Shaded playgrounds and parks in San Jose

A 30-foot play structure with enclosed slides plus a rock-formation splash pad that switches on whenever it hits 70 degrees, next to Cottonwood Lake (fishing) and the Coyote Creek trail. Permanent restrooms; $6 county parking.

San Jose's first all-inclusive play space: a $6M Rotary-built playground where kids with and without disabilities use the same structures, expanded in 2023 with more shade and play pieces. Free, right on the Guadalupe River trail.

A small zoo with capybaras, meerkats and a petting corral, plus kid-sized rides and play areas. Right-sized for ages 2 to 10.

California's oldest municipal park (1872): 720 rugged canyon acres with a small mid-canyon playground, creekside picnic lawns, and real hiking.

The museum's half-acre outdoor climb zone: the Tree Climber, a squirrel tunnel to the LookOut Tower, a gravel pit and a garden, wheelchair accessible throughout.