The Tech Interactive

4000 reviews

201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

www.thetech.org

+14082948324

About

The Tech Interactive is a Museum located at 201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113. It has received 4000 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-5PM
Tuesday11AM-5PM
WednesdayClosed
Thursday10AM-3PM
Friday10AM-3PM
Saturday10AM-3PM
Sunday10AM-3PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of The Tech Interactive: 201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

  • The Tech Interactive has 4.4 stars from 4000 reviews

  • Museum

  • "The "Museums For All" program gives free tickets to this museum"

    "Do not go unless you have a kid! The ‘interactive’ part refers to Lego’s for kids and the ‘tech’ part refers to projector streaming content on the walls"

    "PLEASE READ! This museum used to be very cool, but they've made everything digital"

    "I’m conflicted on this place"

    "I want to like this place, but it's depressing"

Reviews

  • A. Smith

The "Museums For All" program gives free tickets to this museum. There was a mix up beforehand because it says online that you'll receive an email with the tickets which we never did, even after a week, so I called and was told that the tickets are available at will call only. Visit: 07/21/23. This is my streamlined review: Pros: -close by parking in a lot, not a garage, across the street near the rail. -Great customer service all around, except for the fellas in the anatomy department. There's a lot of young people working the exhibits and most of them are very professional but the ones in anatomy were just very disinterested and sitting around and not acknowledging anyone. -The museum for all program admission also came with IMAX tickets. -Immaculate facilities (the restrooms though heavily visited smelled amazing and were amazing and I used it twice which I never use public restrooms) -Summer hours of 10am-5pm allow you to see all the exhibits and your movie. -The ambiance of the IMAX theatre was really nice. Cons: -Elevator was down, so were some of the escalators but since we had a stroller they let us use the freight elevator which was fine but you couldn't just leave but had to get someone to get the person who could bring you up and down, this was a minor inconvenience. they were very expeditious. -The museum is a beautiful facility filled with lots of things, lots of things and yet a lot of nothing, underwhelming. I know it is called a museum of innovation and when I visited as a child in the 90s, it was great! I remember the place being packed and just so many things for kids to do and see. Things have changed and not in a good way, I saw no innovation nor innovating things it's pretty much informational only (like most science as of late) and geared toward informing you about climate change and your part in it (literally there were things with screens you could watch that told you about such things and games where you can make "alternative" food). We saw every inch of the museums and interacted with most everything, we had a nice time, lots of unwanted exercise as the place is massive but I was disappointed. Some reviews said this place was meant for children and not adults and I disagree, though the labs that they do (areas where a child can perform an experiment or make something) are for children, this museum is for a super specific age range and I would say it is for 12 years old and up, They have some play areas, one where you can connect tubes and send a ball through but you could accomplish the same with bath toys from Target for much cheaper. and environmental stuff which to me is more of an adult thing. -Unclear instructions on how to interact with the exhibits. You have to swipe your ticket to interact with the exhibits and no one tells you that beforehand though we were told we would need to show them, I didn't fully understand what it meant and was confused until I asked another person at some later time. -Parking issues. Where we parked was the closest you could park to the museum and I don't believe it was mentioned at all on the site but some garages were and that was a problem for us because of the large size of our van. This space is still two streets away from the museum and I found it nerve wrecking with children. -The IMAX dome screen is great in theory, like it sounds good, but it is the most uncomfortable I have ever been at a theatre. I will never watch another movie there again. They also have an odd exiting system where you have to go all the way up the stairs to leave the theatre. We brought our stroller and were allowed to exit the way we came in. I know it sounds good but you literally have to crane neck to see and it feels like you are moving which is a pro and a con. Overall, if the kids wanted to come back I would consider it but it wasn't for us. The most impressive thing was the restroom and the kindness and helpfulness of the workers. Thanks everyone!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Alana Watson

Do not go unless you have a kid! The ‘interactive’ part refers to Lego’s for kids and the ‘tech’ part refers to projector streaming content on the walls. I went with my boyfriend to see the Body exhibit because I love science. We were not greeted and we had to fight to be helped. The staff was roaming around, not working the booths, conversing with each other but not us. They were continually turning lights down or off throughout our experience. Though the museum closes at 3:00, all the interactive exhibits run by staff were closed by the time we arrived at 1:30. The down escalator was broken and we had to walk around looking for stairs as several employees watched. Finally, when we got to the ground floor, I tried to make one of those flat specialty pennies which requires two quarters as payment. I collect them. But I was not able to get one this time because the staff had already closed down the cash register by 2:40. They were unapologetic. Overall, the environment was dim, boring, and I felt invisible. The exhibitions were minimally informative and relatively lackluster… the ones that still had the lights on that is… In the end, it was a complete waste of money and an emotional low point in my week. People with kids were treated much better.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • sagoral

