# Alum Rock Park: Mineral Springs & Canyon Nature Family Hike > Place to go for families in the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara area (CA). Times are Pacific Time. - When: Saturday & Sunday 8:00 AM to one-half hour after sunset; Visitor Center open 10:00 AM… - Dates: Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 - Where: Alum Rock Park, 15350 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose, CA 95127 - Ages: All ages (0-14 and families) - Price: Free park trail entry ($6 daily vehicle parking fee) - Schedule: Saturday & Sunday 8:00 AM to one-half hour after sunset; Visitor Center open 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Organizer: City of San Jose Parks & Recreation - Official page: https://www.sanjoseca.gov - Last checked: Fri, Nov 6 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/san-jose/activities/alum-rock-park-mineral-springs-and-canyon-nature-family-hike--listing-408596dafa12d4d7278a1ef7 ## About Established in 1872, Alum Rock Park is California's oldest municipal park, nestled in the lush Penitencia Creek Canyon on San Jose's east side. This weekend, families can enjoy an early winter nature hike along the gentle, shaded Penitencia Creek Trail, exploring historic old stone Mineral Springs grottoes and rustic wooden bridges. Along the babbling creek, wild black-tailed deer, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, and California squirrels are often seen. Next to the Youth Science Institute, there is a large children's log climbing play area. Family Experience and Facilities: • Strollers and Accessibility: The core section of the Penitencia Creek Trail along the creek features a wide, flat asphalt surface, ideal for lightweight strollers and children's tricycles. Higher ridge trails are natural dirt paths. • Parent-Child Facilities: Multiple picnic areas and the visitor center are equipped with flush restrooms, changing tables, and hot/cold water dispensers. Hundreds of stone picnic tables and barbecue grills are available under towering sycamore and oak trees. • Recommended Age: Families of all ages (0 to 14 years old). • Visit Tip: The canyon has significant temperature differences between morning and evening, so it's recommended to bring a light windbreaker for children. 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