Located right next to the picturesque Professorville neighborhood, the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo has been a reliable source of family fun since 1934, when it was established as the first children's museum west of the Mississippi. The zoo houses around 200 species of animals, including snakes, reptiles, tortoises, sharks, raccoons, bats, a red-tailed hawk and two bobcats. A total of 14 hands-on museum exhibits are designed to educate children about physics, earth science and math. It is also a popular destination for field trips and birthday parties.
Founded in 1990 from the private collection of Frank Livermore, the Museum of American Heritage is housed in the historic Williams House, a 1907 Craftsman-style home right across from scenic Heritage Park. The museum's exhibits display technology and inventions from the 19th and 20th Centuries in an era-appropriate setting. Special exhibits rotate through the gallery several times a year highlighting certain historical artifacts, from toasters to toys. The museum also offers children's summer camps and several special events throughout the year. Another plus: admission is free, though donations are welcome and appreciated. For your tiny tots the Lego Exhibit is worth a watch, there is also a pretty garden at the back of the museum. A visit to Museum of American Heritage will make you ponder over how life used to be 100 years ago.
The famous Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California was established in 1996. The museum is extraordinary with a huge collection of artifacts and documents related to computer technology. It is an eclectic collection of pictures, films, objects and documents and it is interesting to visit and learn about this fascinating evolution of computer technology.
This is just the place to take your kids to, especially if they are interested in nature. For adults, it serves as a wake-up call and induces a desire to act towards preserving natural resources. The museum focuses on global environment and conservation, while the programs incline towards awareness of environmental concerns. Children can have fun at the workshops, where they learn how to make their homes eco-friendly. Follow it up with a cheerful lunch in the museum's picnic grounds. Those younger than three and teachers with a valid ID can get in for free. The first Wednesday of each month is free for all.