Nealon Park

Pacifica's western-themed playground: a ticket-booth play structure, tube slides, climbing net and wall, balance beams, a tire swing and a sandbox, set against the hills. Big reservable BBQ picnic area for parties.

Menlo Park's civic-campus park: playground upgraded in 2024 with better accessibility, plus a duck pond, skate park, and the library, rec center and pool all in one spot.

A free, slightly wild 1880s cactus and succulent garden on the Stanford campus - genuinely weird plants kids love. Keep toddlers close: everything here is spiky and paths are rough.

Outdoor pool and a location next to Stanford's campus and the Palo Alto Caltrain station. The handy car-free option: train to the door, walk to campus.

Portland's artisan ice cream shop (also Santana Row, San Jose) with seasonal flavors and unlimited tastings before you commit. The tasting policy makes it the most kid-patient scoop line in town.

Palo Alto's old-school fountain diner since 1923: grilled cheese, real milkshakes, and counter seats - the classic treat-lunch downtown.