Residence Inn by Marriott Redwood City San Carlos
Kid essentials
About this place
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.
How kid-friendly is it?
Nearby places
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.
Family-friendly 2.6-acre park with sports facilities, a playground, picnic areas and San Carlos's spray pad, which runs May through September.
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.
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.
A brewery where kids can actually play while parents eat: big open space, games, root beer on tap for the kids, and a come-as-you-are family crowd, especially early evenings and weekends.