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Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose: A World of Exploration

Inspiring creativity and lifelong learning through hands-on exploration in the heart of Silicon Valley.

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The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is a vibrant learning center where kids can explore over 150 hands-on exhibits. Located in a distinctive purple building on Woz Way, the museum encourages creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning for children aged 10 and under.

A brief summary to Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

  • Tuesday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's calendar for special events, performances, and cultural celebrations to enhance your visit.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance, especially if visiting on weekends or holidays, to ensure entry.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you and your children will be doing a lot of walking and hands-on activities.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak hours (e.g., weekdays) for a less crowded experience.
  • Utilize the free limited parking on the museum's west side on Woz Way from Almaden.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Children's Discovery Museum is accessible via public transportation. Take the VTA Light Rail Alum Rock-Santa Teresa line to the Children's Discovery Museum station. Several County Transit bus lines also stop on Almaden Boulevard, a short walk from the museum. A single VTA light rail or bus fare is typically around $2.50.

  • Walking

    From the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, walk south on Market Street, then turn left onto San Carlos Street. Turn right onto Woz Way, and the museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Jose. A short ride from San Jose Diridon Station to the museum typically costs $7-9 and takes only a few minutes. Note that prices may vary depending on demand and time of day.

  • Parking

    Several public and private parking lots are located near the museum. The closest parking is at 180 Woz Way. Public parking starts at $7, but rates increase during high-demand days. The Auzerais Parking Lot has an attendant and accepts cash, debit, and credit payments. Parking payment machines in the Woz Way lot take $1 and $5 bills, and some accept Visa and MasterCard. Check apps like ParkWhiz for rates.

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Discover more about Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, located in the heart of downtown San Jose on Woz Way, is a dynamic and engaging space dedicated to sparking curiosity and fostering a love of learning in children. Since opening in 1990, the museum has welcomed over 9 million visitors, offering a rich array of hands-on exhibits and programs designed for kids aged 10 and under. The museum's striking purple building, designed by architect Ricardo Legorreta, houses 28,000 square feet of gallery space. Inside, young explorers can delve into the worlds of science, humanities, arts, nature, and health through interactive displays. Popular exhibits include Mammoth Discovery!, where children can learn about paleontology and geology, and Waterways, an exhibit that demonstrates physics principles through water play. Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature, a half-acre outdoor space, invites kids to connect with the natural world through digging, planting, and tree-climbing. The museum is committed to celebrating diversity and fostering global understanding. Its Cultural Celebrations series highlights the traditions of the region's diverse communities. With trilingual signage in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, the museum ensures accessibility for a wide range of visitors. The Children's Discovery Museum has earned accolades as one of the top children's museums in the United States and a leading science center worldwide.

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