Free things to do with kids in Palo Alto

The original Magical Bridge that started the movement: engineered from scratch so kids with autism, sensory sensitivities, and mobility differences play on the SAME equipment as everyone else. Families drive across the Bay Area just for this one. Mitchell Park around it adds water play, tennis, and a dog park.

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.

The donkey park: two resident donkeys in a pasture along the Matadero Creek trail, a compact playground, and a paved path perfect for first bike rides. Kids who discover the donkeys mid-walk are absolutely delighted.

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.