Residence Inn Sunnyvale Silicon Valley I

Casual Italian where kids get their own pizzas and pastas, piadine for the adults, and a Thursday kids-eat-free tradition, near Mission College.

Two-room suites with free made-to-order breakfast and an evening reception, under two miles from Levi's Stadium. Kids sleep in one room, the grown-ups get the other.

Playful tech-themed hotel with a big pool deck, cabanas, and a fire pit about a mile from Great America. Feels less like a business hotel than its neighbors, which kids appreciate.

Claims the largest hotel pool in Silicon Valley, ringed by cabanas, and Great America is an easy walk. If pool time is the hotel requirement, this is the Santa Clara pick.

The Bay Area's big theme park: 50+ rides, the Planet Snoopy kids' area, and the South Bay Shores waterpark included with admission. Planet Snoopy alone can fill a day for the under-8 set.

Indoor electric go-karts with a junior class for kids 48 inches and taller (adult karts at 58 inches, no mixed racing).