Top 20 Things to do with kids in San Francisco
"Explore the vibrant city of San Francisco with your little ones! From visiting the famous California Academy of Sciences, strolling through the historic Golden Gate Park, to riding a cable car, there are countless 'Things to do with kids in San Francisco.' Make memories as a family while discovering the unique attractions this city has to offer."
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- 1. Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
- 2. San Francisco Zoo
- 3. Golden Gate Park
- 4. The Walt Disney Family Museum
- 5. Aquarium of the Bay
- 6. Mission Bay Kids' Park
- 7. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
- 8. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- 9. Randall Museum
- 10. Koret Children's Playground
- 11. Dolores Park
- 12. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- 13. Children's Creativity Museum
- 14. San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39
- 15. Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
- 16. House of Air Trampoline Park and Café
- 17. Flyer Thrill Zone & 7D Experience
- 18. 24th & York Mini Park
- 19. Exploratorium Store
- 20. Kids in Parks
1. Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
Features a unique infinity mirror design
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The Mirror Maze at Pier 39 is a fun and exciting attraction that provides a great experience for a low cost. Visitors can spend as little as 5 minutes or up to 25 minutes exploring the maze, depending on their preference. It's important to keep an eye on children in the maze, as they can easily get turned around and disoriented. However, there is only one entrance and exit, so there's no need to worry about getting lost permanently.
Visitors are provided with plastic gloves to keep the mirrors clean and enhance the illusion of the maze. The mirrors are so convincing that it's necessary to touch them to find your way through. The maze is a must-stop destination for anyone in the area, and it's a great activity for families and groups of friends. At only $5 per person, it's an affordable and enjoyable way to spend some time.
The Mirror Maze at Pier 39 is a fun and exciting attraction that provides a great experience for a low cost. Visitors can spend as little as 5 minutes or up to 25 minutes exploring the maze, depending on their preference. It's important to keep an eye on children in the maze, as they can easily get turned around and disoriented. However, there is only one entrance and exit, so there's no need to worry about getting lost permanently.
Visitors are provided with plastic gloves to keep the mirrors clean and enhance the illusion of the maze. The mirrors are so convincing that it's necessary to touch them to find your way through. The maze is a must-stop destination for anyone in the area, and it's a great activity for families and groups of friends. At only $5 per person, it's an affordable and enjoyable way to spend some time.
2. San Francisco Zoo
Features a children's zoo and interactive play areas
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The SF Zoo offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including exploring animal exhibits and taking advantage of kids’ activities. Children 3 years old and under can enter the zoo for free. The zoo also features interactive storybooks and wildlife-themed playgrounds for kids to enjoy. Other attractions such as the carousel and tasty lunch options are also available, and the Pacific Ocean is conveniently located nearby for visitors to explore after their zoo visit.
Visitors to the SF Zoo should not miss the opportunity to participate in the special activities designed for children. These activities include interactive storybooks and playgrounds that are wildlife-themed. The zoo has a policy of free admission for children who are 3 years old or younger. In addition to these children’s activities, visitors can also enjoy other attractions such as the carousel and various meal options. The Pacific Ocean is conveniently located near the zoo, providing a great option for visitors to extend their day of fun and exploration.
The SF Zoo offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including exploring animal exhibits and taking advantage of kids’ activities. Children 3 years old and under can enter the zoo for free. The zoo also features interactive storybooks and wildlife-themed playgrounds for kids to enjoy. Other attractions such as the carousel and tasty lunch options are also available, and the Pacific Ocean is conveniently located nearby for visitors to explore after their zoo visit.
Visitors to the SF Zoo should not miss the opportunity to participate in the special activities designed for children. These activities include interactive storybooks and playgrounds that are wildlife-themed. The zoo has a policy of free admission for children who are 3 years old or younger. In addition to these children’s activities, visitors can also enjoy other attractions such as the carousel and various meal options. The Pacific Ocean is conveniently located near the zoo, providing a great option for visitors to extend their day of fun and exploration.
3. Golden Gate Park
Sprawling urban park with a wide range of recreational and cultural attractions.
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Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a must-visit destination for families, covering 1,017 acres and offering numerous free and low-cost activities. Among the many attractions are row boats on Blue Heron Lake, hiking up Strawberry Hill, exploring museums, and enjoying carousels and Ferris wheels.
Visitors can also explore the park's many gardens, such as the botanical garden, and take in the beautiful scenery. Whether your kids love the outdoors, history, or art, there's something for everyone at Golden Gate Park. With so many things to see and do, it's the perfect destination for families looking for a fun and memorable experience.
Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a must-visit destination for families, covering 1,017 acres and offering numerous free and low-cost activities. Among the many attractions are row boats on Blue Heron Lake, hiking up Strawberry Hill, exploring museums, and enjoying carousels and Ferris wheels.
Visitors can also explore the park's many gardens, such as the botanical garden, and take in the beautiful scenery. Whether your kids love the outdoors, history, or art, there's something for everyone at Golden Gate Park. With so many things to see and do, it's the perfect destination for families looking for a fun and memorable experience.
4. The Walt Disney Family Museum
Honors the life and legacy of Walt Disney
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A kid-friendly experience awaits visitors at the venue, although it's important to keep a close eye on young ones to ensure they don't touch anything they shouldn't. The exhibits are engaging and enjoyable for all ages, leaving a desire to return in the future when children are older and can appreciate the full scope of the offerings.
The venue boasts a variety of exhibits that cater to different interests and age groups. While the experience is suitable for children, it is also enjoyable for adults. The interactive nature of many of the exhibits adds to their appeal, making it a place that visitors of all ages will want to revisit in the future when children are old enough to fully engage with and understand the exhibits.
A kid-friendly experience awaits visitors at the venue, although it's important to keep a close eye on young ones to ensure they don't touch anything they shouldn't. The exhibits are engaging and enjoyable for all ages, leaving a desire to return in the future when children are older and can appreciate the full scope of the offerings.
The venue boasts a variety of exhibits that cater to different interests and age groups. While the experience is suitable for children, it is also enjoyable for adults. The interactive nature of many of the exhibits adds to their appeal, making it a place that visitors of all ages will want to revisit in the future when children are old enough to fully engage with and understand the exhibits.
5. Aquarium of the Bay
Showcases local marine life and conservation efforts
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The location is an ideal spot for a family outing, offering entertainment that is sure to delight children of all ages. Among the top attractions are the captivating jellyfish and the entertaining otters, which are especially popular among young visitors. The family-friendly environment makes it a highly recommended destination for a day out with children.
This venue is a fantastic place to take kids, offering a wide range of engaging and interactive experiences. The touch pools and underwater tunnels are among the most popular attractions, providing both fun and education for the whole family. Overall, it is a great place to create lasting memories and learn about marine life.
The location is an ideal spot for a family outing, offering entertainment that is sure to delight children of all ages. Among the top attractions are the captivating jellyfish and the entertaining otters, which are especially popular among young visitors. The family-friendly environment makes it a highly recommended destination for a day out with children.
This venue is a fantastic place to take kids, offering a wide range of engaging and interactive experiences. The touch pools and underwater tunnels are among the most popular attractions, providing both fun and education for the whole family. Overall, it is a great place to create lasting memories and learn about marine life.
6. Mission Bay Kids' Park
Located near the San Francisco Giants' stadium, providing a unique opportunity for baseball-themed activities
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Mission Bay Kids Park is a charming neighborhood playground located at the intersection of Long Street Bridge and China Basin Street. The park is a popular spot for families with young children, featuring a small kid's playground with various climbing structures, slides, swings, and benches.
The park is designed to provide a fun and engaging environment for kids to play and explore. In addition to the traditional playground equipment, the park also features natural play features and picnic areas that can be reserved for special events such as birthday parties. The colorful and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for families to spend quality time together while their children play and make new friends.
Mission Bay Kids Park is a charming neighborhood playground located at the intersection of Long Street Bridge and China Basin Street. The park is a popular spot for families with young children, featuring a small kid's playground with various climbing structures, slides, swings, and benches.
The park is designed to provide a fun and engaging environment for kids to play and explore. In addition to the traditional playground equipment, the park also features natural play features and picnic areas that can be reserved for special events such as birthday parties. The colorful and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for families to spend quality time together while their children play and make new friends.
7. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
World's last manually operated cable car system
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Visiting this place is a great way to learn more about the operations of cable cars and what lies beneath the streets. It is an educational and enjoyable experience for kids. The attraction features moving cables and provides insight into the history of cable cars, which kids find fascinating.
This location is an excellent destination for families with children. Kids are particularly interested in the moving cables and the historical information about cable cars. The experience is both fun and informative, making it a great way to spend time with your family. Overall, it is an enjoyable and educational outing for kids.
Visiting this place is a great way to learn more about the operations of cable cars and what lies beneath the streets. It is an educational and enjoyable experience for kids. The attraction features moving cables and provides insight into the history of cable cars, which kids find fascinating.
