Stacks

Cal-Mex with fresh-ingredient tacos, strong margaritas for the grownups, and a kids' menu, in the middle of downtown Campbell. Counter ordering keeps the wait-with-kids window short.

Over-the-top donut shop (also downtown San Jose) where the donuts look like cartoon characters and the theme is a 'donut doctor' asylum, for a treat stop.

A revived 1960s pancake-house brand: waffles, omelets and pancakes in every configuration, with friendly service and bottomless coffee.

Big playground with a water feature, night-lit basketball courts, and direct access to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, two blocks from downtown Campbell's coffee.

Campbell's recently renovated double playground: two separate modern play areas on different sides of the park so siblings split up without leaving your sightline, mature shade trees, clean restrooms, and three baseball diamonds.

Michelin-recognized small plates at Pruneyard with a genuine welcome for kids: shareable dishes mean everyone samples, and the Pruneyard plaza gives wiggle room before and after.