Bill's Backyard, Silicon Valley Travel Guide

4.9 (13)

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.

A brief summary to Bill's Backyard

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bill's Backyard.

Check the Children's Discovery Museum website for upcoming special events and workshops at Bill's Backyard to enhance your visit.
Prepare for outdoor play by bringing water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays) for a less crowded experience.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Monopoly in the Park or the Guadalupe River Park for a full day of family fun.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Winchester Mystery House

Discovery Meadow

California's Great America

Baylands Observation Deck and Boardwalk

Libby's Water Tower

Explore Bill's Backyard on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bill's Backyard, mapped for you.

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.

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.