Pinstripes San Mateo

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-famous pastrami spot that OpenTable diners tag as kid-friendly - loud, casual, and the food comes fast.

Fully gated playground by the old Bay Meadows track: climbing net cube and rock wall for ages 5-12 plus a separate smaller toddler playground, with plenty of parent seating.

Local burger joint where staff seat families with young kids in a back room with room to breathe, and hand out crayons and coloring placemats while you wait.

A Park a Day Bay Area 'Top Pick': three climbing huts linked by a rope bridge, a big rope-climbing structure, 10 swings (4 of them baby swings) and a separate little-kids playground. Skate park next door for older siblings.

A Park a Day 'Top Pick': big 5-12 playground (tube slides, climbing, spinners, rock wall) with a separate tot playground for ages 2-5. Dog park and grassy fields, footbridge to Casanova Park.