Ocean View Brew Works

Retro burger stand built around a blazing grill, with counter ordering, picnic tables outside, milkshakes, and onion rings or herby mozzarella sticks on the side.

Deep dish is the headliner at this outpost of the Little Star family, though the thin crust holds its own. A consistent first pick with kids.

North Indian and Pakistani cooking since 1999, known for its tandoori and curries, with oversized naan and paratha.

The school district's aquatic center, with open rec swim hours alongside swim lessons.

Albany's community living room: a fenced tot lot with sandpit, a big-kid playground with a corkscrew slide and ADA swing, redwood shade, summer concerts, and Solano Avenue takeout two blocks away for an outdoor dinner.

Bouldering gym with 8,000 square feet of walls and 18-foot boulders you top out on, plus a kids climbing club, camps and a parents' night out.