The Best Playgrounds in San Francisco

The Best Places to Let the Kids Play in San Francisco

San Francisco is a great city for kids. There are many outdoors spaces for kids to run wild and explore. There are also many great playgrounds throughout the city. Whether the parents need a place to rest their legs, or the kids need a break from sightseeing, these are some of the best playgrounds for families in San Francisco.

Mission Dolores Park

This large park is a popular hangout with locals, who head here when the weather's nice to enjoy picnics, ballgames, and hanging out in the sun. The park has a full-sized basketball court, a bike polo court, a soccer field, and six tennis courts. There's also a large playground that's perfect for kids. The park is in a family-friendly area so parents and kids often spend their afternoons here.

Dolores St &, 19th St, Mission and the Castro, San Francisco, CA, 94114

Lafayette Playground

This Pacific Heights playground is really pretty with its nice green space and beautiful trees. There are a lot of things for kids to climb and play on, as well as a water feature and picnic areas.

Clay St. & Laguna St., Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA, 94115

San Francisco has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: The Best Places to Take a Walk in San Francisco and The Best Science Museums in San Francisco.

Helen Diller Playground

Helen Diller Playground is in Dolores Park, and it's a huge area with plenty of room for the kids to run around. Do note that it's not gated, but there are slides, bridges, swings, and a separate area for small kids. Since it's in Dolores Park, it's fun for the family to bring a picnic and enjoy a meal while the kids play.

Church St. & Dolores St., Castro / Mission District, San Francisco, CA, 94114

Julius Kahn Park

This playground offers impressive city views in a gated setting where the kids can play. There are two areas, one for older kids and another for the younger kids and there are places where kids can climb, spin, or swing.

West Pacific Ave & Spruce St, The Presidio, San Francisco, CA

Sue Bierman Playground

Sue Beirman Playground, in the Financial District, is in a good location for families who need a break from sightseeing in San Francisco. It's near a couple of coffee shops, so parents can refuel while kids get their energy out. This playground is gated with slides and activities for young kids and slightly older children.

253 Washington St., Financial District, San Francisco, CA, 94133

Alta Plaza Playground

Alta Plaza Playground is in Pacific Heights and it's on top of a hill, so you can enjoy spectacular city views while the kids play. There are number of cafes nearby on Fillmore Street as well.

Jackson St. & Steiner St., Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA, 94115

Joe Dimaggio Playground

This North Beach playground has two metal slides and a climbing spider web. It's a pretty nice park with swings, a seesaw, and a spinning merry-go-round as well. It's a gated playground that is right by the city's public library. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

651 Lombard St., North Beach, San Francisco, CA, 94133

Alamo Square Park

This park is most notable as the place to view the famous "Painted Ladies," a series of Victorian and Edwardian homes that were made famous by the Tanner family, in the 1980's sitcom, "Full House". The park spreads out for 36 acres and it's a nice place to relax with a book, enjoy a picnic lunch, or let the kid's play on the playground.

Steiner St & Hayes Street, Alamo Square, San Francisco, CA, 94117

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Interested in more travel advice for San Francisco? Check out A Train Lover's Guide to San Francisco and San Francisco for Music Lovers.

How much does it cost?

Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $31 to $1,699. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $259. A few of the best options are below.

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If you're looking for more information about San Francisco, read The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco and The Best Parks in San Francisco.

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