The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is a great place to take younger kids to entertain them and educate them at the same time.  I emphasize that this is a place that is mostly for younger kids about the age of 7 or younger.  The museum has a bunch of fun activities for the kids to get hands on with and play with while teaching them about nature and science.

Outside of the museum you will find a small zoo that the kids can look at.   It’s not a huge zoo and consists of smaller animals, but they still will enjoy looking at the variety of animals and birds.  My daughter always enjoys going to the Junior Museum and Zoo and playing for a couple of hours, especially if she has a friend with her.  When she turned 3 we even hosted her birthday party at the park outside and then took the kids in the museum for about an hour during the party.  Combined with the museum, zoo, and park, it’s easy to burn 2 to 3 hours with your kid(s).

The Junior Museum and Zoo is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM.  While admission is free, they ask that you donate $5 per person that enters, which is well worth it!!