Tickets and General Information
Visit information
Explore, investigate, and create!
Let’s play, learn, and grow together!
School-year Hours:
Tuesday through Friday:
9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday:
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Can I purchase a ticket at the Museum?
Yes, though we recommend purchasing your tickets online for speedier entry. By purchasing a ticket you are agreeing to abide by our Code of Conduct.
I’m a member, do I need to reserve a day and time to visit?
No.
Do I need a ticket if my child is under age 1?
Yes, every person who enters the Museum must be accounted for. However, children under age 1 are free.
Can I change the date of my tickets I purchased in advance?
If you are unable to come on the day of your tickets, please contact us at admissiontickets@cdm.org to change the date of your visit. Tickets are non-refundable.
Can I leave and come back later in the day?
You may leave the Museum and return.
Can I make a group reservation?
Please see group visit information here.
My membership at another museum has the ACM Reciprocal Network benefit, how do I reserve tickets?
Reservations are not required. Show your home museum membership card and photo ID at admissions. Please note you must have the ACM Reciprocal Network logo clearly visible on your membership card in order to receive the discount.
Can I use a free or discount pass that I have?
Yes, no reservation needed. Just present your pass at the admissions desk.
Are service animals allowed in the Museum?
Yes, designated service animals are allowed in the Museum but no support animals.
My company is a Corporate Member, can I get a corporate discount?
You may apply the $2 off corporate discount to ticket purchases made at the admissions desk with proof of employment. This could be a business card or an employee badge. The corporate discount is not available online.
Does the Museum have any discounts for low-income families?
Yes, we participate in the “Museums for All” program, which makes the Museum experience affordable for all families with the presentation of a valid state Electronic Benefit Card (EBT) card and photo ID.
Does the Museum offer birthday parties?
Yes, we currently offer birthday party packages for Museum members. Check out our Birthday Parties page for more information.
Can I rent the Museum for my event?
We are not currently renting the Museum for events.
Membership
I’m a member, do I need to reserve a day and time to visit?
No. We do not require reservations in advance.
Can I bring a friend with one of my guest passes?
Reservations are not needed to use your guest passes.
The Museum Experience
What should I know before I arrive?
Tickets: Advance tickets are not required but recommended for busier traffic days.
Parking lots: There are several public and privately-owned parking lots located near the Museum. You can also take public transportation!
Strollers, bicycles, wagons, and carts: Strollers are only allowed for children who cannot walk. Bikes, wagons, and carts are not allowed in the Museum or Bill’s Backyard.
Food and water: Our hydration stations are open for refilling personal water bottles. Our FoodShed has you covered with a variety of beverages including water, coffee, chocolate milk, and healthy snacks to help curb your appetite during your day of play! Light snacks but no meals are allowed in Bill’s Backyard. School groups should not bring food into the museum and can leave food in the designated area at the front of the museum to eat later in the park.
Where do I enter the Museum?
The front of the Museum faces Discovery Meadow (the park). The entrance is between the two palm trees.
Can I bring a stroller, bicycle, wagon or cart?
Strollers are only allowed for children who cannot walk. Bikes, wagons, and carts are not allowed in the Museum or Bill’s Backyard.
Can I bring food or water into the Museum or Bill’s Backyard?
Yes, visiting families can bring light snacks (not full meals) into the Museum to keep you fueled throughout your day of play. We ask that you only eat light snacks in Bill’s Backyard. Full meals can be purchased from our Foodshed cafe and eaten at their designated tables. Our hydration stations are open for refilling personal water bottles.
What if I lose something at the Museum?
We only hold lost and found items for 24 hours. Retrieving from the lost and found bin is self-serve.
Does the Museum have water refill stations?
Yes, there are hydration stations placed throughout the Museum for refilling personal water bottles.
Where can I change a diaper?
Is there a private area for breastfeeding?
The downstairs “Quiet Room” is available for private breastfeeding.
What if I feel uncomfortable after entering the Museum?
If you feel uncomfortable after entering the Museum, please speak to a staff member. We value your feedback and want everyone to have a safe and satisfying experience.
Museum Photo Policy
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose occasionally takes photographs and video of events and playtime for use in our marketing materials. By entering the Museum, you grant the Museum permission to photograph, videotape, record, or otherwise reproduce the image and/or voice of the subjects, without compensation.
When possible, our marketing team will let your party know if we are capturing your visit. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please ask the welcome desk for a wristband.
