Best of 34 playgrounds in San Francisco
San Francisco, a vibrant city known for its steep hills and scenic beauty, is also home to numerous playgrounds that provide a fun and safe space for kids to play and explore. These playgrounds in San Francisco are an integral part of the city's community, offering a range of recreational activities that cater to children of all ages and abilities. From traditional play structures to innovative and imaginative play areas, San Francisco's playgrounds are a testament to the city's commitment to providing its youngest residents with opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun.
- 1. Koret Children's Playground
- 2. Mission Dolores - Helen Diller Playground
- 3. George Christopher Playground
- 4. Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground
- 5. Mission Bay Kids' Park
- 6. Margaret S. Hayward Playground
- 7. Presidio Wall Playground
- 8. Panhandle Playground
- 9. Moscone Park Playground
- 10. Merced Heights Playground
- 11. Walter Haas Playground
- 12. Joe DiMaggio Playground
- 13. Lincoln and 45th Avenue Playground
- 14. Outpost Playground
- 15. Douglass Playground
- 16. Mission Playground
- 17. West Sunset Playground
- 18. Presidio Heights Playground
- 19. Carl Larsen Playground
- 20. Helen Diller Civic Center Playground
- 21. Cabrillo Playground
- 22. Alamo Square Playground
- 23. Saint Mary's Playground
- 24. Laurel Hill Playground
- 25. James Rolph Jr. Playground
- 26. Pioneer Park
- 27. John McLaren Park
- 28. Raymond Kimbell Playground
- 29. Cayuga Park
- 30. Alice Chalmers Playground
- 31. Mountain Lake Park Playground
- 32. Blue Playground
- 33. Junipero Serra Playground
- 34. Gilman Playground
1. Koret Children's Playground
Accessible play equipment

The slide that others mentioned was impressive, serving as a fun and innovative way to travel at quicker speeds. It involved using pieces of cardboard as makeshift sleds, allowing children to experience an exciting and unique playtime activity.
In addition to the innovative slide, the playground featured other entertaining structures. The concrete slide, durable and polished, provided a smooth surface for racing down. The rope climbing tower demonstrated remarkable strength and stability, as it was able to support individuals despite their weight. The playground also contained additional slides, offering various options for children to enjoy.
2. Mission Dolores - Helen Diller Playground
Community gardens, Mural paintings

The playground, crafted by architects, offers a unique perspective on playground design, shifting from conventional child-centric focus to a more abstract and multi-faceted approach. This playground features unconventional elements such as boulders near climbing areas, toddler attractions made of concrete, and unusable posts, which may confound some.
In contrast, the swings in this playground provide a more traditional and enjoyable experience, offering a stunning view of the cityscape. These swings serve as a redeeming quality, providing a sense of balance to the overall design of the playground. Despite its shortcomings, the playground offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on play and interaction, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking something different.
3. George Christopher Playground
Impressive city view

The playground is a favorite spot for children visiting due to its spacious layout and variety of activities that keep them engaged and entertained. It caters to kids of all ages with a wide range of play equipment.
The playground is kept clean and well-maintained, which adds to its appeal. Its equipment is in great condition, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for children of all ages.
4. Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground
Renovated in 2017

Willie “Woo-Woo” Wong Playground is a significant public space in San Francisco's Chinatown, attracting families and visitors with its recent remodel and extensive activity offerings. Despite its moderate size, the park features a playground, tennis and basketball courts, and a new clubhouse, ensuring a fun-filled experience for everyone.
Located in Chinatown, the two-story Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground is a must-visit destination for all ages. The park boasts captivating Chinese mythology-inspired climbing structures, traditional play areas for tots and older children, an expansive metal slide, sports courts, a community center, and more. This playground is a true gem in the heart of San Francisco.
5. Mission Bay Kids' Park
Accessible for all ages

