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    McConaghy House

    5.0 (11 reviews)

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    From Hayward History website
    Rinky N.

    Although we have only been here during the Christmas season, we have been here at least 8-10 times. Every December this historic home is decorated for an 1886 Victorian style Christmas. Each year they have a different theme. Every room in the house is decorated for the holidays. Wonderful docents dressed in period costumes take you on a tour of the house and tell you about Victorian customs. The dining room with it's table all set for guests is festooned with decorations and presents hanging from the ceiling with ribbons. When the Victorian guests came to visit they would cut a present from the ceiling. The entire house gives you the illusion the family has just stepped out. It is so warm and welcoming, it is easy to feel as if you have stepped into the past. I'm always ready to sit down at that dining room table and cut one of the little gifts hanging from the ceiling. The kids rooms have toys spread out on the floor. Although the rooms are roped off you can still get a very good view of things. (Hmm...they're probably roped off so big kids like me don't get tempted to sit on the rug and play with the puzzles, trains or dolls!) Sweet and extremely appealing gift "boutique" with Victorian themed ornaments, toys, and inexpensive gifts and books. We have made the McConaghy house a part of our Christmas tradition. Open only on weekends. Check their website for info. www.haywardareahistory.org/mcconaghy.html Embarassing footnote: Despite having gone on nearly 10 tours of this lovely house and hearing the extremely dedicated docents tell stories about Victorian Christmases each year,,,,,we seem to always forget why Santa Claus's outfit used to be white.

    Love this home filled with history in my hometown.
    Theresa G.

    History and class all in one. This is a little gem that has always been there next to Kennedy park. Got a private tour and the xmas decor was still up. After an extensive renovation and inventory its up and running. So happy this place is still here as it brings me happy childhood memories. Visit the house then take the kids on the train ride next door.

    Some pictures of the decorations inside!
    Gretta S.

    A really beautiful treasure. There is a great play space upstairs. The volunteer docents are wonderfully enthusiastic and know their stuff. The house is open the first weekend of every month. Careful though, tours start of the top of the hour, so you end up waiting around if you show up halfway through. Super fun!

    Architectural eye candy

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    11 months ago

    Amazing, fun, godly fine amazing I got to be with my friends, relaxing fun not bad as I thought

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    Ask the Community - McConaghy House

    Review Highlights - McConaghy House

    The McConaghy House has quite a bit of history behind it and is definitely a nice gem next to Kennedy Park.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Hayward Area Historical Society - Paranormal lecture with ghost hunting celebrity

    Hayward Area Historical Society

    4.5(25 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Who would have thought that this little gem would be tucked away in Hayward? I've got to say, I was…read morequite surprised! The Hayward Historical Society is a local Hayward history museum that features 4 different exhibits. There are two permanent exhibits (History exhibit and children's exhibit) and two that are rotating (the community exhibit and the special exhibit). The history exhibit is filled with tons of old Hayward artifacts, photos, historical excerpts, and replicas of what daily life and activities were life in Hayward back in the day. I was really fascinated by their Hayward Community exhibit and I loved watching snippets of the documentary at the mini movie theater. The children's exhibit is very interactive and features a vintage cash register along with a mini grocery store with fake vegetables and other items for sale. It's a recreation of ancient Hayward civilization and I was impressed with how they were able to incorporate this into a kid's play area. The two rotating exhibits were quite intriguing as well. During the time that I attended, they were displaying both a risqué exhibit and a women's rights exhibit. I thought it was ironic that they displayed both of these exhibits at the same time since they kind of contradicted each other, but I thought that it made for a great juxtaposition. The risqué exhibit was known as their special exhibit and no photos were allowed for this one. Admission is $5 and you can easily spend over an hour exploring the museum in its' entirety. They have a parking lot located behind the building and there's also a small cafe, but of course, so food or drink is allowed while inside. All in all, I really enjoyed learning about the history of Hayward and I encourage anyone to come out and visit to get informed (especially if you're a Hayward local!).

