Suggestions for San Jose, CA?

[misshollygolightly]

DH just found out he's heading to San Jose for a work-related conference in about 1 1/2 weeks (the person who was originally scheduled to go has a broken leg!), and DS (3 1/2 months) and I figured we'd tag along. I'm a little nervous about flying w/ DS and his many accessories (diapers, clothes, carseat, etc., etc.), but at least DH will be there to help. I'm more worried about what DS and I will do all day while DH is in the conference. Suggestions? We're staying on Market Street near the Plaza Cesar Chavez or something or other. Even if you don't have suggestions for San Jose, anyone have general recommendations for things to do with infants while on vacation? I figure the cleaning folks will need to get into our hotel room at some point, plus I'd hate to think I traveled all the way to CA and sat around in the hotel the whole time b/c I was too intimidated to go exploring with DS in tow!

[rlu]

Walking distance
Here's the Cesar Chavez Plaza information http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_de_C%C3%A9sar_Ch%C3%A1vez

The Tech is across the park and I'm wanting to see the Leonardo exhibit.
http://www.thetech.org/

Trinity church is beautiful too and probably walking distance, as is SJSU with it's bell tower, entrance arches and gardens. http://www.trinitysj.org/who/directions.html
http://www.sjsu.edu/


Light Rail (catch on First Street, just a block over from Market)
The Children's Discovery Museum is good for kids, but we didn't take DS when he was that young. Should be really close to your hotel. http://www.cdm.org/index.asp?f=1

The Sharks are playing at the Shark Tank (HP Pavilion), a really fun evening event but maybe not right for DS. http://www.hppsj.com/index2.html

Car
If you want to see the beach you could drive over 17 to Santa Cruz or Capitola in about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Monterey is quite a bit further - if you are interested in local beaches, pm me.

Hakone Gardens in Saratoga http://www.hakone.com/

Japanese Friendship Gardens at Kelley Park http://www.sjparks.org/Parks/RegionalParks/jfg/jfg.asp - we took DS here when he was under 2 and still in a stroller. The paths were great and a peaceful place to visit. The attached zoo at Kelley Park is currently closed.

There is also the Winchester Mystery house but you'll need transportation and I'm not sure you can take a stroller on the tour.
http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/

There is also the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, I would wander there daily after school waiting for the bus. Wonderful exhibits. Also puts you blocks from the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, a nice place to lunch or take a break.
http://www.egyptianmuseum.org/visit/index.html
http://www.sjparks.org/Parks/RegionalParks/rose/RoseGarden.asp

Shopping there's Valley Fair (indoor mall) and Santana Row (open air mall) which are across the street from each other, but you'll need transportation.
http://westfield.com/valleyfair/ An absolute must is candy from See's. If you don't go shopping, get it at the airport.
http://www.santanarow.com/

If you don't have a car, ask the hotel about providing transportation - they might have a shuttle you can use. I also know that some hotel websites list local attractions and if they provide transport there or not. Might be worth checking the hotel website if you haven't yet.

CA is beautifully sunny right now and you'll have lots of city blocks to cover if you want to just explore the surroundings. Welcome to the heart of Silicon Valley.


eta: for those with older kids
Amusement Parks
Happy Hollow (closed until Fall 2009) http://www.happyhollowparkandzoo.org/
California's Great America (halloween stuff now, not appropriate for little kids) http://www.pgathrills.com/#actions
Gilroy Gardens (weekends only right now) http://www.gilroygardens.org/
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (formerly Marine World) (open weekends only now) http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/index.aspx