Savvy parents have learned that one way to maximize the cultural and educational components of any family vacation is to build in time each day for the kids to just be kids. Visiting a local playground can make all the difference to every family member’s sanity while on vacation. Here is a round up of the best playgrounds San Francisco has to offer:
Noe Valley Neighborhood
The Upper Noe Recreation Center located on Day Street between Church and Sanchez Streets has been a go-to destination for Noe Valley families for decades. The playground recently re-opened after a expensive makeover and includes swings, slides and plenty of sand to play in. The playground is fenced and is adjacent to a dog run which is fenced as well. There is also an indoor play area geared to toddlers; however, there is sometimes a modest fee for use of the indoor play area.
If the family needs a quick meal after a hard day at the park, a visit to Toast (1748 Church Street) around the corner from the park fits the bill. Toast specializes in basic diner food which is inexpensive, good and is kid-friendly.
Mission District
Scenic Dolores Park is located about 20 blocks north of the Upper Noe Recreation Center (a straight shot on the “J” MUNI train up Church Street), between 18th and 20th and Church and Dolores Streets. From the top of the park (on 20th street) there are stunning views on the downtown San Francisco skyline. The playground is not fenced but is located in a little hollow in the park quite a distance from the surrounding streets. The vibe at Dolores Street is heavily influenced by the neighboring Mission District with its heavily Latino population.
After an afternoon hanging out at the park, stroll down 18th street to the Mission where you can pick up snacks at the Bi-Rite Market (3639 18th Street), divine treats at Tartine (corner of 600 Guerrero) or hike over to Valencia Street, turn left and have a taco or burrito at El Torro (598 Valencia Street).
Marina District
The playground located in the Moscone Recreation Center (1800 Chestnut Street) in the Marina underwent serious renovation several years ago in connection with the seismic retrofit of the neighboring branch of the public library. The playground is fenced allowing parents to relax while the kids play. The adjacent public library has bathrooms as well as a nice children’s section if the kids need a reading break.
On the edge of the trendy Chestnut Street shopping district, there are a variety of restaurants to chose from for an après-play snack or meal. For an excellent Chinese meal, try Dragon Well (2142 Chestnut Street); the chocolate fortune cookies served at the end of the meal are not to be missed. Or walk a few blocks up Fillmore Street to Real Food Market (3060 Fillmore Street) which has a large selection of freshly-prepared gourmet foods.
South of Market (SOMA)
The SOMA area has undergone a profound renaissance in the last decade and is now home to numerous museums including the Museum of Modern Art [MOMA], the Cartoon Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, the Mexican Museum, the Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Zeum (a technology museum for kids). While many of these museums have wonderful children’s programs, most kids will need a break from museum hopping.
The Yerba Buena Gardens playground is built on top of the Moscone Convention Center (on Harrison Street between Third and Fourth Streets) and is accessible by a pedestrian bridge located behind the Metreon. This playground was recently named one of ten unusual playgrounds in the world by Mental Floss Magazine [1]. The playground “floor” is constructed out of recycled sneakers and is very springy. The playground includes a 25 foot tube slide as well as some nice climbing structures.
An in-door ice-skating rink, bowling alley and historic carousel are located near the playground. The nearby café at the MOMA has excellent light fare.
There are several reasonably priced restaurants in the adjacent Metreon theatre complex as well.
Insider Tip: Despite the claim of locals that there are really seasons in San Francisco (generally rainy in the winter, foggy in the summer with a few blissful months of sun in September and October), the bottom line is that the weather in the city is utterly unpredictable and the secret is to dress in layers. Even on a sunny day, the fog can roll in and the temperature can drop by 20 degrees in a few minutes.
Knowing where the local playgrounds are can help parents allow kids a safe place to blow off steam and parents a quiet place to catch their breath (sometimes even with a view). And stress relief is what vacations are all about.
[1] David K. Israel, “10 Unusual Playgrounds From Around the World”, Mental Floss Magazine (September 14, 2009).
Jo Ann Woodsum - I am an attorney specializing in commercial real estate leasing transactions. I write romance novels under the pen name Joie Sonrisa (as ...