Mission Bay Kids Park is a delightful and vibrant local playground that offers a range of play equipment for children. The park features a small kid's playground that includes slides, climbing areas, and swings, providing a fun and engaging space for children to play and explore. The playground is adorned with colorful designs and features natural play elements, creating an enjoyable environment for kids to spend time in.
The park's play area is equipped with various climbing apparatuses and natural play features that encourage kids to be active and creative. The climbing structures offer different challenges for children of varying ages and abilities, promoting physical development and skill-building. The benches in the park provide a comfortable space for parents and caregivers to relax while keeping an eye on their kids. Overall, Mission Bay Kids Park offers a wonderful space for kids to play and have fun, and for families to enjoy quality time together in a colorful and engaging setting.
6. Margaret S. Hayward Playground
Historic Mural by local artist

The Margaret Hayward Playground in Western Addition has undergone a significant renovation, with a total budget of $28 million. The transformation of this 6-acre park includes a redesigned layout that enhances accessibility and creates a unified and lively neighborhood space. At the center of the park, visitors can now find a brand-new children's play area and a community clubhouse.
The community clubhouse is a notable addition, featuring a teaching kitchen and providing increased space for various programs aimed at seniors and youth. Alongside the new children's play area and community clubhouse, the renovation has modernized the park, making it a more attractive and functional hub for recreation and community activities.
7. Presidio Wall Playground
Off-leash dog area, former military post history

The Presidio Wall Playground is an ideal destination for families seeking a fun-filled day with a stunning view. It features play areas suitable for toddlers, including slides and swings, as well as climbing and spinning structures designed for school-aged children to improve their motor skills. As a former military base transformed into a National Recreation Area, the Presidio offers a wide range of enjoyable activities for kids, making it an excellent option for entertaining visiting relatives or adding variety to your weekend plans.
The Presidio provides an affordable solution for families looking to enjoy some quality time together while engaging their children in educational and entertaining activities. With its rich history as a military base, the Presidio now serves as a National Recreation Area, offering visitors a unique blend of nature and culture. Kids can explore the area's many trails, learn about its history, and take advantage of the playgrounds and other recreational facilities available to them. Whether you're a local resident or a visiting tourist, the Presidio Wall Playground is a must-visit destination for families with children of all ages.
8. Panhandle Playground
Dog-friendly area, accessible

The Panhandle, located in San Francisco, is a popular park featuring a children's playground, basketball courts, and exercise equipment. The park also includes biking and jogging trails that run along both the north and south borders. The recent renovation of the Panhandle Playground is part of the Let'sPlaySF! Initiative, a collaboration between the Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance. This initiative aims to encourage creativity and play in the city.
The Let'sPlaySF! Initiative, which includes the Panhandle Playground renovation, is a joint effort between the Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance. The goal of the initiative is to inspire creativity and promote play in the city. The Panhandle Playground renovation is just one aspect of this larger effort. The park includes a variety of recreational facilities, such as a children's playground, basketball courts, and exercise equipment. Additionally, the park features biking and jogging trails that run along both the north and south borders.
9. Moscone Park Playground
Historic building with beautiful views

This location offers a variety of engaging experiences for children under the age of 5. However, there are a few areas that require extra supervision to ensure the child's safety, such as the swing and the elevated platforms without barriers. Overall, the playground provides numerous activities to keep kids entertained.
The playground is well-maintained and clean, creating an enjoyable environment for children to play. While there are some potential hazards that require careful supervision, the playground offers many activities to keep young children engaged and happy.
10. Merced Heights Playground
Panoramic views of San Francisco

The playground is relatively small, but it offers modern equipment that is appealing to children. Parking is not available on-site, so visitors need to find street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. The weather is typically cold and drizzly, which may affect the playground's outdoor activities.
Despite its size, the playground is an excellent spot for both children and adults to enjoy. In addition to the playground, there is a basketball court, tennis courts, and a spacious grassy field for various outdoor activities. The area is perfect for families, as well as individuals looking for a place to play and explore, making it an enjoyable spot for people of all ages.
11. Walter Haas Playground
Historic site with beautiful views

Kids are particularly drawn to the playground that features a tire swing, which is a big hit among them. The path at this playground is also perfect for scooters, providing a fun and enjoyable experience for children.
This playground is situated in a stunning location, offering breathtaking views that make it one of the best in the world. It is relatively new and boasts excellent facilities such as a basketball court and a large lawn area, making it an ideal spot for families and children to spend time and enjoy various outdoor activities.
12. Joe DiMaggio Playground
Features a mural honoring Joe DiMaggio

