature
Explore nature in the heart of San Jose at Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature, an interactive outdoor exhibit for kids at the Children's Discovery Museum.
Bill's Backyard is a half-acre outdoor exhibit at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, designed to connect kids with nature through climbing, building, digging, and unstructured play. It features a junior ranger station, a dig pit, and a tree climber with sky bridges, offering a safe and engaging environment for children to explore the natural world.
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A brief summary to Bill's Backyard
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Discover more about Bill's Backyard
Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature, located at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, is a unique outdoor learning environment where children can explore and appreciate the natural world. Opened in 2017, this half-acre space offers a range of interactive exhibits designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills through unstructured play.
The exhibit includes a Jr. Ranger Station where children can learn about local natural features and wildlife. The Tree Climber, with its tall trees and sky bridges, allows kids to experience climbing and see the world from a new perspective. There's also a Look Out Tower and Tunnel for kids to jump, roll, and scurry like animals, and a Dig Pit filled with stones for digging and scooping.
Bill's Backyard aims to bridge the gap between urban children and nature, providing a safe and accessible space for outdoor exploration. It encourages families to venture out to nearby parks and wilderness areas, fostering a deeper understanding of the environment and inspiring future land stewards. The space also includes elements like a dry creek bed and a garden, offering diverse opportunities for sensory experiences and learning about nature.
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Getting There
Public Transport
From San Jose Diridon Station, take the VTA Light Rail Alum Rock-Santa Teresa line to the Children's Discovery Museum Station. The museum is a short walk from the station. A single VTA Light Rail fare is typically around $2.50.
Walking
If you are near the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, walk along Woz Way towards the Children's Discovery Museum. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.
Driving
If driving, approach via Highway 87 and take the Auzerais exit. Parking is available in the Woz Way lot or the Auzerais Street lot. Expect to pay around $7-$10 for parking, but rates may increase during special events. Limited free accessible parking is available in the museum's drop-off lane on Woz Way.
A brief summary to Bill's Backyard
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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