Koret Children's Playground — Attraction in San Francisco

I have so many memories growing up playing here. As a toddler with my older step sisters, grade school calling my dads name to watch my every move, middle school goofing off with the girls, and the last time 12 years old shyly looking around for cute boys as I self consciously played on the same toys but with more caution and and less in the moment but my eyes on the future… always keep playing , never become self conscious, never grow up! Do take your child here, careful for a rare bulky or skinned knee. Do bring snacks and drinks in case and don’t go when it’s too empty or too crowded the best time is about half to 1/4 full. You have room to play but you don’t feel lonely because you are the only one. It may not seem like it but the sounds of others enjoying themselves ads to the fun. Your child will ask to go on the Ferris wheel even with everything else to do there.

It’s s playground that we would seem to forget about for a year or two or more and return to like new, maybe because it’s hidden in the park with trees all around… but maybe that’s what added to the magic.

If I could change one thing I would remove the drug dealers to another side of hippie hill so you don’t have to pass them when you enter through Haight street. If you can enter from a different entrance to avoid those usually harmless but pathetic group. I didn’t notice them as a kid but as a young teen they stood out and even made a rude comment or two. But they were suburban kids playing homeless not your movie villains drug dealer. And things change quick in S.F. They may be gone as I write this. Don’t let it stop you from going, they are not in the playground. But another good reason to not go when it’s empty because the rare teenage jerks feel emboldened to use the structures when there are no kids around. Unlikely to see any if there are adults around. They are looking to have fun without grown up intervention… All in all I have never found a better playground in America. And if you have a kid and or visit Upper Haight or this part of Golden Gate Park this playground should be on your agenda . Go when your child is fresh not tired out for maximum fun and less temper tantrums. Your kid will have so much fun they will refuse to leave. You’ve...

The first public children’s playground in US was established in 1887! This playground is my kids’ favorite playground in SF. If we dropped by an hour kuds to play if we’re in SF a couple times a year. We do not live in SF. It’s about 10-15 minutes walk from Cal Academy, so I’d recommend to stop here if you’re visiting museums near by with toddlers or grade school kids. The concrete slides are awesome but you’d remember to bring some empty cardboard boxes to sit on. The wave climbing walls are great too. Lots of climbing structures as well as a big sand area for digging & sand mold playbig. Best to visit weekday morning/noon when weather’s warm and sunny like days in October (this week, it was almost 72 degrees in SF which is very rare). I’ve been here in March & July shivering uncontrollably due to cold foggy wind-chill weather in lower 50 temp. As always, check the weather condition in specific parts of SF as it’s not like any other Bay Area that’s more predictable.

Another note, please do not leave anything valuable or traveling luggages in the back of rental car or SUV (actually anywhere in SF), you will be the victim of smash-window-and-grab by the professional car burglars as I’ve seen it happening in front of me. With tinted glass SUV double parks for 5 seconds to smash, grab, and drive off. The moment you realized what happened, the car has left the site. It’s been happening a multiple times Each day in SF and just research/Google to find out more before you come to SF. I read 8000 car break-ins per a year (only reported!). It’s best not to leave anything and do not walk away from your car with luggage, backpack, bag or purse visible from outside even just for a few minutes to snap a photo at the...

Koret Playground is easily one of the best spots for kids in the area. It’s the biggest park around, and there’s no shortage of things for little ones to explore and enjoy. My kid absolutely loves it here and always has a blast. The sandpits are a favorite — great for digging, building, and just getting messy in the best way. There are also lots of fun sculptures scattered around that double as climbing structures, which keep kids active and engaged.

One of the most unique features is the cardboard slides. It’s fun watching kids grab pieces of cardboard and race down the smooth concrete slides again and again. There’s also a good mix of swings and even a merry-go-round, which adds to the classic playground charm.

Another big plus is the coffee stand nearby. It’s super convenient for parents who want to grab a cup while keeping an eye on their kids. The park is large enough that it never feels too crowded, even on busy weekends.

Overall, Koret Playground is a fantastic place to spend a morning or afternoon. It’s well worth the visit if you’re looking for a spot that entertains the kids while giving parents a...