Who would have thought that this little gem would be tucked away in Hayward? I've got to say, I was…read morequite surprised! The Hayward Historical Society is a local Hayward history museum that features 4 different exhibits. There are two permanent exhibits (History exhibit and children's exhibit) and two that are rotating (the community exhibit and the special exhibit). The history exhibit is filled with tons of old Hayward artifacts, photos, historical excerpts, and replicas of what daily life and activities were life in Hayward back in the day. I was really fascinated by their Hayward Community exhibit and I loved watching snippets of the documentary at the mini movie theater. The children's exhibit is very interactive and features a vintage cash register along with a mini grocery store with fake vegetables and other items for sale. It's a recreation of ancient Hayward civilization and I was impressed with how they were able to incorporate this into a kid's play area. The two rotating exhibits were quite intriguing as well. During the time that I attended, they were displaying both a risqué exhibit and a women's rights exhibit. I thought it was ironic that they displayed both of these exhibits at the same time since they kind of contradicted each other, but I thought that it made for a great juxtaposition. The risqué exhibit was known as their special exhibit and no photos were allowed for this one. Admission is $5 and you can easily spend over an hour exploring the museum in its' entirety. They have a parking lot located behind the building and there's also a small cafe, but of course, so food or drink is allowed while inside. All in all, I really enjoyed learning about the history of Hayward and I encourage anyone to come out and visit to get informed (especially if you're a Hayward local!).

It was awesome but kinda sad that they didn't have the kids play area anymore but over all nice…read morequiet place to look threw history

I came here after my kiddo had already visited because he talked so much about it…read more I've driven by so many times but this was the first time I stopped in to check it out. We walked in and we paid our entrance fee at the front and were told if we were interested in a membership we could use our entrance fee to pay towards that cost. My kiddo led our visit around the entire museum. I loved how interactive the areas were specially the cockpit area. The volunteers and staff were friendly and my kiddos enjoyment of the space solidified my interest in a membership which I ultimately got. Since then we have been back multiple times. We've enjoyed all our visits and check in goes smoothly since we already have a barcode. At our last visit I ended up setting the 5 minute timer for the cockpit area since we waited so long to get in. Probably the most popular space in this entire museum. While my kiddo and I played and several other families waited their turn patiently a parent walked up and asked how much longer we'd be there since her kid had been waiting a long time. Wild to me because we had been waiting in line that's not really a line but some seats in the back and not once did I see this parent waiting. She must of waited a whole minute before speaking to me. I told her we just got in and that I had set my 5 minute timer. She said she didn't see the sign and others pointed her right to it. Right in front of her face. She asked if I worked here. I said no but that the 3 volunteers out there did to redirect her and enjoy my 5 minutes. As one of the most popular attractions here it would be beneficial for volunteers to monitor the line and timers per group. It's insane to me that grown people can act like this or just oversee other waiting groups and act more impatient than a toddler. The space is way too small to be insufferable in a place to enjoy, explore and take turns. Front staff is great. Most volunteers are great. The volunteers in the cockpit benefit from helping maneuver cockpit time and potential lines. This is a well cared for museum and an enjoyable way to spend the day. Our family enjoys it and will continue to be members till my kids want to be.

Hiller Aviation Museum is one of the more unusual aviation museums I've ever visited. It is just…read moreabout 11 miles south of SFO off Hwy 101 adjacent to the San Carlos airport. The aircraft & artifacts are mainly from the collection of Stanley Hiller of the Hiller Aircraft Corp that has been developing helicopters and other experimental flying machines since the late 40's. So many of these unusual copters, gyros & flying platforms are on display, plus anything else Stanley had collected over the decades. There aren't a lot of more recognizable aircraft, but you learn a lot by reading about these rare, one-of-a-kind flying machines. On slow days, you buy your entry ticket in the gift shop and go through the entry hall that is dominated by a full scale replica of the X-Prize winning SpaceShipOne hanging from the ceiling. As you enter the main gallery, you have turn of the century wood & fabric biplane replicas of the Wright brothers & Glenn Curtiss along with early not-so-successful flying machines. Moving onto the middle 20th century, the Hiller Aviation Corp. designed some offbeat personal aircraft with personal vertical takeoff craft 70 years before their time. There are also more conventional winged aircraft like the Grumman Albatross (propeller seaplane) and Aero L-39 Albatros (Czech jet trainer), 2 totally different planes with similar names sitting right next to each other. Above them all is the mother of all remotely piloted drones, the Boeing Condor from 1988 with a huge wingspan of 200 ft! If you go out the back, you get to climb through the nose section of a Boeing 747-100 jumbo airliner from the 70's & 80's. The gift shop is one of the more extensive that I've seen with lots of souvenirs for all ages and aviation memorabilia for enthusiasts.

