Santa Clara Recreation Center

Just over a mile of ocean sand watched from permanent lifeguard towers, with an old wooden roller coaster right behind it for when your kid is done digging.

The shaded arcade is the draw for kids, and a fallback when everyone has had enough sun.

New inclusive climbing and play equipment right on the bay.

Pizza and pasta, the two words most kids want to hear, with a menu written just for them.

The easy one: a calm bay beach, a playground, a pool and activities for kids, all without leaving the grounds.

A tot lot and a rope-climbing area by the water, so toddlers and older kids each have their own.