This location is an excellent destination for families with children. Kids are particularly interested in the moving cables and the historical information about cable cars. The experience is both fun and informative, making it a great way to spend time with your family. Overall, it is an enjoyable and educational outing for kids.
8. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Rich maritime history with restored vessels and historic buildings.
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The historic ships at this location made for a great educational experience for children. They were engaged and excited to explore these vessels and learn about their history. The Junior Ranger program was another hit, providing a structured and interactive way for kids to engage with their surroundings and earn a badge.
Families looking for a fun outing will find this location to be a perfect spot. The interactive exhibits were a big hit with kids, allowing them to learn and explore in a hands-on way. The beach area was an added bonus, giving families the opportunity to relax and soak up some sun after a day of exploration. Overall, this location is a great choice for families looking for a fun and educational experience.
The historic ships at this location made for a great educational experience for children. They were engaged and excited to explore these vessels and learn about their history. The Junior Ranger program was another hit, providing a structured and interactive way for kids to engage with their surroundings and earn a badge.
Families looking for a fun outing will find this location to be a perfect spot. The interactive exhibits were a big hit with kids, allowing them to learn and explore in a hands-on way. The beach area was an added bonus, giving families the opportunity to relax and soak up some sun after a day of exploration. Overall, this location is a great choice for families looking for a fun and educational experience.
9. Randall Museum
Home to the Fur & Feathers animal exhibit
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The Randall Museum in San Francisco has recently completed its renovation, revealing an even more attractive destination for families and children. This compact museum offers an array of interactive exhibits and activities for all ages, including workshops and a theater specifically designed for older kids. Younger visitors, such as our five-year-old granddaughter, will particularly enjoy the live animal exhibit and the newly added 'basket weaving' area.
The Randall Museum is a wonderful, free-of-charge wildlife museum featuring native California animals like raccoons, snakes, and crows. An additional highlight for railroad enthusiasts is the miniature train exhibit, where moving trains recreate an engaging and educational experience. Expand your visit by participating in an art or science class, or take a hike up the hill adjacent to the museum for stunning views of the city.
The Randall Museum in San Francisco has recently completed its renovation, revealing an even more attractive destination for families and children. This compact museum offers an array of interactive exhibits and activities for all ages, including workshops and a theater specifically designed for older kids. Younger visitors, such as our five-year-old granddaughter, will particularly enjoy the live animal exhibit and the newly added 'basket weaving' area.
The Randall Museum is a wonderful, free-of-charge wildlife museum featuring native California animals like raccoons, snakes, and crows. An additional highlight for railroad enthusiasts is the miniature train exhibit, where moving trains recreate an engaging and educational experience. Expand your visit by participating in an art or science class, or take a hike up the hill adjacent to the museum for stunning views of the city.
10. Koret Children's Playground
Historic landmark with unique play structures
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Koret Playground, located in Golden Gate Park, is the largest playground in the area. It features a variety of fun and engaging activities for children, including a giant concrete slide, separate play structures designed for smaller and bigger kids, and a large blue wave sculpture. Older children can challenge themselves on the towering rope tower, while younger children can enjoy the swings. The playground also offers a historic carousel for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Koret Children's Quarter is an exciting destination for families with children. Its concrete slides offer a thrilling experience for kids, while the rope climbing tower allows them to test their strength and agility. The playground provides age-appropriate equipment, ensuring that both younger and older children can have a great time. The swings are always a popular attraction, providing a gentle and enjoyable ride for kids. The historic carousel is another highlight of the playground, providing entertainment for children and adults alike.
Koret Playground, located in Golden Gate Park, is the largest playground in the area. It features a variety of fun and engaging activities for children, including a giant concrete slide, separate play structures designed for smaller and bigger kids, and a large blue wave sculpture. Older children can challenge themselves on the towering rope tower, while younger children can enjoy the swings. The playground also offers a historic carousel for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Koret Children's Quarter is an exciting destination for families with children. Its concrete slides offer a thrilling experience for kids, while the rope climbing tower allows them to test their strength and agility. The playground provides age-appropriate equipment, ensuring that both younger and older children can have a great time. The swings are always a popular attraction, providing a gentle and enjoyable ride for kids. The historic carousel is another highlight of the playground, providing entertainment for children and adults alike.
11. Dolores Park
Offers breathtaking views of the city
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This park is a notable landmark with stunning views and an abundance of sun. The vicinity of the park includes an ice cream shop and a Bi-Rite, providing convenient access to snacks or meals. The park is an excellent destination for families, especially on sunny days when they can be found picnicking on the grassy lawns beneath shading palm trees.
