Boothbay Park

A Park a Day 'Top Pick': big 5-12 playground (tube slides, climbing, spinners, rock wall) with a separate tot playground for ages 2-5. Dog park and grassy fields, footbridge to Casanova Park.

Bay Area breakfast-and-comfort-food chain that has hosted families for decades; the Belmont location runs a Wednesday kids-eat-free night. Famous blueberry coffeecake buys goodwill with all ages.

Foster City's biggest park (about 24 acres): children's play area, ball fields, picnic spots and waterfront views - room for the whole family to spread out.

Local burger joint where staff seat families with young kids in a back room with room to breathe, and hand out crayons and coloring placemats while you wait.