Kid-friendly San Francisco: Playgrounds near the sights

Sometimes a kid just has to be a kid. After visiting San Francisco' indoor museums and cultural attractions, head outside, to the playground. Here are three awesome play areas near the sights.


Chinese Playground (Sacramento Street, between Kearny and Grant): Take a break from the knick-knack shops and the dim sum restaurants and head to this urban playground. The pagoda-roofed play structure makes you realize you’re not in Kansas anymore – you’re in Chinatown. Best for the younger set, this play area features a large sandbox, various slides and a wobbly wooden bridge. It’s easy walking distance from the Hilton San Francisco Financial District.


Alamo Square Playground (Steiner and Grove Streets): After checking out San Francisco’s famed Painted Ladies (the elaborately detailed and colorful Victorian houses), see a kid-size version at this Alamo Square play area. The architectural roofing elements carry over, with a wooden cupola and three different colored gables in a row. The kids will love the swings with a view, and you won’t tire of pushing them while looking over San Francisco’s hills. Take the bus there from the Hotel Whitcomb.


Golden Gate Park Children’s Playground (a.k.a. Koret Children’s Quarter) (Bowling Green Drive near MLK Jr Drive and Kezar): After visiting the California Academy of Science, let the kids run off their energy at this recently-renovated park staple. Good for kids large and small, it boasts a long, wavy cement slide (bring cardboard or make friends with someone there who has a piece), a large sand area, tons of grass to run on, multiple play structures, and a web-like climbing formation. Stay at the family-friend Laurel Inn.


- Debbie Abrams Kaplan of Frisco Kids and Kaplan Ink


[Photo Credit: Carnesaurus]