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.
This urban farm covers an impressive 47 acres (19.02 hectares). It has school tours, orchards, a barnyard, picnic areas and places to fly kites. It is a great place to bring kids, especially if they like animals as there are numerous breeds of rabbits, chickens, geese and ducks for them to befriend. The property was originally given to the city of San Jose with the intent that it be used as an agricultural learning center, and in this respect, it succeeds admirably. Admission is free.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is located in East San Jose's Kelley Park, near the Japanese Friendship Garden. Happy Hollow is a perfect place to take the kids for a day out as it includes a zoo with all kinds of animals like jaguars, capybaras and monkeys. Happy Hollow is not just a zoo; it also features a park with rides like a carousel and a roller coaster, a petting zoo, shopping, and play structures. Happy Hollow also has a puppet theater, an animal hospital, and offers classes, programs and summer camps for kids.
A fabulous mix of undulating savanna grassland and evergreen forests, Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve teems with wildlife and natural bounty. Hugging the Arastradero Lake, the grassy knolls and hills make way for forested areas and nature trails. Much favored among bikers and hikers, most of the trails in the park are open through the year. Mountain lions, bobcats and deer are found aplenty here, so are many species of birds that flock around its pristine water bodies.
Almaden Lake Park is where San Jose residents come to bike, hike, fish and relax their days away. Located over 65 acres, the lake is expansive enough for an endless amount of personal space, ensuring plenty of space to accommodate a wide range of activities. The park has bocce ball courts, volleyball nets and even horseshoe facilities. For those that want to be closer to the water, fishing and pedal boating are allowed. There is a concession stand open on a seasonal basis that features light snacks and refreshing beverages. For a scenic, tranquil setting and plenty of activity options, it doesn't get much better than a day at Almaden Lake Park.
This wonderful facility is a great place to take advantage of the generally sunny weather with which San Jose is blessed. It contains the Japanese Friendship Garden, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, the San Jose Historical Museum, a huge amount of picnic tables, an amphitheater and other venues. This is a fantastic spot for wedding receptions, barbecues, family camping or other group functions. It is a diverse place, one that is great for a family day out. Admission to the park is free.
Established in 2006, Lindencroft Farm is the labor of love of Linda and Steven Butler. This sustainable and organic farmland grows top quality produce which includes vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits. They have a program called Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) where you can become a member by buying shares and get a weekly box of fresh harvest.
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.
Since a decade, this community garden is bringing together gardeners of different skills to teach the residents of Sunnyvale the art of growing organic food in house. These gardening techniques are exposed even to the children so that they know the importance of organic produce.Volunteers and donations are welcome improvise the park
Emma Prusch Farm Park houses a pleasant community farm on its premises. Veggielution, is a sustainable farm with a green living motive to encourage organic and local produce. The six acre farm was founded in 1962 and puts forth a lot of efforts towards community building through farming. Numerous fundraising dinners and community harvest festivals are celebrated at this place. You can also visit for educational tours and buy their fresh farm produced vegetables and fruits to taste healthful eating.
Through numerous community programs, social and cultural events, and classes, the Mitchell Park Community Center offers the residents of Palo Alto a place to escape daily routine. With an event schedule that is packed with fun activities and events for all ages, the Mitchell Park Community Center is a great place to spend the day with family and friends. Fashioned upon a modern, environmentally-friendly design, the center is bright and spacious, featuring a games room for teens, event space and meeting rooms. The El Palo Alto Ballroom is the largest of the center's event rooms, and can easily accommodate up to 700 guests. The outdoor facilities include a tranquil courtyard and basketball courts as well.
A beautiful leisure park spread across an area of 10.3 acre of land is a perfect place to visit with family. There are a lot of areas allotted for children’s playing such as the basket ball court, tennis court, baseball courts, grass turfs etc. For senior citizens, there are comfortable benches, drinking water facility and meditation garden where visitors can indulge in physical fitness exercises in a fresh environment. For group picnics also it’s an ideal spot where you can unwind and relax under the green shady trees with kids and pets having their own fun time.