The Ruth Bancroft Garden

The Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek is a compact dry garden with children's tour materials, Garden Bingo, intergenerational activities, sensory backpacks, and frequent seating among the plants. Adults are about $15; ages 4 and under and Museums for All visitors (up to four) enter free.

Paths are level compact gravel rather than pavement, with no stairs, steep hills, or narrow passages; durable-tire wheelchairs are available. County Connection routes 1 and 7 serve the garden.

Go for a slower outdoor wander when kids can handle a garden pace, and bring sun protection because shade is not the main story here.