Although it is located less than 30 miles from San Francisco, San Jose, California, is a destination city that has family entertainment options. San Jose, which has grown to become one of the 10 most populated cities in the country, has the title of the "Capital of the Silicon Valley." A part of the computer and software boom of the 1980s and 1990s, San Jose is home to Cisco Systems, Inc., one of the leading networking companies in the world.
Billed as the largest water park in Northern California, Raging Waters offers 23 acres of water-related attractions. Raging Waters features nine large water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river for leisurely floating and several play forts and pools for younger children. The park also features a family activity pool with slides, ropes and waterfalls. Raging Waters includes two snack bars and one restaurant. The restaurant serves sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers and light lunch and dinner fare. The park is open daily from June through August and on the weekends in September.
Raging Waters
2333 South White Road
San Jose, CA 95148
408-238-9900
rwsplash.com
California's Great America amusement park offers rides, live concerts and water activities. The park, which is located about five miles from San Jose in Santa Clara, features 11 thrill rides including roller coasters and a ride that drops guests 22 stories in a few seconds. California's Great America offers family rides including 11 water slides, carousels and log rides. The park also features a children's ride area with 10 different rides and attractions. California's Great America offers guests fast-food dining options and two indoor restaurants. The fast-food snack bars serve sandwiches and snacks, while the indoor restaurants have lunch and dinner menus with appetizers, entrees and desserts. California's Great America is open daily from June through August and on the weekends during September.
California's Great America
P. O. Box 1776
Santa Clara, CA 95052
408-988-1776
cagreatamerica.com
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo features animals and rides for younger children. While the zoo does not have larger animals like elephants and giraffes, it does feature 23 different mammals, including monkeys, lemurs and tigers. The zoo also features reptiles, birds, spiders and insects. Happy Hollow's amusement park features children's rides, a playground, an education center and a lemur exhibit. The park's restaurant serves lunch and dinner. The puppet theater features two puppet shows every day. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is open daily throughout the year.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
1300 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
408-794-6400
hhpz.org
