Koret Children's Quarter
add photosThe Koret Children's Quarter is one of the best children's playgrounds in San Francisco. It was previously called the Children's Playground. It is reputed to be one of the first public playgrounds in the United States and was built in 1887. During that time, the concept of having a space specifically for children's recreation was new and unique. Since that time, many children from San Francisco have enjoyed playing here. It is also a wonderful destination for visitors, set amidst the beautiful grounds of Golden Gate Park. A historic carrousel (built in 1912 in New York) sits nearby as well. It was originally steam powered and later was converted to use electric motors. The carrousel was constructed for the 1939 World's Fair. A picnic area nearby is available and you can reserve it in advance through the parks department.
The carousel operates Friday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The last ride is at 4:15 PM. It is open between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Children under 40" must ride with a paying adult.
11 Reviews for Koret Children's Quarter
25
60 families found this helpful
"Fun fun fun"
My only complaint is that this place is so fun, I am picking up sand granuels for weeks after a long day here. That sand permeates every crevase on your kid!! There is space for picnicing, swinging, several play structures, water pool in the sand, and huge cement slides. Also a carousel a few days of the week
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1 family found this helpful
"Fun - and free! "
Great place for babies and toddlers- and bigger kids too, i bet (I don't have any yet).
No matter what my son is in the mood to do, it is at this playground: sand and water play, slides, swings, climbing, or just running around.
My son is an early riser, so we are often the only ones here at 8 am. If we do go later in the day I usually park in Cole Valley. That way we can pick up snacks at a cafe and walk on over to the playground and avoid the craziness in the parking lot.
0 families found this helpful
"Park for Kids of All Ages"
Great park for children of all ages. My two year old loves playing in the toddler structure but also enjoys watching the bigger kids going down the long cement slide. We normally visit during the weekday and are there by 11am so parking has never been an issue. Free parking - no meter needed - a huge plus in the city!
1 family found this helpful
"Overwhelming when watching multiples"
I've been to this park a couple times with my 3 boys ages 5 and under. It's got lots of great features--the ginormous slides, the climbing structures, sand, field and carousel, but trying to keep an eye on all boys is enough to have a nervous breakdown. The times I've been there, it's pretty crowded, with some rather "colorful" if not "unsavory" riffraff hanging out nearby. The climbing net is REALLY high (10ish feet?). It's fun, but not a place to sit back and let the kids go crazy.
2 families found this helpful
"Kiddie Spaz Out Zone"
Great kiddie place to romp around in. Lots of jungle gym things, springy stationary horseys, and stuff like that. Cushioned rubber place mats make for fewer scraped knees and elbows. Nearby are picnic tables for adults to hold birthday parties and to rest their weary feet.
'10
2 families found this helpful
"Hidden Play Area"
We enjoy going to Koret. It feels like a secret local's playground because of its location away from roads in Golden Gate Park. There are a couple of jumbo slides, merry-go-round, play area, and a snack bar.
3 families found this helpful
"the kids love it"
The kids and I love to go to this playground, especially on a sunny day. The long slides which are built into the side of the hill are a little bit scary, but we still love to use them. Every visit to Koret playground requires an inexpensive ride on the carousel.
3 families found this helpful
"Play all day"
Lots of climbing and play equipment here for younger and older kids. Watch out for the mad tea cup - that is, not everyone enjoys being spun around. Someone needs to watch and be there to stop it when it's too much! There's a sandy play area and huge grassy soccer field in addition to the swings, slides and jungle gyms. Very popular spot with kids and their parents.
2 families found this helpful
"Great place for lots of energy"
This is a great playground for kids to run around and burn off lots of energy. The climbing net, alone, will have them ready for a nap! This place is lots of fun!
2 families found this helpful
"Awesome park for free"
Our family had spent the day riding bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying the seals and eats at Fisherman's Wharf, and still had an hour left before dinner. Koret was the perfect FREE place to go and relax. All four of our kids had a blast just being kids and enjoying the amazing rope climbing structure and the carousel while my husband and I just relaxed on the side.
The perfect ending to the day.
2 families found this helpful
"Must visit for any family with young kids"
The Koret Children's Quarter is truly one of the most wonderful free playgrounds. Our 5 and 2.5 year old simply love this playground. Many of the playground structures were custom designed. This is no ordinary playground. A large wave creates a climbing wall. A tall concrete slide is a delight for kids and parents who are young at heart (like myself). The rope pyramid is challenging, but perfect for a 5 year old who loves to climb. Young children will enjoy the fantastic climbing structures and the little water play area in the sand "box"
Although this playground is almost always crowded, that adds to the energy of the playground. Parking is often very difficult on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am onwards.
The plentiful but old school bathrooms are clean, but no changing tables were available. Nearby is a large meadow for running and the famous carousel for children is such a steal at $.50 for kids and $1.50 for adults.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the large trees that surround the playground.
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