The park features a playground, two off-leash dog play areas, and several sports courts for visitors to enjoy. Its popularity among families is due to the array of recreational activities it offers for both children and pets.
This park is a notable landmark with stunning views and an abundance of sun. The vicinity of the park includes an ice cream shop and a Bi-Rite, providing convenient access to snacks or meals. The park is an excellent destination for families, especially on sunny days when they can be found picnicking on the grassy lawns beneath shading palm trees.
The park features a playground, two off-leash dog play areas, and several sports courts for visitors to enjoy. Its popularity among families is due to the array of recreational activities it offers for both children and pets.
12. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Home to many odd and unusual artifacts from around the world
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Ripley's Believe It or Not! in San Francisco is a must-visit attraction, known for its unique and entertaining experiences. The venue showcases a vast range of bizarre artifacts and interactive displays, providing a one-of-a-kind exploration opportunity. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the exhibits, making it an ideal place for families and individuals seeking something out of the ordinary.
During our visit, we were impressed with the helpful and welcoming attitude of the staff, specifically Leti. Our kids particularly enjoyed the mind-warping tunnel, which added to the overall excitement of the experience. We highly recommend Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco for anyone looking for a unique and memorable day out.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! in San Francisco is a must-visit attraction, known for its unique and entertaining experiences. The venue showcases a vast range of bizarre artifacts and interactive displays, providing a one-of-a-kind exploration opportunity. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the exhibits, making it an ideal place for families and individuals seeking something out of the ordinary.
During our visit, we were impressed with the helpful and welcoming attitude of the staff, specifically Leti. Our kids particularly enjoyed the mind-warping tunnel, which added to the overall excitement of the experience. We highly recommend Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco for anyone looking for a unique and memorable day out.
13. Children's Creativity Museum
Highly focuses on child-led learning
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The children's museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits that are suitable for toddlers up to age 12. Visitors are particularly impressed with the stop animation studio. The museum is a great place for families to explore and is highly recommended.
The museum is an enjoyable place for children, providing numerous fun activities, especially on rainy days. The staff are friendly, contributing to a positive atmosphere. The museum provides several hours of entertainment at a reasonable price.
The children's museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits that are suitable for toddlers up to age 12. Visitors are particularly impressed with the stop animation studio. The museum is a great place for families to explore and is highly recommended.
The museum is an enjoyable place for children, providing numerous fun activities, especially on rainy days. The staff are friendly, contributing to a positive atmosphere. The museum provides several hours of entertainment at a reasonable price.
14. San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39
Authentic 1906 Looff carousel with a variety of exotic animals to ride
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The San Francisco Carousel is a popular attraction situated on Pier 39, which is known for its numerous budget-friendly shops and restaurants. The carousel has been in operation for some time, although it may be considered average in terms of entertainment.
To find the carousel, visitors can walk to the end of Pier 39, where they will discover a beautifully hand-painted double-decker carousel. This masterpiece was created in Italy and features iconic San Francisco landmarks such as Coit Tower, Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to traditional carousel horses, children can also choose to ride a PIER 39 sea lion figure.
The San Francisco Carousel is a popular attraction situated on Pier 39, which is known for its numerous budget-friendly shops and restaurants. The carousel has been in operation for some time, although it may be considered average in terms of entertainment.
To find the carousel, visitors can walk to the end of Pier 39, where they will discover a beautifully hand-painted double-decker carousel. This masterpiece was created in Italy and features iconic San Francisco landmarks such as Coit Tower, Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to traditional carousel horses, children can also choose to ride a PIER 39 sea lion figure.
15. Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
San Francisco, CA• Private School• 9-12 • Rating 4.12 out of 5 196 reviews Parent: I am happy with the teachers, student life, and overall facilities. There are many opportunities for children to participate in the arts and sports, and the administration communicates well and frequently. My only complaint is that there are too many apps for parents and students: one for emails, one for grades, one for buying tickets to sports/arts events, one for buying lunch points, one for uploading medical forms, and one for paying tuition. . . It is a challenge; Sometimes, you need clarification to navigate these apps. Consider consolidating them into one multi-purpose platform... Read 196 reviews grade A+ Overall specialized undergraduate students 1,411 Student to teacher ratio 15:1 #40 best private high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.
16. House of Air Trampoline Park and Café
Combines trampoline park and café in one location
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House of Air is an ideal destination for families with children. The trampoline activities are a major draw, providing endless fun and excitement for kids. The facility offers a variety of options, including trampoline dodgeball and a mini bounce area, ensuring that there is something for children of all ages to enjoy. Parents can also find enjoyment at the café, where they can relax while keeping an eye on their kids.
