Alex's Playground & Discovery Gardens (Niven Park)

The Marin outpost of the Napa burger classic, with outdoor picnic tables and a small play structure right next to the dining patio - order at the counter, let the kids loose, milkshakes for everyone.

Newly renovated creekside playground with climbing structures, a rotating net cone and swings, ringed by shady lawn, 30 picnic tables and BBQs, with views of Mt. Tam - a Central Marin birthday-party favorite.

Fast-casual Greek salads, pitas and frozen yogurt inside the Marin Country Mart - where a turtle pond, outdoor play structure and weekend pony rides make the whole shopping center the entertainment.

Apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens around a courtyard saltwater heated pool and sauna - the extended-stay pick for families who want to cook and spread out, walking distance to Town Center.

A 26-acre creekside park across from MarinHealth with two stand-out naturalistic playgrounds: a shaded toddler zone with a tricycle track, sandbox and water play, and a big-kid zone with a 17-foot climbing net and turbo slide - plus Marin's best Mt. Tam views.

Marin's iconic family restaurant: classic American comfort food, a kids' menu with real choices, and an outdoor patio under the redwoods on Magnolia - with Dolliver Park playground across the street for a pre-dinner energy burn.