Lagoon Park Playground

If you’ve got a toddler who needs to burn off some energy without a ton of overstimulation, this little spot in San Rafael is worth knowing about. The climbing structure and swings are sized just right for the 2-6 crowd, and the whole place has a genuinely calm vibe — probably because it sits right next to a lagoon where ducks and the occasional turtle just hang out doing their thing. Kids who are done playing will inevitably drag you over to the water, which honestly isn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon. There are restrooms on site (always a win with toddlers), and the walking path makes it easy to do a lap or two while the little ones ride their bikes or scooters. It’s not flashy, but that’s kind of the point.