There have been MULTIPLE instances where I have passed by this museum every time I visited Fremont…read moreand each time I asked I was told, "nah, it's not for you. It's really only just for kids and not really for adults", so I've never had the opportunity to go until recently and I'm glad to say that it's NOT just for kids, but it's definitely a GREAT place for kids to come and learn about the local natural history. The workers there are extremely kind and welcoming. Super helpful and I loved my entire time there. You can tell that this museum has been a staple to the community and that it's well loved by all those who visit. There's a scavenger hunt for little kids and big kids with a prize at the end (we got the big kids one, lol), an arts and crafts room, an electricity show (sad that we missed it!), lots of interactive exhibits that aren't too overwhelming (not a fan of touch screens and tablets everywhere, so a lot of the analog and hands on stuff was really, really nice), and a gift shop. There's also meetings rooms and such, probably for the field trips that visit. First off, the gift shop. I LOVED IT SO MUCH! The fact that there are actual items that are under $1 and that a child can purchase with pocket change is amazing. It's not junk either since you can get various shells, minerals, stones, and toys/items that are tangentially related to what you see going through the museum. Definitely got a bunch of souvenirs here and I really wish that I went during the school year cuz there's lots of small trinkets and knick knacks that would have been great for my middle school class! For all those crystal/gem people, it is definitely and INFINITELY much cheaper to get the crystals here than at any new age healing shop, just a side note haha. They also had a section with some lab items that are sold at a cost that is MUCH, MUCH cheaper than what I've seen on some STEM teacher supplies catalogs. There were even some free Periodic Table mats as well. Amazing! But now onto a review of the actual museum! The exhibits are on the second floor along with the arts and crafts room. If more time permitted I can easily spend hours here as there is a lot to look at, read, and engage in. As mentioned above I really like that this museum isn't like so many of it's more modern counterparts. It was nice to focus on what was in front of me and actually pick it up and interact with it (the ones that you are allowed to touch of course), especially in a matching and sorting sense (great way to get that pattern recognition thinking and learning for kids and adults likewise) without being overwhelmed by touch screen voices/recordings, etc going off at once. There's also something very nostalgic, familiar, and heartwarming about how aged some of the décor and how obviously homemade some of the stations are. Once again showing the love and care that went into everything. Now, I have to say that I am IMMENSELY impressed from the standpoint of a STEM major and from someone whose gone a decent amount of museums by the VAST collection of fossils, specimens, and REAL pieces of history that they have here. ALSO, from the standpoint of someone whose worked with zoomers before, very, very impressed that so much of it is OUT IN THE OPEN for the public to view. I've been to the LA Natural History museum and this children's museum has things that that huge museum does not and that is mind blowing for sure. I have never seen a taxidermy river otter, koala, or bear cub before. They had so many marine fossils and specimens of crustaceans that I have never seen preserved in such a way either. The 2 things that amazed me the most were the pieces of local natural history such as the fossils of prehistoric mammals that were found in Fremont or nearby and what may potentially be two real human skulls on display (how they got there, I REALLY wished I asked but completely forgot). If there's an opportunity to, I would LOVE to go back and learn, interact, and explore some more (and go shopping in their gift shop again).

Such a fun place for kids to see and observe fossils, learn about local paleontology, and do a…read morescavenger hunt with a prize at the end all for $3 per person! What a steal! It's a very small museum in a very old office building. But it's a hidden gem. Probably best for kids at least 4-5 and up. The artifacts are fragile and kids need to be able to follow directions to not touch things that shouldn't be touched. But there are hands on activities as well. Highly recommend!

Your Next Brick Ideas is such great customer service, and the concept of this place is absolutely…read morewonderful for the community. To the owner (I didn't catch your name)--you're changing lives in ways you may not even realize. My boys love coming to the Lego Museum after the farmer's market. The interactive LEGO area is incredible--we could spend hours here. I finally brought my husband along, and he loved it too! Wishing you all the best for the future and Thank you! You've truly made a difference and inspired for all our next brick ideas.

Took the kids here finally. Heard about it but we don't live near by but when we were finally in…read morethe area, swung by. Lovely lego museum. Just a great place. If you're a kid you're going to love this place but if you're an adult, you're also going to love it, lol. Looking forward to going back.

