Vik's Chaat House

A bright, gated, accessible playground at Berkeley's Aquatic Park with structures sized for little kids, then lagoon paths and duck-watching when the structure loses its grip. Good wind-sheltered picnic spots nearby.

Traditional Mexican comfort food like beef tacos, and beer on draft.

Reptile shop open since 1970 that doubles as a working vivarium, with snakes, lizards, tortoises and spiders to look at and no ticket needed.

Landmark neighborhood diner with house-made breakfast and sandwiches all day, inside or at the outdoor tables.

Festive Fourth Street taqueria where the decor absorbs kid noise and outdoor tables let sound escape, plus trainspotting on the adjacent tracks.

Two playgrounds: a fenced tot area with low slides and swings, and a big climbing structure with ropes, bridges and a tall slide for older kids.