Children's Discovery Museum
Children's Discovery Museum
4.5
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Since opening in 1990, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose has become one of largest and most respected museums of its kind in the nation. With interactive exhibits and programs encompassing science, humanities, performing arts, and health and physical fitness, the award-winning Museum offers new exhibits each year that respond to children's diverse educational needs. With the broad themes of community, connections and creativity, hands-on exhibits invite self-directed, open-ended explorations.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Children's Discovery Museum and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,007 within 5 kms
Attractions
307 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
463 reviews
Excellent
298
Very good
122
Average
31
Poor
10
Terrible
2
ikiefer
Aarhus, Denmark38 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Okay - for children under the age of five.
Unfortunately that was not the impression we got through the website and we wasted around 100$ for the whole family on entrance fees. Our children were 7+. Only remotely fun thing was the corn leaves.
Unfortunately that was not the impression we got through the website and we wasted around 100$ for the whole family on entrance fees. Our children were 7+. Only remotely fun thing was the corn leaves.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol R
Chapel Hill, NC1 contribution
Feb 2023
My grandchildren spent a wonderful morning at the museum. There is so much to explore and discover, and they did not want to leave. A great place to take children for a most reasonable price. Highly recommend visiting this museum.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanette C
10 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
It has changed a bit since Covid entered our lives. There is still lots to do. We brought 2 two year Olds and they absolutely loved it. The ability to touch and interact with so many things kept them entertained. The big kitchen and outdoor play area were their favorites.
Written 3 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gailcB8547ZS
San Jose, United States2 contributions
Nov 2020
Excellent place for families. Bills Backyard has lots of activities for children and families. Take your time. This children will have fun exploring each of the many spaces. This is a great place for children and families during this time of Covid. Fresh air, many environs, and a wonderful place to just "breathe" and have fun. Lots of smiles here.
Written 17 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lois M
San Jose, CA1 contribution
As you can see by my address, we live in San Jose. We visit the Children's Discovery Museum about once a month. We started going as soon as my oldest could walk, and she's now 5. We've spent many happy hours there! It's great for younger children, about ages 1 through 8 or 9. (Happy Hollow on Senter Road is another super place for young children in San Jose--be sure to catch the puppet show. The Japanese Friendship Garden and its giant koi right next door. Older children will adore the Tech Museum of Innovation, and if you're here on the last Sunday of a month, don't miss the incredible family activities at the San Jose Museum of Art where admission is always free.) You can explore the Children's Museums' exhibits and calendar of events at www.cdm.org. If you want to just make a quick visit, the last hour is 1/2 price, or at least it used to be (call to check). However, we have met families who are spending the whole day in the museum. Bring a lunch and eat out on the lawn...the children can "chase" the planes that are zooming in low to land at the San Jose airport. The museum's permanent exhibits are good--my children have never tired of them; the traveling exhibits are usually excellent, too. Don't miss the garden activities, if the garden is open, and bring an extra change of clothes in case your toddlers or preschoolers find some water play. There is a special room upstairs for babies and toddlers, too. If you've been to the children's museum in Indianapolis, this little museum doesn't hold a candle to it, but the kids love it anyway. Happy Hollow and the CDM would give you two fun days in San Jose with your young children. L. Moore
Written 25 April 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Puulani
3 contributions
May 2012
Great place for the kids...easy, safe and clean. This Museum is easy to get to and easy to leave...There are many different things that are hands on for many ages. Your welcome to bring your own lunch in...how great!
Written 8 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ola
Rotterdam, The Netherlands26 contributions
Sept 2019 • Family
We’ve just left the museum. Have never met such a terrible attitude, especially at children’s place. Staff is so unfriendly, no greetings, ignoring the questions, guests greetings and goodbyes... not the best example for kids, don’t you think?
As no staff are watching the areas, no one is interacting with kids, no one to explain the children the “discovery” attractions, I would not call this a discovery museum. More a thematic playground where children and parents explore the area on their own.
Tons of things to do for kids though. Would recommend to visit, but personally will not be back. Shocked with the unwelcoming attitude.
As no staff are watching the areas, no one is interacting with kids, no one to explain the children the “discovery” attractions, I would not call this a discovery museum. More a thematic playground where children and parents explore the area on their own.
Tons of things to do for kids though. Would recommend to visit, but personally will not be back. Shocked with the unwelcoming attitude.
Written 13 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ll123blue
Edina, MN164 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
On a vacation in the Bay Area with children and looking for something fun to do?, then come to the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. This museum is wonderful for children (and adults accompanying them) of all ages. It is a showcase of fun adventures using all the elements including earth, air, wind and fire (via a fire truck, I guess).
