Kid-friendly places in Albany

Albany's community living room: a fenced tot lot with sandpit, a big-kid playground with a corkscrew slide and ADA swing, redwood shade, summer concerts, and Solano Avenue takeout two blocks away for an outdoor dinner.

Deep dish is the headliner at this outpost of the Little Star family, though the thin crust holds its own. A consistent first pick with kids.

Build-your-own Korean rice bowls on Solano that hand out kid chopsticks, kid bowls, and little smoothies.

Fast-casual burger chain whose most-loved order is the Santa Barbara Char, with tables outside.

The school district's aquatic center, with open rec swim hours alongside swim lessons.

Neighborhood Chinese restaurant where Renee herself greets regulars of all ages.

Retro burger stand built around a blazing grill, with counter ordering, picnic tables outside, milkshakes, and onion rings or herby mozzarella sticks on the side.

North Indian and Pakistani cooking since 1999, known for its tandoori and curries, with oversized naan and paratha.

Brewery taproom with a giant Connect Four and a whole collection of toys and games, and panini and hot dogs from the kitchenette next door.