San Francisco

Alamo Square Playground

Solid tree-fort themed playground that's nosure to entertain running kiddos while you enjoy a famous view

Alta Plaza Park Playground

Superb play structures for every age, and views for days for the adults. Parking is doable.

Balboa Park Playground

Multiple sections for various ages and plenty of toddlers present. Kiddos like to play in the weeds and trees as much as the structures.

Bernal Heights Recreation Center

Excellent for all ages! Challenging play structure for bigger kids as well as toddler and baby friendly. Right off Cortland where you can grab soft serve and coffee.

Duboce Playground

Excellent playground + bonus big kid area, this neighborhood area has a lot to offer kiddos and parents.

Helen Diller Playground

Excellent, well rounded playground for all kids. Great for parents who need a little break as this park entertains kids itself.

Herz Playground

Unique playground with some serious height for climbing and slides, this is worth the trip here.

J.P. Murphy Playground Park

One of the best all-around playgrounds in SF. Comprehensive and well maintained, feeling like a secret forest hideaway.

Joe DiMaggio Playground Park

Extensive community park that is popular with kiddos of all ages. Parking is tough here, expect to walk.

Koret Children's Playground

The most popular playground in the Golden Gate Park, it is huge and well maintained, but is a little busy on weekends.

Lafayette Park

Views, extensive playground full of bridges, and coffee at the summit, the only though tough about this playground is parking.

Mission Bay Kids Park

Soaked in sun and kids, this central playground has many play structures for any age

Panhandle Playground

Playground is best for younger kiddos 1-6 and almost seems like a skate park. Great sun, atmosphere, and nearby awesome main streets.

Randall Museum

Free museum with an Andytown Coffee that will make any train lover happy. Gets crowded!

Skate Park | Sunset Dunes Park

No playground, but long stretch for continuous bike rides, stroller walks/runs, and beach play. Art structures abound.

St. Mary's Park

One of the most massive playgrounds in the city, this feels like a hidden gem. A hit with older kiddos who love to run freely!

Stern Grove Playground

Next level kingdom in the forest best for all ages but mostly bigger toddlers/kids. Packed on weekends and along a busy street.

The Crossing at East Cut

This Third Space is an overall gift to parents who want to be able to hang like they're pre-baby

West Sunset Playground Park

This place is legit! Views, huge area for big kiddos, huge for small kiddos, area for infants in the library; filled with kids!

Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground Park

Dragon themed park with multiple sections of activity. Great for all ages but do public transportation because parking is hard!

Yerba Buena Children’s Garden

Recently renovated, the park is a hidden gem right across the Yerba Buena garden. The playground can get a little busy in the evenings and weekends.

24th & York Mini Park

Beautiful mosaic art but limited- what's notable is that this is a splashpad in the summer.

2645 Leavenworth St

Alice Chalmers Playground

Truly for ages 5 and up even though babies have a sandpit - very challenging! Parking is tough

Alioto Mini Park

Small, limited playground for young toddlers. Loitering men outside the park impacts the rating despite the playground being fine.

Allyne Park

Not a playground but a dog park. Smells of pee, but beautiful.

Andytown Coffee Roasters

Amazing coffee (get the snowy plover which is what they're known for) and infant/young toddler friendly. Head over the beach after.

Andytown Coffee Roasters

Get the snowy plover and ask for the whipped cream for the kids

Angelo J. Rossi Playground

Solid, local playground for kids in the area. The bathroom is across the street!

Aptos Playground

Great for many ages; wide flat surface to practice biking and rollerblading; more likely to have kids on weekends

Argonne Playground

Solid, sand filled playground, filled with a healthy amount of kids during a weekday

Black Bird Bookstore and Café

Lovely third space for parents who are caretaking young ones. Grab a coffee here and let your kiddo chill out with a train set in the garden.

Brooks Park

Bare bones playpatch for local kids and dogs to burn off steam; bring sand supplies

Buena Vista Playground

Skews a little bit older (better for 3-8) but is sunny, enclosed, and has fabulous views of SF.

Cabrillo Playground Park

Impressive ship- themed playground for big and littles.