    It was awesome but kinda sad that they didn't have the kids play area anymore but over all nice…read morequiet place to look threw history

    Photos
    Hayward Area Historical Society
    Hayward Area Historical Society - Losing home exhibit

    Losing home exhibit

    Hayward Area Historical Society - A photo of William Hayward

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    A photo of William Hayward

    Hiller Aviation Museum

    Hiller Aviation Museum

    4.3(301 reviews)
    13.0 mi
    Not-for-profit
    Free parking

    I came here after my kiddo had already visited because he talked so much about it…read more I've driven by so many times but this was the first time I stopped in to check it out. We walked in and we paid our entrance fee at the front and were told if we were interested in a membership we could use our entrance fee to pay towards that cost. My kiddo led our visit around the entire museum. I loved how interactive the areas were specially the cockpit area. The volunteers and staff were friendly and my kiddos enjoyment of the space solidified my interest in a membership which I ultimately got. Since then we have been back multiple times. We've enjoyed all our visits and check in goes smoothly since we already have a barcode. At our last visit I ended up setting the 5 minute timer for the cockpit area since we waited so long to get in. Probably the most popular space in this entire museum. While my kiddo and I played and several other families waited their turn patiently a parent walked up and asked how much longer we'd be there since her kid had been waiting a long time. Wild to me because we had been waiting in line that's not really a line but some seats in the back and not once did I see this parent waiting. She must of waited a whole minute before speaking to me. I told her we just got in and that I had set my 5 minute timer. She said she didn't see the sign and others pointed her right to it. Right in front of her face. She asked if I worked here. I said no but that the 3 volunteers out there did to redirect her and enjoy my 5 minutes. As one of the most popular attractions here it would be beneficial for volunteers to monitor the line and timers per group. It's insane to me that grown people can act like this or just oversee other waiting groups and act more impatient than a toddler. The space is way too small to be insufferable in a place to enjoy, explore and take turns. Front staff is great. Most volunteers are great. The volunteers in the cockpit benefit from helping maneuver cockpit time and potential lines. This is a well cared for museum and an enjoyable way to spend the day. Our family enjoys it and will continue to be members till my kids want to be.

    Hiller Aviation Museum is one of the more unusual aviation museums I've ever visited. It is just…read moreabout 11 miles south of SFO off Hwy 101 adjacent to the San Carlos airport. The aircraft & artifacts are mainly from the collection of Stanley Hiller of the Hiller Aircraft Corp that has been developing helicopters and other experimental flying machines since the late 40's. So many of these unusual copters, gyros & flying platforms are on display, plus anything else Stanley had collected over the decades. There aren't a lot of more recognizable aircraft, but you learn a lot by reading about these rare, one-of-a-kind flying machines. On slow days, you buy your entry ticket in the gift shop and go through the entry hall that is dominated by a full scale replica of the X-Prize winning SpaceShipOne hanging from the ceiling. As you enter the main gallery, you have turn of the century wood & fabric biplane replicas of the Wright brothers & Glenn Curtiss along with early not-so-successful flying machines. Moving onto the middle 20th century, the Hiller Aviation Corp. designed some offbeat personal aircraft with personal vertical takeoff craft 70 years before their time. There are also more conventional winged aircraft like the Grumman Albatross (propeller seaplane) and Aero L-39 Albatros (Czech jet trainer), 2 totally different planes with similar names sitting right next to each other. Above them all is the mother of all remotely piloted drones, the Boeing Condor from 1988 with a huge wingspan of 200 ft! If you go out the back, you get to climb through the nose section of a Boeing 747-100 jumbo airliner from the 70's & 80's. The gift shop is one of the more extensive that I've seen with lots of souvenirs for all ages and aviation memorabilia for enthusiasts.

