Your Summer Guide to Palo Alto: Explore the JMZ and Beyond

June 23, 2026



Dear Friends,

Summer is a great time to enjoy everything Palo Alto has to offer. Whether you're exploring a local park, attending a play, or visiting the Junior Museum & Zoo, there are plenty of ways to get outside and connect with your community.

The JMZ has been a cherished part of Palo Alto for generations, and the Friends is proud to help keep it accessible for families. We're also lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful local destinations.

This month, I'm sharing five ways to explore, connect, and make memories right here in our own backyard. I hope you'll discover something new this summer.

Warmly,

Lauren Angelo 

President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

Summer often means more time with family and friends, and longer days offer plenty of chances to slow down and explore together. Here are some of our favorite ways to make memories this season in and around the JMZ.

1. Visit the JMZ

Families are excited to visit the JMZ this summer.

Naturally, our number one pick is to visit the JMZ! No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover, including the newest exhibit, the Rainbow Tunnel! Say hi to Sadiq, the tree-dwelling chameleon, and Sahara, the uromastyx, who moved into their new enclosures outside the Baby Meadow earlier this year. The JMZ will continue to offer animal encounters throughout the summer, including flamingo feedings daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and presentations with Sequoia the bald eagle 12:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

2. Three for One! Visit Rinconada Park & Pool and the Children’s Library

Rinconada Pool is ready for water play and swimming.

Right next door to the JMZ, Rinconada Park offers 19 acres of recreational activities, including an inclusive playground that was renovated in 2022. After the kids work up a sweat scaling the massive climbing tower, walk over to Rinconada Pool to cool down with some water play. When you’re ready for some indoor relaxation, enjoy a good book or attend a scheduled storytime, puppet show, or family craft at the Children’s Library. The best part of this plan is that you only have to park once to enjoy all three activities! 

3. Explore Your Inner Artists at the Palo Alto Art Center

Students engage in an art class outside of the Palo Alto Art Center.

Down the street from the JMZ, the Palo Alto Art Center offers free admission all year long. With rotating exhibitions, your family will have a reason to keep coming back. The Art Center also offers art classes and summer camps for children, so your little artist can flourish in their creative skills. Be sure to visit the Annual Clay and Glass Festival hosted at the Art Center on July 11th and 12th this summer. 

4. Catch a Show at the Children’s Theater 

Young actors perform for an audience in the outdoor amphitheater.

The Palo Alto Children’s Theater is known for their high-quality productions featuring local youth. This summer, they’ll be continuing their Summer Hot Dog Series, where guests are invited to bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy outdoor performances. Tales of the Arabian Night will be featured throughout June and Wheels On The Bus - The Musical will premier on July 15th. Your child might catch the acting bug and be inspired to join the Children’s Theater for their next production!

5. Take a Nature Walk

Pearson-Arastradero Preserve offers stunning lake views.

Palo Alto is home to some of the Bay Area's most beautiful natural spaces. Take a family nature walk through the Baylands Nature Preserve, where you can spot shorebirds along the water's edge or head to Pearson-Arastradero Preserve for shaded trails, open meadows, and a fishing lake. Wherever you go, bring binoculars, a field guide, and a sense of wonder.

From all of us at the Friends — we hope you and your family have a wonderful summer exploring all of the amazing opportunities for community and connection Palo Alto has to offer.