Joe DiMaggio Playground is an excellent destination for families with children. The playground's equipment is well-maintained, and there is ample space for kids to run and play. In 2015, the playground underwent extensive renovations to improve the children's play area, update the tennis and bocce ball courts, increase park seating and safety, and make the space ADA accessible.
The playground's renovations have made it an even better place for families to spend time together. The children's play area now has modern and engaging equipment, while the tennis and bocce ball courts have been refreshed for visitors to enjoy. The park's increased seating and safety measures make it a more comfortable and secure space for everyone. Furthermore, the playground is now ADA accessible, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy everything it has to offer.
13. Lincoln and 45th Avenue Playground
Historic Site with Panoramic Views

The Lincoln and 45th Avenue Playground, also known as the Blue Boat Playground, is a popular park situated in Golden Gate Park. It boasts cypress trees, picnic areas, and nautical-themed play structures for children to enjoy. One of the main attractions is a boat that is half-buried in the sand, providing kids with hours of imaginative play.
This enchanting playground, hidden amongst the trees on the southwestern edge of the park, is an ideal location for a family gathering. Children will be thrilled with the nautical-themed play structures, and there is ample space for the party to spread out between the sand-filled playground area and a small, adjacent grassy patch.
14. Outpost Playground
Newly opened outdoor space

The Presidio, a large outdoor playground, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for families. It boasts massive play structures constructed from natural materials such as fallen tree trunks, boulders, and other elements found in nature. This play area encourages children to engage in physical activities, including climbing, crawling, and swinging, creating an ideal environment for them to explore and enjoy the wild outdoors.
At the Presidio, children are presented with various opportunities to express their creativity and imagination. They can build, create art, and roam freely around the area, allowing them to make new friends and engage in fun, self-directed activities. This playground is a perfect venue for children to discover and appreciate the beauty of nature while enjoying all the thrilling adventures it has to offer.
15. Douglass Playground
Accessible playground for all abilities

Tucked in the hills of San Francisco, Douglass Playground is a delightful outdoor destination featuring a range of amenities for a enjoyable day. The park includes a playground, picnic benches, a dog park, a small rec center, and even tennis and basketball courts. Overall, the park's simple facilities are more than made up for by its great location and beautiful setting.
A perfect spot for a one year old's birthday party, Douglass Playground offers a playground, open field, bathrooms, and a tennis court/basketball court. The park's understated facilities are well-suited for families with young children, and the beautiful surroundings make for a wonderful event location. Whether you're looking to spend a day outdoors or host a special celebration, Douglass Playground is a great choice.
16. Mission Playground
Includes a giant climbing wall and a ropes course

The swings at this playground are in excellent condition, unlike those at Dolores Park. This playground, which is somewhat hidden away from the main streets like Valencia, offers a fun experience.
This playground features a variety of equipment, including swings, for children to enjoy. It is well-maintained and generally not busy, making it a great spot for families to visit. The swings are a popular attraction, and children can enjoy them without having to wait in line for a long time.
17. West Sunset Playground
Bay views, free to visit

West Sunset Playground is a popular destination, boasting a high rating of 4.7 stars based on 104 reviews. This playground is a fantastic place for children, offering a well-maintained space with a wide range of enjoyable equipment.
The equipment at West Sunset Playground includes various features that cater to children of different ages and abilities. The playground's maintained and clean appearance encourages a safe and engaging environment for kids to explore and play. With its excellent rating and positive reviews, it's clear that West Sunset Playground is a top choice for families looking for a fun and enjoyable outdoor activity.
18. Presidio Heights Playground
Scenic views of the city

The playground is a great spot for children of all ages, featuring a wide variety of equipment to enjoy. The area is kept clean and well-maintained, making it a perfect place for families to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors.
This recreational facility is family-friendly and offers an array of outdoor play equipment and open spaces for children to explore. The well-maintained play area provides a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to play and use their imagination.
19. Carl Larsen Playground
Historic site of 1938 World's Fair