Cayuga Playground Park

Bucolic, enclosed playground nestled deep in working-class neighborhood of SF. Bart trains visible for train loving littles.

China Basin Park

Newly renovated park space without playground but has an urban beach, views, and biergarten

China Beach San Francisco

Beach is shielded from the winds of Ocean Beach, so it's warmer and waves are more gentle. Perfect for families.

Civic Center North Playground

Alternative urban playground close to Helen Diller, better for the younger ones

Commodore Sloat Elementary School

Great space to ride a bike, and two playground that are within the fence.

Cow Hollow Playground Park

Tucked away, this cozy little park skews better for young ones but can hold its own for local kids.

Crane Cove Park

Great for calm waves, and bike practice- this cove/beach/park is an urban oasis.

Crissy Field South Beach

Super child friendly beach. Small inlet warms up during the day so little babies can find warm water.

Crocker Amazon (Purple) Park Playground

Huge playground where kids can adequately get their zoomies out either on the ground floor or on the top level. Bonus playground on other side of Moscow

Crocker Amazon Bonus Playground

Vintage playground that's due for an upgrade and is a bonus to awesome Crocker-Amazon playground down the street

Douglass Playground Park

Decent, sunwashed playground for running toddlers who like sand and need a little peace.

Esmeralda Slide Park

Just a set of slides and a view. Cute and novel but that's it.

Excelsior Playground Park

Parking is tough here but the playground is nicely enclosed and has space for older and younger kids

Fisherman's Wharf

touristy but you could actually spend a half a day here with your kiddos

Franklin Square

Park is extensive, and nicely enclosed by trees; allows for toddlers to run along a path but along a busy street..

Fulton Playground Park

There's a specific toddler section for especially little toddlers in addition to solid playground structures for bigger kids

George Christopher Playground Park

Safe and enclosed play area with parking ,for all age ranges, people with dogs, and when you also need to do grocery and post office runs.

Ghirardelli Square

The sundae is expensive but kids love it. Mermaid fountain is also some entertainment. Parents get cafes and winebars too.

Glen Park Playground

Significant acreage for kids, birthday parties, dog owners, and a nicer than average rec center. Parking is tough.

Golden Gate Heights Park

Worth the travel for younger littles- this is one of the best maintained parks in SF; No restrooms.

Grattan Playground Park

Particularly great for big kids (yes to toddlers too); playground is bi-level; forces kids to blow off steam given how much running they'll d

Guerrero Park

An open, urban spot along a very busy street that's not enclosed. Don't recommend for kids.

Hamilton Playground

Standard park for toddlers and bigger kiddos but check out park across the street as well.

Hardware Coffee Co.

Beautiful coffee shop with singularly delicious pastries, and has a flower shop inside. Good for when mom or dad needs a moment.

Hayes Valley Playground

Decent park for young ones, but you're close to Hayes Valley main street so walk along the shops and grab coffee.

Helen Diller Civic Center Playground

Urban climbing paradise that’s well maintained in the center of the city

Holly Park

Great little local playground in a family oriented neighborhood - easy parking and proximity to good coffee.

Hungry Cafe

Excellent matcha and coffee, and a large outside area for Kids to run free

Huntington Park

Great for ages 1-5, a good spot to hit if you're grabbing italian food in the area.

In Chan Kaajal Playground

Clean urban park, best for older kids, with new rubberized grounds and outdoor gym section for adults. Parking is hard.

Jackson Playground Park

The playground is solid, safe, and full of sun. There's usually a decent amount of kids here even during the workweek.

Jose Coronado Playground Park

A great option for moms with littles. This park is a cozy-feeling, urban park that feels safe and enclosed on a busy street.

Junipero Serra Playground Park

Safe, well rounded local park playground with sand pit

Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya（Stonestown Galleria）

Lakeside Landing

A town hall space for community gathering. There are community toys but otherwise is not a playground

Lakeview and Ashton Mini Park

Rocky outcrop best for sunset ocean views. Not kid friendly but romantic in a Pocahontas kind of way

Larsen Playground

This airplane themed park is small but highly thematic. There is no closure along a busy street! Beware for running toddlers

Laurel Hill Playground Park

Local playground does the job but is standard. Parking was ok during the week.

