Alum Rock Park

Activity Overview

Alum Rock Park is a beautiful 720-acre park located in the foothills near San Jose which was the first municipal park in California. It is a popular outdoor recreation area since it provides trails for all kinds of activities, including hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. It also features a playground, picnic areas, and a science and nature center that offers educational activities for children as well as a small museum. If you're interested in spending the day enjoying the natural beauty of the San Jose area, you should certainly consider a trip to Alum Rock Park.

Things to Do

• Go hiking or cycling along the 13 miles of trails throughout the park! It is home to all kinds of wildlife, including hawks, herons, owls, deer, lizards, and the occasional mountain lion or bobcat.
• Play a game of sand volleyball or horseshoes with your family.
• Take your child to the playground, where they can swing, slide, and climb while surrounded by nature.
• Stop by the Youth Science Institute, a science and nature center in the park that showcases natural history exhibits as well as live animals that can be found throughout the park.

Alum Rock Park Insider Tips

• Don't forget to have some cash ready to pay the $6 daily parking fee.
• Bring along a picnic lunch or some food to grill on one of the barbecue pits provided in the picnic areas.
• If your child loves nature and you live in the area, consider sending them to one of the Summer Science Camps at the Youth Science Institute, which feature hiking, games, art activities and science experiments.
• Make sure to bring along sunscreen and insect repellent if you plan to go hiking, and be aware that you may occasionally come across a rattlesnake along the trails.