Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose Announces Expanded Summer Schedule in Phased Reopening

Museum Increases Days and Sessions

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose takes another step forward in its phased reopening with the announcement of Purple Play Days of Summer. The museum will open five days a week starting Wednesday, June 9 and will continue operating Wednesday through Sunday through Labor Day. The iconic purple museum will expand its play sessions from two per day to three per day starting June 16 to accommodate as many children and families as possible while ensuring a safe and socially distanced experience for all visitors.

NEW – Digital Art Party! The LeRoy Neiman Art Studio will reopen June 16 with a whole new way of creating art. Visitors can use their hands, arms, legs, feet, and their whole body to interact with digital art projections in the LeRoy Neiman Art Studio. Action painting, disco dancing and playing with Neiman’s artwork up close are all possible in the newly reopened studio.

The museum’s research-based philosophy that play is essential for children’s healthy development is even more relevant today after months of virtual learning and isolation. The American Academy of Pediatrics even went so far as to prescribe “play” for the first time ever in 2018. This summer the museum will provide families with this prescription - a safe place for stimulating children’s bodies, minds, and imaginations, and much-needed safe socialization and fun for families.

“We’re ready for summertime and are so pleased that the community has responded with great enthusiasm, donations, and visitation that allows us to expand our schedule to five days a week,” said Marilee Jennings, executive director of Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. “The past 14 months has reminded us that we need each other in ways we might have taken for granted prior to COVID-19. Children need places like the museum to design their own path of discovery and flex their creativity to think like artists, scientists, and mavericks, and the museum thrives when families visit, and the community supports us.”

The museum opened the indoor galleries on April 2, welcoming visitors with full sessions nearly every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. While authorized to operate at 50% capacity, the museum opted to ramp up slowly to give staff and visitors time to acclimate being around others after 14 months of screen time and isolation. Reservations remain required to control the number of visitors and ensure adequate space for all to play. The museum will increase capacity based on state and local guidelines and what is best for the visitor experience throughout the summer. 

During the phased reopening, the museum remains committed to equity and inclusion with the continuation of the Museums for All program. This national initiative provides all families the opportunity to visit regardless of ability to pay. Admission is only $2 per person (regular ticket price is $15) with the presentation of an electronic benefit card or other specific documentation.

DAYS OF OPERATION: Starting June 9, the museum will be open every Wednesday through Sunday through Labor Day.

HOURS AND TICKET INFORMATION: Currently reservations are required for the two play sessions per day. Starting June 16, reservations are required for the three play sessions per day:

·         9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

·         11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

·         Hour cleaning break between sessions

·         2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

PRICES: Ticket prices for the museum are $15 per child or adult and seniors are $14. Museum members are free. For ticket reservations, visit our website.

HEALTH and SAFETY PLAN: For more information on the museum’s health and safety plan and for more details on the interior modifications, visit our website.