Whitey's Jolly Kone

A riverside beer garden with a big lawn, lawn games and fire pits, plus wood-fired pizza. Kids eat free on Mondays; they just have to stay at your table.

A rebuilt neighborhood park with a playground climbing wall, a summer spray ground and a walking loop with a labyrinth.

More than a hundred cars from the very first ones to now, and on some days you can go for a ride in one. It's a warehouse, so dress for the weather outside.

Kitchen suites across the river from Old Sacramento and near the River Cats' ballpark, close enough to walk over the bridge for dinner.

A big art museum that actually plans for kids: Tot Land downstairs is for play, books and making things, and there are loaner strollers at the door. Do the galleries first and save Tot Land for the reward.

The easy pick for Old Sacramento: every room has its own bedroom door (bedtime solved), and you're across the street from the boardwalks.