Free things to do with kids in Novato

A freshly rebuilt, fully accessible playground (rubberized surfaces, shade umbrellas, perimeter fencing) with separate tot lot and big-kid structures, on nine rolling acres with BBQs and a gazebo - Marin's go-to birthday party park.

An aviation-themed, community-built playground in Novato's Hamilton neighborhood - helicopter, plane and boat play pieces for toddlers, a big central structure with a swinging bridge for older kids - next to the Bay Trail for wildlife walks.

A 139-acre lakeside county park with an adventure playground (climbing obstacles, spinners, zip line) for ages 5-12, the North Bay's first public bike park with a kids' learn-to-ride zone, fishing, disc golf and free entry.

A community-rebuilt neighborhood playground in eastern Novato's Bahia wetlands edge: modern structure with bridge, slides and climbing wall, baby and full swings, and paved paths made for trikes and balance bikes.