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    Hiller Aviation Museum
    Hiller Aviation Museum
    Hiller Aviation Museum

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    Studio 11

    Studio 11

    4.5(2 reviews)
    7.9 mi

    I came here for the first time to see a comedy show and it's a neat little location to visit,…read moreespecially if you're local to the area. They host a variety of events here, including art galleries (there was one on display when I came), shows, and community events. Parking is along the street since there's no designated parking lot but after a designated time (8 pm I believe) it's free. It's a nice space with potential - a little sparse when I went but it's new and still getting its footing. I liked the show and it was nice to see it in a new venue with sparkling interiors and an intimate feel.

    Immerse yourself in artistic creations by local artists at Studio 11! Often showcasing paintings,…read moredrawings, and sculptures commemorating current observances, you'll have plenty to see and appreciate throughout the year. We recently attended their exhibit for art of hip hop music and culture. It was fascinating and refreshing to see so many brilliant pieces of work in full display (and some available for purchase). It's also conveniently located near BART, parks, and great places to dine, snack and shop. Parking can be a bit of a trouble since all the parking nearby are paid parking. But if you happen to be in the area or want to walk from Kennedy park, it's not that long of a walk! The studio also hosts camps and offers up their space for private events as well. Check them out and inquire about those opportunities!

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    Studio 11
    Studio 11

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    Niles Canyon Railway

    Niles Canyon Railway

    4.3(194 reviews)
    13.8 mi

    10/10 -- Worth Every Penny (Parlor/Dome Car Experience)…read more If you're considering the Niles Canyon Train of Lights, do yourself a favor and splurge on the Parlor Car or Dome car. It completely transforms the experience. From the moment you board, you're treated like a VIP: dedicated seating in a fully enclosed caboose, attentive service throughout the ride, and complimentary warm drinks and sweets that are perfect for a cold, wet winter night. Being waited on while rolling through a glowing canyon? Yes, please. One of the biggest perks is having your own reserved space, while still being free to explore the rest of the train--knowing your seat is secure and shared only with fellow Parlor Car Riders. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. I've done both the 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm departures, and while both are enjoyable, 4:30 pm is the clear winner for me. You get to take in the scenery before the sun fully sets, which adds a magical transition from daylight to twinkling lights. The 7:30 pm ride feels more social and cozy--great for lingering conversations with family and friends--but the earlier ride lets you truly appreciate your surroundings. As for the cost, it's important to note that this railway is 100% donation-funded and entirely volunteer-operated. Knowing that every dollar goes directly toward preserving the historic railway, maintaining the trains, and supporting the volunteers who make this experience possible makes the price feel even more justified. You're not just paying for a ride--you're supporting a piece of living history. Bottom line: Cozy Thoughtfully curated For a great cause Perfect for winter evenings If you're on the fence about the Parlor Car or Dome Car upgrade--it's absolutely worth it.

    All aboard! If you…read moreare looking for a low key outing that's suitable for all ages then consider booking a ride on Niles Canyon Railway. Enjoy a slow ride Sunol to downtown Niles and back, approx 1.5 hours. A docent will share tid bits of history during the ride. There are snacks for purchase and you can bring your own. I prepared a simple charcuterie for me and mom, gotta have something to nosh on as we enjoy the view. It's June and the hills are brown already but oh well it's still pretty. I was a little worried about whether my mom would struggle boarding the train as I didn't book ADA as she is not in wheelchair. The steps are slightly deeper than ours at home but she made it up without difficulty, there is a railing for support. Conductor did offer us to go to the car with the lift if we wanted. My next anxiety was holding up the boarding as mom navigated the stairs slowly and there quite a few people behind us. Everyone was patient thankfully and no one scoffed. Would love to do their holidays lights ride sometime but I haven't been successful in last few years to get tickets, they go fast.

    Photos
    Niles Canyon Railway
    Niles Canyon Railway - Outside of train

    Outside of train

    Niles Canyon Railway

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    McConaghy House - museums - Updated May 2026

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