Blake Gardens

The old-school diner where breakfast, burgers, and a bakery case of pies do all the kid-bribing for you. The El Cerrito location has the most dining space and the easiest parking.

Five winding El Cerrito acres split by a creek: a tot structure with bridges and four bucket swings on one side, two tall tunnel slides and big-kid swings on the other, plus a duck-and-turtle pond up the hill. Paved paths are made for scooters and strollers.

American grill meets British pub, with fish and chips, bangers and mash and shepherd's pie, and a chalkboard and toys marking off a kid zone.

Cows, goats and chickens at the end of a short walk from the Canon Drive car park, and it costs nothing. Feeding is no longer allowed; the animals are still there to visit.