In summary, House of Air is a great place for families looking for an active and enjoyable day out. The trampoline activities are a major highlight, particularly the dodgeball and mini bounce area. Parents will appreciate the opportunity to relax at the café while still being able to supervise their children. Overall, it's a fun and engaging environment that is sure to leave both kids and parents with lasting memories.
House of Air is an ideal destination for families with children. The trampoline activities are a major draw, providing endless fun and excitement for kids. The facility offers a variety of options, including trampoline dodgeball and a mini bounce area, ensuring that there is something for children of all ages to enjoy. Parents can also find enjoyment at the café, where they can relax while keeping an eye on their kids.
In summary, House of Air is a great place for families looking for an active and enjoyable day out. The trampoline activities are a major highlight, particularly the dodgeball and mini bounce area. Parents will appreciate the opportunity to relax at the café while still being able to supervise their children. Overall, it's a fun and engaging environment that is sure to leave both kids and parents with lasting memories.
17. Flyer Thrill Zone & 7D Experience
Combines physical games with virtual reality technology
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The virtual 3D ride at Pier 39 was overall an average experience. The attraction is priced higher than other activities at the location. It may not be suitable for young children as it can be scary, and it is recommended to wait until they are at least 13 years old. A 10-year-old visitor found the ride frightening and had to remove the 3D glasses to finish it.
Despite the above, children generally enjoyed the experience. The attraction is worth visiting if bought as a combo ticket, which provides some form of discount. This is an excellent option for families looking to explore other attractions in the city while saving some money.
The virtual 3D ride at Pier 39 was overall an average experience. The attraction is priced higher than other activities at the location. It may not be suitable for young children as it can be scary, and it is recommended to wait until they are at least 13 years old. A 10-year-old visitor found the ride frightening and had to remove the 3D glasses to finish it.
Despite the above, children generally enjoyed the experience. The attraction is worth visiting if bought as a combo ticket, which provides some form of discount. This is an excellent option for families looking to explore other attractions in the city while saving some money.
18. 24th & York Mini Park
Connects to the bigger Glen Canyon Park
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Nestled in the vibrant Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, California, 24th Street Mini Park offers a delightful urban oasis for both tourists and locals alike. The park underwent recent renovations, transforming it into a modern and attractive space for all to enjoy. Visitors to the park can take advantage of the children's play area, which features an unique serpent play structure, providing a fun and engaging experience for kids. The park also offers a small picnic area and benches, allowing for relaxation and enjoyment of the surrounding atmosphere.
One of the standout features of 24th Street Mini Park is the public art and murals on display, showcasing the rich cultural history of the area. The park includes a children's playground equipped with picnic tables and seating, providing a comfortable space for families to spend time together. In addition to the traditional playground equipment like swings and a merry-go-round, the park offers a unique water feature: a mosaic serpent that shoots water from its tail, adding an element of excitement and whimsy to the park.
Nestled in the vibrant Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, California, 24th Street Mini Park offers a delightful urban oasis for both tourists and locals alike. The park underwent recent renovations, transforming it into a modern and attractive space for all to enjoy. Visitors to the park can take advantage of the children's play area, which features an unique serpent play structure, providing a fun and engaging experience for kids. The park also offers a small picnic area and benches, allowing for relaxation and enjoyment of the surrounding atmosphere.
One of the standout features of 24th Street Mini Park is the public art and murals on display, showcasing the rich cultural history of the area. The park includes a children's playground equipped with picnic tables and seating, providing a comfortable space for families to spend time together. In addition to the traditional playground equipment like swings and a merry-go-round, the park offers a unique water feature: a mosaic serpent that shoots water from its tail, adding an element of excitement and whimsy to the park.
19. Exploratorium Store
Indoor and outdoor science center with a focus on fostering curiosity and creativity
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The Exploratorium is an establishment that promotes learning through interaction and engagement with the physical world, as opposed to passive smartphone use. It provides a fun and educational atmosphere for families to enjoy together.
This popular destination offers a wide range of interactive exhibits that capture children's attention and facilitate learning. The store at the Exploratorium also boasts a diverse collection of educational toys and books, providing additional opportunities for discovery and growth.
The Exploratorium is an establishment that promotes learning through interaction and engagement with the physical world, as opposed to passive smartphone use. It provides a fun and educational atmosphere for families to enjoy together.
This popular destination offers a wide range of interactive exhibits that capture children's attention and facilitate learning. The store at the Exploratorium also boasts a diverse collection of educational toys and books, providing additional opportunities for discovery and growth.
20. Kids in Parks
