Oak Meadow Park, Los Gatos
This is a fantastic park for several reasons: First, there are plenty of imaginative structures to play on, including a decomissioned Air Force T-33 jet, a red train, and a fire engine. In addition, there are your variety slides and ladders, which have always seemed uncrowded despite this park’s popularity. There is also a unique water play area, where you can watch water travel from one place to another...
The Jungle, San Jose
950 El Paseo De Saratoga
San Jose, CA 95124
(408) 866-4386
www.thejunglefun.com
The first thing I have to say is my son LOVES this place. It has the largest tube maze (three stories high) I have ever seen. There are tons of turns, twists and padded obstacles in the middle which for a young kid is great, but for the parent who has to maneuver on hands and knees after the kid is not quite as fun. It is, in fact,...
Bay Area Discovery Museum, San Francisco
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is incredible in many ways. First I want to mention the real estate alone. It is 7.5 acres near the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. This makes the views from outside quite stunning and the smell of the sea surrounds you everywhere. Also as a 1905 former Army post (Fort Baker), the spaces used for the different themed rooms are decommissioned bunkers. All this space makes the museum...
Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
There are a lot of things I really WANT to love about the Academy of Sciences. They offer great exhibits, interesting things to experience (walking through a rainforest full of butterflies was a first for us!) and well-made movies. However, the crowds make the whole experience very tiring. First, it is wise to park in the designated parking lot, which is pricey and also crowded. Then there is the walk across...
Six Flags Marine World, Vallejo
My first opportunity to take my then-3 year old out without his new brother attached, I chose a trip to Marine World. My hope was to let him see some incredible animal shows (what kid isn’t amazed by seeing animals up close) without having to wait around a lot in between shows trying to entertain him. To my amazement, this wish was granted even better than I could have expected. The shows are each...
