We love shopping here because they have a play space (w/ sofas) for the kids stocked w/ books and toys. While one parent is checking out gear, the other one can read a magazine and keep an eye on the kids. The store is also big enough that our young kids like playing peekaboo, too. They do have some kid gear but given the discount nature of their collection, they don't always have the size/color combo you'd want. I always check what they have - to get a bargain but I don't go there if I really, really have to get our boy new shoes, for example. It's also right near Chrissy Field so you can do a day at the beach and get in a quick shopping trip ;)

You might not think a formal garden would be fun for kids but our toddler really enjoyed it - I even think they infused him w/ peace and harmony while we were there. There are 5 different gardens each with its own feel. He loved watching the koi, exploring the foot paths and sitting in a "new house" each time. At the time of our visit, they had a spectactular bonsai exhibit - amazingly pruned trees that were tiny yet decades old. A must-see, plus you can pair with the nearby Rose Garden for a full day.

My mother told us to go here but I doubted that it would be good for kids. I was wrong - they loved running around the towering (and I mean towering) bushes of beautiful roses. Even my husband was really wowed and he's not a gardening type. You get such a calm and peaceful feeling strolling among the varieties of roses. (Plus, there's a fabulous playground nearby where we stopped off first to eat lunch and let the kids blow off steam.)

We took an extended family here for a rainy day visit - baby, toddler, teenagers, young adults, old adults and an octogenarian. While it's not large, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Our toddler enjoyed the dense rainforest area while great-grandma appreciated the rare flowers. It provides a welcoming and warm environment to really converse with your fellow visitors. If it's nice outside, there's a great lawn w/ flowers - if it's Sunday, the drive outside is closed to cars so bring the bikes, skates or scooters. Pair with a picnic to make it a day!

Julie runs a destination for little artists in a sunny, open studio in North Beach. Check out the Saturday morning art classes, take advantage of the Friday movie night or sign up for a more extended pre-school or camp program. What's great about this studio is the right balance of "instruction" and play and how it's become a secondary community center amongst North Beach families as well.