Family park and zoo

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

About 0.5 mi walking across Kelley Park

Add an adjacent family half-day with current admission, animal and ride expectations, weather policy, access support, and a separate parking plan.

The place

About Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a City of San Jose family attraction inside Kelley Park that combines two zoo areas, children's rides, playgrounds, picnic spaces, and scheduled entertainment. General admission includes those regular experiences, though individual rides, habitats, or programs can close.

Current admission is $22 for ages 2–59, $19 for seniors 60+ and military guests, and free for children under 2. Qualifying reciprocal-member and member-guest prices are separate, and discounted tickets require in-person purchase and ID.

The official site publishes the day's hours rather than one universal annual schedule; it displayed 10 a.m.–5 p.m. during the Aug 15 check. Admissions and membership sales end 30 minutes before closing, and reservations are recommended but not required.

Facilities meet or exceed ADA standards according to the venue, with Guest Services accommodations and first-come wheelchair and stroller rentals. Exact ride access varies, so ask about individual restraint, transfer, sensory, or mobility needs.

What stands out

Mix zoo and play time

Plan across animal habitats, children's rides, playgrounds, and keeper or entertainment schedules instead of expecting a traditional large zoo.

Use admission as an all-in plan

Regular rides and zoo areas are included, but temporary closures and individual ride requirements still apply.

Ask Guest Services early

Arrange accommodations, rentals, and individual ride-access questions near the entrance before crossing the park.

Protect the trolley schedule

If the streetcar is the priority, ride first or reserve enough walking and entry time to reach History Park before 3:15 p.m.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a California Trolley and Railroad Corporation trip

Happy Hollow sits across Kelley Park from History Park and can turn the trolley visit into a full family day. It is a separate paid attraction with enough content for several hours, so do not squeeze it between a late trolley arrival and closing.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursDate-specific; official site displayed 10 a.m.–5 p.m. during the Aug 15 check
  • General admission$22 ages 2–59, $19 senior 60+ and military, free under age 2
  • Ticket timingReservations recommended but not required; admissions end 30 minutes before closing
  • IncludedRegular children's rides, two zoo areas, playgrounds, picnic tables, and scheduled entertainment
  • Parking$10 daily at 748 Story Road or the 1300 Senter Road lot; current capacity and fee should be checked
  • WeatherTemporary closure can occur for rain, poor air quality, or high winds
  • AccessibilityADA-standard facilities, Guest Services accommodations, and first-come wheelchair and stroller rentals; ride rules vary
  • FoodIndividual brown-bag food and snacks allowed; coolers and commercially prepared food prohibited inside
  • AnimalsPets, comfort animals, and emotional-support animals prohibited; trained service animals follow zoo distance rules

Add a free garden walk

Add Japanese Friendship Garden

Use the garden for ponds, bridges, seasonal plants, and a quieter outdoor interval near History Park.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What does admission include?

Regular admission includes children's rides, two zoo areas, playgrounds, picnic tables, and scheduled entertainment. Temporary closures can still affect individual offerings.

Are reservations required?

No, but the venue recommends them for faster entry. Discounted tickets must be purchased in person with required ID.

What are the hours?

Hours are date-specific. Check the official site on the visit date; admission sales end 30 minutes before closing.

Is the venue accessible?

The venue says its facilities meet or exceed ADA standards and offers Guest Services support and first-come wheelchairs. Ask about each ride's transfer and restraint rules.

Can I bring food?

Individual brown-bag picnics and snacks are allowed, but coolers and commercially prepared food are not permitted inside.

Can I bring a pet?

No. Pets, comfort animals, and emotional-support animals are prohibited. Trained service animals are welcome under specific zoo safety and distance rules.

Can weather close the park?

Yes. Rain, poor air quality, and high winds can cause temporary closures, so check the official site on the day.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-15. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.