La Mission

West Berkeley's go-to: a long hillside slide worth the cross-town trip, a restored creek older kids migrate to, and the Hidden Cafe right in the park so parents get real coffee without leaving. Basketball and tennis at the south end.

A combined taqueria and bakery with amazing food and a lovely space.

Fresh, high-quality food on a spacious patio with room for strollers, though service is slow.

A fenced tot lot and a bigger-kid playground side by side, with a nature climbing area, a field and courts, so mixed ages each get their own thing.

Open art lab where kids can upcycle materials into new creations on Saturdays.

Reptile shop where you can view creepy-crawlies for free.