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Bill's Backyard: A Natural Playground for Young Explorers

Explore nature's playground in the heart of San Jose at Bill's Backyard, an outdoor learning experience for kids!

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Bill's Backyard, located within the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, is a half-acre outdoor learning environment designed to connect children with nature. It features interactive exhibits like a tree climber, dig pit, and junior ranger station, encouraging exploration and environmental stewardship.

A brief summary to Bill's Backyard

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends, and maximize playtime.
  • Check the museum's schedule for special events and workshops that may be happening during your visit.
  • Dress comfortably and be prepared to get a little dirty, as children are encouraged to engage in hands-on activities.
  • Pack snacks and water, or a lunch to enjoy at the nearby Discovery Meadow.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the San Jose Diridon Station, transfer to the VTA Light Rail towards Mountain View and ride for 10 minutes. Get off at the 'Convention Center' station, then walk 5 minutes east on Woz Way to reach Bill's Backyard at 180 Woz Way. A single ride on VTA Light Rail costs $2.50.

  • Walking

    If you're near the Campbell Community Center, head west on W Campbell Ave towards Central Ave. Turn left on Central Ave, then continue south until you reach E Campbell Ave. Cross the street and head east until you reach the intersection with San Tomas Expressway. Continue walking east on E Campbell Ave until you reach Campbell Park. Follow the path south towards Woz Way, which will lead you to Bill's Backyard. This walk is approximately 1.5 miles.

  • Parking

    Several public and privately-owned parking lots are available near the Children's Discovery Museum. These lots are located on Woz Way, Auzerais Street, and Almaden Boulevard. Parking rates start at $7.00, but may increase during high-demand days. The Auzerais Parking Lot has an attendant and accepts cash, debit, and credit payments.

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Discover more about Bill's Backyard

Bill's Backyard is an innovative outdoor exhibit at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, designed as a bridge to nature for children in an urban environment. This half-acre space offers a variety of interactive features that encourage kids to explore, create, and learn about the natural world. Key attractions include the Tree Climber, which allows children to ascend tall trees connected by sky bridges, offering a unique perspective. The Dig Pit provides hours of entertainment with smooth stones for digging and scooping. The Junior Ranger Station orients children to the local flora and fauna, with maps, fossils, and animal skeletons. Kids can also build forts using natural materials like reeds and willow branches. Bill's Backyard aims to reverse 'nature deficit disorder' by bringing nature to children and inspiring them to seek out other outdoor opportunities. The space also incorporates environmentally friendly features, such as a rain-harvesting system for irrigation, teaching kids about water conservation. The exhibit is designed to be a welcoming and safe environment where children can learn that their actions make a difference in preserving natural assets.

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