Winter is just around the corner, and you’ve got to figure out how to keep both yourself and your children entertained during break. Let’s be honest with each other here: Winter isn’t all about building snowmen in the backyard, sitting by the fireplace with a hot cup of hot chocolate, and spending your time playing board games with your family. We all know how quickly your kids can come down with a tragic case of cabin fever, resulting in mass chaos and destruction. So, what’s your next course of action?

Easy. You pack away your kids and go on vacation during winter break in hopes of giving yourself a break from frigid temperatures, your normal day to day life, and the overwhelming amount of energy your children are storing from being cooped up in the house all day. In case you weren’t sure where you should explore, we already have that bit conveniently worked out for you: San Jose, California.

We already know what you’re thinking: California means an escape from the harsh, bitter winter and a brief stay in a lovely, summery paradise that is fully equipped with palm trees, gorgeous beaches where you can catch some gnarly waves or some rays of sunshine, and a temperature average that doesn’t dare sink below 74 degrees fahrenheit. And before we allow you to get carried away with that idea, we’d also like to (gently) point out here that we were suggesting that you check out San Jose.

San Jose is a beautiful city that rests in Silicon Valley, a major technology hub in the Bay Area. It is important to note here that before you continue daydreaming about beaching it up on a hot day in December, remember that during the Winter months, San Jose’s daily average temperature rarely rises above 68 degrees and doesn’t fall beneath 53 degrees. And while this isn’t too bad compared to states closer to the north, that range still isn’t conducive to summer vacation festivities. Rest assured, San Jose still has plenty to offer its visitors, proving the fact that you don’t necessarily need warm weather to have a great vacation.

Winter Wonderland

The San Jose Winter Wonderland offers a bit of old-fashioned family fun in the form of a traditional carnival. Here, you can bring the kids and partake in the fun. The Winter Wonderland offers plenty of classic carnival favorites such as the ferris wheel, carousel, tilt-a-whirl, and many more. This attraction is perfect for any kids who are dying to run off any pent up energy or anybody who isn’t interested in checking out holiday lights.

Christmas In The Park

Just because you’re in California doesn’t mean that the Holiday season isn’t coming. As a matter of fact, every year, San Jose puts together Christmas in the Park. This free, family-friendly phenomenon that takes over Downtown San Jose is a series of community events to help bring the entire San Jose area into the festive holiday mood. Events range from Christmas tree lighting to a dog day at the park where pets can pay Santa a visit to the annual Santa run, where runners at this 5K run/walk are encouraged to dress up as their favorite holiday-themed character.

If you aren’t a runner, no worries! People in the surrounding downtown area can still admire the stunning holiday lights and even go ice skating at Downtown Ice.

Tech Museum Of Innovation

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Silicon Valley without doing something that is remotely related to technology, would it? Located on the Cesar Chavez Plaza, the Tech Museum of Innovation, also known as the Tech, focuses on innovative technology and contains a multitude of exhibits that involve energy efficiency, customization, exploration, and genetics. The Tech’s exhibits are primarily interactive, which offers visitors a deeper understanding of each exhibit. The museum prides itself on its hands-on approach to learning and strives to inspire people, especially young children, to explore the world of technology and innovation.

The Tech Museum of Innovation is perfect for children, as it gives them an opportunity to learn more while on vacation .

History San Jose

You can never learn too many things; therefore, consider this: History San Jose. This park is comprised of 32 original and reproduction homes that retell Santa Clara Valley’s history. The 14-acre park contains fully-functioning trolleys, a cafe, and an ice cream parlor. Each property stands as a mini-exhibit, where you can go and check out all of the artifacts within.

These are just a few of the many wonderful things that await in San Jose. And while you aren’t necessarily partaking in typical Californian activities, you’re still getting a unique vacation experience from an amazing city (that is most likely not as cold as where you are coming in from) that would love to have you and your family as its guests.