Photo: Computer History Museum
Photo: Rebecca Currin
Photo: Nas Sol
Computer History Museum
★4.7(7,468 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 2.5-4 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. Elementary-aged kids love the interactive coding stations and seeing technology from their parents' and grandparents' childhoods, while tweens and teens especially enjoy the self-driving car display and gaming history exhibits. Younger children may enjoy it but will tire more quickly.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
The Computer History Museum in Mountain View offers an surprisingly interactive journey through tech history that captivates curious kids and parents alike. With hands-on coding activities, a fascinating self-driving car exhibit, and the Revolution gallery showcasing vintage computers and robots, even non-techie families find themselves engaged for hours exploring how the digital world evolved.
Highlights
- ✓Self-driving car exhibit featuring Google's autonomous vehicle technology
- ✓Interactive coding and robotics stations where kids can program simple commands
- ✓Revolution gallery with 20 historic galleries showing computing evolution from the abacus to smartphones
- ✓Vintage arcade games and early video game consoles kids can see up close
- ✓The IBM 1401 mainframe demonstration showing room-sized computers from the 1960s
Pro Tips
- 1.Download the museum's mobile app before visiting for enhanced interactive experiences and scavenger hunt activities that keep kids engaged throughout the galleries.
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings (Wednesday or Thursday) right at 10 AM opening for the quietest experience with plenty of space at interactive stations.
- 3.Don't miss the second floor Revolution gallery - allocate at least an hour here as it contains the most kid-friendly interactive exhibits and the iconic self-driving car.
- 4.General admission is free, but guided tours and special exhibits require tickets - book online in advance if you want the docent-led tour for deeper learning.
- 5.The museum store has excellent STEM toys and coding games that make great educational souvenirs or gifts.
Best Time to Visit
Wednesday or Thursday mornings right at opening (10 AM) offer the least crowded experience. Weekends can get busy with families and tourists, especially Saturday afternoons. Avoid the first Saturday of the month when special programs draw larger crowds.
What to Know
General admission is FREE though donations are encouraged; paid guided tours are available for $15-25. Free on-site parking is plentiful. There's no café inside, so plan to eat before or after, or bring snacks to enjoy in the outdoor courtyard area.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Indoor venue makes it perfect for rainy days or hot summer afternoons. Check their website for special family events during school breaks and occasional Kids' Coding Workshops offered throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
Oren's Hummus (5 minutes away) offers fresh Mediterranean food with plenty of kid-friendly options like pita, falafel, and smoothies. For casual dining, The Counter custom burger bar is nearby with build-your-own burgers that kids enjoy customizing.
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