Bowden Park

Counter-service Pakistani-Indian with Michelin Bib Gourmand cred: chicken tikka and kababs kids devour, a conversation-menu for shy teens, and California Ave patio tables.

Two genuinely separate play structures (no refereeing one crowded structure), a climbing wall, swings, two dog parks, and a big field for pickup soccer - the plan-one-hour-stay-three park.

Neighborhood park with a playground.

A rebuilt hands-on science museum with a small zoo: flamingos, meerkats, and an accessible treehouse.

Palo Alto's redwood grove park: two play structures plus the 'Magic Forest' of 50+ coastal redwoods giving the best natural shade in the city, and a FREE summer wading pool next to the city swim pool.

1,400 acres of oak hills above the city with easy nature trails and a nature center, open to everyone (not just residents).