Emma Prusch Farm Park

History and Origin

Located in East San Jose, Emma Prusch Farm Park spans a generous 43.5 acres of green space. Back in 1962, Emma Prusch donated her dairy farm to the City of San Jose. Her goal? To create a public park that would keep the valley's agricultural roots alive for future generations to appreciate.

Farm Animals and Facilities

You'll discover San Jose's largest barn here, home to various 4-H livestock projects during the year. The rotating cast of animal residents means there's often something new to see with each visit.

For the little ones (and the young at heart), the small animal yard offers close encounters with farm animals like goats, pigs, rabbits, turkeys, and sheep. You'll notice free-roaming chickens, roosters, and peacocks wandering throughout the grounds.

Rare Fruit Orchards

The park features the California Rare Fruit Growers Orchard, created in partnership with the California Rare Fruit Growers Association. This fascinating collection includes over 125 rare and exotic fruit trees - everything from bananas to citrus and other subtropical varieties you might be surprised to find in Northern California.

You can explore the orchard at your own pace, with helpful signs identifying each unique tree. The park also features extensive community gardens and a rare historic fruit orchard that preserves heritage varieties. If you're visiting on a Saturday between 10am and 2pm, be sure to check out the small farm stand selling fresh produce harvested right from the park grounds.

Wooden enclosures and grassy pathways at the educational farm area

Photo: Victor Solanoy (CC BY 2.0)

Recreation Areas

The park offers plenty of open grassy areas excellent for spreading out a picnic blanket, flying a kite, or just letting the kids burn off some energy. It's an unusual experience to find this slice of countryside within the urban landscape of San Jose.

The playground area includes various play structures designed for different age groups, including a distinctive giant chicken-shaped slide. Beyond the usual swings and climbing equipment, what makes this place special is the abundance of open space where children can run freely without constraint.

You can find numerous picnic areas scattered around the park, many shaded by mature trees - well-suited for family gatherings or a casual lunch break. Some sites can be reserved ahead of time if you're planning a special event.

Educational Programs

Emma Prusch Farm Park isn't just about play - it's a place of learning too. The park runs educational programs for school groups where kids can get hands-on experience with animal care, gardening, and even cooking.

During summer months, the Summer Camp program gives children the opportunity to care for farm animals and tend their very own garden plots - connecting them to food sources in a way that's increasingly rare in urban settings.

Special Events

The calendar here is dotted with special events that bring the community together. The highlight is probably the annual Harvest Festival, held on the first Saturday in October.

This family-friendly fair features multicultural dancing, old-fashioned hay wagon rides, a 4-H animal expo, fresh-pressed apple cider, plant sales, and activities that connect visitors to agricultural traditions.

The park also embraces cultural diversity by hosting celebrations like the Mexica New Year festival, where you can experience traditional performances, browse vendor booths, and participate in community activities that honor indigenous heritage.