Letterman Digital Arts Center Recycled Water Pond at Lucas

Running stream and mini lake that houses Baby Yoda, Coffee for parents, and pasta for kiddos. No playground.

Lincoln Park Playground

Multi-tiered, well maintained playground good for all ages. Bathroom is a bit of a trek.

Lincoln and 45th Avenue Playground

Solid playground with a large boat for ocean-loving kiddos. Tall structures for older kids too.

Little Oceanauts, Inc $

Excellent children's third space with generous policies for parents needing easy mode.

Marugame Udon

Fast noodles that are always a hit with kids. Highchairs and boosters available.

McCoppin Square Park

Easy parking for this toddler-friendly playground in the middle of the sunset neighborhood, teeming with kiddos

Merced Heights Playground

Multi-tiered play center for kids of varying ages

Michaelangeo Playground Park

Playground structure is slightly worn but the insulated urban design is cozy and cute.

Midtown Terrace Picnic Area

Well rounded, if not typical, playground for the locals that live in this area. Plenty of parking; a gorgeous view of twin peaks.

Minnie & Lovie Playground

Well rounded playground where toddlers of soccer fams can run amok while older siblings train

Miraloma Playground Park

Nestled on a mountaintop, one of the rare SF playgrounds that older kids from 7-12 can be challenged.

Mission Playground Park

Large grounds, nicely enclosed from the busy street with various sections for all ages

Moscone Kids' Pump Track

Rating is mainly for having a Bike Track for kiddos to practicing biking. Dece otherwise.

Moscone Park Playground

Extensive , Ocean/Nautical themed playground that's well maintained and popular.

Mothers Meadow

Not enclosed, but far enough away from the street, this bucolic and nestled playground sees a lot of Sun and does the job.

Mountain Lake Playground

Huge grounds, and nestled next to a small lake where you can feed ducks. Skews for younger ones

Musical Stairs

Noe Valley Playground

Small, sunny playground primarily for young toddlers (and they are there!), most importantly across the street to Philz Coffee!

Outpost Playground

Worth the trip to this amazing national park

Park Tot Lot

Basic tot lot for littles - older kids will get bored pretty quickly

Parque Niños Unidos

Decent option for locals but limited.

Peixotto Playground

Playground is best for locals, as there is just one playset and therefore, limited. Still a solid playground for all ages, though.

Pier 39 Playground

Consider the Park the addendum to what this area offers, which is a whole day of stimulation. Read the review for more detail

Potrero Hill Playground

A neighborhood gem where imaginative play meets panoramic views of the city skyline.

Potrero Hill Tunnel Top Park

Maybe a place to bring your rollerblades or bike for practice, but next to a fast on ramp so not recommended

Precita Park

Solid playground with various cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants close by to facilitate picnicking for families.

Presidio Wall Playground Park

Well rounded playground with structures for every age, and access to all presidio has to offer.

Rainbow Falls

Originally at Burning Man, Naga was built by a team of women welders and sometimes glows colors at night

Randolph and Bright Mini Park

There's a lot of potential but currently not enough vibes. Sometimes there are adults here.

Raymond Kimbell Playground Park

Verdant and nicely maintained playground close to coffee and boba.

Reservoir Playground

Cute little tot lot for young kiddos and locals, but not worth the drive otherwise

Richmond Playground Park

Super cute Bear playground for littles that love animal themed playgrounds. Big kids might get bored after the novelty. Parking is hard.

Rochambeau Playground Park

Cute Boat themed playground with big kid playground section. Great for all ages

Rolph Nicol Jr. Playground

Very limited playground for young kids and when you go to the farmer's market on weekends. No restrooms, not enclosed, but safe

Salesforce Park

Basic climbing structure, but kids can wander this lush, elevated park while parents drink Andytown. Bonus free gondola ride when it's open

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Free for locals, the lake/koi pond in this botanical garden can entertain your kid for an hour.

San Francisco Zoo $

The highlight for kids and parents are the playground and Children's petting zoo. Otherwise, the animals can be a bit sleepy.

Sergeant John Macaulay Park

Better playground for those in this neighborhood but the street outside is still a bit rough.

