There have been MULTIPLE instances where I have passed by this museum every time I visited Fremont…read moreand each time I asked I was told, "nah, it's not for you. It's really only just for kids and not really for adults", so I've never had the opportunity to go until recently and I'm glad to say that it's NOT just for kids, but it's definitely a GREAT place for kids to come and learn about the local natural history. The workers there are extremely kind and welcoming. Super helpful and I loved my entire time there. You can tell that this museum has been a staple to the community and that it's well loved by all those who visit. There's a scavenger hunt for little kids and big kids with a prize at the end (we got the big kids one, lol), an arts and crafts room, an electricity show (sad that we missed it!), lots of interactive exhibits that aren't too overwhelming (not a fan of touch screens and tablets everywhere, so a lot of the analog and hands on stuff was really, really nice), and a gift shop. There's also meetings rooms and such, probably for the field trips that visit. First off, the gift shop. I LOVED IT SO MUCH! The fact that there are actual items that are under $1 and that a child can purchase with pocket change is amazing. It's not junk either since you can get various shells, minerals, stones, and toys/items that are tangentially related to what you see going through the museum. Definitely got a bunch of souvenirs here and I really wish that I went during the school year cuz there's lots of small trinkets and knick knacks that would have been great for my middle school class! For all those crystal/gem people, it is definitely and INFINITELY much cheaper to get the crystals here than at any new age healing shop, just a side note haha. They also had a section with some lab items that are sold at a cost that is MUCH, MUCH cheaper than what I've seen on some STEM teacher supplies catalogs. There were even some free Periodic Table mats as well. Amazing! But now onto a review of the actual museum! The exhibits are on the second floor along with the arts and crafts room. If more time permitted I can easily spend hours here as there is a lot to look at, read, and engage in. As mentioned above I really like that this museum isn't like so many of it's more modern counterparts. It was nice to focus on what was in front of me and actually pick it up and interact with it (the ones that you are allowed to touch of course), especially in a matching and sorting sense (great way to get that pattern recognition thinking and learning for kids and adults likewise) without being overwhelmed by touch screen voices/recordings, etc going off at once. There's also something very nostalgic, familiar, and heartwarming about how aged some of the décor and how obviously homemade some of the stations are. Once again showing the love and care that went into everything. Now, I have to say that I am IMMENSELY impressed from the standpoint of a STEM major and from someone whose gone a decent amount of museums by the VAST collection of fossils, specimens, and REAL pieces of history that they have here. ALSO, from the standpoint of someone whose worked with zoomers before, very, very impressed that so much of it is OUT IN THE OPEN for the public to view. I've been to the LA Natural History museum and this children's museum has things that that huge museum does not and that is mind blowing for sure. I have never seen a taxidermy river otter, koala, or bear cub before. They had so many marine fossils and specimens of crustaceans that I have never seen preserved in such a way either. The 2 things that amazed me the most were the pieces of local natural history such as the fossils of prehistoric mammals that were found in Fremont or nearby and what may potentially be two real human skulls on display (how they got there, I REALLY wished I asked but completely forgot). If there's an opportunity to, I would LOVE to go back and learn, interact, and explore some more (and go shopping in their gift shop again).

Such a fun place for kids to see and observe fossils, learn about local paleontology, and do a…read morescavenger hunt with a prize at the end all for $3 per person! What a steal! It's a very small museum in a very old office building. But it's a hidden gem. Probably best for kids at least 4-5 and up. The artifacts are fragile and kids need to be able to follow directions to not touch things that shouldn't be touched. But there are hands on activities as well. Highly recommend!

We had such a great time here! Every game is only one token. I think we got about 30 tokens for…read more$20. You can get an extra 10 tokens if it is your birthday month so that is nice. Lots of claw games. Also had a cute wall full of stuffies. Love the decor. Best part is...we won two prizes!! Woohooo! Had so much fun. =D

I didn't have any cash but they were able to give me tokens with my credit cards. The attendant…read morehanded a bag to me after the transaction, which I thought was just wishful thinking bc I expected to get fleeced by the machines like I do in Asia Turns out I came home with 2 prizes! It was a fun time with my friend and they had such cute toys in the machine. I feel it could definitely use some lovely music to make the experience even more fun, and maybe a few easy machines at a higher price for the claw-challenged crowd like my friend, so everyone comes home a winner.

