In the heart of Silicon Valley, the bustling community of Sunnyvale has undergone a kid-approved transformation with plenty of fun for everyone. Home to some of the coolest (and wettest) playgrounds in the Bay Area, you can frolic on a Pirate Ship, put-put on the mini golf course and grab a bite at the historic downtown area all within a few miles of each other. So say “hasta la vista” to long boring car rides and frolic on down to sunny Sunnyvale.
Photo: Seven Seas Park, City of Sunnyvale
Play
Seven Seas Park
Ahoy, Mates! Climb aboard this brand spankin’ new playground that boasts a pirate ship, spray ground, fully enclosed toddler play area, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, walking trails and a dog park. Bring the whole crew along to this hip little park, but beat the crowds and come early in the day to make the most of the offerings.
Pro-Tip: Parking can get crowded in the lots, so don’t hesitate to park on one of the several neighborhood streets that border the park and stroll on over.
1010 Morse Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
Online: sunnyvale.ca.gov
Las Palmas Park
24 acres of pure awesomeness await you at this kid-and adult-friendly Sunnyvale park. With a newly renovated water slide playground, enormous tree-house climbing structure for the older kiddos, and a new, fully enclosed play area for the little ones, this park will appeal to everyone. Bring the scooters or strollers and explore the massive grounds, bring a picnic or lounge on the grass watching the tots chase butterflies,and enjoy a slice of relaxation in a busy city.
Pro-Tip: In the summer, bring a change of clothes to this park because with all the wet watery fun, someone is bound to get wet! For $6 a person you can also take advantage of the public pool that is on the park grounds.
850 Russet Dr.
Sunnyvale, Ca
Online: sunnyvale.ca.gov
Raynor Park
For the dinosaur lovers out there, this park is sure to delight. Dino footprints lead to life sized statues that little ones can climb all over, and each of the two playgrounds (one that is fully enclosed for little tots) have dinosaur details that lend to the theme. Climb the huge rock wall, scale the rock mountain or hide in the tunnels. This 7-acre park is less crowded than the others and it is right across from a sustainable community garden that you can tour and buy fresh veggies from. Yum!
1565 Quail Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
Online: sunnyvale.ca.gov
Golfland, USA
For those mini gamers out there, ditch Chuck e Cheese’s and head over to Golfland, where for $6 you can get UNLIMITED video game play on Saturday mornings, score! Head outside to practice your swing at their mini golf course for some good ‘ole fashion family fun. Toddlers are given a small plastic putter to have fun with and kids under 5 are FREE! You can even break the routine on a Monday night and hit up their family golf deal for only $5 bucks.
855 E. El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-245-1322
Online: golfland.com/sunnyvale
Safari Run
Kids can party like animals at this indoor play space. Spend your afternoon in the concrete jungle by zooming down the tunnel tiger slide, climbing into an elephant’s mouth or racing your youngsters down the triple lion slide. It’s wild fun in jungle.
1180 Kern Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-579-9218
Online: safarirun.com
Eat
Downtown Sunnyvale boasts the Historic Murphy Avenue area where you can find places to eat, shop and play. It is adjacent to the Sunnyvale Cal Trans station and there is ample parking around in both parking lots and garages. Large grass areas line all sides of Murphy Avenue so you can even pack and picnic and let the tots run free. You won’t need to pack those strollers either—the main drag is only one fabulous block so get those tots out of the car and explore the small downtown area. Saturday mornings the downtown is blocked off for the farmers market, when some of the best farms and local eateries in the area fill it with fresh vegetables, flowers, yummy snacks and handmade crafts.
DishDash
One of Sunnyvale’s most popular eateries is also family friendly! Savor some delish middle eastern food in the boisterous and lively atmosphere that is sure to delight even the tiniest food critics.
190 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-774-1889
Online: dishdash.com
Gumba’s Italian Restaurant
What kid doesn’t love PIZZA?! Get your pizza pie feast on at this downtown Sunnyvale Italian restaurant and pizzeria. You will feel like you are eating lunch in Nana’s house with the knicknacks adorning the walls and their famous homemade chicken parmesan baking in the oven.
176 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-737-8384
Online: ilovegumbas.com
Firehouse Grill & Brewery
If the crew is in the mood for burgers and fries, make a pit stop at Firehouse Brewery on Murphy Avenue. This friendly neighborhood jaunt has a children’s menu and outdoor patio seating to let the littles stretch their legs.
111 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
408-773-9500
Online: firehousegrill.com
Nirvanaah
Is it time for dessert yet? Jump back in the car and head over to Nirvanaah for some seriously tasty and authentic indian desserts and homemade ice cream. With flavors like blue mango, saffron pistachio, guava and coconut these yummy treats appeal to all generations.
1038 E. El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-730-5011
Online: nirvanaah.com
Explore
Heritage Park and Museum
Give the kiddos a little local history lesson by visiting this historical museum. Explore the cool orchards, climb on some neat farm equipment, and even take a guided educational tour and learn about the old farming industry in Sunnyvale.
570 East Remington Dr.
Suunyvale, Ca
408-709-0220
Online: heritageparkmuseum.org
Baylands Park
Over 70 acres of exploration await at this northern Sunnyvale reserve. Located on the tip of the south bay and adjacent to protected wetlands, your kiddos are sure to see some cool local wildlife scattering about. There are two cool children’s playgrounds and plenty of large open space areas for that family pick up game of chase-the-monster.
Pro-Tip: Bring that bug spray! It’s close proximity to the wetlands and Bay attracts those annoying flying insects.
999 East Caribbean Dr.
Sunnyvale, Ca
Online: sunnyvale.ca.gov
Shop
Bookasauras Children’s Book Store
Attention Lego and Goldiblocks fans! Booksaurus is your new favorite place! Whisical do-dads, brain churning games and twirly knickknacks pack the walls of this funky book and toy store in downtown Sunnyvale. Searching for gift? This is the place to get one—complimentary gift wrapping on everything and you can walk next door to Tuti Fruiti for a delicious fro-yo while you wait.
125 South Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-733-1305
Online: leighsbooks.com
Nearly New Upscale Retail Shop
Appeal to your inner bargain beast and head over to this upscale resale shop for some truly awesome bargains on children’s (and adult!) wear. Proceeds from your purchase or donation go directly back to the local community and provide school scholarships for local women. See, shopping CAN be a good thing.
225 E. Maude Ave.
Sunnyvale, Ca
408-732-6202
Online: nearlynewsunnyvale.org
What’s your favorite spot in Sunnyvale? Let us know in the comments below!
—Kate Lane
