Playgrounds and things to do with kids in Los Gatos (5)

The Los Gatos classic: a playground with a real decommissioned T-33 jet to climb on, plus the carousel and Billy Jones train (separate tickets, weekends). Permanent restrooms on site (currently being expanded). $6 county parking at the Vasona side.

The train park: home of the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (a real miniature steam railroad looping through the park) and the historic W.E. 'Bill' Mason Carousel, plus a shady playground. A Los Gatos childhood rite of passage since 1968.

Santa Clara County's most popular regional park: 45 acres of lawn, a big playground, paddle boat and kayak rentals on the lake, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail running through it - connected to Oak Meadow Park for a full lake-plus-train day.

A vintage miniature train that loops through Oak Meadow and Vasona parks, plus a hundred-year-old carousel. Rides run weekends year-round and weekdays in summer; bring small bills for the snack shack.

152 acres of lawns around a lake with paddle-boat rentals, playgrounds, the Los Gatos Creek trail, and the free YSI nature center (Thu-Sun). Vehicle entry is $6; paddle boats are the summer move.