The museum also sends positive messages about the wide range of diversity of our planet, including its people. Healthy eating is emphasized, not just in fun food exhibits and play areas but in the cafeteria as well. All activities, including the three times per week concerts, are interactive and the staff here is helpful and very welcoming.
We spent three hours here (both indoors and outdoors) with a 5 year old and a 2-1/2 year old and both were engaged the entire time, playing not just with the exhibits and each other, but with other children as well. We adults couldn’t help joining in with the kiddies as well. It was a fun experience and I highly recommend it for all. What could be better for children than having fun and learning at the same time.
The museum also sends positive messages about the wide range of diversity of our planet, including its people. Healthy eating is emphasized, not just in fun food exhibits and play areas but in the cafeteria as well. All activities, including the three times per week concerts, are interactive and the staff here is helpful and very welcoming.
We spent three hours here (both indoors and outdoors) with a 5 year old and a 2-1/2 year old and both were engaged the entire time, playing not just with the exhibits and each other, but with other children as well. We adults couldn’t help joining in with the kiddies as well. It was a fun experience and I highly recommend it for all. What could be better for children than having fun and learning at the same time.
Written 8 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H S
Miami, FL15 contributions
Mar 2012
I recently visited this children's museum with my kindergartener. Compared to other children's museums I have visited (Indianapolis Children's Museum, Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier), I felt a bit surprised by how lacking this one was in terms of engaging activities for the kids. We did/saw everything in about three hours, but nothing really struck me as super fun or enriching. The main attraction is an exhibition about mammoths, but I think something more universal like dinosaurs would be far more appealing for children.
I suppose my biggest issue with this museum was that hands on equipment/toys/activities seemed kind of scarce and unimpressive compared to other museums I've been to. The biggest highlights for my child were the bubble room and the water play area, but these two areas seemed poorly controlled and shabbily equipped.
Another issue I had with our visit was the general area in which the museum is located -- just a bunch of office buildings nearby and not many restaurants or easily accessible eateries to take the kids to. There was a playground outside the museum complex, but it was rather desolate and the area seemed kind of seedy overall.
Unless it's raining or something and you absolutely MUST do something indoors, I'd say skip this attraction and take your kids elsewhere. Chances are there is probably a better children's museum close to where you live.
I suppose my biggest issue with this museum was that hands on equipment/toys/activities seemed kind of scarce and unimpressive compared to other museums I've been to. The biggest highlights for my child were the bubble room and the water play area, but these two areas seemed poorly controlled and shabbily equipped.
Another issue I had with our visit was the general area in which the museum is located -- just a bunch of office buildings nearby and not many restaurants or easily accessible eateries to take the kids to. There was a playground outside the museum complex, but it was rather desolate and the area seemed kind of seedy overall.
Unless it's raining or something and you absolutely MUST do something indoors, I'd say skip this attraction and take your kids elsewhere. Chances are there is probably a better children's museum close to where you live.
Written 16 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SClocal
Orange County, CA13 contributions
Jun 2011
Children loved this place!!!! Lots to see and do, but I personally prefer Happy Hollow Park and Zoo for the money I paid to get in!
Written 23 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I went on one wednesday at 1030 and it was super crowded. When would be a good time to go?
Written 24 March 2019
Usually the museum is less crowded when schools are in session.
It is always busy during breaks.
Written 24 March 2019
子どもとバスで行きたいと考えています。しかし夫が治安を心配しています。最寄りのバス停から子供科学博物館まではGoogleマップによると徒歩で8分。この距離を夫なしで2人の子供を連れて歩くには危険なエリアでしょうか？
ちなみに現在は治安がいいとされる地域に住んでおり、15分程度かけて歩いて子どもと出かけているので、子連れで歩くこと自体は問題ないです。
Written 12 July 2018
mlhawn
Drexel, Missouri
Hi we are visiting San Jose during a flight lay-over and would like to visit the museum. Could you tell me the ticket price for a child that is 6 and one that is 9. Also if there is an adult admission?
thanks
Written 5 October 2016
Both previous posts are correct - $13 , seniors are $1 less
Written 6 October 2016
hi,
i have 3 kids: 4.5+ 8 +10
i would like to know if they will find the museum suitable for their ages?
thanks
Written 2 May 2016
I checked with our friend that is on staff at the Discovery Museum, she said many special needs children visit every week and they alway try to accommodate any reasonable request for these kids. Do contact the museum, sometimes they have events that would a real treat for your daughter.
Written 10 April 2016
Showing results 1-6 of 6
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing