Family outings in Santa Clara County: 38 picks from the Santa Clara County guide, each linked to its source. Details can change. Check with the venue before you go.
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Outings near you
Family days out in Santa Clara County often start at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, which invites families of all backgrounds to experiences that spark imagination. This page also gathers shows, library clubs and park visits around the county. Source: cdm.org
Family outings in Santa Clara County
Family-friendly events and outings everyone can enjoy together.
38 picks
Section: Family outingstheater
Oct 30 – Nov 1, 2026
Bluey's Big Play at the Center for the Performing Arts
When Dad feels like a little bit of time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Running time 50 minutes, no intermission. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No lap seats.
Dates
Friday, October 30 - Sunday, November 1, 2026
Hours
Friday 6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Drop in every Monday from 4 to 5pm for an evening of STEM-related family fun, from a robot hand DIY to magnet mazes and a straw airplane challenge. Intended for ages 5-10, but all families are welcome. Free; no registration required.
Meet dogs and kittens available for adoption in a relaxed, fun setting at Pup Plaza; on November 14 and December 12, Every Pets Dream brings more adoptable dogs. The Pup Plaza boutique is open during adoption events.
Dates
Saturdays, November 14 and 21; December 5, 12 and 19, 2026
Holiday evenings at Gilroy Gardens with light displays, a 100-foot musical Tunnel of Lights, character shows with Santa, ice skating and North Pole Village.
Dates
Select evenings Nov 21 – Dec 31, 2026
Cost
Single-day admission ticket or Premium Membership required
A remixed Nutcracker smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky, with a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow opening the show. Grab your family and friends; about 2 hours with intermission. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket; no lap seats.
Campbell's annual celebration to open the holiday season, with Santa visits, a petting zoo, donkey rides, bounce houses, craft tables, face painting, music and dance performances on the community stage.
Discover the traditions of Hanukkah in this partnership event with Jewish Silicon Valley: play dreidel games, an interactive performance by edu-tainer Koren Zuckerman, songs by Yavneh Day School students, a miracles scavenger hunt and a traditional Hanukkah treat.
Elena Sharkova leads Symphony San Jose, the Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers and New Ballet in beloved holiday classics, carols, dance numbers, audience sing-alongs and the Twelve Days of Silicon Valley; pictures with Santa before the concert. Approx. 1 hr 50 min. with intermission.
Dates
Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2026
Hours
Saturday 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Cost
Single tickets from $35 (fees included); prices vary with demand
A dazzling holiday variety show that captivates audiences of all ages, with festive charm, laugh-out-loud comedy, heartwarming magic and gravity-defying acrobatics from elite cirque performers. 2 hours, including a 20-minute intermission. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No lap seats.
Dates
Wednesday, December 16 - Thursday, December 17, 2026
Symphony San Jose and New Ballet present Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker set in San Jose at the turn of the last century, with a growing replica of the historic San Jose Light Tower. Ballet performance with live orchestra, approx. 2 hr with intermission.
Dates
December 19, 20, 22, 23, 26 and 27, 2026
Hours
2 p.m.; Saturdays also 7 p.m.
Cost
Single tickets start at $35 (inclusive of all fees), with pricing varying based on demand
A special one-act presentation of The San Jose Nutcracker ideal for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, with a live orchestra, costumed characters and holiday music on the theatre's historical organ. Approx. 55 minutes, no intermission.
Dates
Sunday, December 20, Tuesday, December 22, Wednesday, December 23 and Sunday, December 27, 2026
The touring production of the musical comedy Mrs. Doubtfire, based on the film, about an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. Recommended for ages 8+. 2 hours 30 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
1,558 acres with lawns, a playground, fishing at Sandy Wool Lake, views from Monument Peak and a hang-gliding launch area where visitors can watch gliders soar.
Hours
8am-sunset
Cost
$6 daily vehicle entry; free for vehicles with a valid disabled placard or plate
PCFMA certified farmers' market at Evergreen Village Square, open year-round on Sundays and Wednesdays; seasonal highlight: peanuts. Street parking available.
Formerly known as the Blossom Hill Farmers' Market, with over 40 growers and food producers at peak season, including local Santa Clara growers. The market has public transportation access; during weekend parking lot events it moves across the street next to Bowlero Bowling Alley.
Visitor area on Mount Hamilton. The East Grounds and Shane Gallery are open 9am-5pm daily; the main building and West Peak area remain closed. Free for all visitors.
A 287-acre historic ranch celebrating the valley's farming heritage, with over 3 miles of paved trails, picnic areas and the Walter Cottle Lester Visitor Center (hours vary).
Hours
8am-sunset
Cost
$6 daily vehicle entry; free for vehicles with a valid disabled placard or plate; hourly parking also available
Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve
Over 25 miles of trail across a 2,180-acre preserve and 293-acre county park, including the climb to 2,800-foot Black Mountain, plus Deer Hollow Farm. Parking can be congested at busy times.
Santa Clara County Library District Discover & Go museum passes
Free passes to more than 50 museums and cultural attractions around the Bay Area. You must be 18 or older, have a full-access library card (not an eCard) and live in the district's service area: Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga or unincorporated Santa Clara County.
152-acre lakeside park with 45 acres of lawn, picnic areas, fishing and the Youth Science Institute nature center. Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad rides run through the park from neighboring Oak Meadow Park.
Hours
8am-sunset
Cost
$6 daily vehicle entry; free for vehicles with a valid disabled placard or plate
Open weekly, year 'round, rain or shine, at Willow Glen Elementary. EBT customers receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $15 to spend on fruits and vegetables; WIC, Veggie Rx and Beet Bucks also accepted. See the market schedule for closure dates.
Section: Family outingstheater
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