Walnut Creek Farmers' Market

A family breakfast house and weekend pancake institution, with a just-for-kids menu of silver-dollar pancakes and chicken strips.

Plenty of family shows on the stage, the Summer Sounds concert series, and art exhibitions in the Bedford Gallery.

A big children's wing with its own patio, and a café in the building.

A maximalist eat-and-play spot for all ages, with over-the-top bites and games built into the concept.

Downtown Walnut Creek's playground: a train play structure, roller slide, climbing 'rocks', four baby swings, and a sand-and-water play area, steps from the library, Creek Walk, and Iron Horse Trail. The natural pairing with a downtown errands-and-lunch day.

Brazilian steakhouse where servers carve meat off skewers at the table and kids use the tongs to grab their own slice, plus a big salad bar.