Rancho Steve's Pizza

A play museum built for kids up to about eight, which means everything is at their height and nothing is behind glass. It's in Rancho Cordova now, not downtown, and weekday visits end early.

All suites with full kitchens, gas grills outside and a grocery service, close to the Sacramento Children's Museum.

Kitchen suites with pull-out sofas, a few minutes' walk from the Sacramento Children's Museum. About as easy as a base gets with little kids.

A big indoor playground that works for a wider age range than most: a three-level climber, ninja and obstacle courses for bigger kids and a separate toddler area. Grippy socks required.