31 San Francisco Playgrounds to Frolic In

By Kate Loweth
A girl on a playground laughing at summer jokes iStock
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The Bay Area is littered with playgrounds and over 100 playgrounds can  be found in San Francisco’s 46.9 square miles alone! From the newly renovated Golden Heights park with its magnificent views to the mega slide of Helen Diller playground at Dolores Park, there is a park in every neighborhood for your kiddo to run free and have an adventure.  

NEWLY RENOVATED: Alice Chalmers Park

If you are like us, you've been drooling over pics of this brand-new playground by @specplayco. Alice Chalmers Park in San Francisco represents the iconic city’s skyscrapers with a nearly 30' tall Lappset tower including climbing nets, balancing elements, birds nest seating, net flooring, wooden platforms, lookout towers and cantilevered platforms with clear flooring to feel risky above the landscape. Peripheral elements include an 8-foot diameter spinner, embankment slide, net climber and swings to round out this amazing public play space. 

670 Brunswick St, San Francisco
Neighborhood: Outer Mission
Online: sfrecpark.org

NEWLY RENOVATED: Golden Gate Heights Park

This park recently underwent a renovation with a 19' DNA climbing structure, basket swing, rolling arches and spring disc steps all added to the playground section. Set atop of hilltop dune, the construction of this playground was done with sustainability in mind and includes repurposed logs and other natural materials. Nestled amidst a wooded area that is often foggy, locals call this the Enchanted Forest park and we just know that your littles will agree! 

2002 12th Ave
Neighborhood: Golden Gate Heights
Online: sfrecpark.org

Quincy Stamper

NEWLY RENOVATED: Turk-Hyde Mini Park

Turk-Hyde Mini Park, an oasis for preschoolers and their parents in the heart of the Tenderloin, re-opened on March 2 with updated play equipment and landscaping, as well as a redesign to make the space more accessible and conducive to gatherings. One of four parks in the Tenderloin, this park is an important gathering space for the families living in the area. The 6,500-square feet of space includes new plastic and metal play structure, slide, shaded seating and picnic tables. You'll also find a gorgeous floral mural by Tenderloin resident Sylvester Guard, Jr. overlooking the park.

Turk and Hyde Streets
Neighborhood: The Tenderloin
Online: sfrecpark.org

NEWLY RENOVATED: Panhandle Playground

Upper Haight and NoPa parents adore this busy little playground in the middle of the Panhandle and with its recent renovations, there is even more to love! Panhandle Playground is among 13 renovations across the city supported by the Let’sPlaySF! campaign, a partnership between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance. The transformed Panhandle Playground includes a sandbox in which children can dig for built-in sea treasures, multiple climbing surfaces, two swing sets, an area for older and younger children and reservable picnic tables. The use of natural materials like boulders and wood allows the new playground to blend into the area, which is home to 80 species of trees.

Oak & Ashbury
Neighborhood: Panhandle/Haight
Online: sfparksalliance.org

Children play at Joe DiMaggio playground in San Francisco
Christine Lai

Joe DiMaggio Playground

This two acre playground boasts a large play area that meets ADA requirements, a bocce court, tennis courts and pool building. With the gorgeous Saints Peter and Paul church as a background, this park is perfect for a picnic (or head over to nearby Washington Square). Across the park is the new North Beach library wherelittle legs can take a quiet break from the playground and enjoy a story or two. 

651 Lombard St
Neighborhood: Little Italy

Online: sfrecpark.org

Helen Diller Civic Center Playgrounds

Head to the Civic Center for a two-for-one playground combo, just opened in early 2018. These two massive climbing structures boast innovative design and cushioned artificial turf for children to play. Multi-sensory areas and traditional swings provide kids with different ways to move their bodies. The park even has elements that allow children in wheelchairs to swing and play. Read all about them here. Bonus: Bi-rite set up shop in the plaza so you can get your pre-playground coffee fix!

Civic Center Plaza
Neighborhood: Civic Center
Online: sfrecpark.org

SF Rec Park

Mountain Lake Park

This recently-renovated city park sits just south of the Presidio. The under three set can play in their own self-contained toddler area that only has one gate to enter and exit (essential for toddler containment). Big kids will enjoy using the stairs or the climbing wall to reach the top of the cement slide and then grabbing a buddy to slide down together. There's also a great rope climbing area with gorgeous views of nearby Mountain Lake.

