Laureola Park

All-suite Residence Inn with free hot breakfast, an outdoor pool and whirlpool, and in-room kitchens - a practical base between SF and Silicon Valley.

A real steakhouse that still rolls out the red carpet for kids: a seven-entree kids' menu (teriyaki skirt steak, mini cheeseburgers) starting with carrot sticks and dip, ending in make-your-own sundaes.

Value mid-Peninsula base: free breakfast buffet, in-room microwaves and mini-fridges, a cozy lobby fireplace, and a location near Hiller Aviation Museum (a great kid museum) and downtown San Carlos.

Real aircraft kids can climb into - a 747 cockpit, a helicopter, flight simulators - at the San Carlos airport. $22 adults, $14 youth 5-17, under 5 free; open 10-5 every day.

San Carlos' oldest and best-known park: two playgrounds (a tot area and a big-kid playground), a water spray play area, and every court imaginable - tennis, basketball, bocce, baseball.

21-acre hillside park with a playground, walking paths through the trees and big open spaces - good for kids who like to roam beyond the play structure.