Things To Do
Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space takes care of over 70,000 acres of public land across 27 preserves. Each preserve has its own charm, but the oak woodlands of Rancho San Antonio has a special place in Sophia's heart.
Deer Hollow Farm
See where Sophia got her start as a wildlife/outdoor educator! This working heritage farm is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8am-4pm (closes 1pm on Wednesday). Goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, chickens, pigs, ducks, and geese! The farm is an easy 1 mile hike from the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve Parking Lot. There are public restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic tables.
Oakland Zoo
A standout stop on our California AZA roadtrip! From the conservation messaging to the exhibit design, Oakland Zoo puts their ethics on public display and acknowledges past choices that don't meet their modern standards. The California Trail is a love letter to California's most iconic species like no other. If you manage to get into the Reptile House, please tell us about it! We've tried twice now and it was closed both times...
CuriOdyssey
Another stop on our California AZA roadtrip, this small science museum and zoo is home to many interactive exhibits about ecology, biology, and physics. The animals in their care are all rescues of some sort, so this is more like an animal sanctuary!
California Academy of Sciences
A little something for everybody! This museum has exhibits that will take you on a journey across multiple fields of science, from the microscopic to the galactic scale. Wander through the Steinhart Aquarium, climb the Osher Rainforest, and enjoy shows in the Morrison Planetarium. There's also a rotating exhibit space on the Second Floor!
The American Bookbinders Museum
We visited this museum as part of a birthday celebration for a friend years ago and are still thinking about it. The hard work and machinery used to create books before modern factories is incredible and a story worth learning about.
The Tech Interactive
A science and technology center that's fun for all ages! Plus an IMAX theater! This was a regular spot to visit for Sophia growing up as it's an easy ride on the light-rail. Admire the large Rube Goldberg Machine and gain insights to how Zane's brain works!
Westfield Valley Fair
A nearby mall for any shopping needs
Great Mall
Another mall, but this one has a Jollibee! Jollibee is a Filipino fried chicken fast food chain. It's a travesty that this is the closest Jollibee to us.