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Polar Play Days: Winter Family Fun in San Jose
Polar Play Days: Winter Family Fun in San Jose
Dec. 2 - Jan. 3
See what happens when science meets winter wonder.
Winter fun is heating up at The Tech Interactive! From Dec. 2, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, bring the whole family to downtown San Jose for Polar Play Days, a celebration of winter filled with hands-on science, creative crafts, sock skating, and seasonal surprises.
Build an ice castle, explore the science of winter, enjoy educational films in the IMAX® Dome Theater, and make unforgettable holiday memories. Whether you're planning a family outing during winter break or looking for indoor holiday activities for kids, The Tech has snow much fun in store!
Note: $ = paid add-on experience. Attendees are encouraged to reserve paid experiences ahead of time to secure spots.
Polar Play Days Activities
The forecast calls for hands-on fun! Explore a flurry of winter-themed activities at The Tech Interactive, from creative crafts and cool science experiments to festive challenges for the whole family. There's snow much to discover during Polar Play Days!
DIY Cookie Cutters
Tech Studio
Weekends (Sat/Sun) Dec. 12-20, Daily Dec. 22 - Jan. 3
Why settle for ordinary cookie cutters when you can design your own? Children under 8 must partner with an adult.
BioRocks!
BioDesign Studio
Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays & Sundays
Biology isn’t all soft and squishy. Explore creative possibilities using microbes to make your own colorful rocks!
Ice Castle Arctic-tecture
Lower Level - Atrium
Daily
Think you can out-design Elsa? Prove it! Step into our imagination playground and build the ice castle of your dreams! Let's see what sub-zero structures you can create.
Cozy Curiosity Corner
Lower Level - Atrium
Cozy up with a fun winter book, master Arctic-tecture and build an ice castle, or color some cute Arctic friends in this space geared towards our younger visitors and their families.
Trinket Trading
Tech Studio
Daily
Create a one-of-a-kind trinket using a variety of crafting materials to take home, or leave behind and spread a little holiday cheer!
Winteractive Experiences
Spend time with your loved ones throughout The Tech Interactive. We've got opportunities for you and your family to relax, unwind, and enjoy the museum at your own pace.
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Family Chill Zone
Relax from the festivities and recharge in this inviting space for a family-friendly pause during your winter adventure! |
Holiday Photo-Ops
Because who doesn’t love a good photo op for Instagram? Be sure to tag @TheTechInteractive in your posts to be featured on our channels. |
Sock Skating Rink
Dec. 18 - Jan. 3
New Venture Hall
Slide into some serious fun at our Sock Skating Rink! It’s a safe first skating experience for kids. Ditch the heavy skates and just rock your favorite socks!
All ages. Under 12 must be accompanied by a parent.
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Winter WonderLabs
Various locations
Featured Activities
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Snowstorm in a Jar Dec. 19, 20, 22 & 26 |
Flavor Lab: Festive Feast Nov. 28 & 29 |
Tickets coming soon!
Cozy Up in The IMAX Dome!
Admission to Polar Play Days includes a ticket to any of our daily documentary films* in the IMAX Dome Theater. Claim your ticket at the admissions desk!
*Dune: Part Three not included. This film requires a separate ticket.
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Dune: Part Three
Dec. 17 - Jan. 10
Experience Dune: Part Three in the breathtaking IMAX® Dome Theater as Paul Atreides faces betrayal, rebellion, and the devastating consequences of power. With enemies closing in and everything he loves at stake, his greatest battle is yet to come.
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Everest
Experience the ultimate adventure on the world’s tallest mountain! Follow four international climbers as they brave extreme conditions, confront tragedy, and discover extraordinary courage and resilience. Narrated by Liam Neeson, this breathtaking documentary brings the beauty, danger, and triumph of Mount Everest to life in our IMAX® Dome theater.
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Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels
What if your body’s greatest superpower is science? Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels explores the incredible workings of the human body and groundbreaking innovations transforming medicine. From bionic limbs to life-saving treatments, discover inspiring true stories of resilience and ingenuity. Narrated by Matthew McConaughey, this visually stunning adventure celebrates the power of science to change lives.
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Penguins: A Love Story
You'll fall head over flippers for Penguins: A Love Story, which takes you from sunny South Africa to coastal Australia, as adorable penguins search for love, raise families, and overcome incredible odds. Meet lovable penguins and their unexpected protectors in this heartwarming adventure filled with belly flops, surprising friendships, and inspiring stories of wildlife conservation.