PLEASE READ! This museum used to be very cool, but they've made everything digital. There used to be an underwater arm, design a rollercoaster (now its preset) and much more mechanical stuff. Now, this isn't really good even for young kids. A lot of reviews say "Wow, great time!" but the families' kids just press random buttons and dont actually COMPREHEND what they're pressing. They had a space machine but when I tried to get on it broke and service took too long to get it working again. There was also a fire emergency because some random kid pulled the fire alarm. I give this place 2 stars because of the body exhibit. It was actually interesting looking at preserved bodies, but it wasnt anything super special. Exhibits just aren't captivating.
Price for entry
$20
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Alicia M.

I’m conflicted on this place. First off, the price is too steep for what you get. $25 for adults! I went solo and quickly learned that this place is geared towards children. There was nothing of interest on the bottom floor, so I quickly walked through and then made my way to the top floor. The highlight of my visit was the “Body Worlds Decoded” exhibit. You can check out a tablet which provides 3D viewings of various parts of the body. Using the heart as an example, I was able to walk around it and see it from every angle. The exhibit uses human skeletons, which was interesting. I learned so much and was able to see what healthy organs looked like as opposed to unhealthy organs. Other than this exhibit, I didn’t see anything else worth spending my time on. Worth noting, the museum has a gift shop and café that you can visit as well.

  • Mary Rose

I want to like this place, but it's depressing. If you want to know why kids today feel hopeless, look at what we give them. This museum asks the kids how they can change the future (pretty heavy load) like climate change, droughts and rising sea levels. Kids can always try Mars. It would be nice if this place did a better job of showing the advances in saving the planet. We found a way to fix the ozone layer, but that doesn't get a mention. Holland is building cites to live with rising sea levels, so why not show kids that? Instead of depressing kids, why not inspire them? We have problems, but we have also found solutions. The future doesn't have to look like Mad Max and Fury Road.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

  • Jinnah b

The trip to the museum was awesome! It had so many fun activities to do! And I definitely recommend you guys to go The body parts were the best. You could stay there up to 3 days if you are interested in the body. The staff working there were very nice and clear. If you are going to the science lab, you are about to get ready for the fun. The science lab had a bunch of activities such as looking at germs and making toy noodles out of kelp! Going on to the game station. The game station is good for children to learn play on floor one they even have a robot for you to assemble by yourself using your own imagination. There is also a amusement park right outside the exit. If you are having a vacation I recommend you go there.

  • Angel Hou

Really fun and highly interactive place with 3 floors, the first floor is the place to check-in either with your membership card, online or on-site purchase, IMAX, and the souvenir shop; the second floor with the exhibit of human body and organs, and other tech activities; the underground is a place that you may have experienced hand-made creativity and other games. Definitely is a ideal place for kids to releasing energy and to kill the time for at least 3 hours! After stamping on the card of the nearby parking lot next to the Marriott by the staff of the Tech Interactive, you will enjoy the most great deal with $5 a day for the parking! Strongly recommend this place.

  • Tina Case

I grew up in Washington, D.C. where museums are everywhere (Smithsonian, Spy Museum, FBI, etc). It's nice to go to a museum that's in the Silicon Valley area, great for families and visitors. The latest exhibit, Body Worlds Decoded, is phenomenal. Using interactive technologies, you are provided with a tablet and can interact with the exhibits. Go through an eye to see the inner workings, check out how the digestive system works - see your own skeleton move before your very eyes. Kids of all ages will be amazed. This is the future for museums - letting the visitor be engaged in a new reality!

  • Heather Lynn Cournoyer

We brought our 9 year old daughter here for a weekend field trip and we were so impressed with how engaging and interesting the museum was! Our daughter was totally in to the engineer testing & robot making, but there was so much else to see and do! We needed more time in the day and are considering a membership! My husband and I really enjoyed the Bodies display and found it extremely interesting, however it was a little too graphic for our daughter who thought it was kinda gross. Overall it was an excellent experience and I highly recommend it for the curious child and parents alike!

  • Rachel Windsor

A great tech museum located in the heart of Silicon Valley! Amazing interactive exhibitions: great for kids to spark their interest in and learn more STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) through different “games”! Even for adults, it is so much fun to visit! We have an annual family pass!!! We go visit here multiple times a year! Every time when we take friends and family members here, they really enjoy it!!! Highly recommend it!!! Don’t forget to watch an IMAX movie in the dome theater!!! Check their show schedule online before you go!!!

