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7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in San Jose

Thursday, October 19: Arrival in San Jose

Welcome to San Jose! Start your trip by exploring the vibrant downtown area. In the morning, visit the Tech Museum of Innovation, an interactive science and technology museum that offers hands-on exhibits for all ages. In the afternoon, take a walk through History Park, a living history museum that showcases the region's rich heritage. In the evening, head to Santana Row, a premier shopping and dining destination with a European-style ambiance.

  • Tech Museum of Innovation: Estimated Cost - $15 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • History Park: Estimated Cost - $8 per person, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Santana Row: Free to explore, Estimated Time Spent - Evening
Friday, October 20: Family Fun at Great America

Get ready for a day of thrilling rides and family entertainment at California's Great America. Spend the morning enjoying roller coasters, live shows, and water slides at this popular amusement park. In the afternoon, have a picnic at nearby Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. As the evening approaches, explore Downtown San Jose and dine at one of the family-friendly restaurants.

  • California's Great America: Estimated Cost - $60 per person, Estimated Time Spent - Full day
  • Guadalupe River Park and Gardens: Free to visit, Estimated Time Spent - Afternoon
  • Downtown San Jose: Cost depends on dining choices, Estimated Time Spent - Evening
Saturday, October 21: Natural Beauty at Alum Rock Park

Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature at Alum Rock Park. Start your day with a hike along the scenic trails, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful rock formations. Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the park's designated areas. In the afternoon, visit the Emma Prusch Farm Park featuring farm animals and a beautiful garden. In the evening, head to San Pedro Square Market for a variety of food options and live music.

  • Alum Rock Park: Free admission, Estimated Time Spent - Morning
  • Emma Prusch Farm Park: Free admission, Estimated Time Spent - Afternoon
  • San Pedro Square Market: Cost depends on dining choices, Estimated Time Spent - Evening
Sunday, October 22: Exploring Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, a family-friendly attraction with rides, animal exhibits, and educational programs. Start your day with the animal encounters, where you can meet various species up close. In the afternoon, let the kids enjoy the rides and play areas while you relax in the beautiful garden surroundings. For dinner, head to Willow Glen, a charming neighborhood known for its dining options.

  • Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: Estimated Cost - $20 per person, Estimated Time Spent - Full day
  • Willow Glen: Cost depends on dining choices, Estimated Time Spent - Evening
Monday, October 23: Discover the Winchester Mystery House

Embark on a fascinating tour of the Winchester Mystery House, a historic mansion known for its architectural oddities and intriguing backstory. Spend the morning exploring the maze-like rooms and learning about the legends surrounding the house. In the afternoon, visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, home to an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll at the Municipal Rose Garden, a serene park with over 3,500 rose bushes.

  • Winchester Mystery House: Estimated Cost - $40 per person, Estimated Time Spent - Morning
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: Estimated Cost - $10 per person, Estimated Time Spent - Afternoon
  • Municipal Rose Garden: Free to visit, Estimated Time Spent - Evening
Tuesday, October 24: Day Trip to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Take a day trip to Santa Cruz and visit the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Spend the morning enjoying thrilling rides and classic boardwalk games. Have a beachside lunch and relax on the sandy shores. In the afternoon, explore the Santa Cruz Wharf and indulge in some fresh seafood. On your way back to San Jose, make a stop at Mystery Spot, a gravitational anomaly that will leave you amazed.

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Estimated Cost - $45 per person, Estimated Time Spent - Full day
  • Santa Cruz Wharf: Free to visit, Estimated Time Spent - Afternoon
  • Mystery Spot: Estimated Cost - $10 per person, Estimated Time Spent - Evening
Wednesday, October 25: Farewell to San Jose

Spend your last day exploring the vibrant San Jose Flea Market. Shop for unique souvenirs, sample delicious local treats, and soak in the lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Children's Discovery Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to inspiring young minds. End your trip with a visit to the Municipal Golf Course, where you can enjoy a round of golf or simply relax in the scenic surroundings.

  • San Jose Flea Market: Free admission, Estimated Time Spent - Morning
  • Children's Discovery Museum: Estimated Cost - $15 per person, Estimated Time Spent - Afternoon
  • Municipal Golf Course: Cost depends on golfing fees, Estimated Time Spent - Afternoon

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, venture out to the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Arboretum, a beautiful and peaceful garden filled with various tree species. Another local favorite is the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, perfect for hiking and exploring old mercury mines. Families with young children will also enjoy visiting the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden Playground, a charming playground located within the rose garden.

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