Rinconada Park
Kid essentials
About this place
Palo Alto's redwood grove park: two play structures plus the 'Magic Forest' of 50+ coastal redwoods giving the best natural shade in the city, and a FREE summer wading pool next to the city swim pool.
How kid-friendly is it?
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Nearby places
A rebuilt hands-on science museum with a small zoo - flamingos, meerkats, and an accessible treehouse. Timed tickets around $16 (weekday afternoons $12, $3 reduced-rate tickets available); reserve online before you go.
Two genuinely separate play structures (no refereeing one crowded structure), a climbing wall, swings, two dog parks, and a big field for pickup soccer - the plan-one-hour-stay-three park.
Warm-cookie ice cream sandwiches assembled to order on University Ave: the after-dinner bribe destination - walk in, point at cookies, done in minutes.
Family-style Italian served in shareable platters - order two dishes and the whole table eats. Loud, kitschy, and built for groups; note there's no separate kids' menu, the family-style format is the kids' menu.
The family-style Italian chain built for groups: platters meant for sharing, kitschy photo-covered walls kids stare at all meal, and a noise level that absorbs toddler volume.
Cal-Mex tacos and guacamole with a heated parklet and sidewalk tables - outdoor seating is the kid-pressure valve. Early dinner (5-6pm) is the family sweet spot.