Magic Mountain Playground

If you live in San Mateo and haven’t made it out here yet, you’re missing out. The enclosed play area keeps the littles from wandering while older kids tackle the climbing structure and slides — it genuinely works for the full 2-to-12 range without anyone getting bored. The play train is the kind of thing kids talk about on the drive home. Pack a lunch because the picnic tables and BBQ area actually make it worth staying a few hours, and the views of the Bay don’t hurt either. Being right near the beach gives the whole place a relaxed, unhurried feel that a lot of city parks just don’t have.