One 11th Ave.
Neighborhood: Lake Street
Online: sfrecpark.org

Kate Loweth

Hilltop Park

Hilltop is most well-known for its giant 70-foot sundial and its skatepark. If you haven't been there in a while, recent renovations will make you want to drop by for another afternoon of play. The massive cement slide is still in place (bring your cardboard if you have the need for speed) but the playground at its base is totally new and totally cool. Kids can climb on the tree-shaped merry-go-round and the rubberized flooring will protect from any falls. Plenty of benches surround the action so that parents can take a break.

La Salle & Whitney Young Circle
Neighborhood: Bayview
Online: sfrecpark.org

South Park

South Park is the oldest public park in San Francisco. Taking up almost 34,000 square feet of space, the park is a favorite lunch spot for those working in the surrounding businesses. Park improvements include the addition of a butterfly garden and a massive serpentine climbing structure for kids of all ages. Grab a spot on the net swing and enjoy the afternoon. Read all about it here.

64 South Park Ave.
Neighborhood: South Park
Online: sfrecpark.org

Mission Playground and Pool

This park in the heart of the Mission has two main play areas: one along Valencia which water features that and one with climbing structures and slides adjacent to the Mission Clubhouse. There’s also tennis courts, a basketball court, and a black top soccer pitch. Oh yeah, and the only outdoor public pool in San Francisco!

Valencia & Cunningham (pool and clubhouse, 19th & Linda)
Neighborhood: The Mission
Online: sfrec.org

Dolores Park Helen Diller Playground

With incredible views of downtown from the top of the mega-slide and a ton of swings, it's a playground that's often busy but rarely feels crowded. Bribing the littles with a walk to nearby Bi-Rite Creamery may be the only way to can get them to leave the rock and net climbing structurs.

Church & Dolores Streets
Neighborhood: The Mission
Online: sfrecpark.org

Potrero Hill Children’s Play Area

Little firefighters will be stoked at the firetruck climbing structure in this playground located just down the hill from Potrero Hill Rec Center. Take advantage of some of the best weather in the city and have a picnic here.

801 Arkansas St.
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
Online: sfrecpark.org

McKinley Square

Sweeping views and a location at the top of the actual crookedest street in San Francisco (Vermont St.) make this park an ideal spot to show the grandparents why you put up with no parking and high rents. A clean playground and mini-lawn (watch for doggie land-minds!) make it well worth the stop, and the nearby historic homes just make the already breathtaking views that much sweeter. Don’t be fooled by its proximity to the 101, a large bank of cypress trees blocks much of the sound and view.  Enjoy the growing community garden.

2301 20th St. at Vermont St.
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
Online: sfrecpark.org

Bernal Heights Playground

Located right behind the Bernal Library, this smaller park boasts more climbing structures and tunnels per square foot than your average playground. There's a sand pit to plop those little diggers down, too. It can get crowded around library story time and on weekends but how else is your kid gonna learn to share that bucket and scoop?

500 Moultrie St
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights
Online: sfrecpark.org

Kate Loweth

Sue Bierman Playground

Burn off that Miette macaroon at the Sue Bierman playground. Located across the street (and just north) from the Ferry Building, this picture-perfect playground offers two main play structures, a rope dome, and lots of baby swings to keep your 'Frisco kids busy while you take in the view of Coit Tower. It’s in full sun, so on a warm day it’s bright and hot, but there’s lots of  grass and shady nooks in the area outside the playground. There are no restrooms at the park: use the Ferry Building.

Washington & Drumm St.
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
Online: sfrecpark.org

Willy "Woo Woo" Wong Playground

This is the kind of playground that reminds you why you love living in San Francisco. Both bigs and littles will find their own play areas, and the park's features include colorful murals, tennis and volleyball courts. There is also a basketball court: Willy Wong was a famous Chinese American basketball player in the 1940s. The rec center has a ton of programs, an indoor gym and ping-pong tables. Plus the proximity to Chinatown, downtown and North Beach make this a worthy stop on a day of exploring.

