Single dad going to Great Parnassus the 3rd week of August. When she's in the kids' club, what worth going to Golden to do/see?
Golden is a very small resort. Not sure that you would need an extra trip. There is a bar on the beach, and a tiki bar by the pool but other than that, I am not sure that there is anything that is a "must do".
There is a shuttle. We've gone to the Golden twice, and always visited the Great -- walking one way for exercise, and taking the shuttle the other way. (It isn't that far of a walk, but walking on the beach can be a workout - and hot!) There is a beach bar as well as the Tiki Bar at the Golden -- nothing exciting, but it might be something for you to do, to walk down and have a few cocktails, and check out the place, for your possible return trip without kids. Also at the Great is the adult only area, which looks out the back of the resort. We have always had fun there -- they serve the good stuff, and the bartenders we've encountered there have always been awesome. Have a nice trip!