Childrens Discovery Museum of San Jose552

One of the largest children's museums in the country, Children's Discovery Museum boasts over 150 interactive exhibits and programs, and all efforts by visitors to test, prod, and tinker with displays are welcomed. The exhibits respond to the need for children to learn through concrete interactions - touching, exploring, manipulating, and experimenting.

Exhibit galleries are fully wheelchair accessible.

In WaterWays, colorful plastic balls become tools for discovery about the way water gushes, rushes and flows. The Wonder Cabinet opens the door to a wonder-full world where the youngest visitors can make big discoveries. The 900 sq. ft. Art Loft (geared for ages 4 -10) is filled with daylight, art-making tools and materials, and young visitors working with trained art facilitators. Secrets of Circles, the Museum's newest gallery, celebrates the math, science, and beauty of circles with eighteen original interactive tri-lingual (English, Spanish and Vietnamese) exhibits. Other exhibit galleries include: Bubbalogna, Kids's Garden, Post Office, Pizza Please, Lee and Diane Brandenburg Theatre, and Step into the Past.

Kids Cafe: You can find a nice selection of reasonably priced food and beverages. The surrounding Guadalupe River Park also offers plenty of space for picnics.

Museum Store: The shelves hold a wide selection of creative books, toys, and games related to the Museum experience.

The Birthday Party Program offers three options, and each one includes all day admission to the Museum for party guests; one hour in the decorated Birthday Party Room; a Hostess to help with the party; and an invitation and map for each guest. The Basic Birthday Package (12 children) costs $200, with $7 for each additional child. Add-ons include food, art or science activities, and extra time in the party room. Parties from ten to 100 people can be accommodated. Call 408.298.5437, ex 268, or e-mail birthdays@cdm.org to book a party.

CDM also offers a variety of after-school, summer, and weekend programs for middle school youth, geared towards new discoveries. The Summer of Service (SOS) program gives kids the opportunity to spend two weeks of the summer helping people in need, solving problems, building teams and making the world a better place.