Sparqkids San Francisco Balboa Park Playground

Balboa Park Playground

Top pick Parent reviewed

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

Main playground with an extensive climbing wall, net, and decently tall slides.
Main playground with an extensive climbing wall, net, and decently tall slides.

At a glance

Overall rating
Google reviews
4.6 · 125 reviews View on Google Maps →
Suitable for ages
Under 2
2–5
5–8
8–12
Features
  • Popular
Fenced
fully
Bathroom
permanent
Parking
street

Parking surrounds the park but most parents park on the south west side of the park perimeter along the street.

Changing table
yes
Neighborhood
Mission-Excelsior
Address
34 Sgt John V Young Ln, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA
Website
Official site →
🗺️ Directions 🧺 Reserve Picnic Area

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Parent Reviews

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Victoria

Visited · 4yo and 2 yo

This is a great park that’s worth a drive if you’re somewhere in this quadrant. You’re right by Balboa swimming facility, and in the summer there are carnivals that are hosted on these grounds. The park has a playground section devoted to little kiddos, and then an entirely new layer bridged by a ramp that’s for the bigger kiddos. It’s an extensive park filled with a lot of plant life. Kiddos love running along the trail, climbing in the trees and in the fields, and picking wild flowers. It’s along a busy street, so you still have to watch out for kiddos trying to escape the fence enclosure, but it is fully enclosed. There’s always a lot of kids here if you’re seeking stimulation for your kiddo.

Quick facts

Shade
partial
Shade sources
  • Trees
Surface
grass
Water feature
none
Separate toddler zone
Yes
Stroller-friendly paths
Yes
Drinking fountain
Yes
Reservable picnic area
Yes
Dogs allowed
No
Sensory-inclusive
No

Beyond the playground

Benches
4
Shaded seating
Yes
Picnic tables visible
Yes
Picnic area
Yes
Walking paths
Yes
Other features
  • Tennis / Pickleball
  • Dog area
  • Pool
  • Play area
  • Skate park

Equipment

  • Baby swings
  • Climbing structure
  • Climbing wall
  • Monkey bars
  • Regular swings
  • Ride-on toys
  • Medium slides
  • Small slides
  • Tall slides
  • Spinners
Highest structure
medium
Also worth knowing
Bus structure

Environment

Crowd
Packed
Crowd type
Mixed
Noise
Moderate
Cell signal
Good

Maintenance

Equipment condition
Cleanliness

Hours

  • Monday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM

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Plan a visit or event here, or save this park for later.

🗺️ Directions 🧺 Reserve Picnic Area

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