San Francisco has some really great parks, and I mean really great. The playgrounds have views, huge climbing structures, and hip places to visit nearby. What they lack in parking, they make up for in everything else. I’ve rounded up our favorites with great places to grab food along the way according to neighborhood: Financial District, North Beach, Pacific Heights,Mission/Castro and beyond.
9 Best Playgrounds in San Francisco
Sue Bierman Playground (Financial District)
253 Washington St. San Francisco 94133
Sue Beirman Playground near San Francisco’s Financial District makes my list due to its proximity to the Ferry Building and Exploratorium. We like to pick up coffee and pastries first, play, and if we’re hungry again, head back for more! There’s a cute ship for toddlers and a big slide for older kids. It’s fully gated and never too crowded. We tend to go here the most. Not much by way of shade though, so on a sunny day you’ll need hats and sunscreen for sure.
Tunnel Tops Outpost (Presidio)
210 Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco
The nature-based playground near Presidio’s Chrissy Field is quite special. The Presidio Tunnel Tops Outpost is outstanding. The large climbing structures and a unique swing are made of stones and logs. Water features invite children to have a sensory experience, observe cause and effect, and cool off when it’s hot! One section enables families to build their own creations using natural materials such as stones, shells, and sticks. And if you’re into views, how about the base of the Golden Gate Bridge? Find more to do with kids in the Presidio.
Joe Dimaggio Playground (North Beach)
651 Lombard St. San Francisco, 94133
Joe Dimaggio Playground in North Beach is super cool. The two metal slides are a huge hit with my kids, as well as the bright orange spider web. My picture doesn’t do this park justice – there’s a whole other part with swings, a hanging seesaw, and a spinning merry-go-round. I like that I can sit up high and watch them play down below, and it is gated. It’s next to a San Francisco Public Library if you want to take a break and read some books, and in the heart of Little Italy, so there are plenty of cafes nearby. Walk just a few short blocks to Liguria Bakery for authentic Italian focaccia – seriously, so good. Cash only!
Lafayette Playground (Pacific Heights)
Clay St. & Laguna St. San Francisco, 94115
Lafayette Playground in Pacific Heights is the prettiest park in San Francisco. It’s green, clean, and covered with trees. Another park with so much to do, climb, spin, swing, and see. The water feature is so fun to play in on hot days (typically closed in the winter months). There are multiple metal slides (San Francisco really knows how to do slides!) and the ground is soft for the fast landing. Outside the gates is plenty of green grass for picnics and lounging. Work up an appetite to walk to Bob’s Donuts after you play – the best and biggest donuts in the Bay.
Alta Plaza Playground (Pacific Heights)
Jackson St. & Steiner St., San Francisco 94115
Alta Plaza Playground in the Pacific Heights neighborhood sits on the top of a huge hill, in fact, you have to climb about five sets of stairs just to find it. It makes my list for the views – I think they are some of the best in the city. Alta Plaza Park is bounded by Clay, Jackson, Scott, and Steiner streets; the grand staircase rises midway along its southern edge, from Pierce Street. Wheelchair access is from Scott and Jackson
The playground is just one block from Fillmore Street, where you can find Jane, for Instagram-worthy breakfasts, Salt & Straw for 5 Star ice cream, and a Blue Bottle Coffee shop.
Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground (Chinatown)
830 Sacramento Street, San Francisco
Willie “Woo Woo” Wong playground is a two-story park with features for all ages: climbing structures inspired by Chinese mythology, traditional playground areas for tots and bigger kids, giant metal slide, multi-level sports courts, and a community center. You’re about two blocks from the small Golden Gate fortune cookie factory.
Helen Diller Playground (Castro / Mission District)
Church St. & Dolores St., San Francisco 94114
Helen Diller Playground in Dolores Park is massive. There’s so much to do here that it’s overwhelming (in a good way). The slides are fun and fast, even for adults! There are also sand, bridges, rope ladders, boats, swings, and a smaller area for toddlers. Take advantage of the acres of green grass and bring a picnic. Save room for ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery – just a block away and a San Francisco favorite. Parking can be annoying.
Parents be warned: This playground is huge and NOT gated. I have trouble watching both my kids here, but it is doable as long as I never sit down.
Salesforce Park Playground (South of Market)
425 Mission Street, San Francisco 94105
The playground is just one of the interesting aspects of Salesforce Park. If you’re lucky, the free gondola will be running to take you from the street level at the corner of First and Mission up to the roof of the Salesforce Transit Center. If that’s not running, go inside the terminal to see where the buses park and take the escalator up to the roof. Once on the roof, walk along the path to enjoy the views, the plant life, and of course, the play structure.
This is a BART or transbay bus-friendly adventure. Find more BARTable Adventures >
Stern Grove Playground (Sunset)
630 Sloat Blvd,, San Francisco 94132
This recently renovated natural playground on the edge of Stern Grove is a bit of a drive from the East Bay, but well worth it. My kids loved exploring and climbing the treehouse-style play structures. While the playground isn’t fully fenced, its smaller size makes it easier to keep an eye on kids compared to some of San Francisco’s larger playgrounds. It’s also close to Stonestown Galleria, offering convenient and fun dining options.
Honorable mentions:
We love the slides at Seward Mini Park and the Mission Bay Kids Park and it is fabulous to keep in your back pocket if you’re in the area for a Warriors Game or performance. The playground at the San Francisco Zoo is also quite epic, but that’s a whole other field trip!
San Francisco playground tips:
- Dolores, Salesforce Park, and Sue Bierman playgrounds are all accessible by BART.
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
- Parking is a drag – go early and you’ll find something, plus you can take advantage of the carpool lane crossing the bridge.
- Bring jackets – it’s always chillier in San Francisco.
- Have fun!
What are your favorite playgrounds in San Francisco that are worth the trip?