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Antarctica
Journey to the coldest, wildest continent on Earth! Antarctica in IMAX® reveals a breathtaking world of towering ice, playful penguins, curious seals, and majestic whales. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, this spectacular documentary takes you above soaring peaks and beneath frozen seas to discover extraordinary wildlife and why protecting this remote wilderness matters to our planet's future.
Holiday LASERS!
Light up your holidays with a dazzling laser show in the Dome Theater! Watch colorful lasers dance to your favorite tunes in a spectacular celebration of music, light, and holiday magic.
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LASERS: Holiday Magic
Dec. 23 & Dec. 23
Celebrate the season with LASERS: Holiday Magic. Watch dazzling lasers and colorful animations dance to your favorite holiday tunes in the cozy Dome Theater. Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a festive spectacle of music, light, and holiday cheer.
Runtime: 30 minutes
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LASERS: K-Pop Demon Hunters
Dec. 28, 29 & 30
You won't want to miss LASERS: K-Pop Demon Hunters, a show designed to thrill fans of all ages. Dazzling laser effects bring the pulse-pounding music of the hit movie K-Pop Demon Hunters to life in a spectacular, unforgettable experience.
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NYE LASERS: K-Pop Demon Hunters
Dec 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Ring in the New Year, kid-style, with LASERS: K-Pop Demon Hunters! Join us at 1:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve for an electrifying laser show featuring the pulse-pounding music of the hit movie K-Pop Demon Hunters. Dazzling lasers, vibrant colors, and fan-favorite songs light up the Dome Theater for a high-energy celebration the whole family will love!
Runtime: 25 minutes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polar Play Days at The Tech Interactive?
Polar Play Days is a family-friendly winter celebration at The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose. Families can enjoy hands-on science experiments, seasonal crafts, sock skating, and other winter-themed activities throughout the museum.
When is Polar Play Days 2026?
Polar Play Days runs from Dec. 2, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose. Activities and schedules vary by date.
Where is Polar Play Days located?
Polar Play Days takes place at The Tech Interactive in the heart of downtown San Jose at 201 S. Market St., San Jose, CA 95113.
Is Polar Play Days good for toddlers and young children?
Yes! Polar Play Days offers family-friendly experiences for a variety of ages, including younger visitors. Young kids will especially enjoy the Cozy Curiosity Corner, hands-on building activities, and the Sock Skating Rink.
Where can I park for Polar Play Days?
Park at the Convention Center Garage, located near The Tech Interactive. Parking is just $5 with validation at Visitor Services when you show your same-day museum ticket. Validation is not available on City-designated Special Event days.
Can I visit Polar Play Days and Christmas in the Park on the same day?
Absolutely! The Tech Interactive is just a short walk from Christmas in the Park at Plaza de César Chávez in downtown San Jose. Enjoy hands-on winter fun at Polar Play Days, then stroll over to Christmas in the Park to experience the festive lights, decorated trees, and holiday displays. It's a perfect way to make a full day of family holiday fun! Best part? If you visit The Tech Interactive first, you can get $5 validated parking in the Convention Center Parking Garage all day, except during City-designated special events.
Is Polar Play Days an indoor winter activity?
Yes! Polar Play Days takes place indoors at The Tech Interactive, making it a fun option for families looking for activities during rainy or chilly winter days in San Jose. Unfortunately, there isn't any real snow at Polar Play Days, just enough references for San Jose locals to imagine it!
Does Polar Play Days include an IMAX movie?
Yes! Museum admission includes a ticket to one of the daily educational documentary films in the IMAX® Dome Theater. Tickets can be claimed at the admissions desk, subject to availability.
Is Polar Play Days included with museum admission?
Polar Play Days features activities throughout The Tech Interactive. Some special experiences may require an additional fee or reservation. Check the event schedule and ticket information before visiting.
Is food available at Polar Play Days?
Yes! A wide variety of food and drinks, including a special seasonal menu, are available for purchase at The Tech Cafe, so you can grab a bite or snack during your visit.
What if I can't afford admission to Polar Play Days?
We believe everyone deserves access to hands-on science and fun! The Tech Interactive offers discounted admission through our Museums for All program, including $5 tickets for up to six people with a qualifying EBT, WIC, or BIC card and photo ID. We also offer other discounts and promotions to help make your visit more affordable. Visit Discounts & Promotions to explore your options.