Just (Re)Opened: Cabrillo Playground

If the whipping winds of Ocean Beach prove too much for your sweet little skallywags, take a time-out and visit this Outer Richmond treasure: the completely renovated Cabrillo Playground. The brand new-and-improved, totally-tricked out playground is a must-visit. Just don’t forget your fleeces.

The entire playground has been completely remodeled with kids at heart, 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 brand new tennis and full and half basketball courts.

Located between Fulton and Cabrillo with accessible entrances on 38^th and 39^th Avenue, the Cabrillo playground’s facelift is more than meets the eye: it’s not just the fantastic flourishing Dahlia garden or the fence that doubles as a sculpture. With a lush little mini-lawn for picnicking and well placed ramps, stairways, and benches there are plenty of places to get a bird’s eye view of your Little Ones while they explore, or try out some of the sturdy new equipment your own bad self!

The playground clubhouse, which has been beautifully restored, will also be available for hourly rentals and with a playground as your front yard, there’s no need to book a bouncy house for this year’s big b-day.

Good to know: Nearby on Balboa Street you’ll find multiple eateries, including the Zephyr coffee shop, the hip new Cassava, and the Zagat-featured Shanghai House. Plus there are several pizza parlors, Vietnamese diners, and ice cream and sandwich shops. The Balboa Theater is on the corner of Balboa and 38^th Ave. and frequently offers a kid-friendly feature.

Keep in Mind: This neighborhood sees many a day with no blue sky, so keep your layers handy for that afternoon fog and morning drizzle. And no one will begrudge you a chance to dust off your Captain’s Hat or eye patch. Except maybe your kids.

Generally, there is easy parking in this neighborhood, even on weekends. The clubhouse also features freshly painted and renovated bathrooms, so breathe a sigh of relief!

Find It: The Cabrillo Playground is open from 6:00am to 10:00pm every day, located on 38^th Avenue (and 39^th Avenue) between Fulton and Cabrillo Street.

Have you checked out the new and improved Cabrillo Playground? Let us know in the comment section below!

Copy and Photos by: Amber Guetebier