I went on a last minute invite, not knowing what to expect. The whole place was magical. It some…read moreways it reminded me of the music in the pubs of Ireland. I was introduced to a fabulous songwriter that night. One of those rare lucky times when someone's music knocks you off your feet. This is such a necessary venue. I can't think of others in the Bay Area that do anything similar. I can't promise it will be magical, but it was for me the last few times. Also, Michael is just rad and a great songwriter. Please go, especially if you've never been to Niles. And check out the trains while you are there

What can I tell you about the nicest guy in Niles?…read more Well, for starters this is what you will find at his Mudpuddle Shop: 1) An impressive ETCH-A-SKETCH gallery 2) Michael McNevin's modest collection of Danelectro vintage guitars/amps 3) His witty and heartwarming music for sale Often you will see 8-12 folks crammed in this little shop, some jamming on oldies and goodies, some spectating and having a little wine. But for a more reliable music show, see the Essanay Cafe live music calendar, where he usually plays every 3rd Wed of the month, and often attends the open mic nights. http://www.essanaycafe.com/ http://www.yelp.com/biz/essanay-cafe-fremont Check out his websites to get a feel for his music and etch-a-sketches: http://www.michaelmcnevin.com/ http://www.myspace.com/mudpuddlemusic

Fremont Art Association is a fun little collection of local art at reasonable prices…read more The service was friendly and welcoming and it's an open and airy space. The street is essentially a row of vintage and antique shops, so it was nice to see some new art and local artist venues. All in all, if you're in the area I would definitely drop in!

This place is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the art and was tempted to make a purchase. I…read morerefrained... this time. I had my camera around my neck so the wonderful woman behind the desk and one of the artists both told me about photo excursions I believe happen the third Saturday of every month. One does not need to be a member. The place is full of many different types of art... paintings, photography, pottery, etc. I imagine the options rotate. They also offer classes. There's a lot to learn about this place. I'm really glad we stopped in.

The Green Thumb Garden Club is alot of fun. There are general meetings which are very educational…read moreand social. There are outings to different nurseries, flower shows, luncheons, etc. We meet on the 4th Monday of each month at 7pm at the Police Dept (they have a meeting room). Come to one of our meetings. Meet all the members. Have some treats and coffee with us.

The Green Thumbs Garden Club is the oldest social club in Milpitas having been founded the same…read moreyear that the city was incorporated, 1954. Members meet the third Monday of each month. Occasionally there are speakers at the meetings who present new ideas about growing flowers or even vegetables. Members are all very helpful to one another, so if you just cannot get that special plant to grow, try asking the Green Thumbs for some useful advice. That is why they have their name!

I would give this art studio ten stars if I could. We are…read moreincredibly happy with this art studio! Ms Cher, the owner, is a real artist , and she does not just simply teach kids how to draw; she creates a truly immersive art experience. Beyond standard painting and drawing, my child gets to work with clay, learn about famous artists, and explore many different art forms. Their summer camp is also incredibly rich and colorful. In just one week, the kids experienced creating a massive painting that was actually taller than they are, packed with wonderful details and elements. Another group of bigger kids explored creating a game that is able to play from scratch, which also looks so fun and exciting. Communication with the teachers is always smooth and seamless. I highly recommend this art studio to any parent looking for a creative, engaging, and well-rounded art education for their child!

What an absolutely stunning location! The instructor was incredibly professional and attentive. I…read morehad a fantastic time on this painting excursion and will definitely be returning in the future!

We hosted our child's 1st birthday party here and highly fecom. The space comfortably accommodated…read morearound 90 guests, along with a DJ, photobooth, snack cart, and even a soft play area for the kids without feeling cramped. The facility itself was clean, well-maintained, and easy for guests to access, which made a big difference when hosting a larger group. Everything ran smoothly, and the venue worked well for the kind of celebration we envisioned. One downside was parking--there happened to be a farmers market at the same time, which significantly reduced the parking availability we had planned for our guests. I do wish we had been given a heads-up about that in advance so we could have prepared accordingly. Overall, we had a really positive experience and would absolutely consider using this venue again in the future.

Although I am unfortunately not continuing to rent this venue for my planned party, I am definitely…read moresaving it in the books for a future party. The venue is huge and clean! Maria the one hosting the venue is friendly and communicates quick!

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.