I have visited other computer history collections, including the National Museum of American…read moreHistory in Washington, D.C. I also went to school learning to program on some of the types of computers displayed here and later worked in software engineering. So I came into the Computer History Museum with a bit of a "seen it, done it, why do it again?" attitude. My husband and I ended up spending five hours here. Does that make us nerds? Probably. One of the highlights for me was the live IBM 1401 demonstration. When we visited, demonstrations were offered Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. I even got to create my own punch card and have it used during the demonstration. I'd learned about punched cards, but watching cards physically being fed into the IBM 1401 to program the computer was something I had never actually seen before. It made an important piece of computing history suddenly tangible. There are also live demonstrations of the PDP-1 on the first and third Saturdays at 2:30 and 3:15 p.m., and a Spacewar! Tournament every fifth Saturday at noon. You may even get the chance to play Spacewar!, one of the earliest video games. If you can attend a guided tour, I highly recommend it. Rather than simply walking past rows of old machines, the guide helped bring the history alive, including the ENIAC and the enormous changes in computer technology and chips over the decades. There is a replica of a World War II Enigma cipher machine on display, along with early census machines. The collection progresses through vintage computers such as UNIVAC, the IBM System/360, minicomputers and desktop computers, as well as the technology surrounding them: hard drives, mice, printers, computer chips and much more. Eventually, you arrive in the age of artificial intelligence and Ameca, the AI-powered robotic head and shoulders. You're supposed to be able to speak with her using a microphone, although during our visit she didn't seem to be able to hear what anyone was saying into it. There is also a café with coffee, other drinks, and grab-and-go food including sandwiches, hummus and pizza. There is seating both indoors and outside, which made it easy for us to take a break before continuing through the museum. One parking warning: we visited on a Saturday when a Vintage Computer Festival was also taking place. By the time we arrived around 10:40 a.m., the museum parking was full. Parking attendants redirected us to a Microsoft visitor parking lot about 0.45 miles away, and there was no shuttle, so we had to walk between the lot and museum. I expected this to be a relatively quick visit because I had already seen plenty of historic computers over the years. Five hours later, I had created a punch card, watched an IBM 1401 come alive, revisited computers and technology from my own past, and discovered quite a few things I had never seen before. Apparently, even for a couple of computer nerds, there was still plenty left to learn.

I absolutely loved visiting the Computer History Museum! There is so much to offer here for both…read morekids and adults alike. If you have any interest in learning how computers were invented and how they've evolved over the last century, this is the perfect place to explore. It's incredibly well-curated and engaging. A few tips for your visit: Time: Personally, I would recommend setting aside at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and really soak it all in. Food & Drink: They have a wonderful cafe on-site that serves great hot chocolate, coffee, and light snacks--perfect for a quick energy boost mid-tour. Parking: No need to stress about parking. They have a massive lot that looks more than capable of handling even the busiest weekend crowds. Highly recommend checking this place out if you're in the area!

Staff is very knowledgeable, museum is kid friendly and interactive. Train layout is spectacular…read morewell detailed.

This is a tiny museum in the Niles Town Plaza, with extremely limited days/hours of operation…read more(select Sundays 10-4pm), so we had to take advantage on Sunday afternoon while I was in the area for Charlie Chaplin Days and the steam engine train ride nearby. This place offers the opportunity to learn about the history of the Niles Depot and several displays to explore related to the trains and railway, including the top section of a Southern Pacific semaphore signal, pot-belly stove, departure signs from 1909, old photos of passenger trains in Niles, model trains, dvd's, Niles dispatcher, old phones and typewriters, and a train that visitors can control (for a fee). There was also a model railroad which was cute, and it had a drive-in theatre which I've never seen before in similar exhibits, so that was cool. The museum pretty much consists of just two rooms, so it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to check it out, though if you have a kid who's going to play with the train, it may take longer. Also, free admission.

If you're looking for a nice walk, this is a good place to go. Love the variety of beautiful…read moreflowers, plants, and historical buildings. Pet friendly too! The bathrooms are also clean!

We came here to take some photos for my parents' 50th Anniversary on a hot Saturday afternoon. The…read moreparking was mostly vacant. We only had enough time to go to the rose garden. It's pretty small, but you can find some interesting shots. There's the windmill, the pergola, a bench. There was some side location with a nice lawn and fountain, (California Nursery Park Museum & Office), but there was a guy smoking weed there, so it became unpleasant to take photos in the succulent area. The rose garden is on the right as you drive in to the nursery. From the parking lot, you'll have to walk back towards Niles Blvd. It's not Filoli, but hey, no one is stopping you from volunteering to make something better in your community. We need more doers and less complainers.

For the price, it's definitely a little gem in Palo Alto. Having a little young, I didn't even know…read morethat Palo Alto had this zoo but we decided to take a trip one day to come check it out. You have to make a reservation I'm guessing so it doesn't get overpacked. As soon as you enter, there's a ton of indoor activities for the little. There's a dino area right outside and then on the other side is where the zoo part is. There's not a ton of animals but the animals that are there were pretty active when we were there. There was a tortoise, birds, rabbits, fish, flamingos that we actually got to feed and a few others that I'm forgetting. Again, not huge but it was enough that we probably spent about a good 2 hours there. After that, there's also a park right behind it so if your kiddos aren't tired already, they can burn off some energy there. If we lived closer, I would consider getting a pass but for now, we'll do some day trips there

Admission I've visited a couple of times - once for a…read moreregular visit and birthday party. During my first visit in May 2026, the admission was $14 per ticket for both an adult and toddler for the 10:00 a.m. reservation. If you're planning a birthday celebration or picnic, there are first-come, first-served tables at Rinconada Park next door. Venue The Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo is exactly that - it's a smaller, toddler-friendly museum and zoo. Plan to visit for an estimated 1.5 - 2 hours, as this should be plenty of time to explore everything. There are both indoor and outdoor experiences, including interactive activities for little ones, an outdoor zoo, complimentary flamingo feeding sessions, and a treehouse-style playground. Animals available included meerkats, flamingos, raccoons, fish, a tortoise, and macaws. Location / Parking The museum is right next to Rinconada Park and there's a dedicated parking lot. It can fill up quickly during popular reservation times and street parking is also available nearby. Customer Service The front desk staff scans admission tickets upon arrival and provides a stamp for in-and-out privileges, which is helpful if you plan to visit the neighboring Rinconada Park.