This is a very well-run entertaining and informative local museums of the Hayward area…read more They bring in special speakers on a regular basis primarily Saturdays for information of Interest in the local area. A very diverse selection of artwork that are all some local artists. This is some of the most popular artists in the East Bay Area. They also have a focus for children's activities for entertainment for education and enjoyment.

I checked out the San Leandro Historical Railway Society during their open house on Sun 12/6/15…read more It was 2 days: Sat 12/5/15 and Sun 12/6/15 from 10am-4pm. Donation of $2 the sign said, Up to you what you want to give them there is a box you can give them some money or not. They have one main area for the model trains. Only the members can use the remote so the public can only watch the trains go by. Upstairs is for members only too. Another room is where they have some museum items: old typewriter, some old dishes, and some train items. Outside there's another area for trains, but because it rained a tiny bit they weren't running them. Boo for me. FREE parking in the lot and it's next to a park.

A complete Bay Area treasure!! I have the best memories with my son visiting here, watching trains…read moreinside and outside, having conversations with the hobbiest that come here and were so kind to even give my son little parts from the train towns for his train set. We especially love the Christmas celebration here with a train engineer Santa and a raffle off of the Polar Express train that my son actually won one year. There's a playground nearby and a simple go to day for us would a lunch picnic, train station, and the playground.

We came here to take some photos for my parents' 50th Anniversary on a hot Saturday afternoon. The…read moreparking was mostly vacant. We only had enough time to go to the rose garden. It's pretty small, but you can find some interesting shots. There's the windmill, the pergola, a bench. There was some side location with a nice lawn and fountain, (California Nursery Park Museum & Office), but there was a guy smoking weed there, so it became unpleasant to take photos in the succulent area. The rose garden is on the right as you drive in to the nursery. From the parking lot, you'll have to walk back towards Niles Blvd. It's not Filoli, but hey, no one is stopping you from volunteering to make something better in your community. We need more doers and less complainers.

If you're looking for a nice walk, this is a good place to go. Love the variety of beautiful…read moreflowers, plants, and historical buildings. Pet friendly too! The bathrooms are also clean!

Hours aren't correct. Came on Saturday at 2 and they were…read morenot open. There's no phone number listed to verify before coming. I also emailed and didn't get a response. Drove 45mins here for nothing....

Who knew the UC had a museum! Actually to be honest, I have seen it many times over the years but…read morenever got a chance to visit until yesterday. I was at the farmer's market and was strolling after and decided to check it out. It is small and has a lot of history regarding UC. My favorite one was a newspaper clipping from the 70s that was about a cop who went undercover as a student at Logan and busted some drug dealers. 21 Jump Street is based on a true story!!!!!! 5 stars for effort and intent and being FREE.

Staff is very knowledgeable, museum is kid friendly and interactive. Train layout is spectacular…read morewell detailed.

This is a tiny museum in the Niles Town Plaza, with extremely limited days/hours of operation…read more(select Sundays 10-4pm), so we had to take advantage on Sunday afternoon while I was in the area for Charlie Chaplin Days and the steam engine train ride nearby. This place offers the opportunity to learn about the history of the Niles Depot and several displays to explore related to the trains and railway, including the top section of a Southern Pacific semaphore signal, pot-belly stove, departure signs from 1909, old photos of passenger trains in Niles, model trains, dvd's, Niles dispatcher, old phones and typewriters, and a train that visitors can control (for a fee). There was also a model railroad which was cute, and it had a drive-in theatre which I've never seen before in similar exhibits, so that was cool. The museum pretty much consists of just two rooms, so it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to check it out, though if you have a kid who's going to play with the train, it may take longer. Also, free admission.

