Blake Gardens

The old-school diner where breakfast, burgers, and a bakery case of pies do all the kid-bribing for you. 510 Families notes the El Cerrito location has the most dining space and 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.

British-style pub with a chalkboard-and-toys kid zone where kids can get up and play mid-meal.

Cows, goats and chickens at the end of a short walk from the Canon Drive car park, and it costs nothing. Bring celery or lettuce - the farm asks people not to feed the animals anything else.