Vasona and the adjacent Oak Meadow Park are great for all ages of kids. Parking fee,but park above the park and walk in for free. Several different playgrounds,sand/water area,train ride,carousel (limited operating hours) paths for bikes make this special. What we really dislike is that many feed the Canadian (non native) Geese,despite many posters requesting to not do so. The park is really overun and goose poop is everywhere-even on play structures. ICK ICK. Be sure to visit the fantastic Youth Science Institue at Vasona. Lots of real and stuffed animals....FREE but donations requested

Happy Hollow has been re done and is bigger and better than ever. Lots of great reviews and we agree.. LOVE it too...but a few complaints- hope they bring in more animals...we miss the pygmy hippos,snakes,tarantulas etc etc. Happy Hollow is aimed at the very young. Yet,no play stucture for them. Playgrounds are designed for 5-12 and your little pre-schooler will get trampled by the bigger kids. I'd love to see HH add a play structure just for the 1-4 set.
Enough fussing. Puppet shows are still a little quirky and fun, Consider a membership if you live in the area. Now that school is back in session,the hour before closing it's practically empty.
Oh,parking is $10!! (or park at History Park for $6.)You can get an year pass for parking ,too AND it's good for unlimited parking at a few other sites such as Almaden Lake Park. With the parking that pricey,seems to be no security. Street parking not recommended. Do use caution. Food needs improving,however they do allow you to bring a lunch and there is plenting of seating to eat. Restrooms have always been clean when we go.

The water exhibit is amazing. Be sure to bring a change of clothes or wear clothes that can get messy and wet. Parking somewhat of a hassle with the lot with prices that vary-typically $5. Sometimes machines will take credit debit sometimes not. Come prepared with a $5. bill. If you arrive before opening street parking may be available bring quarters. Light rail will drop you off directly in front of the museum. For the price of admission,enjoy art projects,bubble area,face painting , circle exhibit,water play,rotating exhibits,and often special events....a garden and much more. There is supposedly an infant area for crawlers ONLY however the many times I was in there with my crawler parents allowed big kids in 3yrs + and my crawler wasn't safe. Staff would never enforce or post clear signage
The Museum needs some maintenance,sadly this doesn't seem to be a priority for SJ. OK to bring your own lunch but may only eat it on a few benches indoors or in an outdoor area. There is plenty of covered walkway if need be if it rains....

My kids never get tired of coming to Hidden Villa. Beautiful setting. See cows,sheep,goats,pigs ,chickens and more. Explore the organic garden (kids love to crawl into it thru the tunnel. Classes offered are also great-fill up fast ,though. Bring a picnic lunch lots of covered tables so a picnic even if it rains. Bathrooms handy and a reasonable $5 parking fee is only cost. A gem.