Was in the area, and got some free time plus we visited 5-6 missions in California so far so might…read moreas well visit this one. Very nice and grand looking. It's not original since the original was burned down back then. We came around 3-4pm so not much of visitors. Parking is easy and staff are nice and accommodating. Grand service area with high ceiling. Good & glad that we visited.

I've visited most of the 21 Spanish missions in California, as well as missions in Arizona and…read moreMexico. I've even written a book about the California Missions (The California Mission Guide). In my opinion, Mission San Jose is not the most interesting or beautiful of the missions, but it's worth visiting if you're in the area and would like to leanr more about the missions and California history. I was fortunate to visit the mission for a weekend conference, so my experience there may not be the 'typical' visitor experience. The current mission church is not the original. It's a reconstruction, built in 1985. (The original adobe church was destroy by an earthquake.) However, the reconstruction follows the original layout, and employs authentic materials and building techniques, so it gives a very good idea of how the original church looked and felt. The church includes a beautiful organ. Again, it is not original, but it is based on Spanish organs form the 1800s. While visiting, I was able to hear a short concert by the mission's student orchestra, and a performance on the organ. There is a nice small museum that covers a bit of the mission history, and also includes information about the Ohlone tribe, who lived in the area before the mission was built. The Ohlone are still very active in the mission community. At the conference I attended, I met the president of the Ohlone tribe, who gave a tour of the mission grounds. The grounds include a cemetery, gardens, and olive trees. Overall, Mission San Jose is well worth a visit!

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly volunteer docent. The exhibit itself is…read morethree rooms of photos and artifacts from the Essanay Studio, active in Niles from 1912-1916 and most famous for Broncho Billy (old time spelling) and some of Chaplin's films, including The Tramp. The museum is free (donations appreciated) and you can ask a docent for a tour. I had a wonderful tour from Michael! If you have a tour, be sure to ask about seeing the preserved projection room upstairs in the theater. There's also a small exhibit in the back of the theater. The gift shop has an extensive collection of rare DVDs, CDs, postcards, and some fun merch. If you're in town on a Saturday night get a ticket online for their 7:30 silent film showing! Concessions, a live piano accompaniment, and a really great show. This place is amazing.

This is a fun little museum to check out while at Niles. It is a great tribute to this town that…read morehas much history in silent films. Charlie Chaplin made the move The Tramp here and many others. Before Hollywood, there was Niles. I so enjoyed handling one of the old movie cameras and looking into it. The staff here are so nice. I always wanted to check it out especially since KFJC DJ Robert Emmett talks about it often. Someday I hope I can come here for one of their movie nights.

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.

I checked out CA Nursery Historical Park in Fremont, near Niles. Free parking and entrance. Flush…read moretoilets separate men and women's. Women had 2 toilets and 1 sink. There's a new rose garden going to open to the public 9/30/25, I just saw it thru the fence, it looks nice and will be ADA for wheelchairs. There's another little rose garden area with shaded trees. Other parts have n the back has orchards, box trees, historical signs, Adobe building. I saw a Hachiya persimmon tree, wonder if folks can get any. I spent about 30min there. One family was having a birthday party near the entrance, kinda hidden. I didn't crash it.

I live nearby and just finally roamed these grounds just this past year 2025. Been in twice about…read more8 months apart and even in that short time it seems they are still working on this, so let the evolution unfold. I found the park to be much more attractive on the more recent visit. I lived in this town for most of my adult life. I have vague memories of this land in the Niles District to be a large nursery of some sort. Never entered in those days as never thought of it as being an option. Not sure how open it was for public back in those days. But recent plaques tell the history of this nursery and definitely has a role in California's growth. This nursery has been around since the late 1800s, and even has ties to General Vallejo who helped shape Northern California. Since a major railroad line went through this town, this nursery was able to grow and get its products out and about. Fruit trees, landscaping trees and brush, flowers and palm trees all were grown here and transported to other parts of the state/country. There are still older buildings here that reflects those olden days. The nursery eventually closed, and the city turned this open space into a public park. It is not that big, but you can easily walk about a mile walking around. There are different sections, and most have paved paths that go around. There's a central park square up front that now has benches and patterned grass and rose bushes. This looked better on my second out, not sure if I caught the blooms at the right time, but it was quite colorful and floral on that visit. Lots of palm trees, an area for fruit trees and another area with typical city landscape plants. No one really working out here, more a casual stroll. Lots of elderly and family's with small children and definitely lots of leashed dogs. Sometimes after a nice dinner, I'll stop in and just take a light stroll as to walk off a part of my meal. The lighting is usually more dramatic, the air a tad cooler, birds singing, bees bouncing off flowers, humming birds buzzing by my ear, just relaxes and pleases me. I let time slow down and just submit to the moment.