The Tech Museum in San Jose, CA 95113

201 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113United States

408.294.8324

http://www.thetech.org

Hours:Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Cost:Museum or IMAX: Adults $10, Seniors (over 65) $8, Children $7; Combo (IMAX and museum): Adults $16, Seniors $11, Children $10

Ages:4 And Up

The Tech Museum of San Jose is one of the coolest anywhere and masterful at creating an interactive experience for kids that's both intellectually challenging and satisfying.

A sampling of Museum activities: You can design your own roller coaster - and then "ride" it. Create your own multi-media production with yourself in the starring role. Play in virtual worlds by yourself or with strange people called Bubba and Elaine. Sit still for a laser portrait, and then manipulate it so you look even stranger than you already do. And create your own Web pages. The museum has figured out countless ways to make understanding technology a blast.

In addition to a small theater, which highlights some aspect of an exhibit, the Museum has a large domed Imax theater, which offers films from 11am through 4pm. Special live presentations by staff also run throughout the day. Recently, we saw a dog robot sit up and beg for one staffer, and pack a suitcase for a trip to Mars for another.

In fact, volunteers and staff are everywhere and quick to answer any and all questions you might have about the Museum. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here, and still want to come back again and again.

The Tech Museum Summer Camps feature hands-on science and technology classes designed for science lovers entering 4th - 8th grades. Kids choose from 14 different class topics, including Lego Robotics, Video Game Design, Rocket Science, Animation Sensation, and more.

Don't be put off by all the school groups; the place is big enough that you can eventually find an area that isn't crowded, so start there.

Corner of Park Avenue and Market Street. From SF: Take 101 S; exit Guadalupe Parkway (Highway 87). Continue 2-1/2 miles through city streets, then onto the parkway. Exit Park Avenue/San Carlos Street. Turn left on Park. The Tech is on the corner of Park Avenue and Market Street. From Highway 280/680 (both directions), take Guadalupe Parkway (Highway 87) going north. Go 1/4 mile to the Santa Clara Street exit. Turn right on Santa Clara. Go 5 lights to Market Street and turn right. Go 2 blocks; the museum is on the right, at the corner of Park Avenue and Market Street. Discounted, validated parking is available at the Second and San Carlos Streets Garage, adjacent to Camera Cinema. Enter the garage from Second or Third Street. With validation, parking will be $3 or less; bring your parking ticket to The Tech for validation.