Bring the whole family along for the fun and get a feel for the local scene by checking out these kid-friendly hot spots.
Deciding where to move is a big decision. And you want to make sure your entire family loves the new neighborhood. So why not involve the kids with a pizza and ice cream tour of the ‘burbs? They’ll get a taste of the town and you’ll get to picture what future weekends could look like if you decide to settle in the area.
#1. Larkspur, CA
If Larkspur is on your list, you’ll want to check out Pizzeria Pico. This local institution uses fresh ingredients from regional farmers for its wood-fired pies. If you do end up moving to town, keep this spot in mind for busy nights- they sell delicious frozen pizzas to go.
After enjoying your meal, take a stroll downtown and picture your life in Larkspur. Visit the Larkspur Library, where you might soon take the kids for storytime, or head to Dolliver Park and let the littles test out the playground.
#2. Ross, CA
In Ross, plan to stop by Tony Tutto Pizza. Find a spot on the shaded patio and order one of the many classic or vegan-friendly options. They also offer a great beer, ale, and wine selection for the adults.
Make a day of it and hop on the Corte Madera Creek Path next. This path is perfect for strollers, bikes, or a light jog. Also popular: Pheonix Lake, walking distance from the path.
#3. Berkeley Area
The East Bay has tons of excellent pizzerias and one of our favorites is Benchmark Pizzeria in Kensington. Come here for the incredible selection of pies and housemade pasta topped with locally grown vegetables and herbs. For dessert, the kids can enjoy Strauss soft serve which adventurous eaters can top with olive oil and sea salt.
Another great option is The Cheese Board Pizza in the heart of Berkeley. What started as a simple cheese shop in 1967 has grown to be one of the most popular pizza spots around. The shop sells one salad and one vegetarian pie each day- which can be eaten fresh or par-baked and finished off at home.
#4. Palo Alto, CA
Pizzeria Delfina has been a Palo Alto staple since 2005. This family-owned farm-to-table eatery offers a menu of red and white Neapolitan-inspired pizzas plus wine, beer, and small plates. This spot is close to both the Palo Alto and Stanford Caltrain stations, so commuters can get a feel for their potential routes.
Palo Alto is big on ice cream, so the kids have plenty of options to pick from. In fact, there are two great spots just 5 minutes from the pizzeria. Scoop Microcreamery sells small-batch ice cream that is frozen at -321° Fahrenheit and Salt & Straw creates seasonal flavors using inspiration from local chefs and ingredients. Want to check out a slightly different part of town? Head to Rick’s Rather Rich, an old-school parlor close to the sprawling Mitchell Park (complete with a dog park and inclusive playground).
#5. Mountain View, CA
Mountain View is home to Doppio Zero, one of the best pizzerias in the country. Stop by for a 00 flour pizza and see what all the hype is about.
Continue exploring the town after your meal by taking a stroll from Doppio Zero right down the street to Icicles. This unique creamery serves handcrafted rolled ice cream, which is a big hit with the kids. From there, stop by the Mountain View Public Library or let the kids run around Pioneer Memorial Park.
#6. Burlingame, CA
During a tour of Burlingame be sure to check out Blue Line Pizza. There’s a downtown location of this local chain complete with a charming outdoor patio. It’s a favorite with residents for happy hour, plus it’s pet-friendly and features a kids’ menu.
Once your family has enjoyed the meal (did we mention they serve vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free pies?), make your way to Preston’s Candy & Ice Cream for dessert. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you order ice cream or handmade sweets from this shop which has been a staple in Burlingame for over 60 years.
#7. San Mateo, CA
While you’re exploring San Mateo, bring the kids to Velo City Pizza. They make fresh mozzarella in-house plus their pies only take 90 seconds to cook in the 1000-degree brick ovens.
You could get gelato pops from Velo City Pizza or add on a stop to UjiTime Dessert. This is a few miles away so it gives you the chance to see another part of the town. Order a Japanese soft ice cream in a Taiyaki fish-shaped cone before walking around the historic downtown.
#8. Los Altos, CA
State of Mind is the perfect place to get a feel for the Los Altos community. This family-friendly public house serves made-from-scratch pizzas using local ingredients plus offers a kids’ menu and a long tap list for the adults. There’s even an arcade packed with nostalgia-inducing games.
If you decide not to order an ice cream sandwich at State of Mind, head to Tin Pot Creamery for dessert. A new location in a gourmet food hall recently opened and, here, you’ll be able to try delicious flavors like lemon blackberry crumble and vegan brownie batter.
#9. Los Gatos, CA
As you explore Los Gatos, make sure you stop by Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza. They offer an extensive kids’ menu and lunch specials. It’s also close to Los Gatos Town Plaza Park, which you’ll want to get to know if you move to town. This gathering spot hosts a farmers market, community events and has a water feature where the kids can cool off.
Speaking of cooling off- Dolce Spazio serves refreshing treats like sorbetto and a rotating menu of gelato. It’s less than a 10-minute walk here from the pizzeria, so you can stroll and start to imagine what life could look like in this ‘burb.
Ready to find the perfect fit for the whole family? We are here to help! Schedule your FREE Suburb Strategy session today.