The Tech Interactive

San Jose's big hands-on science and technology museum on Plaza de Cesar Chavez — design-challenge labs, a Body Worlds exhibit, and an IMAX dome, aimed squarely at curious kids 6-14. Admission runs around $38 for adults with an IMAX film included, which is real money; go with kids old enough to actually engage or it's a pricey walk-through.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How much does The Tech Interactive cost?

General admission is around $38 for adults and includes an educational IMAX film; kids, students, and seniors get discounted rates, and children under 3 plus active military and veterans are free. Check thetech.org for current pricing and discount days before you buy.

Is the IMAX included with Tech Interactive admission?

General admission includes one educational IMAX documentary. Feature-film screenings in the dome (they run Hollywood movies some evenings) are ticketed separately.

What ages is The Tech Interactive best for?

The sweet spot is roughly 6 to 14 — old enough to do the design challenges (build a robot, engineer a solution) rather than just push buttons. Toddlers do better at the Children's Discovery Museum four blocks away.

What are the best exhibits at The Tech?

The hands-on innovation labs are the signature — kids prototype and test actual designs. Body Worlds Decoded (real preserved human bodies with AR) fascinates older kids, and the Cyber Detectives and social robot exhibits rotate in strong material. The IMAX dome screen is one of the biggest around.

Does The Tech Interactive have discount days?

They participate in Museums for All ($3 admission with EBT) and periodically run community free days and promotions. Their Discounts and Promotions page is worth checking — full price is the worst way to visit.

How do I get to The Tech and where do I park?

It's on Plaza de Cesar Chavez downtown, a two-minute walk from the Convention Center light rail stop. Driving, use the Convention Center or Second/San Carlos garages. Light rail genuinely is easier here.

What are The Tech Interactive's hours?

Core hours are Thursday-Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm, with extended daily hours during summer and school breaks. It's worth confirming on their site the week you visit — the schedule flexes a lot.

How long do you need at The Tech Interactive?

Three to four hours does it properly — two for galleries, 45 minutes for an IMAX film, plus lunch. Doing it in under two hours means skipping the labs, which are the best part.

Nearby in Ask San Jose

• Plaza de César ChávezPark0.1 km · 1 min walk
• San Jose Museum of ArtMuseum0.21 km · 3 min walk
• Caffe TriesteBar0.28 km · 3 min walk
• Nirvana SoulCafé0.28 km · 3 min walk
• The Continental Bar Lounge & PatioBar0.31 km · 4 min walk