Why Winter's Better In Mountain View: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in Mountain View. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

Computer History Museum

Address: 1401 North Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: (650) 810-1010
Details: The Computer History Museum offers a deep dive into the ideas, people, and inventions that shaped the digital world. Exhibits span everything from early computing hardware to modern artificial intelligence, with interactive displays that make even complex concepts approachable. Rotating exhibitions, talks, and hands-on galleries make it easy to spend anywhere from an hour to a full afternoon exploring.

Ludwigs Biergarten

Address: 383 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041
Phone: (650) 282-5342
Details: Ludwig’s Biergarten brings a traditional Bavarian beer hall feel to downtown Mountain View, with long communal tables, classic German dishes and an extensive beer list. The space works well for casual dinners, group gatherings or lingering over a stein.

Cupertino Ice Center

Address: 10123 North Wolfe Road, Cupertino, CA 95014
Phone: (408) 446-2906
Details: Cupertino Ice Center provides year-round indoor skating with public skate sessions, figure skating programs, and hockey opportunities for multiple skill levels. Schedules and session availability can change, so check the website’s calendar for your preferred activity before you lace up.

South Bay Ceramics

Address: 1954 Old Middlefield Way, Suite I, Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: N/A
Details: South Bay Ceramics is a working studio offering pottery classes, memberships, and workshops for both beginners and experienced ceramic artists. The focus is on hands-on learning and creative exploration, with options ranging from introductory wheel-throwing to more advanced techniques. Class schedules and registration details are available online.

Rengstorff Park

Address: 201 South Rengstorff Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone: (650) 903-6331
Details: Rengstorff Park is a large community park with open green space, playgrounds, sports courts and picnic areas that make it easy to plan a flexible outdoor outing. The park’s layout supports everything from casual walks to family playtime and pickup games, especially on balmy days.

Winter Lodge

Address: 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: (650) 493-4566
Details: Winter Lodge is a long-running seasonal outdoor ice rink known for its laid-back atmosphere and local charm. Open during the cooler months, it offers public skating, lessons and a casual rink-side experience that feels more neighborhood than arena. Note: for public skating, tickets must be purchased in advance; click here for pricing and schedule.

Lost Worlds Funtropolous

Address: 5401 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124
Phone: (408) 499-2237
Details: Lost Worlds Funtropolous is a high-energy indoor entertainment center designed for kids and families, combining arcade games, rides and interactive attractions. The variety makes it easy to tailor a visit around different ages and attention spans. Walk-ins are welcome, though you can also save time by purchasing your tickets online.

Homestead Bowl & X Bar

Address: 20990 Homestead Road, Cupertino, CA 9501
Phone: (408) 255-5700
Details: Homestead Bowl blends classic bowling with a modern edge, featuring multiple lanes, an on-site bar, food, karaoke and live music. Whether you’re looking for a quick pickup game or a more lively night out, there’s something for everyone. You can reserve your lanes online and take advantage of weekly specials for the best rates.

Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.

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