I came here for the first time to see a comedy show and it's a neat little location to visit,…read moreespecially if you're local to the area. They host a variety of events here, including art galleries (there was one on display when I came), shows, and community events. Parking is along the street since there's no designated parking lot but after a designated time (8 pm I believe) it's free. It's a nice space with potential - a little sparse when I went but it's new and still getting its footing. I liked the show and it was nice to see it in a new venue with sparkling interiors and an intimate feel.

Immerse yourself in artistic creations by local artists at Studio 11! Often showcasing paintings,…read moredrawings, and sculptures commemorating current observances, you'll have plenty to see and appreciate throughout the year. We recently attended their exhibit for art of hip hop music and culture. It was fascinating and refreshing to see so many brilliant pieces of work in full display (and some available for purchase). It's also conveniently located near BART, parks, and great places to dine, snack and shop. Parking can be a bit of a trouble since all the parking nearby are paid parking. But if you happen to be in the area or want to walk from Kennedy park, it's not that long of a walk! The studio also hosts camps and offers up their space for private events as well. Check them out and inquire about those opportunities!

Recently went there to chaperone a field trip. The children had a wonderful time. Started with a…read morelittle hands on art lesson. I learned some things, as well. Followed by a tour of the gallery. It is good exposure for children who have never been to an art gallery. Very good to support your local artists.

Wonderful, summer camps great art local artists a gym for the community. Especially love their day…read moreof the dead exhibits.

10/10 -- Worth Every Penny (Parlor/Dome Car Experience)…read more If you're considering the Niles Canyon Train of Lights, do yourself a favor and splurge on the Parlor Car or Dome car. It completely transforms the experience. From the moment you board, you're treated like a VIP: dedicated seating in a fully enclosed caboose, attentive service throughout the ride, and complimentary warm drinks and sweets that are perfect for a cold, wet winter night. Being waited on while rolling through a glowing canyon? Yes, please. One of the biggest perks is having your own reserved space, while still being free to explore the rest of the train--knowing your seat is secure and shared only with fellow Parlor Car Riders. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. I've done both the 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm departures, and while both are enjoyable, 4:30 pm is the clear winner for me. You get to take in the scenery before the sun fully sets, which adds a magical transition from daylight to twinkling lights. The 7:30 pm ride feels more social and cozy--great for lingering conversations with family and friends--but the earlier ride lets you truly appreciate your surroundings. As for the cost, it's important to note that this railway is 100% donation-funded and entirely volunteer-operated. Knowing that every dollar goes directly toward preserving the historic railway, maintaining the trains, and supporting the volunteers who make this experience possible makes the price feel even more justified. You're not just paying for a ride--you're supporting a piece of living history. Bottom line: Cozy Thoughtfully curated For a great cause Perfect for winter evenings If you're on the fence about the Parlor Car or Dome Car upgrade--it's absolutely worth it.

All aboard! If you…read moreare looking for a low key outing that's suitable for all ages then consider booking a ride on Niles Canyon Railway. Enjoy a slow ride Sunol to downtown Niles and back, approx 1.5 hours. A docent will share tid bits of history during the ride. There are snacks for purchase and you can bring your own. I prepared a simple charcuterie for me and mom, gotta have something to nosh on as we enjoy the view. It's June and the hills are brown already but oh well it's still pretty. I was a little worried about whether my mom would struggle boarding the train as I didn't book ADA as she is not in wheelchair. The steps are slightly deeper than ours at home but she made it up without difficulty, there is a railing for support. Conductor did offer us to go to the car with the lift if we wanted. My next anxiety was holding up the boarding as mom navigated the stairs slowly and there quite a few people behind us. Everyone was patient thankfully and no one scoffed. Would love to do their holidays lights ride sometime but I haven't been successful in last few years to get tickets, they go fast.