South Beach Park

Quaint waterfront park offering grassy areas & benches along with a playground & climbing structure.

South Park Playground

Unique sculptural climbing structure really for 5 and up. Close to Centro Cafe and Blue Bottle for coffee.

South Sunset Playground Park

Always packed with kids, this extensive playground has something for everyone.

States Street Playground Park

Playground is pretty vintage, but is super close to Randall Museum so lump this into a visit to the Museum.

Sue Bierman Park

Sunny with great view of the embarcadero, this city playground in the middle of kid friendly activities is great for tourists and locals

Sunnyside Playground Park

Nestled and enclosed, this solid playground has multiple levels with the playground at the base. Best for younger kiddos

Sunset Recreation Center

For sure needs a grounds renovation, but otherwise the facility is clean and playground structure is decent.

Terrace Green Park

Gorgeous drive to this wealthy part of SF; this verdant playground is nestled in a stately part of SF. No bathrooms.

Turk Hyde Mini Park

Decent playground space with community shared toys guarded by gov workers, but outside streets are seedy.

Unity Plaza

Just one giant climbing structure but next to Philz Coffee

Upper Noe Playground

Crazy busy park filled young ones and their caretakers so you'll feel right at home if you need to breastfeed.

Walter Haas Playground Park

Generous wood structures for littles and bigs. Killer SF view, easy parking, no bathrooms.

West Portal Park

Nicely enclosed Dragon themed playground with a lot of good kid juju

Wills Playground

Wills Playground is decent, with a large space for any family doing some biking or pushing strollers. Fully enclosed and also on a flat stretch of Broadway.

Woh Hei Yuen Park

Sleeper hit, this asian boat themed playground has a wall devoted to climbing.

21-25 Chumasero Dr

Adam Rogers Park

As Quoted

Hip, minimalist eatery serving organic American fare with dairy-, gluten-, nut- & soy-free options.

Balboa Cafe

Popular bar perfect for people-watching offering an American bistro menu & classic cocktails.

Barebottle Beer Garden at Salesforce Park

Barebottle Brewing Company

Warehouse-style space with bar & table seating for beers brewed on-site plus food truck fare.

Bayview K.C. Jones Playground Park

Beretta Valencia

Handcrafted pizzas, small bites & unique cocktails keep this trendy spot hopping.

Bernal Heights Pizzeria

Biergarten

Outdoor beer garden with communal tables for rotating draft beers & locally sourced German pub grub.

Bottega

Classic Italian fare including pizza, pasta, and meat dishes are offered at this modest restaurant.

Bubble Whimsy

California Academy of Sciences

Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium & scientists conducting a variety of research.

Cellarmaker House of Pizza - SF

High-energy tavern for house pints & chewy, Detroit-style pizza squares made with local elements.

Children's Creativity Museum

A place for kids to explore arts & technology by making music videos, animating short films & more.

Crane Cove Playground

Cultivar San Francisco

Seasonal eats & small-batch wines by the bottle & the glass served in an intimate, urbane interior.

DAMNFiNE pizza

Diamond Coffee N’ Pastry

Do-Re-Mi

Dogpatch Playground

Duboce Park Cafe

Sandwiches, salads & smoothies plus outdoor seating with park views & free Wi-Fi.

Emmy's Spaghetti Shack

Vibrant spot serving pasta, other Italian standards, plus cocktails, in an offbeat, hip space.

Exploratorium

Hundreds of interactive, educational exhibits & activities illustrating scientific principles.

Fieldwork SF China Basin Park

Fiorella Clement

Chic, cozy bistro dishing up elevated Italian pastas & wood-fired pizzas, plus wine & craft beer.

Fiorella Sunset

Foreign Cinema

Crowds eat Californian-Mediterranean fare (& a popular brunch) in an outdoor space screening films.

Francisco Park

Small park at the top of Russian Hill (& former gravesite of Russian sailors) offering city views.

Garfield Playground

A neighborhood favorite with a giant playground, grassy picnic areas, and plenty of room for kids to run free.

Gilman Playground Park

Harmonic Brewing Thrive City

Craft beer, local wine & unique bites served in an airy, simple space featuring a patio & bay views.

