When your kids have energy to burn, it's nice to supply them with a few fun, safe spaces where they can run, jump, and play. Luckily, Palo Alto and the surrounding areas are brimming with welcoming places for kids and their caregivers to explore. You'll find everything from city parks to a state-of-the-art amusement park to a historic farm nearby.

Castle Rock State Park

Located about 30 miles from Palo Alto, Castle Rock State Park will supply your kids with plenty of opportunities to get some exercise, whether you want to take them hiking, backpacking, or even horseback riding. The park encompasses 34 miles of trails where you'll encounter sculpted sandstone, dense forests, and sweeping views. In addition, Castle Rock's trails link to the trail system connecting the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo Valleys to Big Basins Redwoods State Park.

Planning a staycation? Camping is permitted along the Castle Rock Trail, and you can reserve a campsite on the Backcountry Trail Camp System's website. If you're just planning to go for the day, parking is $10 per vehicle, and park hours are 6 a.m. to sunset. Keep in mind there is no cell phone service in the park, so using a ride-sharing service isn't recommended.

City Parks

What better place to burn some energy than at one of Palo Alto's beautiful parks? Located throughout the city, our area parks provide plenty of outdoor space for children to explore. Here are three parks we recommend:

Mitchell Park

Mitchell Park encompasses just over 21 acres and provides an assortment of recreational activities to enjoy. Don't miss the Magical Bridge Playground, which opened in 2015 and is heralded as one of the country's most innovative and inclusive playgrounds. You'll find swings, slides, climbing apparatuses, and more. Tennis courts are available for individual use on a first come, first served basis. Note that courts are sometimes reserved by the Palo Alto Tennis Club, so you're not always guaranteed an opportunity to play.

Rinconada Park

Rinconada Park features 19 acres of green space and a variety of recreational activities. Established in 1922, it's Palo Alto's second oldest park and home to the city's municipal swimming pool. Live oaks and redwoods dot the grounds, and you'll find a playground and plenty of space for the kids to play. Take some time to explore The Magic Forest, a huge stand of majestic redwoods on Hopkins Street.

Bol Park

Bol Park is a 13.8-acre park in the Barron Park neighborhood. It contains playgrounds, walking paths, and bicycling trails. In the lower section of the park, you'll find a long, narrow meadow nestled between a paved walking path and Matedero Creek. A private, fenced-in pasture housing a small herd of donkeys is located adjacent to the park. It's a great spot to take a break, feed the kids a snack, and let them observe the animals roaming about.

Palo Alto Museum and Zoo

Spend the day at the Palo Alto Museum and Zoo, an area attraction founded in 1934 by Palo Alto resident Josephine O'Hara. Here, children and their caregivers are invited to explore the different exhibits, which include things like the indoor science exhibits area and the wheelchair-accessible Tree House. While they explore the science exhibits, children will perform activities that will help them learn about concepts such as energy, balance, and electricity. For its tiniest guests, the museum features a special area designed just for babies.

In the outdoor zoo, kids will have the opportunity to observe animals such as flamingos, meerkats, and raccoons. They'll also have the opportunity to climb in the net stretching above the exhibits and explore the zoo's underwater tunnel. Tickets are $10 for everyone over 12 months of age, and the museum and zoo are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Deer Hollow Farm

Let the kids spend some of their boundless energy while learning about local wildlife and plant life at Deer Hollow Farm. Located about 13 miles from Palo Alto in Cupertino, the historic site was settled in 1853, and the original caretakers' home is preserved on its grounds. Visitors are welcome to peek in the windows of the home and observe artifacts of daily life from the 1800s, including a butter churn, spinning wheel, and chamber pot.

In addition to its historic buildings, Deer Hollow Farm features an organic orchard and garden, an array of farm animals, and centuries-old farm buildings. Kids will enjoy exploring the hands-on nature center, which is open once a month and contains exhibits of a stuffed mountain lion, several types of birds, and a bobcat. The farm is free to visit and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, except on Wednesday, when it closes at 1 p.m.

California's Great America

Do you have some young thrill seekers to entertain for the day? If so, consider a visit to California's Great America, an amusement park located in nearby Santa Clara. Commonly referred to as Great America, the park encompasses 112 acres and features over 60 rides. Older kids may enjoy thrill rides such as the RailBlazer, an exhilarating roller coaster that takes riders 106 feet in the air and reaches speeds of 52 miles per hour.

For younger children or for those who enjoy a slower pace, Great America is filled with family-friendly rides perfect for all ages. For example, the Barney Oldfield Speedway features antique-styled, gas-powered cars driven by riders on a track. You'll also find a carousel, bumper cars, and more. Starting in May when the temperatures rise, Great America's water park, South Bay Shores opens. It features extreme water slides, a wave pool, a kiddie play area, and more. Admission to the water park is included with your ticket to Great America.