Kid-friendly places in Palo Alto

Palo Alto's redwood grove park: two play structures plus the 'Magic Forest' of 50+ coastal redwoods giving the best natural shade in the city, and a FREE summer wading pool next to the city swim pool.

Outdoor pool and a location next to Stanford's campus and the Palo Alto Caltrain station.

An old-school motor inn with koi lagoons, waterfalls and a poolside restaurant. The gardens give it the feel of a small resort.

All-inclusive luxury hotel with every meal, snack, and drink in the rate, a rooftop pool, and suites across from Stanford.

Two resident donkeys in a pasture along the Matadero Creek trail, a compact playground, and a paved path for first bike rides.

Palo Alto's retro-resort 'Cabana': a big outdoor pool courtyard with cabanas that feels like Palm Springs, family rooms and suites, minutes to Stanford and Magical Bridge Mitchell.

Palo Alto's old-school fountain diner since 1923, the classic treat-lunch downtown: grilled cheese, real milkshakes, and counter seats.

Two separate play structures (no refereeing one crowded structure), a climbing wall, swings, two dog parks, and a big field for pickup soccer.

The family-style Italian chain built for groups: platters meant for sharing, kitschy photo-covered walls kids stare at all meal, and a noise level that absorbs toddler volume.

Cal-Mex tacos and guacamole with a heated parklet and sidewalk tables.

A long cement slide is the thing here, with a sand pit, swings for babies and for bigger kids, and shaded picnic tables for you.

Nearly 2,000 acres of salt marsh with flat boardwalks and levee trails, the Bay's best toddler-proof birding walk, and a small nature center at the boardwalk's end.

A rebuilt hands-on science museum with a small zoo: flamingos, meerkats, and an accessible treehouse.

Portland's artisan ice cream shop (also Santana Row, San Jose) with seasonal flavors and unlimited tastings before you commit.

Counter-service Pakistani-Indian with Michelin Bib Gourmand cred: chicken tikka and kababs kids devour, a conversation-menu for shy teens, and California Ave patio tables.

1,400 acres of oak hills above the city with easy nature trails and a nature center, open to everyone (not just residents).

An old apricot orchard with shade trees, generous open space and a playground.

Neighborhood park with a playground.

Neighborhood park with a playground.

Neighborhood park with a playground.

Neighborhood park with a playground.

A colorful family-run cantina cooking the food of Puebla, with tables outside.