Kid-friendly restaurants in Novato (5)

A downtown Novato staple: big salads, sandwiches and tater tots with a play structure in the outdoor area and live music on weekends - dinner that doubles as an outing.

Old Town Novato's family pub: a broad, forgiving menu, staff used to families, and Marin's best standing deal - kids 12 and under eat free all day Sundays.

A Sonoma-born brewpub with a big beer garden and lawn play area where kids run while parents actually finish a beer - frequent live music and a kid-friendly menu.

The Bay Area's better-burger chain in Novato's Hamilton Marketplace: fast counter service, mini burgers sized for kids, indoor-outdoor seating and a fountain out front that toddlers love.

Oakland's hot-chicken chainlet with a Novato-only Tuesday kids-eat-free deal, a bright, colorful room and classic video games to keep littles busy while you wait.