8 Kid-Friendly Hikes Near San Francisco

Start at Merrie Way, where parking, restrooms, food, and the visitor center make an easy family base. The first segment to Mile Rock Overlook is wheelchair accessible; turn around before the stepped and steeper sections if that is the right distance for your group.

Use Tunnel Tops as the flexible start, then follow the accessible connection toward the Crissy Field waterfront. Turn around whenever energy changes instead of forcing a fixed loop; restrooms and paid accessible parking are available at Tunnel Tops.

Start near the recreation center and turn the 3.7-mile trail network into a shorter lower-canyon out and back. The separate 1.2-mile Creeks to Peaks route adds a stronger climb; use the paved recreation area with wheels and bring a carrier for the nature trails.

Choose the paved limited-access road or one of the dirt approaches, then turn back when the climb has delivered enough of the view. The hill is exposed, and the park includes a designated off-leash area, so keep children close around dogs.

Choose Bridge 2, 3, or 4 for a 0.5-, 1-, or 2-mile Main Trail loop. The asphalt, boardwalk, and firm main route works for wheelchairs and strollers; the hillside side trails climb and are not part of the accessible route.

The beach is about 1.7 to 1.75 miles from the trailhead, so the return distance is part of the decision. Bring all the water your group needs, save energy for the walk back, and keep children closely supervised around coastal water and changing weather.

Treat the six-mile paved segment as a menu, not a target: choose a turnaround by time or distance and retrace your route. Bring water, watch for two-way bicycle traffic, and use the restrooms at the ends or near the midpoint.

Use the 0.25-mile Redwood Trail near Skyline Boulevard for the shortest, flat easy-access option with picnic tables and a restroom. Families wanting more can sample Purisima Creek Trail, where short sections reach 10 to 15 percent grades.