On the one hand, a great playground for mixed-age families -- includes a more manageable structure and sand pit for the littlest kids, plus a more challenging structure for bigger kids. Great views. Picnic tables. Large grassy area for a picnic or jumpy house. Long circular path is nice for beginning bicyclists/scooter riders/skateboarders. Basketball court. On the other hand, you have to hit the nearby Safeway for a bathroom, and it's very windy in the afternoons.

Sunnyside is often sunny when other parks aren't. Reopened in November 2007 after an extensive revamp, this smallish park now includes separate climbing structures for little & big kids, swings for both babies and big kids (large dishes to lie on), a sand pit with a water pump, clean bathrooms, and a grassy area for picnics and well-behaved dogs. Excellent for birthday parties (reserve tables from SF Park & Rec). Also a good place to bring kids of different ages, because you can watch them both easily.

Reopened in July 2009 with a full and gorgeous revamp: new equipment, huge metal tube slide, tables & benches, enormous play structures, climbing wall, spinning cable tower -- and fully wheelchair accessible. Has bathrooms. Near tennis & basketball courts and a baseball diamond. Nice for all ages. Plenty of shade, though it can get windy in the afternoons. A new neighborhood favorite.

Tasty, interesting pizzas and pastas in a sweet neighborhood bistro, with the nicest family owners ever. Easy to get a seat, even with a big group (we once had 20!), though popular with locals. Extremely kid friendly, yet pleasant for grownups, too. Try the pear & gorgonzola pizza for dessert!

The Camelot is literally across the street from the park entrance, and has clean, enormous family suites with two rooms, multiple beds, and free cribs for the asking -- for about half what you'd pay at a Disneyland hotel. Close enough to head home for naps. Small pool & jacuzzi are great for kids; you can watch the nightly fireworks from your room. Skip the sub-par breakfast, though, and either order room service or head to one of several nearby restaurants.