Kid-friendly places in Vallejo

Vallejo's storybook park: a gated, staff-run wonderland with a teapot slide, climb-in train, firetruck, and castle corners, sized exactly for the under-8 crowd.

Theme park and animal park together in Vallejo: dolphins and giraffes on one side, roller coasters on the other, with a whole area of gentle rides for small children.

An oak-woodland park with playgrounds under big old trees along a creek and room to roam. Shadier and quieter than the lake parks.

East Vallejo's lake park: a big fishing lake with ducks, shady picnic groves, and a playground loop, where Vallejo families go for weekend picnics.

An indoor pool for post-park swims and the Bistro downstairs, across Fairgrounds Drive from Discovery Kingdom and walkable to the park.

Free breakfast and a pool minutes from the Six Flags gates on Fairgrounds Drive, a family-value alternative to the Courtyard next door.

The Philippines' big chicken chain on Sonoma Blvd: crispy Chickenjoy, sweet-style spaghetti and family meal bundles. A cult favorite that kids like too.

Vallejo's crispy-fish-and-chicken counter: fast, inexpensive combos that travel well to the waterfront or a park, the local grab-and-go family staple.

A dockside diner on the Vallejo waterfront: fish and chips, burgers, and harbor views from the patio, with ferries to watch.