Recently (2007) redone, Koret Children’s playground in Golden Gate park was, according to local legend, one of the first public playgrounds in the United States.

With two full play structures (one for the older playground set, one for the younger), spinner cups, a rope climbing web, cement slides (bring cardboard, these are a “left-over” from many years ago and probably would never be built today with current liability concerns. All that said, they are lots of fun), a water feature, toddler swings, regular swings, several locally-themed cement climbing structures (waves, crabs, sea turtles), and a little playhouse this playground might not have it all, but it sure does have a lot.

It can be busy after-school and on the weekends, so be sure to arrive mentally prepared for swarms of children. The play area is surrounded by several nice grassy areas that can be great for a picnic, somersaults, or just playing in the grass. Immediately to the west is the Carrousel, with a current admission price of $2 (kids five and under are free). Hours for the carrousel vary, so be sure to check ahead.

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West Portal Playground is perched above the West Portal Muni stop, where the K, L, and M lines enter the underground system.

It’s got some nice playstructures for younger kids (bigger than toddler), and also has a nice and (for San Francisco, relatively) level grass field which is great for soccer, frisbee, catch, or whatever free-form sport you are inspired to play.

There is a community building and restrooms at the playground, as well as several picnic tables.

Weather: We were there on a perfect day, but it can be a bit cloudy on this part of town. Unless it is a spectacular day, I’d suggest you bring a light jacket (or two)!

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Located at 33rd Ave. and Clement in the Richmond district, the Lincoln Park Playground is a sweet spot to play. Bathrooms are nearby in the clubhouse for the golf course (not sure about weekend hours, but it wasn’t a problem on a weekday afternoon).

If you live in the neighborhood or are in the area, it is a great playground. But there isn’t anything so amazing about it that I would drive across town just to hang out here!

It has plenty to offer, including:

• Bathrooms
• 2 major play structures
• Swings (toddler size)
• 2 big kid swings
• Merry go round with cone-shaped rope climbing play area
• Picnic Tables
• Grassy area for rolling down the hill, sitting on a blanket, or just watching the clouds go by

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