Heron's Head Park Wetland

Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar

Modern Japanese & sushi destination with booths, counter seats & train-style conveyor delivery.

IPPUDO San Francisco

Japanese small plates, ramen & upmarket sake are dispatched in this simple yet stylish outpost.

Imagination Playhouse

Ingleside Branch Library

Koret Quad

Lessing and Sears Mini Park

This tiny green space at the end of a cul-de-sac features a basic play structure & some grass.

Little Hollywood Park

Family-friendly spot with a wooden play structure & a full-size basketball court.

Lost Resort

Convivial destination with a patio & a stylish seaside vibe offering comfort food & fancy drinks.

Lucho’s

Laid-back restaurant serving generous breakfast, brunch & lunch dishes, plus beer & mimosas.

Main Library - San Francisco Public Library

The city's flagship library: a children's center, regular story times, the teen maker space, free wifi, and quiet reading rooms.

Mamahuhu

Medicine for Nightmares

Merced Manor Reservoir

The top of this reservoir is perfect for learning to bike or rollerskate

Michelangelo Playground Park

Compact park with a play area, benches, a picturesque community garden & a basketball half-court.

Mission Creek Kayak Launch

Mumu Hot Pot

Museum of Craft and Design

Gallery showcasing a variety of contemporary craft & design work with monthly events & a gift shop.

Natural Resources: Pregnancy + Parenting

Community hub & resource center for parents & babies with a small retail store & related classes.

Noe Cafe

Great third space for parents needing coffee. On a slow street so let your nervous system regulate.

Ocean Ale House

Bright, casual neighborhood pub known for American food, beer & wine along with live musical events.

Outer Village

Palm City

Relaxed, understated wine bar offering wines & craft beers, plus sandwiches & snacks.

Park Chalet

Indoor/outdoor eatery in Golden Gate Park serving Cal-New American fare & house-brewed beer.

Peek-a-Boo Factory SF

Piccino Presidio

Precita Park Playground

Presidio Tunnel Tops

Radhaus

Airy Bavarian beer hall in a former U.S. Army machine shop at Fort Mason, with panoramic bay views.

Round1 Bowling & Arcade - San Francisco

SPARK Social SF

Rotating menu of local food trucks plus beer & sangria in a festive outdoor setting.

STEM Kitchen | Garden

Ingredients are grown on-site at this modern Mediterranean eatery with backyard bocce & fire pits.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

On Family days it can be extremely crowded, but a great deal. A lot of interactive activities.

Snow Bliss Cafe

Spreckels Lake

Locals sail their miniature sailboats here in the tiny lake. The water is very accessible for kiddos wanting to dip their hands in.

Sunset Cantina

Bright artwork, plants & screens set the backdrop for Mexican bites & mezcal in this chill space.

TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR

Sprawling tiki-themed lounge in the Fairmont Hotel featuring Pacific Rim cuisine & umbrella drinks.

Tacolicious

Taishoken San Francisco

The Brixton

Restaurant mixing modern twists on American gastropub standards with rock 'n' roll artwork.

The Front Porch

A mix of down-home Southern & Caribbean comfort food in a cozy space with tin ceilings.

The Interval at Long Now

Coffee shop, bar & event space boasting a modern setting complete with views & a librarylike vibe.

The Laundromat SF

The Ramp Restaurant

Casual waterfront restaurant on Mission Bay serving lunch, brunch & evening appetizers year-round.

The Rotunda

Upscale, department-store cafe with a classic American menu & a signature stained-glass ceiling.

Toy Boat by Jane

Destination spot for desserts (plus creative sandwiches & salads) in a funky, toy-filled space.

Trinket Trade on Sanchez

Cute little neighborhood trinket trade box for some whimsy in your life

VinoRosso

Small bar with an ever-changing Italian wine list, regional dishes, tasting classes & happy hours.

WOW Kids Playground $

Woods Yard Park

Larsen/Lam Playground

Worn grounds, but terrific view of Alcatrez.

Parkside Square Park

Solid for kids birthday parties as there are plenty of kids of various ages, sun, shade, and parking.

Portsmouth Square Park

A culturally rich playground stop located in Chinatown, live traditional music, chess playing locals, with boba shops and dimsum around the corner!