  • Lea Espinosa

A very fun and educational place to take the family. Lots of interesting things to learn about and it's fun because there are a lot of hands on activities that you can do in the exhibits. Very fun and educational interactions for parents and children. There's also a cafe and gift shop which is a good thing because if you want to enjoy everything, you need to be here all day. There is a lot of really cool stuff. We visited on a field trip and were limited on time so we didn't even get to see everything, but we did enjoy everything we did get to see.

  • Christopher Divens

Had a great day! Lots of cool exhibits for the kids to inspire them to enjoy science. Our 8 year old grandson said that it was the best day! Parking is an adventure. There are a couple of lots that are $5 with validated with admission. The restaurant is reasonable and decent mix of food. Adults can get in free admission on the 1st weekend of the month with a Bank of America card. There are Groupon and Veteran discounts.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

  • Jason Moore (SirArgonaut)

Came down as a chaperone for a school field trip. I do love science museums and this one was no disappointment. There was quite a variety exhibits to interact with I just wish we had more time. We took part in the physics roller coaster class that the kids really enjoyed. The living colors lab was also very insightful. If you for get to bring your lunch the cafe has plenty of options.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Frank Vassalli

Great place to bring your kids. Most suited to youth and teens. Having said that, this middle-aged guy and 18 year-old son were fascinated by several of the exhibits and interactive activities. Location is downtown just off of Cesar Chavez Plaza. We parked at the convention center to the south. The Tech Interactive will provide you a validation that lets you check out of the parking garage with a $5 charge. Living outside of CA I learned a lot from the seismology exhibits.

  • Kathy Chen

Due to its completely enclosed environment with minimal fresh air exchange, this is a monster pot of all air-born viruses. Since this September, 3-7 days after each visit, the family members who visited get more or less sick with similar symptoms, while the ones who didn't visit remain symptom free. Strongly recommend wearing masks to protect yourself and your family. Otherwise good IMax experience. Good science stations that occasionally get refreshed.

  • Joe Pranevich

We have been to many science and children’s museums with my son, now six. The Tech is without a doubt one of the best we have ever been to for my son’s love of building and creating. We are only in San Jose for three days and may go twice just because he loved it so much. We avoided the body section because even his parents were too squeamish for that, but everything else was an amazing opportunity to explore science and engineering. Come here often.

  • Samantha Dwyer

Excellent experience! Loved the Body Worlds Decoded exhibit! The museum was definitely designed for kids in mind! There was a bunch of hands on things to get kids engaged in learning! Everything from the senses, coding, robotics, space, and animals (movies on the pandas and sharks). And a microbiology area where you make your own glow in the dark bacteria with different colors that they record!

  • Daniela Sun

There are so many different topics inside the museum, such as human skeletons, saving the earth's energy, exploring space, etc. I liked their space exploration part, where you could lean on a couch and play the game. Parking should be found by ourselves.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Jeana Routh

The exhibits and interactive activities are unique and really nicely done. Very impressed by what they've put together, you can tell this museum has a lot of local talent to pull from in the silicon valley. Admission was reasonable and staff were friendly. I think anyone from elementary-aged kids through curious adults will find plenty to do here.

  • A K

We thoroughly enjoyed the interactive experiences here. It covers lots of important topics that other places don't have, such as environment protection and sustainability etc. A must if you have young kids visiting San Jose.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Raissa Ruiz

Had a lot of fun, the staff was super friendly. Sad to see some of the older experiences go like the earthquake simulator or robot that can write your name. It was amazing seeing all the cool things technology can be used for!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • G KUMAR

The Body Worlds exhibit was fantastic! The other exhibits we're also great, but that was my favorite. Very informative and hands-on. Great place for people of all ages. Went in the middle of the day on a Monday, so there was no crowd at all. I believe ticket were $25 for admission to exhibits only, additional if you want to see IMAX

  • Penny Christie

The Tech Interactive is a pretty cool little museum for young and old. Its a good place to visit if you find you have some spare time while in San Jose. It has lots of interactive and educational rooms. You can experience what it was like during an earthquake, you can build things and even see what it’s like inside the human body.

  • Tony Massad

This place is awesome! Learned a ton about STEM subjects and more! Great place to bring your friends and family. Really glad to have this place promoting helping repair the earth and environment. If you are there check out the Solve for Earth exhibit if you can. I would highly recommend this place for all ages and walks of life!

  • Neo Legend Gurru

My son actually went to this traction, and according to him "it was great". He ranted about the human body parts it displayed, the rocket technology they used to get in space, and robots they had in display, wish I would have went. (My son is 10yrs old, he went on a school field trip and these are pics he took)

  • Coy Tran

Had so much fun today with all the interesting, challenging, thought-provoking, mostly intuitive, creative and fun hands on exhibits that I wish I had young kids with me in order to see all the joy in their eyes! All the staff were super and genuinely excited to provide instructions to every person that asked.

