Bowl'd Korean Rice Bar

Neighborhood Chinese restaurant where Renee herself greets regulars of all ages.

Taqueria next to a tot lot, with outdoor tables, sopes with mushrooms and fried plantains, and burritos that come close to feeding a whole family.

The school district's aquatic center, with open rec swim hours alongside swim lessons.

Albany's community living room: a fenced tot lot with sandpit, a big-kid playground with a corkscrew slide and ADA swing, redwood shade, summer concerts, and Solano Avenue takeout two blocks away for an outdoor dinner.

Deep dish is the headliner at this outpost of the Little Star family, though the thin crust holds its own. A consistent first pick with kids.

North Indian and Pakistani cooking since 1999, known for its tandoori and curries, with oversized naan and paratha.