Bill's Backyard at Children's Discovery Museum
Sanborn County Park
Russian Ridge Preserve
Stevens Creek County Park and Picchetti Ranch Preserve
Alviso Marina and Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge
Ulistac Natural Area
Anderson Lake County Park at Coyote Creek Parkway
Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
Ranch Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve
Alum Rock Park and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
Joseph D. Grant County Park
Bill's Backyard at Children's Discovery Museum
After exploring Bill's Backyard, continue exploring nature with these recommended parks and open spaces around San Jose. Each area brings a new adventure!
Sanborn County Park
Meet the redwoods! One mile nature trail, creek, and standard amenities. This park will give you a feel for the mountains not far out of town.
Russian Ridge Preserve
Spring wildflowers! Spectacular views and a family-friendly trail to a scenic overlook provided views of both the ocean and the bay.
Stevens Creek County Park and Picchetti Ranch Preserve
Popular for bird watching! Reservoir and historic orchard on site. The nearby Picchetti Ranch Preserve offers wheelchair accessible trails and an easy walk to the pond.
Alviso Marina and Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge
Great spot to view migratory water birds! Accessible by public transit, this park has level trails through salt pond and marsh habitats. By car, visit the nearby Alviso nature center of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge to learn about local wildlife and explore boardwalks through restored wetlands.
Ulistac Natural Area
Jackrabbits and native plants! Explore easy trails among demonstration plantings of California ecosystems. Accessible by light rail.
Anderson Lake County Park at Coyote Creek Parkway
Nature center and creekside picnics! Kids will enjoy the Coyote Creek Visitor Center at 19245 Malaguerra Ave., Morgan Hill, and exploring trails and picnic areas adjacent to the creek along the lower section of the park.
Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
Important wildlife corridor! Look for animal signs along farm road trails or hike to the overlook for a view of the surrounding mountains. Easy to access with amenities including restroom and picnic tables.
Ranch Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve
Serpentine rock outcrops! Trails ranging from easy paved pathway to more challenging climbs offer explorations for a variety of ages. Try to spot serpentine, California’s state rock scattered within this oak woodland environment.
Alum Rock Park and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
An historic park! Shaded river walk, parking and picnic tables, and unique geology. Continue to the Sierra Vista Open Space for expansive views of the valley.
Joseph D. Grant County Park
Wildflowers and stars on the farm! A bit of a windy drive, but you will be rewarded by a wide variety of trails, lake, and ranger-led programs including stargazing. Pack a picnic and step into the valley’s past!