The Bay area has a reputation for being a center of technology and commerce, and the Tech Museum in San Jose inspires and delights visitors by displaying the innovations of Silicon Valley and the tech boom. If you’re looking for an interesting alternative to the crowdedtheme parkss, visiting the museums of the Bay Area offer the visitor some of the most enriching, stimulating California attractions that will delight and inspire the entire family.

This hands on museum is a Bay Area attraction that draws locals and visitors on a California vacation. Located right in downtown San Jose, the Tech Museum has exhibits on lasers, inventions from Silicon Valley, and the cutting edge of biotechnology and communication. There is an IMAX theatre in addition to fun, hands on exhibits, so adults and kids alike will enjoy a visit here, which is educational, yet no less fun that many other California attractions. Admission to the Tech Museum for children 12 and under is $7, and $9 for adults. There is a separate admission for the IMAX show, which varies depending on what show is playing.

Specifically geared towards children aged 4-10, the Childrens Discovery Museum, also in San Jose, is one of the most family friendly California attractions in this part of the state. Even a toddler will not be bored after spending two hours in this museum, since kids constantly get to try things like crawling through a real fire engine and an ambulance. The Childrens Discovery Museum is not only fun but it is educational, and even has a special area for children ages four and under. After taking your kids through exhibits on mathematics, bubbles, electricity, air pressure, and water pumps, you can indulge their curiosity in the museum store, where you can buy educational games, books, and toys.

Another great Bay Area attraction is the Oakland Museum of California. This spot is especially popular with visitors, since it educates visitors about the people, history, and art of California. There are three floors of permanent exhibits on famous California’s who helped shape the golden state, and learn more about the natural wonders of the state. You can spend an entire afternoon wandering through the patios, ponds, sculpture gardens and spacious galleries. Before leaving, you can recharge in the Caf窠and peruse the gifts, decorative objects, and related books in the museum store.

While a Bay Area attraction is going to be rather different that what you will find in Southern California, thoughtful parents will appreciate the fact that many of the California attractions in the northern part of the state are not only lots of fun, but they are educational as well.