  • Molly Roberts

This museum was right down the road from my hotel, easy to walk to. I skipped the imax and looked exclusively at the exhibits. You can tell the museum is geared towards children, activities everywhere! Definitely a place to take kids to learn and explore. I appreciated the coffee I bought from their café area.

  • Dr. Robbin1 (CHARMED LIFE1)

What a great and interactive experience for all! The Body Worlds Decoded was a great and educational experience. Definitely, a variety of educational and interactive activities to enjoy.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • N N

Fantastic place to visit multiple times with kids and spend the whole day. IMAX theatre is super good with amazing sound, good shows. Body world (real body parts or fully body with plastination) section is extraordinary. Lower level has some good set of robotics and space which is must see and experience.

  • Robert E

It’s a pretty good museum, but it’s definitely geared more towards children than adults. Kids that we saw were having a blast. Adults (ourselves included) less so; the exhibits cover kind of basic scientific concepts. Didn’t see any teens around but they’re probably too old for most of these concepts too.

  • Mr. George

This is definitely an ages 5-15 place. They have a lot of interesting interactive exhibits focused on science related topics. This is definitely a great place to bring your kids.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Ivy

Everyone keeps saying that there are no things to do for adults, but there is plenty to do. The exhibits were fascinating, the cafe food was very good(but sort of expensive), and the staff were friendly. 11/10
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Lucy Li (Me)

This place was great! There were many fun games, some containing things that aren't even real. There is also a "mini shop", with SUPER COOL things inside!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

  • Randy Tracy

Friendly staff and volunteers! Awesome science museum to learn about the human body and scientific breakthroughs to better the world and help mankind.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

  • Melissa Monday

Incredible hands on experience. From the jet pack exploration, earthquake simulation, an incredible, interactive, multi-media experience through human body, hands on with bugs, building, computers, cells and more. After 4+ hours, my kids wanted more time in the museum.

  • Molly S

Really cool place to go and learn about all sorts of science and technology! We went as part of a group for a conference and had such a blast, from building robots, exploring space, experiencing earthquakes, and designing your own animals, they've got it all!!

  • J Chu

People who worked there were friendly and very interactive. Had a few cool things for even adults but this museum is more for kids. Very hands on. Had fun there though. Excited to see the area that is under construction... will have to be back for that

  • 蛋姐EGG

Here is not the normal attraction for travelers visiting San Jose first time. But i truly recommend any of you coming here to experience the tech devices as well as exploring the secrets of the human body! It is a good and casual place for

  • Darl

It was ok. It was about a 40 min drive from my house. I got $1 tickets from the library. Paid $20 for parking nearby which is a 5 min walk. I liked some of the exhibits and found them interesting. Same with my son. He just said it was ok.

  • E D K

Amazing local museum. We went during the week (but on the local schools' winter break) so it wasn't too busy. The "Solve for Earth" exhibit that launched last year is breathtaking. It was surprisingly emotional watching my young son "fix"

  • Lydia Nderitu

We had such a great time! There were activities for lots of different ages and we spent so much time upstairs that we had to come back the next day to experience most of the downstairs. The family pass was a good deal because it pays for

  • Karen V Chin

Like the Exploratorium in San Francisco. All of the exhibits are hands on and gives you the opportunity to try STEM and motion activities. Being there is as much fun for both school age kids and adults. There is a virtual reality flight

  • Eiliki Pukk

Interesting place to visit with family. Not suitable for too little children. Depends of the child but I would not go there with child under 5 years old. Lot of interactive content. Also possibility to build things like crane or

  • Muthu D

Got free tickets through “Museums on Us” promotion from BofA. It was a great experience and had a quality time. It would take easily 3-4 hours to cover up all floors. Earthquake simulator, jet simulator are my favorites.

  • TheSoftwareJunction

They have a lot of.biology and video sections. However I think they should have a section for computers and robots .The souvenir shop needs more variety.I had a great time in the imax movie section watching Serengeti.

  • official_karina

The tech interactive is a very amazing place. We came here for a field trip, i’m very happy my friends and I got the opportunity to view some exhibits and games!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Nena Atondo De Pizano

This is great place to take your children. My son spent hours working in the interactive sections. Don't forget to go to the IMAX viewing. They also have military discount.

  • robyn bernard

Had a great time for my first visit. A great compilation of exhibits. All ages are welcomed, and even the activites were advanced enough to keep adults involved.

  • Valeria Rivera

Went to see mission impossible 7 while in town. Definitely recommend sitting as high as possible to get the best view.
Visited on
Weekday

  • Henry Wang

Fun and educational for both kids and adults. The IMAX movie is awesome and worth revisiting.

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