The city has 28 parks with more than 4,500 total acres of land. Foothills Park (no website; 3300 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto; 650-329-2423) offers wildlife viewing, camping, fishing and boating, including canoe rentals from May through October. The park is open to residents of Palo Alto and their guests only. Take kids to Seale Park (no website; 3100 Stockton Place, Palo Alto; 650-496-6962) or Scott Park (no website; Scott Street at Channing Ave., Palo Alto; 650-496-6962) to take advantage of its playgrounds, picnic areas and basketball courts.
Golf enthusiasts can play at the Palo Alto Golf Course (paloaltogolfcourse.com), which has been in operation since 1956. The 18-hole course also features a pro shop, driving range, restaurant and bar. Baylands Athletic Center (no website; 1900 Geng Road, Palo Alto) offers lighted baseball and softball fields, and is available for public use during times the fields are not reserved for league play. Try out a new sport and join the Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club (palbc.org) or check out the Palo Alto Skateboard Bowl at Greer Park (no website; 1098 Amarillo Avenue, Palo Alto; 650-29-2487) for skateboarding action.
Bird watchers from around the world head to Baylands Nature Preserve (no website; 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; 650-496-6962) to view avian species ranging from pelicans to hawks. The preserve also offers nature walks and programs, biking, boating and windsurfing. Pearson-Arastradero Preserve (no website; 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto; 650-496-6962) is also a bird-watching destination, but other wildlife like mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and deer also call this preserve home. Visitors can take advantage of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, and fishing in Arastradero Lake.
The Junior Museum and Zoo (cityofpaloalto.org/depts/csd/activities_and_recreation/attractions/junior_museum/default.asp) teaches families about zoology, conservation and science. Bobcats, reptiles, sharks, bats, hawks and a variety of other wild animals (about 50 species total) reside in the zoo. The zoo also features a sculpture garden. Although there is not a restaurant, picnic benches are available in front of the museum. At the time of publication, admission to the zoo is free with a suggested $3 donation.
