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.

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: ride the lift up for the view even if the galleries are a hard sell.

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.

Fifty-five acres of gardens inside Golden Gate Park with a children's garden and lawns to eat lunch on. Wide flat paths the whole way.