830 Sacramento St.
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Online: sfrecpark.org

Two girls play at Yerba Buena playground
Christine Lai

Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Play Area

Located at the southern end of the Yerba Buena Gardens complex (right next to an ice rink, bowling alley and children’s museum) the highlight for most kids is the crazy-high tube slides. Kids of smaller-stature will find plenty to do, too: there’s climbing structures, a sand pit and even a small hedge maze. The gardens offer regular classes, too.

750 Howard St.
Neighborhood: SoMa
Online: yerbabuenagardens.com

Collis P. Huntington Park Play Area

The location of this rad playground at the top of Nob Hill, across from Grace Cathedral and the Huntington Hotel, means getting there is half the fun: take a cable car or walk up one of downtown's steepest inclines. There’s also the historic Flood Fountain at the park’s center, and you can count on lots of cute neighborhood dogs.

California & Taylor
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Online: sfrecpark.org

A girl laughs at a joke on a playground
iStock

Washington and Hyde Mini Park

Possibly the smallest and most charming playground in the city, this Nob Hill secret is made for pint-sized people. Tucked away from the bustle of nearby downtown, it is designed to look like a child-sized city. No restrooms here.

Washington & Hyde
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Online: sfrecpark.org

Alta Plaza Park

This hilltop park offers an amazing view and lots of creative options for kids to dig in the sand (mini-excavators and tubes of fun!) plus grass and tennis courts. Believe it or not, this park was once actually a quarry!

Jackson & Steiner
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
Online: sfrecpark.org

Lafayette Park

This geo-sister park to Alta Plaza was renovated in 2013 to include a cool stone climbing structure, an area just for little tots and a water feature. A popular park for dog walkers it includes paths and nice views. Fun fact: This park once was the site of the City’s first astronomical observatory.

Gough & Washington St.
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
Online: sfrecpark.org

Duboce Park

Located right next to the N Judah line, the tot play area is a great place for lil’ engineers to watch the trains go by. It’s a small playground (there’s a second playground for bigger kids up above) so it can get crowded but it’s a great place to let your newly-walking babes roam. The rest of Duboce Park includes the dog park, a basketball court and the Harvey Milk Rec Center. Restrooms at the rec center.

Duboce & Scott St.
Neighborhood: Duboce Triangle
Online: sfrecpark.org

Kate Loweth

Eureka Valley Playground

Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, kids can follow the yellow path or just run free-style around this cushioned playground in the Castro. The rec center onsite hosts a ton of classes and there’s also a baseball diamond, tennis court and a dog run! And if you've got older kids who want a wild ride, walk to the nearby Seward Street Slides but be sure to bring some cardboard with you!

100 Collingwood St.
Neighborhood: The Castro
Online: sfrecpark.org

Hayes Valley Playground

Looking for a place to work out while the kids go down the slide 50 times? This playground not only includes play areas geared toward toddlers as well as the five and up crowd, it has outdoor fitness equipment for adults. There’s also a massive clubhouse, a stage and community garden plots. Fun fact: the clubhouse features recycled denim insulation!

Hayes & Buchanan St.
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
Online: sfrecpark.org

Alamo Square Children's Play Area

Located on the east side of the park, the playground at Alamo Square rivals views from nearly any peak in the city. If you’re not gazing at the famous Painted Ladies you can peek the Transamerica Pyramid and the gilded dome of City Hall and from the top of the equipment spot the Golden Gate Bridge. With an elevated section for the 2-5 crowd, you can keep your little ones at an arm’s length while still having a bird’s eye view of the bigger kids. The west side of the park is designated for doggies, so let your pooches have a go and your kiddos have a gander. There are restrooms but they are a short walk from the actual playground.

Hayes & Steiner
Neighborhood: Western Addition
Online: sfrecpark.org

Grattan Playground

Covering a full city block in Cole Valley, this playground is not one the kids will soon outgrow. The upper level playground (adjacent to the Haight Ashbury Community Nursery School) has lots of sand and equipment suited toward the preschool and toddler and even crawling crowd. The lower playground has slightly dated features good for school age kids: sand, giant swings and slides alongside a big green soccer field. Bring some chalk to draw on the chalk wall, or check out the basketball and tennis courts up above the nursery school.

