Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
A charming zoo and amusement park perfect for young families, offering gentle rides, animal encounters, and imaginative play areas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming zoo and amusement park perfect for young families, offering gentle rides, animal encounters, and imaginative play areas.
"This place really hits the sweet spot for families with young kids."
💰 Discount Ticket Hacks
Utilize WIC, EBT, or Medical programs for discounted admission, often around $4-$6 per ticket.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks to save money and enjoy the many shaded picnic areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Animal Encounters
Zoo exhibits
Get up close with a variety of animals, including lemurs, sloths, and farm animals. The petting zoo is a favorite for little ones.
+3Gentle Rides
Amusement park area
Enjoy classic amusement park rides perfect for young children, like the carousel, train, and roller coaster.
+3
Playgrounds & Play Areas
Various locations
Explore imaginative play spaces like the Crooked House and Redwood Lookout playground, offering hours of fun.
+2
Puppet Theater
Puppet Theater
Catch entertaining puppet shows that delight both children and adults with engaging performances.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Family Fun
Toddler-Centric Adventures
+7Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Discount Ticket Hacks
Utilize WIC, EBT, or Medical programs for discounted admission, often around $4-$6 per ticket. +3
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks to save money and enjoy the many shaded picnic areas.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park and zoo.
☀️ Stay Hydrated
Especially on warmer days, bring plenty of water or be prepared to purchase it within the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Discount Ticket Hacks
Utilize WIC, EBT, or Medical programs for discounted admission, often around $4-$6 per ticket. +3
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks to save money and enjoy the many shaded picnic areas.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park and zoo.
☀️ Stay Hydrated
Especially on warmer days, bring plenty of water or be prepared to purchase it within the park.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is available across the river and requires a short walk over a bridge to reach the zoo.
🎟️ Membership Perks
Consider a membership for frequent visits and access to reciprocal discounts at other zoos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a beloved spot for families with young children, praised for its affordability, gentle rides, and engaging animal encounters. While some visitors note areas needing upkeep, the overall experience is highly positive, especially for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy the interactive play areas and petting zoo.
"Worth getting you and your little one out the house but will not be your favorite zoo by far in any way. First off, we brought our one year old excited for a day at the zoo and didn’t realize this was a bit of a ghetto little zoo I will tell you why… it started with line and application I was made to fill out to use the museums for all program discount made to make you feel poor and less than to pay $4 entry fee which was a great deal but a hassle for the 30 minute entry. The next trigger was the red panda exhibit which were all dead RIP… don’t forget the dead jaguar Sophia. All the animals seemed sleepy and the zookeepers just a little off. All the rides my baby girl wasn’t big enough so we just walked around the area and people watched. A lot of the areas were unkept leaving the park overall neglected. I think I remember hearing that all that landscaping is kept up by volunteers and that there is exactly the reason it looks like this. My daughter’s favorite area was the Kaiser Permanente adventure grove which seemed to be oddly immaculate and out of place but she loved it. Definitely made to bring kids over two years old. I like the crooked house and umbrella lunch area. Loved the birds, lemurs, sloths, alligator and all the picnic areas around the park."
Katrina Jenkins
"Took my 4-year-old daughter to Happy Hollow yesterday and we had such a blast! This place really hits the sweet spot for families with young kids. The zoo portion was definitely the highlight for us. My daughter was absolutely mesmerized by the lemurs, we probably stood there for 20 minutes just watching them play and swim around. The farm animals were a huge hit too, especially the goats that she could pet and feed. The staff was super patient with all the excited kids asking a million questions. What I love about this place is that it's not overwhelming like some of the bigger attractions. It's the perfect size for little legs and short attention spans. The rides are gentle and age-appropriate we went on the little train probably four times! The carousel was beautiful and my daughter felt so grown up riding by herself. The playground areas are well-maintained and there are plenty of shaded spots for parents to sit and watch. Plus the admission price is really reasonable compared to other family attractions in the Bay Area. We ended up staying almost the entire day, which never happens with my preschooler! She's already asking when we can go back. Definitely found our new favorite weekend spot. If you have kids under 8, this place is absolutely worth the trip to San Jose!"
Rhett Burden
"A must for little ones. They have a zoo, picnic areas, shows, rides, and a food cafe. My 3 year old loves coming here. They have lots of beautiful play areas and they did renovate a lot of things. Also all the employees from the parking lot, to entrance, guest services, ride operators, and animal keepers were great! Excellent customer service from all."
teresita padilla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is located at 748 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95112. It's accessible by car, and parking is available across the river with a short walk over a bridge. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules.
Yes, there is a parking lot available. The daily parking rate is typically around $10 per vehicle.
While specific routes vary, San Jose has public transportation options. It's recommended to check the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) website for the most up-to-date bus and light rail information to plan your journey.
Yes, the park is generally stroller-friendly, with paved paths and accessible play areas, making it easy to navigate with young children.
The address is 748 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95112.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices can vary, but have been noted around $18-$22 for adults and children aged 2+. Children under two often get in free. Look for discounted tickets through WIC, EBT, or Medical programs, which can be as low as $4-$6 per ticket.
