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.
Located on the Stanford University campus, Hoover Tower offers a small museum at its base and excellent views of the Bay Area at the top at an extremely reasonable price. Visit the museum and then take an elevator ride to the top while a guide tells tidbits of trivia about the tower's history. At 285 feet (87 meters) tall, the tower is a must-visit attraction. Be sure to check out the carillon of 48 bells housed at the top of the tower. Stanford students get in free with ID!
The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University at Stanford University is a historic art museum incorporating pieces from the original private collection of Leland Stanford himself. Known widely for its assemblage of over twenty bronze statues in the Rodin Sculpture garden, the museum is the third largest Rodin collector in the world. The Cantor Arts Center also exhibits many diverse visual art displays varying from California artists to international cultural pieces. Visitors can also enrich their educated palette and refresh themselves in the charming museum cafe.
Stanford Stadium, located on campus of the world-renowned Stanford University, is one of the largest privately owned college football facilities in America. This stadium has held a record crowd of 94,000 spectators. Built in 1921, Stanford Stadium has received worldwide recognition from millions of sports fans watching the Super Bowl XIX and the Olympic Soccer competition. In 1994, the stadium played host to the Soccer World Cup. The Women's World Cup came to Stanford Stadium in 1999 as well.
Thousands visit this park each year to view the beautiful varieties of roses in a profusion of colors and types. A resplendent sight to behold, the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden also includes a few fountains and a reflecting pool, making it a great spot for a quiet stroll even if you aren't a rose aficionado. Take a look at the map of the place, which lists the names of all the varieties of roses, some of which are rare kinds.
The EcoCenter is managed by the Environmental Volunteers, a non-profit institution that spreads awareness about science and nature among the general public. Acting as the headquarters of this organization, the EcoCenter has been constructed using non-toxic and recycled material, green design principles and eco-friendly practices. This center has interactive exhibits and touchscreen displays through which visitors can learn about climate change, the sky and earth. It conducts tours of the building to educate visitors about sustainable methods of construction and maintenance and also conducts numerous summer camps, classroom and school programs. Boasting of some of the best educational activities in Palo Alto for kids and adults alike, the themes covered include bird watching, hiking, programs and lectures on nature art and natural sciences as well as research training in which visitors generate data that actually helps scientists. Nature lovers can also volunteer at this center or donate money to support its endeavors.
Nestled in the campus of Santa Clara University, the Mission Gardens is a tranquil haven that is steeped in history. From its purple wisteria gazebo and adobe wall to its olive trees and over 400 rose shrubs, everything dates back to the 1800s. It is also the site of the yearly Vintage Santa Clara Food and Wine Festival.
South Bay Fusion is a dance organization and this friendly hangout offers workshops for all ages in blues fusion dance which combines styles of Argentine Tango, Slow Lindy, and West Coast Swing. They have courses for all levels right from beginners to professional. They have dance socials and gatherings where you can show your recently learnt moves. All in all, South Bay Fusion provides a great space to spend an evening dancing to the blues.
The Coyote Hills Visitors Center serves as an educational hub, enlightening visitors about the park's rich history, indigenous heritage, and diverse ecosystems. It offers interactive exhibits, guided walks, and informative programs that engage all ages. Its unique allure lies in its role as both a learning space and a starting point for exploration, providing a deeper connection to the park's wetlands, hills, and wild inhabitants.