Urth Caffé Melrose

Apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, mini fridges, sleeper sofas and private balconies, plus a heated rooftop pool. It feels like borrowing a friend's apartment, which makes life with kids easier.

Two fenced play zones, one for toddlers and one for big kids, with a rock-climbing hill, a roller slide and outdoor musical instruments. Rubber flooring and shade sails throughout.

An easy win with kids: smash burgers, crinkle fries and frozen custard shakes in a bright, casual room at Santa Monica and La Cienega.

A hot dog stand shaped like a giant hot dog, brought back from 1946 with corn dogs, chili fries, shakes and a smaller puppy dog made just for kids. Two patios plus air-conditioned seating inside.

Every room is a suite, so kids get real space to spread out, and the rooftop pool looks out over the Hollywood Hills. The kitchen runs a dedicated kids' menu.

A quiet, shaded pocket park with a small play structure that suits toddlers best, a few blocks up from the Santa Monica Blvd bustle.