Yes, significant discounts are available for visitors with WIC, EBT, or Medical cards. These programs can offer tickets at a reduced rate, often around $4-$6 each for a limited number of tickets.
It is generally recommended to check the official Happy Hollow Park & Zoo website for the most current ticket purchasing options, including online sales and any advance booking requirements.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and by day of the week. It's best to check the official Happy Hollow Park & Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, Happy Hollow offers memberships which can be a great value for frequent visitors. Memberships often include benefits like reciprocal admission to other zoos and discounts within the park.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Happy Hollow features a variety of animals, including lemurs, sloths, meerkats, turtles, goats, sheep, and capybaras. There's also a petting zoo area where visitors can interact with some of the farm animals.
The park offers gentle rides suitable for young children, such as a carousel, a train, and a roller coaster. Some rides may have height restrictions, but many are designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
Absolutely! Happy Hollow boasts several engaging play areas, including the Crooked House and the Redwood Lookout playground, providing ample opportunities for climbing, swinging, and imaginative play.
Yes, the park features a puppet theater with regular shows throughout the day, offering entertaining performances for all ages.
Happy Hollow is highly recommended for toddlers and young children. Its size, gentle rides, play areas, and animal encounters are perfectly suited for their age group.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks into the park, which is a great way to save money and enjoy a picnic.
There is a food court and cafe within the park offering various options. Some reviews suggest the food is tasty and reasonably priced.
Yes, the park has numerous shaded picnic areas, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a packed lunch or snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture memorable moments with the diverse animals, classic rides like the carousel, and the unique play structures. The shaded areas and greenery provide lovely backdrops. +2
Absolutely! The park's charming atmosphere, colorful rides, and friendly animals make it a perfect setting for family photos. Consider the carousel or near animal exhibits for memorable shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the park, including of the animals. Be mindful of any specific signage or instructions from zookeepers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+5 The manageable size and ample shade make it comfortable for little ones, and the puppet shows add an extra layer of entertainment. +1Parents will appreciate the affordability, especially with discounts available for WIC, EBT, and Medical cardholders, and the ability to bring in outside food and drinks.
+4 Consider a membership if you're local, as it provides great value for repeat visits. It's a place where young children can safely explore, play, and learn, creating lasting memories. 💰 Budget Travelers
+4 Furthermore, the park allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks, eliminating the need to spend money on park concessions. With a variety of attractions including a zoo, rides, and play areas, you can easily spend a full day here without breaking the bank. The value proposition is high, offering a comprehensive entertainment experience at a fraction of the cost of larger theme parks or zoos.
❤️ Couples Looking for a Relaxing Outing
It's a low-key way to spend time together, away from the hustle and bustle of larger attractions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Happy Hollow Experience for Young Children
+5 The zoo portion offers a chance for kids to see a variety of animals up close, with a popular petting zoo area where they can interact with farm animals like goats and sheep. +2 The play areas, such as the Crooked House and Redwood Lookout, are designed to spark imagination and encourage physical activity. +1Beyond the rides and animals, Happy Hollow also features a puppet theater with regular shows, adding an element of entertainment and storytelling to the day.
The park is known for being well-shaded, which is a significant advantage for families with young children, especially during warmer months. +1Practical considerations for families include the option to bring your own food and drinks, which is a major plus for managing picky eaters and saving money.
The availability of discounted tickets through programs like WIC, EBT, or Medical further enhances its appeal as an affordable family outing. +4 Overall, Happy Hollow provides a well-rounded, enjoyable, and accessible experience tailored specifically for the youngest visitors. Value and Affordability at Happy Hollow
+1 However, the real value shines through with the availability of significant discounts. Visitors using WIC, EBT, or Medical cards can often purchase tickets for as little as $4-$6 each, making it an accessible outing for many. +3Beyond discounted entry, the option to bring your own food and drinks into the park is a substantial cost-saver.
This allows families to avoid expensive park food and enjoy picnics in the numerous shaded areas. +1 For those who visit frequently, a membership can offer excellent value, providing unlimited access and often including reciprocal benefits at other zoos and attractions nationwide. This makes Happy Hollow a recurring destination for many local families. While some reviews mention a need for upkeep in certain areas, the overall consensus is that Happy Hollow provides a high level of entertainment and value for its price point. The combination of rides, animals, play areas, and shows, all at an affordable cost, makes it a standout option for budget-conscious families seeking a fun day out.
Navigating Happy Hollow: Tips from Visitors
+1 Many reviewers suggest packing a picnic, as it's permitted and a great way to save money while enjoying the park's amenities. For those looking to maximize their visit, consider purchasing a membership if you plan to return multiple times, as it can offer significant savings and perks.
Checking the park's official website for the most current hours of operation and any special events is also a good practice before your visit. +1 Some visitors have noted that certain rides might be closed on occasion, so it's worth being aware of this possibility. Finally, take advantage of the discount programs like WIC, EBT, or Medical if you qualify, as these can drastically reduce the cost of admission.
+3 The park's layout, with its shaded areas and accessible play spaces, makes it a comfortable and enjoyable experience for families, especially those with young children. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit