San Jose has become a popular destination for families seeking educational and interactive activities. Monet Hambrick, known as The Traveling Child, recently explored the area with her two daughters and discussed her experiences on the California Now Podcast with host Soterios Johnson.
One of the highlights mentioned was The Tech Interactive in San Jose. This science center received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2015, which is considered the highest recognition for museums and cultural institutions in the United States. “The Tech,” as it is commonly called, provides STEM-based activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can design robots using real sensors, experiment in a digital experience lab that combines art and technology, and participate in virtual painting sessions. For older children aged 12 and above, there is an opportunity to learn about internet safety through a Cyber Detectives program.
Another recommended stop is the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Located near The Tech Interactive, this museum focuses on play-based learning with exhibits such as a fire truck, an international food market, and tactile exploration areas like the Wonder Cabinet for toddlers. Babies are accommodated with a dedicated Crawl Space featuring age-appropriate activities.
For those willing to travel further south from San Jose, Hambrick suggests visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey. This aquarium houses over 35,000 sea creatures across 200 exhibits. It was established with support from the Packard Foundation and has expanded its conservation efforts through partnerships like the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Families are encouraged to visit attractions such as Splash Zone on the second floor to see kelp forests, coral reefs, and penguins.
In San Francisco’s waterfront area lies Pier 39—a destination known for its scenic views of landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Family-friendly options include Aquarium of the Bay where visitors can observe native aquatic species including moon jellies and sevengill sharks. There are also behind-the-scenes tours available along with several seafood restaurants catering to families.
Lastly, Hambrick recommends California Academy of Sciences located within Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This institution combines an aquarium (Steinhart Aquarium), planetarium (Morrison Planetarium), rainforest biodome (Osher Rainforest), research center, and natural history museum (Kimball Natural History Museum). Exhibits such as Color of Life examine how color relates to animals while other programs focus on sustainability through green building practices and environmental research initiatives.
