Argonne Community Garden Playground (16th Avenue)

A tucked away community garden beside an early education school, better for a quiet wander than a full playground outing.

Rowboats and pedal boats for a loop around the island in the lake, plus a café with burgers and fries for after.

The oldest public Japanese garden in the country: a steep arched drum bridge kids insist on climbing, koi ponds, and tea and mochi at the house.

Golden Gate Park art museum with a free observation tower at the top and a lift up for the view.

An easy energy burn between museum stops, with blue play structures right near the big cultural attractions in the park.

Bright modern play structures work for both little kids and bigger ones, with tennis, basketball and picnic tables nearby.