Children's Museums

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Downtown San Jose / Discovery Meadow, San Jose, CA

Hands-on children's museum near downtown San Jose with indoor exhibits, seasonal outdoor experiences, and a strong play-through-learning focus.

Interactive indoor exhibit at Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Photo 1 of 3. Interactive indoor exhibit at Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Editorial notes

What stands out

Better for curious, hands-on kids than pure climbers; this is a real museum visit with strong play value.

Good fit

  • Families who want exhibits and imaginative hands-on play
  • Toddlers through elementary-age kids
  • Half-day museum outings with indoor and outdoor components

Consider another option if

  • Kids who mainly want climbing structures and slides
  • Families looking for quick cheap drop-in play
  • Visitors who only want a padded soft-play environment

Know Before You Go

Food
FoodShed Cafe is available on site
Supervision model
Mixed model
Hours vary due to private events
Yes

What to Expect

For kids

  • Babies
  • Toddlers
  • Preschoolers
  • Big kids
  • Mixed ages
  • Pretend play

For caregivers

  • Food available
  • Mixed model
Visit type
Hands on museum visit
Read more about this location

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is one of the region's strongest play-based museum visits, with interactive indoor exhibits plus outdoor areas that extend the experience when weather cooperates. It is less of a padded playground and more of a hands-on learn-through-play destination for curious toddlers and elementary-age kids. Families who value exhibits, STEM play, and a fuller half-day outing will get more from it than those seeking a quick climb-and-slide stop.

Hours & Admission

Posted hours

Check posted weekly hours

View full weekly hours
Weekly posted opening hours
Mondayclosed
Tuesday9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.

Admission

Published admission prices
VisitorPrice
Admission Adult$18
Admission Child$18
Senior Admission$16

Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.

Birthday Parties

Party or event options reported

Accessibility

Wheelchair

Official hours and pricing page notes wheelchair access

Sensory Notes

Stimulating but generally more structured than a big arcade-style play center

Accessibility and comfort

Wheelchair accessible

Location

180 Woz Way

San Jose, CA, 95110

Get directions

Other options nearby

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Ball pit at KidTopia Zone in Fremont

KidTopia Zone

Fremont, CA

Fremont soft-play and pretend-play center with weekday unlimited admission, timed weekend sessions, and a big party focus.

Sources & Updates

3 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 6, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.

View source and update details
Last check on record
Apr 6, 2026
Sources reviewed
3 public sources

Public sources

What changed

  • April 6, 2026

    Verified museum hours, pricing basics, and access details.