Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in San Jose, CA

Exactly one year ago, on June 30th, 2008, my co-editor Shaun ran a post on the coolest places to cool down on the Peninsula, featuring tried-and-true hangouts like Baskin Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery amidst up-and-comers like Red Mango and Fraiche.    Well, those two up-and-comers are now the tried-and-true staples of the frozen yogurt craze that's sweeping Silicon Valley.  This isn't your everyday frozen yogurt from Costco or IKEA, oh no;  the yogurt at these places is organic, probiotic, fat-free and all-natural.  And with all the fruit toppings available, you might just be able to justify this cold treat as something that's good for you.  I think.  For those who like it tart, creamy and oh-so-cold, here's a list of frozen yogurt stores around Silicon Valley:

1)  The ever-popular and ever-hip Red Mango has four locations (Palo Alto, San Carlos, Cupertino and San Jose) and four flavors (plain, green tea, pomegranate and tangomonium).

2)  Fraiche has stuck to a simple decor and simple list of yogurt flavors (plain, chocolate, and the new pomegranate) and toppings.  But with their in-house, made-from-scratch yogurt and quality ingredients like valrhona chocolate, it's no wonder that Fraiche is downtown Palo Alto's froyo hangout.

3)  Pinkberry has stores all over Southern Cali; with only one location (Santana Row) to serve all of Northern California, it's no wonder the wait in line can exceed 20 minutes.  But with their fresh fruit toppings, not frozen, people say it's worth the wait.  

4) Tartini in Cupertino has large selection of flavors, tart and sweet.  Taro, lychee, mango.... mmmm, I feel like I'm in the tropics already.

5)  Green Cup in San Jose is more than just a self-serve yogurt bar.  They  pride themselves on their eco-friendly culture-- and I don't mean the yogurt.  They use biodegradable cups, spoons, napkins and packaging. 

6)  Even if being green is a big priority, you don't have to drive all the way down south (and use up all that gas) to get your froyo fix.  Culture Yogurt, on Palo Alto's California Avenue, uses eco friendly paper products, lighting and decor.  You can even buy reusable yogurt cups and bring them with you the next time.  And trust me, there will be a next time.

7)  And the winner goes to....... Yogurtland, in Cupertino and San Jose.  Their self-serve topping bar is every child's dream.  Pull a lever and get sprinkles on your yogurt; what more can you ask for?  They've got a vast selection of flavors and toppings, including taro and mochi.  And they have a self-serve topping bar.   They're cheaper than a good many of the froyo places. And did I mention the self-serve toppings bar?  


Do you know of any other frozen yogurt places in Silicon Valley?   Leave a comment here to share your favorites -- I for one would love to discover new froyo places (this is one kind of research I really enjoy)!