Ardenwood Historic Farm Fremont: 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., (510) 796-0199
Discover the ways of life on a 19th century farming estate at the elegant Patterson House. Sample hot cornbread from the Dutch oven, tour the farm in a horse-drawn wagon or train, watch blacksmith demonstrations, and view live farm animals. Open through November. Tues-Sun, 10-4.
Children’s Carousel San Jose: Arena Green, Guadalupe River Park, Santa Clara & Autumn Sts.; (408) 999-6817
The latest addition to San Jose for children's fun features 33 beautifully designed and brightly colored animals, with a nearby playground. Tues-Sun, 10-5.
Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose: 180 Woz Way; (408) 298-5437; www.cdm.org
One of the largest of its kind in the nation, this educationally fun museum features over 150 hands-on exhibits and innovative programs incorporating science, art, humanities, and technology. Children and adults are invited to prod, test, and tinker in a special blend of participatory learning and playful discovery. In the permanent exhibit, Waterways, colorful balls become tools for discovery about the way water gushes, rushes, and flows. Check online for information on additional exhibits, theater experiences, events, and workshops during the month. Tues-Sat, 10-5; Sun, 12-5.
Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education San Mateo: Coyote Pt. (Peninsula Ave. exit from Hwy. 101); (650) 342-7755; www.coyoteptmuseum.org
The museum includes hands-on displays in an Environmental Hall, daily river otter feedings, and over 40 live species of mammals, birds, snakes, and amphibians in a wildlife habitat exhibit. Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5.
David C. Daniels Nature Center Woodside: Skyline Blvd. & Alpine Rd.; (650) 691-1200)
Exhibits for the whole family include larger-than-life pond creatures, a hands-on lab corner with microscopes, and touchable wildlife pelts. Sat-Sun, 12-5.
Deer Hollow Farm Los Altos Hills: Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Cristo Rey Dr. off Foothill Expwy.; (650) 903-6430)
This 10-acre working homestead and educational center located on a 2,135-acre preserve lets families observe, explore, and participate in a working farm. The surrounding wilderness is also explored using hands-on learning methods to create greater awareness and appreciation of open space areas. Tues & Thurs-Sun, 8-4; Wed, 8-1. Animals visible 9-3.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo San Jose: Kelley Park, At Keyes and Senter Rds.; (408) 295-8383 www.happyhollowparkandzoo.org
Family entertainment in a beautiful park setting includes puppet shows, rides, picnic areas, exotic animals, and an animal-contact area. Daily, 10-5.
Hidden Villa Farm & Wilderness Preserve Los Altos Hills: 26870 Moody Rd.; (650) 949-8650; www.hiddenvilla.org
This working farm is designed to foster environmental and multicultural awareness, especially among children. Come face to face with a friendly farm animal and see where milk and eggs come from. Stroll through educational gardens. Trails through the preserve are open to the public except during children's summer camp, mid-June to mid-August.
Lemos Farm Half Moon Bay: 12320 San Mateo Rd. (Hwy. 92); (650) 726-2342; www.lemosfarm.com Run by the Lemos family for three generations, this unique attraction boasts a John Deere engine choo-choo train that takes you past Christmas trees and pumpkin fields; gentle pony rides; a bouncy air jumper; and a petting zoo. Dare to enter the Scare Zone, a year-round haunted house with a tame section for the littlest tykes and a scarier one for older, more brave-hearted children. Open weekends throughout the year; daily for seasonal events.
Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center Palo Alto: 2775 Embarcadero Rd.; (650) 329-2506
A variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits allow visitors to discover the area’s 1,900 acres of baylands, plus the animals, birds, and plants that call it home. Natural phenomenon such as wind and tides as well as migratory species that pass through the baylands are also explored. Fall-Spring: Tue-Wed, 10-5; Thurs-Fri, 2-5; Sat-Sun, 1-5. Summer: Tues-Fri, 2-5; Sat-Sun, 1-5.
Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Palo Alto: 1451 Middlefield Rd.; (650) 329-2111
Interactive exhibits, a natural habitat zoo, and educational programs provide children with an array of fun learning experiences. Tue-Sat, 10-5; Sun, 1-4.
Vasona Lake & Oak Meadow Park Los Gatos: 333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, (408) 356-2729.
Paddle boats and row boats are available for rental on Vasona Lake from early spring through early fall; fishing is also offered. Picnic facilities and extensive lawn areas provide grounds for family outings, while Oak Meadow (within the park) is a great spot for young ones: children can ride a carousel, enjoy the playground, and take a miniature train ride through the park on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad.