20. Helen Diller Civic Center Playground
Inclusive playground design

This playground is a source of great fun and enjoyment. Located in the Civic Center area, it attracts many children and their families. The playground offers a challenging but safe environment for children to play, with creative equipment that encourages physical activity and imagination.
I personally enjoyed visiting the playground very early in the morning, when it was still quiet and not many people were around. However, parking can be a challenge due to the playground's popularity and proximity to other attractions in the area. Nonetheless, the playground is a great place for families to spend time together and for children to have fun and be active.
21. Cabrillo Playground
Scenic ocean views

The playground is a hit among children; it is clean, safe, and offers a variety of activities that keep young ones engaged and entertained. Surrounding the play area, there is plenty of shade and seating for parents and guardians, making it an ideal location for families to spend quality time together.
This playground is a fantastic destination for families, providing children with hours of enjoyment while ensuring their safety. The area boasts ample shade and seating, allowing parents and caregivers to relax while monitoring their children as they enjoy the different play structures.
22. Alamo Square Playground
Featured in movies and TV shows

The playground is a spacious and well-maintained area, perfect for children to run and play. It provides a beautiful view of the city, making it a pleasant location for both children and adults.
The dual-level playground is a hit for kids of various ages. It includes a range of fun features such as swings and slides. Furthermore, it offers a picturesque view of the Painted Ladies, adding to the enjoyment of the play experience.
23. Saint Mary's Playground
Scenic views of the city

The kid-friendly trail at the park is a delightful path that, despite its short length, offers beautiful scenery. It's a great place for children to explore the outdoors and learn about nature. However, it's important to note that the trail is closed for maintenance every Friday. The trail features a long walk down, followed by a climb back up, making it a moderately challenging hike.
Despite the exertion required to complete the trail, families with children can still enjoy the fresh air and picturesque views. The park maintenance crew works diligently every Friday to keep the trail safe and clean, ensuring that visitors have an enjoyable experience. It's recommended to plan your visit accordingly and avoid the trail on Fridays. Remember to wear proper footwear and bring water to stay hydrated during your hike.
24. Laurel Hill Playground
Historic location

Nestled along Euclid Avenue, Laurel Hill Playground is a small but well-maintained neighborhood park that often goes unnoticed despite its convenient location. The park offers a range of amenities including a playground, tennis court, baseball diamond, full-sized basketball court, and a cozy clubhouse, making it the perfect neighborhood gem for various recreational activities.
Despite its comprehensive range of offerings, Laurel Hill Playground remains a hidden gem due to its lack of crowds. The park boasts a playground, tennis and basketball courts, a baseball field, and a clubhouse, providing something for every park-goer. Its relatively small size and off-the-beaten-path location ensure that visitors can enjoy all the perks of a well-appointed park without the crowds often found in larger, more popular parks.
25. James Rolph Jr. Playground
Historical significance as a New Deal project

Our first softball game of the season took place at Rolph Playground, a community center that has recently undergone renovations. However, the location of the field is less than ideal. It is one of the most difficult parks in the city to reach and is situated in an area that is not particularly pleasant.
Despite the challenging location, Rolph Playground boasts several modern amenities that are popular among local residents. The clubhouse is newly built, and the play structures have been updated. Additionally, the athletic fields and programs offered at the park attract participants of all ages.
26. Pioneer Park
Historic landmark and iconic symbol of San Francisco

Pioneer Park is a wonderful urban oasis in the heart of the city, which houses a playground that is a hidden gem for families. The playground, a standout feature of the park, provides a welcome break for children to play and have fun after visiting nearby attractions such as Coit Tower.
27. John McLaren Park
Second largest park in San Francisco

Redwood Grove Playground in McLaren Park is a popular destination for families, featuring unique wood log structures that set it apart from other playgrounds. A large central wood structure with a slide and a climbing structure made of logs and rope net offer exciting opportunities for children to explore and play.
McLaren Park, home to Redwood Grove Playground, is a diverse park with a wide range of recreational offerings. In addition to the playground, there are six playgrounds in total, providing many options for children to play and have fun. Both active and passive recreational opportunities are available in the park, making it a well-rounded destination for people of all ages and interests.
28. Raymond Kimbell Playground
Historic Building with Modern Amenities

