What age is The Tech Interactive best for?

The museum is best for kids ages 6 through teens. The exhibits are hands-on and intellectually engaging; younger toddlers may not fully engage with the content.

Is there an IMAX theater at The Tech Interactive?

Yes, The Tech has an IMAX theater showing nature and science films. Tickets are purchased separately and sell out for popular shows — book online in advance.

How long should we plan to spend at The Tech?

Plan at least 2-3 hours for the exhibits alone; add another 1.5 hours if you're doing an IMAX film.

How much does a family visit to The Tech cost?

Expect around USD 80-120 for two adults and two children including admission and IMAX tickets. Check for online discounts or member days.

The Tech Interactive

Name: The Tech Interactive
Address: San José, Costa Rica, US
Telephone: (408) 294-8324
Rating: 4.4

Rating

4.4(4,083)

Family of 4

USD 80-120 including admission and IMAX tickets

Duration

2-4 hours

Best Ages

6-17

About

The Tech Interactive is one of the finest science and technology museums in the United States, located in the heart of downtown San José. For families with kids who love engineering, coding, design, or science, this is an absolute must-visit — the kind of museum that makes kids forget they're learning.

The museum spans multiple floors filled with hands-on exhibits that challenge visitors to think, create, and experiment. Kids can design a roller coaster and watch it run, pilot a drone, code a robot, explore human biology through immersive displays, and tackle real-world engineering problems in timed challenges. The exhibits are updated regularly, so even repeat visitors discover something new.

Older kids and teens consistently rate this museum as genuinely engaging rather than talking down to them.

The attached IMAX theater elevates a visit from great to extraordinary. Showing nature, science, and adventure films on a massive domed screen, the IMAX experience alone justifies a trip downtown. Book those tickets in advance, as popular shows sell out.

The museum is accessible, stroller-friendly, and has excellent amenities including a cafe and multiple restroom facilities with family accommodations. Located right in downtown San José near Plaza de Cesar Chavez, it pairs well with a walk through the city center or lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

true

Kid Meals

true

Setting

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings for the best access to hands-on exhibits

Wait Times

15-30 min for IMAX shows; minimal for exhibits on weekdays

Nearby Food

The museum has a cafe on site. Downtown San Jose's Paseo de San Antonio area has numerous restaurants within easy walking distance.

Why Kids Love It

The Tech Interactive is Silicon Valley's premier science museum where kids design robots, solve engineering challenges, and experience IMAX films on a towering screen — it's the kind of place where curiosity turns into ambition.

Pro Tips from Parents

The IMAX theater is one of the best in the region — book tickets separately and check the schedule before visiting
The robotics and design challenge exhibits on the upper floors are the best for older kids and teens
Allow at least 3 hours — the museum is large and densely packed with interactive exhibits

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes kids can move and build in
Snacks for breaks between exhibits
A sense of curiosity — exhibits reward engagement

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

USD 80-120 including admission and IMAX tickets

Tips to Save

Book IMAX tickets online in advance — shows sell out.
Check for free first-Sunday programs.
Members get unlimited visits so it pays off quickly if you're local or plan to revisit.