You don’t need major funds to have major fun in San Jose; just look at these free activities.

We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get well-researched, unique suggestions worth the trip.

The Municipal Rose Garden is the perfect backdrop for a picnic date. | Photo via @garden.gazing

Outdoors

Aquila Loop Trail | Get your body moving, clear your head, and enjoy pretty views on this 1.1-mile trek at the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve that’s great for casual hikers. Pro tip: Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses — there’s no shade on this path.

Municipal Rose Garden | It’s important to stop and smell the roses. This gorgeous garden features 4,000+ rose shrubs representing 189 varieties of roses, including lots and lots of hybrid-teas. Pro tip: The blooms are at their peak in May, but visitors can typically see blossoms from April to November.

Japanese Friendship Garden | Beautiful bridges, waterfalls, and koi ponds await at this peaceful garden built in 1965 as a symbol of friendship between San Jose and its Sister City of Okayama, Japan. In fact, the garden’s design was inspired by Okayama’s Korakuen Garden. Entry is free, but you may have to pay a small fee for parking.

Emma Prusch donated her family farm to the City of San Jose in 1962. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Emma Prusch Farm Park | Explore our region’s agriculture on this land that once housed an 86-acre farm belonging to San Josean Emma Prusch and her family. Expect to see animals like chickens, ducks, geese, peacocks, sheep, pigs, and goats, depending on the season.

Viva CalleSJ | This ongoing free program temporarily closes some San Jose streets to bring locals together to walk, bike, skate, and play. Keep an eye on the event’s website for maps and details about upcoming events — the next one is on Sunday, Sept. 7.

... comes the San Jose Museum of Art. | Photo by SJtoday staff

Arts

SJMA First Fridays | The monthly program at the San Jose Museum of Art offers free admission after 6 p.m. and a “lounge-like atmosphere” with music, drinks, and open galleries.

Institute of Contemporary Art San José | The downtown SJ museum is open Thursday-Sunday, 12-5 p.m., with free admission for all. Visitors can expect visually + conceptually compelling pieces meant to spark conversation.

South First Fridays | Stroll through exhibits hosted by downtown SJ’s best galleries at this monthly open-air event that’s all about local creativity.

Triton Museum of Art | This Santa Clara museum highlights California artists who are significant to our region — check out the upcoming exhibitions. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Some volunteers at History Park operate these historic trolleys. | Photo courtesy of History San José

Edu

History Park | There’s so much history here, indeed. Learn about the origins of the great 408 at the 14-acre park that features 32 original and reproduced homes and landmarks that reflect the Santa Clara Valley’s past. Keep an eye on History Park’s free and low-cost community programs + events, too.

Intel Museum | We love a lil’ innovation in Silicon Valley. Once upon a time, scientists Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore had a vision, and that dream turned into a multi-million dollar company. Learn all about Intel’s history through interactive exhibits and see what it’s like inside a silicon chip factory.

Maker Events | San Jose Public Library offers a host of events for every type of maker and crafter across several of its branches. Creative topics include rugmaking, 3D printing, and a Cricut Open Lab.

Just browsing

SJ Made Markets | This one’s for our fellow market enthusiasts. Browse local vendors and plot your next purchase at one of San Jose Made’s many events, including the upcoming TREBA Night Market, SJ Made Holiday Fair, and San Jose Winter Wonder Market.

Berryessa Night Market: Garden at the Flea | On Friday evenings from April to October, vintage sellers set up shop inside the San Jose Flea Market for these themed night markets featuring live music. Entry is free, but you might want to bring a little cash for a trinket or two.

Pop-Up San Jose Markets | Keep an eye on Instagram for Pop-Up San Jose’s latest vintage + Y2K markets where you can browse and window shop to your heart’s delight.