Raymond Kimbell Playground is an ideal destination for families with children. It offers a well-maintained play area that children can enjoy for hours. The equipment is safe and suitable for children of different ages, making it a great spot for them to play and socialize. Moreover, there is ample space for children to run around and explore, making it a perfect place for them to expend their energy.
The playground is not only great for children, but it also provides a lovely area for families to spend time together. Parents can watch their kids play while relaxing on the nearby benches or picnic tables. The playground is well-maintained, ensuring a clean and safe environment for everyone to enjoy. Its convenient location and easy access make it a popular choice for families looking for a fun and relaxing afternoon outing.
29. Cayuga Park
Historic carousel and dance pad

This location is ideal for playing basketball and tennis, offering excellent facilities for sports enthusiasts. The park, while boasting beautiful wood cuts, is in need of cleanup to restore its previous beauty.
The park's basketball and tennis courts are well-maintained and provide a great space for exercise and recreation. Regrettably, the park's overall cleanliness has suffered, detracting from its aesthetic appeal. The wood cuts, in particular, stand out as a beautiful feature, showcasing the natural beauty of the area. However, a general cleanup is necessary to restore the park to its full potential.
30. Alice Chalmers Playground
Inclusive playground equipment for children of all abilities

The Alice Chalmers Playground is a beloved community resource in the Outer Mission area of San Francisco. The playground includes a variety of features such as a basketball court and community rooms, providing numerous opportunities for visitors to enjoy the outdoor space. This playground is unique due to its design, which was inspired by the beautiful California coastline.
The Alice Chalmers Playground underwent renovations through the Let'sPlaySF! Initiative, a collaborative effort between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance. This initiative aims to foster creativity and promote play throughout the city. The partnership between these two organizations has resulted in the revitalization of this cherished playground, which will undoubtedly continue to be a treasured resource for the community.
31. Mountain Lake Park Playground
Historic site with a beautiful artificial lake

The presence of certain places in my neighborhood never fails to bring joy to me and my dog whenever we visit them. I feel grateful for the convenience of having such gems close by.
The playground, in particular, has become a vital community hub since its completion. It now serves as both a formal and informal gathering place, suitable for hosting neighborhood meetings in its amphitheater-style seating or casually running into friends to catch up.
32. Blue Playground
Community art space, accessible for all ages

This playground is an ideal location for schools on field trips, situated near museums and providing a welcome break. There are sufficient sunny and shady areas for visitors to enjoy their lunch while watching children play. However, there are some issues, such as the absence of restroom facilities, with the nearest public restroom located at the bandstand, which may be challenging to reach, particularly with younger children. A Porta-potty would be a reasonable alternative, but the park's administration is reluctant to provide public restrooms due to concerns about drug use.
Additionally, personal belongings left unattended, such as jackets, may disappear within an hour. The squirrels in the park are notorious for tearing open unattended lunch bags, even well-insulated ones, so it is essential to keep a close eye on your possessions. Despite these challenges, the playground remains a popular spot for children, and visitors feel safe in this well-maintained and loved space. Nearby attractions also make Blue Playground a great place for kids to play, although the lack of restroom facilities is a disadvantage.
33. Junipero Serra Playground
Historic significance as a Franciscan mission

Junipero Serra Playground, found in San Francisco, California, is a welcoming neighborhood park that was renovated in 2
34. Gilman Playground
Historic site with unique architecture

The playground is a wonderful space for children, featuring a range of equipment that ensures enjoyment and physical activity. It boasts of a well-maintained and safe environment, making it an ideal spot for kids to play and explore. The area is beautifully landscaped, clean, and consistently maintained, adding to its overall appeal.
Adjacent to the playground, there is a separate calisthenics area equipped with double lateral bars, a pull-up bar, and monkey bars. This addition caters to older children and adults who wish to engage in strength and endurance training, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all park visitors.