San Jose Family Fun Adventure: Exploring Silicon Valley’s Heart
Family-Friendly Adventures in , California!
California"s Great America
Why Visit?
Welcome to California"s Great America, a thrilling amusement park located in the heart of Santa Clara, perfect for a family adventure! Here’s an engaging itinerary to ensure you make the most of your visit:
Morning
Start your day early by arriving at the park before opening time to beat the crowds. After entering, head straight to Planet Snoopy, designed specifically for younger children with rides like the Woodstock Express and Snoopy’s Space Buggies. Fun fact: Planet Snoopy is themed around Charles Schulz"s beloved Peanuts characters, who originated in nearby Santa Rosa!
Mid-Morning
As the park starts to fill up, make your way to RailBlazer, a single-rail coaster that offers an intense but smooth ride with twists and sudden drops. It’s one of the first of its kind on the West Coast!
Lunch
Grab a bite at Maggie Brown’s, offering hearty meals perfect for refueling. Try their famous fried chicken or the vegetarian options available.
Afternoon
Post-lunch, relax on the Rue le Dodge, the classic bumper cars, before exploring the South Bay Shores Waterpark. Don’t miss the Tidal Wave slides for some cooling fun!
Late Afternoon
Take in a live show at the Great America Theater to enjoy some captivating performances that change seasonally. Then, proceed to GoldStriker, the wooden coaster known for its intense speed and sharp turns, exciting for both kids and adults.
Evening
Cap off your day with a ride on the Carousel Columbia, the world"s tallest double-decker carousel, providing a gentle, relaxing end to an exhilarating day. As dusk falls, head over to Celebration Plaza for the impressive nighttime show featuring lights, music, and entertainment.
Getting Around
The park is compact and walkable, but renting a stroller or locker near the entrance can help manage fatigue and belongings.
Remember, buying tickets online often offers discounts and helps save time at the gate. Enjoy your magical day at California"s Great America where excitement and fun await at every corner!
Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.
Computer History Museum
Why Visit?
Family-Friendly Itinerary to the Computer History Museum
Getting There
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Computer History Museum is easily accessible by car or public transport. If you"re driving, it"s situated at 1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA. There"s ample parking available on-site. For those opting for public transport, take the Caltrain to Mountain View Station and hop on the bus or a short taxi ride to the museum.
Start Your Day
Arrive early to make the most of your visit! The museum opens at 10 AM. Begin with "Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing," a flagship exhibit showcasing key artifacts that highlight the history of computing. This segment includes the abacus, the Apple I, and even Google"s early servers, giving insights into the evolution from simple calculators to complex computers.
Interactive and Educational Stops
1. PDP-1 Demo (11 AM): Watch the PDP-1 computer in action, one of the first interactive computers which played a pivotal role in gaming history.
2. Hands-On History (12 PM): Engage with hands-on activities suitable for kids and adults. Assemble puzzles and understand binary code, offering playful learning.
Lunch Break (1 PM)
Take a break at the Cloud Café within the museum. Enjoy a variety of snacks and refreshments perfect for recharging your energy.
Afternoon Exploration
- Guided Tour (2 PM): Join the "Women in Computing" tour to learn about influential women in the tech industry. This is not only inspiring but also educational for young girls and boys alike.
- The Autonomous Vehicle Exhibit (3 PM): Delve into the future by exploring self-driving cars and their impact on society.
Wrap Up (4 PM)
Before leaving, stop by the gift shop for some unique souvenirs like mini robots or DIY computer kits – great mementos from your tech journey!
Interesting Fact
Did you know the Computer History Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of computing artifacts in the world? From ancient calculators to the latest in digital technology, the museum is a treasure trove for tech enthusiasts of all ages.
Enjoy your tech-filled adventure at the Computer History Museum!
Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.