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Santa Clara County may be known for its high-tech Silicon Valley, but this California county also offers 28 pristine regional parks and recreation areas. If you are into bird-watching, these parks and preserves represent a veritable birder's paradise, as they host not only huge residential populations but also migratory birds. Here are some places where you can go birding to your heart's content. Baylands Nature Preserve This 1,940-acre preserve is one of the largest tracks of undisturbed marshland in the San Francisco Bay area. Over 15 miles of trails give you access to a large variety of wildlife and a unique mixture of tidal and freshwater habitats. Baylands is regarded as one of the best bird-watching areas on the West Coast and is not only home to a substantial residential population, but also an important stopover during the Pacific Flyway migration. more Birds that you can view here include the endangered California clapper rail, wintering ducks such as mallards and pintails, migratory shorebird species, cliff and barn swallows, nesting black-necked stilts, American avocets, black-crowned night herons, and snowy egrets. Baylands Nature Reserve is located at 2500 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park This park, nestled in the hills east of Gilroy, is a 6,695-acre recreation area, offering 33 miles of trails that wind along breezy mountain ridges, clear streams, and through oak forests. This park is home to all kinds of species, such as reptiles, amphibians, insects, and mammals. If you are lucky, you can spot the rare western pond turtle or the California tiger salamander. It is also a great place for birding. Over 219 bird species have been noticed in this area, including the national bird, the bald eagle. Common species that you might spot are the American wigeon, mallard, bufflehead, ruddy duck, California quail, wild turkey, acorn woodpecker, and the California scrub-jay. Notable species that have been seen include the bald eagle, golden eagle, cackling goose, Clark's grebe, American pipit, Rufous-crowned sparrow, and the rock wren. This park is located at 10840 Coyote Reservoir Road, Gilroy, and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Ed R. Levin County Park This 1,500-acre park is one of Santa Clara County's most unique regional parks and recreations areas, as it offers a combination of constructed parklands, natural bush, and hillsides. Expansive lawn areas are ideal picnic spots for the family, whereas the rolling grasslands and oak woodlands offer lovely trails that are great for bird-watching. Over 64 bird species have been spotted here, including migratory birds, shorebirds, raptors, flycatchers, and corvids. Common species that you can see here are the great blue heron, acorn woodpecker, mallard, turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk, and the white-tailed kite. If you are lucky, though, you might also spot a ring-necked duck, American wigeon, bald eagle, golden eagle, yellow-billed magpie, belted kingfisher, or a rufous-crowned sparrow. Ed R. Levin County Park is located at 3100 Calaveras Road, Milpitas, and they are open from 8 a.m. until sunset. If you love bird-watching, then you will be spoiled for places to go to in Santa Clara County. So, grab your binoculars and head out to the beautiful parks and preserves of this county. Photo by roseannadana cc BY-ND 2.0 | Licensed under

Board games like Monopoly and chess are classics that still retain modern-day charm and popularity, especially in the Bay area where these games can be found in epic proportions. With giant game pieces and playing fields included, we're sure you're dying to try these big attractions out for yourself. Here are three Bay area spots where you can find your next mega-sized gaming adventure. Monopoly in the Park Monopoly is perhaps the most popular board game played across the globe. Its rules are simple: attempt to own as much property as you can and collect free money along the way. And what better way to play than with giant wearable game tokens and dice all on a 930-square-foot custom granite game board. There are also game referees on-site to oversee the game from start to finish. more Monopoly in the Park first debuted at the 1992 San Francisco Garden and Landscape Show but made its way to San Jose in 2002. Its current home is near the Children's Discovery Museum and is the perfect backdrop for family and friend get-togethers. You can also bring your own folding chairs and tables to enjoy a picnic or simply lounge about. Furthermore, this attraction holds the sole title for officially licensed monopoly game board of its kind in the world and even landed in the Guinness Book of World Records for its impressive size. It also received an Excellence Award for Best Attraction in 2015 by the Silicon Valley Concierge Association. Santana Row Chess Plaza San Jose's Santana Row is a quaint and charming square lined with high-end retail shops, boutiques, and eateries. It's also home to a colossal chess board and matching white and black pieces within the 300 block. You'll also notice adjacent tabletop chess boards and chairs for those who prefer a classic-sized game. Either way, we're sure you'll agree the flowering pot arrangements hanging from nearby street lights and calming ambiance make this Santana Row attraction all the more inviting. The Playroom at Hotel Zetta San Francisco We head out of San Jose for our final entry on the list: the Playroom at Hotel Zetta San Francisco. This modern gaming space is located on the hotel's second floor and offers a chic and comfortable play space for guests. Here you'll find normal-sized amenities like a pool table, ping pong, shuffleboard, Connect Four, and several gaming consoles. These are, however, overshadowed by the Playroom's larger attractions, which include a 30-foot Plinko game wall and giant Jenga setup. As you lounge atop low-seated sofas or near classic tables and chairs, you'll find the hotel's Playroom an ideal indoor retreat for Bay area gamers. Furthermore, Hotel Zetta offers a special Borrow Bar program where guests can rent equipment like laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, or virtual reality hardware to enjoy in the lounge or in the comfort of their room. If you're looking to enjoy a classic board game with a giant-sized upgrade, these top three Bay area locations can guarantee an experience like never before! Photo by HarshLight | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

The West Coast of America has plenty of forests, deserts, mountains, valleys, and other natural beauty, which is why there are plenty of state and national parks from one end of California to the other. For those starting out in San Jose and the local area, you can enjoy several state parks just a short drive away in a Ford vehicle. Henry Coe State Park The Henry W. Coe State Park is a short drive east from Morgan Hill and other towns along US-101. Coe Park covers 87,000 acres of California wilderness, and it's open year-round to hikers, campers, and mountain bikers. You won't have any trouble finding places to hike, either, because the park contains 250 miles of hiking trails and ranch roads. The park even has an old hot springs resort on the southwestern edge, but unfortunately the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Resort is still in the middle of a big restoration project. more The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Head straight south to Santa Cruz, go east to Aptos and go north to make your way to the Forest of Nisene Marks. The forest doesn't see too many visitors each year since most people in the area want to enjoy the beaches, but that's perfect if you want to see some great spots without worrying about sharing the moment with a big crowd. You can only take bikes or horses on certain tracks, but you can hike through most of the forest and admire the young and old redwoods that fill it. Big Basin Redwoods State Park The Big Basin Redwoods State Park is straight southwest of San Jose, and it's easy enough to find by following Big Basin Way (CA-9) out from the city limits. The park has its own highway because it's the oldest in the state, established in 1902, and the reason it's the oldest state park is because that big basin contains the largest group of old-growth coast redwoods south of San Francisco. Bay Area residents have been visiting this park for over 100 years, and the park allows biking on all fire roads and hiking throughout the park. Castle Rock State Park Castle Rock State Park is so close to San Jose that you have to pass it on your way to the Big Basin Redwoods. The park covers much of southwest of San Jose, including Castle Rock itself. The peak gets its name from the great view you can get of all your surroundings, and you can get to the peak on a day trip thanks to a one-mile trail loop you can take from the main parking lot. Plenty of Ford vehicles can be your ticket to seeing the best side of nature, especially when you live near so many great state parks and forests. The southern Bay Area offers mountains, valleys, and forests full of ancient and new redwoods, and the only question is which state park you should visit first when you decide to take a day trip. Photo by MiguelVieira | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Ice cream in the United States is almost as old as the country itself. The first ad for the sweet treat was published in the New York Gazette in 1777 and first President George Washington reportedly spent $200 in ice cream on the summer of 1790. History lessons aside, whether you're a classic vanilla or chocolate fan or into more far-fetched flavors, it's not hard to find a place in San Jose with your very favorite. Take a look at our suggestions of where to find the best ice cream in San Jose. Treat Ice Cream Company If you don't feel like spending too much time deciding what flavor to get, you know you've come to the right place when you enter the Treat Ice Cream Company. Sometimes, less is more. more For chocolate ice cream fans, there are at least five different variations on the menu, but the Brownie a la Mode and the Cookie Mint Krunch are the house's favorites raking in the highest praises from customers. Address: Downtown at 11 South 19th Street Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cre'Me Paris To say that Durian fruit is an acquired taste is an understatement. Unless you've lived in Southeast Asia all your life and are used to it, Durian's smell and flavor are hard to overcome (and forget). However, at Cre'Me Paris they've turned what's probably the world's least favorite fruit into an ice cream flavor. If you're brave enough to try it, dig in. If not, there are plenty of other creamy options to choose from. Address: East San Jose at 2200 Eastridge Loop Hours: Monday through Wednesday and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Willow Glen Creamery Sometimes you don't want complicated flavors. All you want is a giant dose of ice-creamed sweetness. Well, that's exactly what you get at Willow Glen Creamery. This locally owned business blends its own frozen yogurts in the store every day, with locally sourced ingredients. What's customers' favorite frozen yogurt flavor? Surprisingly, vanilla. If you think this is the blandest ice cream flavor of all times, pay a visit to this place and it will change your mind. Address: Willow Glen at 1100 Lincoln Avenue Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Sweet Rendezvous Slightly hidden in a little corner, this is the kind of ice cream you'll only find by chance or if you're really looking for it. That's part of the Sweet Rendezvous' charm. Don't overthink what to order, just follow the employee's suggestions. They never get it wrong.  And forget popular flavors. Everyone's favorite thing about this place? The free teaser scoop of any other flavor you want to try beyond the ones you just ordered. Address: Blossom Valley at 668 Blossom Hill Road Hours: Every day from noon to 9 p.m. Ice cream at these spots in San Jose is so delicious that it'll be hard to choose just one spot...or just one flavor! Photo by Maria Eklind | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

With average highs in the mid-80s and temperatures often soaring into triple digits throughout the summer, San Jose's weather can be almost unbearable at times. While staying in air-conditioned indoors is always an option, cabin fever slowly creeps over you, causing irritability, listlessness, and a diminished morale. Fortunately, San Jose has more than enough water parks to keep you entertained and cool. The next time you're in the mood, check out these local places to beat the heat. Aqua Adventure Water Park Located 20 minutes north of San Jose in Fremont, Aqua Adventure Water Park is a splish-splash extravaganza for the entire family. Designed for younger children up to teens, the park has several water features to help you cool down. more Take a float on the 200-yard Round About River, go for a dip in the Oasis Pool, or get your thrills on four winding, heart-pounding slides. Children 7 and under will love the Lil' Squirts play area and Bucket Bay, featuring an 800-gallon bucket that douses you with water every 5 to 10 minutes. Tickets are $19.99 for guests over 48 inches and $14.99 for those under 48 inches. Fremont residents save a dollar per ticket with proof of residency. The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day with hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Some days also have family fun offers, which keeps the park open from 4 to 8 p.m. Raging Waters San Jose Covering 23 acres, Raging Waters San Jose is northern California's largest water park, providing a summer's worth of fun. If you're looking for a thrill, try one of their nine water slides, including the famed Bombs Away. This ride invites you into an enclosed capsule, and when the operator pulls the lever, the bottom falls out, sending you on a 200-foot, looping flume. When you want to relax or take a break from the slides, Raging Waters has many other options including a lazy river, a 350,000-gallon wave pool, an activity pool, and Pirate's Cove, featuring water cannons, a 40-ship mast, cargo nets, and more. Tickets start at $37.99 for adults, $27.99 for guests under 48 inches, and $27.99 for seniors 60 and up. However, a season pass is just $42.99, paying for itself after just two visits. The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and hours vary, so make sure to call ahead or check the website for more information. California's Great America Just 15 minutes northwest of San Jose, California's Great America in Santa Clara is perhaps best known for its roller coasters, but Boomerang Bay is quickly gaining popularity as its most-visited attraction. Included with admission to the theme park, Boomerang Bay features a lazy river, wave pool, swimming pool, water slides, and a spray-ground. The park is open from May through October, although Boomerang Bay may close due to cold weather. Tickets start at $39.99. Cooling off this summer has never been as much fun as you'll have at these San Jose area water parks. Be sure to make a splash today. Photo by danxoneil | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

One good way to bond with your family is to spend time in nature. Getting outdoors lets you enjoy the fresh air and get away from the stresses and demands that ordinarily keep you apart. Consider the following family-friendly parks near Morgan Hill the next time you want to enjoy outdoor activities. Calero County Park Head to Calero County Park to enjoy 4,471 acres of land nestled along the Santa Cruz Mountains and the California Oak backcountry. There's also a large reservoir, which offers a number of great recreational water activities, including power boating, kayaking, jet skiing, and sailing. If you've come for fishing, just keep in mind that the reservoir is catch and release. more Once you've cooled off on the lake, head to the backcountry to enjoy 18.9 miles of trails for hiking, horse riding, or walking your dog. You can even take the Serpentine Loop Trail to get to the nearby Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. End the day with a nice meal at one of the many picnic and barbecue sites that are located in the park. Uvas Reservoir County Park For a quieter experience, the Uvas Reservoir County Park makes a nice stop. This park, which is located in the shadows of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offers you 1,017 acres to explore. Because the reservoir is used for underground aquifers, no boating or swimming is allowed. This results in a peaceful atmosphere that's great for family relaxation, fun, and unwinding. Spend the day fishing, enjoying a nice picnic, or walking your dog around the lake. Public facilities are limited at this park, so plan on using your imagination to entertain yourself. Bring a football or Frisbee to toss around, as well as a camera to capture some amazing nature shots. Anderson Lake County Park Anderson Lake County Park includes Santa Clara County's largest reservoir, which offers nearly limitless opportunities for a fun day on the water. This 4,275-acre park and 953-acre lake provide a mix of land- and water-based activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, horse riding, picnicking, and more. One of the most popular things to do is cruise along the lake, as power boats are permitted. Keep in mind that water levels vary and are sometimes too low for boats, so check with the Santa Clara County Parks website before you head out with your speedboat in tow. In the meantime, why not try your hand at fishing? Just keep in mind that, like Calero Park, it's a catch and release lake. Anderson Lake also provides numerous hiking trails, most notably a 15-mile paved trail that runs along Coyote Creek and connects to Coyote Hellyer County Park. The trail is mostly flat, making it great for smaller members of the family to ride their bikes, run, and play. These are just a few of the parks in the area. Spend some time going to each to find your favorite spot, and make it a tradition to visit it whenever your family is in need of an outing. Photo by donjd2 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0