Places with a changing table in San Jose (7)

A small zoo with capybaras, meerkats and a petting corral, plus kid-sized rides and play areas. Right-sized for ages 2 to 10 — a half day, not a death march.

The Children's Discovery Museum's half-acre outdoor climb zone: scale the Tree Climber, tunnel like a squirrel to the LookOut Tower, dig in the gravel pit, and sniff the garden - all layered for different developmental stages, wheelchair accessible throughout.

Balloon-animal energy, tortilla machine to watch, chips on the table instantly: Chevy's is engineered for families with young kids, and Wednesdays are the cheap night.

Three floors of Italian everything: fresh pasta counters, gelato, pizza, and kids' cooking classes - a food-hall format where everyone picks their own dinner and nobody compromises.

Del Mar Highlands-style new American in North San Jose with a kids-eat-free Sunday tradition - the modern, slightly upscale pick that still welcomes toddlers.

Fast-casual sandwiches built for picky and adventurous eaters alike, on Santana Row where kids can run the plaza after - kids eat free on Tuesdays.

A scratch-kitchen neighborhood restaurant in Willow Glen's orbit that puts families front and center: kids eat free on Tuesdays, and the menu is good enough that parents aren't sacrificing dinner.