The Bay Area is already known for iconic landmarks, kid-friendly museums, and fun outdoor activities, but did you know they have some of the best playgrounds I’ve ever seen? There is everything from castle and dragon-themed playgrounds to splash pads. Here is the ultimate guide to the best playgrounds in the Bay Area.
1) Mission Bay Kids’ Park
This playground is located in Mission Bay, which is in the newer/nicer part of San Francisco. It is completely gated, kept clean, and offers many play structures for both young and older kids. They have seesaws, sandboxes, art sculptures, and tables and benches to eat lunch or snacks while waiting.
Visit: missionbayparks.com Hours: 8am – 9pm daily Location: Long Bridge Street & China Basin St, San Francisco, CA 94158 (map) Note: No bathrooms, no water fountains, parking can be a challenge, and not much shade available Tips: There’s also a dog park across the street for your fur baby
2) Helen Diller Playground
Helen Diller Playground is located in San Francisco’s famous Dolores Park. It is a large playground with a separate spacious area for younger kids. They feature 2 shiny aluminum slides, the tall curvier one is for ages 5 and up. This is probably one of the best playgrounds with a fantastic view of San Francisco.
Visit: sfrecpark.org Hours: 6am-10pm daily Location: Mission Dolores Park Church St & Dolores St San Francisco, CA 94114 (map) Note: Have bathrooms, Tips: Stop by for ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery (diagonally across from the park)
3) Koret Children’s Playground
Koret Children’s Playground is located in the southeast corner of the famous Golden Gate Park of San Francisco. It is known for the old-fashioned carousel and the iconic cement slide. It is thought to have been the nation’s first public playground.
Visit: sfrecpark.org Location: Martin Luther King Jr Dr & Bowling Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map) Hours: 7:30am-9pm Note: Have restrooms, picnic areas, limited parking Tips: Carousel fees: $2 adults, $1 kids 5+, free for kids under 5
4) Magic Mountain
This is a very large playground in the Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo. It is a castle and dragon-themed park with a 2 story castle structure to slide down from. They have a separate area for the 3 and under with less scary slides and bouncy rides. This is an incredible playground your little Princesses or Princes will love to explore. Don’t forget to wear covered shoes as some parts have wood chips that could easily get into shoes/sandals with openings. It’s also right by the water so bring a jacket as it could get pretty windy.
Visit: smcgov.org Location: 1701 Coyote Point Dr. San Mateo, CA 94401 (map) Cost: $6 park entrance fee Note: Restrooms available, lots of parking, not much shade, dogs allowed on leash in certain designated areas. Tips: It’s right next to SF Airport with a steady stream of airplanes landing and taking off.
5) Frontierland Park
Frontierland Park is located in the beach town of Pacifica, which is about a 20-minute drive right outside of San Francisco. It is an amazing playground built by the local community and it’s nice to see the entrance walls covered with handprints and messages of love. It’s a big playground with lots of wooden structures to explore, slides, and swings for different ages. It’s a nicely fenced-in playground with one entrance so you don’t have to worry about kids escaping. It’s also right next to an enormous grassy field that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or for playing games.
Visit: cityofpacifica.org Location: 900 Yosemite Dr, Pacifica, CA 94044 (map) Hours: 6am-10pm daily Note: Have restrooms, water fountains, limited parking Tips: Don’t forget to wear covered shoes as most of the area is covered in wood chips
6) Washington Park
Washington Park is the oldest park in the city of Burlingame which was recently renovated in 2019. It’s a well-kept playground with lots to offer. It has 2 large structures for older kids and 1 toddler structure with a small train play area. They also have musical instruments, lots of slides, and fake grass, which is a great alternative to wood chips or sand.
Location: 850 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010 (map) Hours: 7am-8pm Note: Restrooms available, not gated but protected from street Tips: It’s right by downtown Burlingame so you can always grab takeout (or boba tea!) to eat or drink at the park
Have you been to some of these playgrounds? If so, which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