1180 Stanyan St
Neighborhood: Cole Valley
Online: sfrecpark.org

Presidio Heights Playground

A hidden gem, this park feels like you are in someone’s (amazing) back yard. Features include a toddler play area with big sand pit, slides, swings and a climbing structure. There's also a full length basketball court that serves as a roadway for the many riding toys donated by local parents.

Clay & Walnut St.
Neighborhood: Presidio Heights
Online: sfparksalliance.org

Julius Kahn Playground

This playground and park features Golden Gate Bridge, Bay and Marin Headlands views on display, assuming you visit on a fog-free day. This is a great spot for the little kids and big kids alike since since there are separate play structures within the large fenced-in playground. A 2003 renovation transformed a heavily used playground into a state-of-the-art, Parisian-style play area. The new Julius Kahn design was developed with the feel and aesthetics of the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. The park also includes an interactive wet sand play sculpture and unique and challenging play equipment.

West Pacific Ave. & Spruce St.
Neighborhood: Presidio
Online: sfrecpark.org

JP Murphy Playground & Clubhouse, Golden Gate Heights

Tucked away on a hill in the Inner Sunset/Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, this park has a playground, tennis court, a chic modern club house that can be rented for parties, restrooms and a big bonus: a sneak peek of the Golden Gate Bridge. The playground is remarkably out of the wind (for the most part) and is just contained enough that you can kick back and watch your kids take a turn on the chair swing.

1960 9th Ave. between Ortega and Pacheco
Neighborhood: Golden Gate Heights/Forest Hill
Online: sfrecpark.org

Cabrillo Playground

The entire playground was remodeled in 2013 and features a pirate ship play structure (complete with cannons and a crow’s nest!), cement Ping-Pong tables and built-in four-square and hopscotch, as well as tennis and basketball courts. There’s a cute clubhouse that can be accessed from one of the climbing structures and restrooms. A very small strip of grass, located smack in the middle of the park, is the perfect place to snack-break.

858 38th Ave.
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
Online: sfrecpark.org

Kate Loweth

Koret Children’s Quarter (Golden Gate Park Children’s Playground)

The mother of all playgrounds, on a Saturday mid-morning this is not for the faint-of-heart. It’s big, there’s a ton to do and it’s busy. (The din of children squealing with delight almost drowns out the drums of Hippie Hill). Try out the cement slides—one of the few remnants of the vintage playground that once stood here (bring scrap cardboard). The playground also includes one of the tallest climbing structures in the park circuit, a water feature and sand that mix together for a messily awesome good time and a carousel! Restrooms are just past the carousel.

Martin Luther King, Jr and Bowling Green Drive
Neighborhood: Golden Gate Park
Online: sfrecpark.org

45th Avenue Playground

Locals call it the Blue Boat Playground and your little pirates will love the actual boat docked in the sand at this playground. Though this isn’t a recent reno it’s still a well-kept and well-loved playground in Golden Gate Park’s outer reaches. Surrounded by big trees, it’s shadier and cooler than some other spots, so keep those fleeces on hand for when Karl the Fog comes to play. The picnic area is reservable through GGP. Brand-new restrooms are scheduled to open soon!

4414 Lincoln Way
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
Online: sfrecpark.org

Sunset Rec Center

In addition to a massive rec center with indoor courts (and clean restrooms!) there is a sweet playground with two areas for toddlers and big kids, with plenty of little nooks to explore. There’s almost always parking and even at peak activity it still feels spacious. On the other side of the rec center from the playground there’s a baseball diamond!

2201 Lawton St.
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
Online: sfparksalliance.org

—Kate Loweth and Amber Guetebier  

featured photo by Fabian Centeno via Unsplash

RELATED STORIES
The Ultimate Bay Area Playground List
The Best East Bay Playgrounds
Frolic in These 13 Fabulous South Bay Parks
Peninsula Playground Breakdown: Your Guide to the Best Parks

Search more like this
  • play area
  • basketball court
  • baseball
  • basketball
  • community gardens
  • fun facts
  • natural materials
  • ping pong
  • tennis
  • tennis court
  • water features
  • bocce courts
  • bowling
  • butterfly garden
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