Plaza de Cesar Chavez

Downtown San Jose's full-service high-rise with a rooftop pool, walking distance to The Tech Interactive and the Children's Discovery Museum.

Silicon Valley's hands-on science museum with robotics, VR experiences and an IMAX dome, best for roughly ages 5 and up.

A right-sized art museum downtown where kids 17 and under are free and family programs run regularly, across the street from the Tech.

San Jose's Italian-American institution since 1956, with red sauce and huge booths that fit a family of five plus a stroller.

Counter-service Mexican famous for the orange sauce, with plain quesadillas for kids. Fast and loud.

Park with playgrounds for ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12.