The Stanford Park Hotel

One of Menlo Park's most popular parks with an updated all-abilities playground, plus tennis and pickleball courts, a softball field and a dog park.

Pacifica's western-themed playground: a ticket-booth play structure, tube slides, climbing net and wall, balance beams, a tire swing and a sandbox, set against the hills. Big reservable BBQ picnic area for parties.

Menlo Park's civic-campus park: playground upgraded in 2024 with better accessibility, plus a duck pond, skate park, and the library, rec center and pool all in one spot.

Portland's artisan ice cream shop (also Santana Row, San Jose) with seasonal flavors and unlimited tastings before you commit. The tasting policy makes it the most kid-patient scoop line in town.

Outdoor pool and a location next to Stanford's campus and the Palo Alto Caltrain station. The handy car-free option: train to the door, walk to campus.