Welcome to the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, CA, an interactive and educational destination for children, families, and schools in the Silicon Valley/San Francisco Bay Area. Located in downtown San Jose, this unique museum features 28,000 square feet of discovery and exploration, including 150 interactive exhibits, five visual and performing arts spaces, and a half-acre outdoor nature play space. Here, visitors of all ages can explore, understand, and enjoy the world around them.
This impressive museum was opened in 1990, and since then over 9 million people have visited. The building was designed by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo Legorreta and features two life-size Columbian mammoth replicas. In addition to the mammoth replicas, visitors can also explore authentic explorable vehicles, such as a fire engine and Wells Fargo stagecoach. The museum is also known for its Cultural Celebrations series, which highlights the cultures and traditions of the diverse population groups in the majority-minority region.
Children’s Discovery Museum has been ranked by Child Magazine as one of the top 10 children’s museums in the United States and ranked by the London Observer as one of the top 5 science centers in the world.
When visiting the Children’s Discovery Museum, there are many interesting exhibits and activities to explore. Some of the top things to do here include:
- Exploring Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, a half-acre outdoor nature exploration space
- Learning about paleontology, geology, and the scientific method at Mammoth Discovery!
- Experiencing physics principles at Waterways, with a water vortex, laminar flow, and fluid pressure and flow
- Participating in the Cultural Celebrations series and other performances by local arts organizations
- Engaging in BioSITE, environmental education in partnership with local schools
- Attending Youth Programs after school and during the summer
- Taking part in the museum’s Legacy for Children fundraising events
In addition to the activities at Children’s Discovery Museum, there are also many attractions nearby for visitors to explore. These include the San Jose Museum of Art, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the San Jose Flea Market.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a truly unique and inspiring destination for visitors of all ages. With its interactive exhibits, educational programs, and rich cultural celebrations, Children’s Discovery Museum is an unforgettable experience that encourages creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning.