We picked a lovely spring Saturday to visit Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, a low-key, low-tech amusement park with an adjoining zoo that's small but clean, in San Jose's Kelley Park. The weather alternated between slightly warm and slightly chilly, and the crowds were not overwhelming. All in our band were waved through because we'd brought our San Francisco Zoo membership cards, so costs were low -- $3 for parking; all rides were free with admission.

The kids opted to start at the park. The carousel was not in service, but they found enough to do. They climbed the caterpillars (jungle gym), rocked on the sea horses, rode in the cars (not bumper cars), flew on the fast-moving ladybugs (twice, because they were so much fun), and piloted the radio-controlled motor boats (50 cents per turn). The adults were invited along on the dragon train. Even the very little ones behaved well at the puppet show, which was a short, if not a rousing, version of Aesop's Fables.

Then it was on to the zoo, where we tried to feed the goats at the petting zoo. Especially appealing in the zoo proper was the Pygmy Hippopotamus. The cougar was lovely, but we were glad it was in a glass enclosure. Sue, our President, inhibited as ever, terrified the Meerkats with her imitation of Prarie Dog alarm calls. As the afternoon came to a close, the younger members of our group faded. We ended the afternoon with a return to the park for a final, long climb on the caterpillars, a slide down the shoe, and a visit to the hall of mirrors.

Click here for the Happy Hollow Website