Playgrounds & Parks

Yerba Buena Gardens

πŸ†Staff PickπŸ’°Budget FriendlyπŸ§’Best for Toddlers
SOMA
Yerba Buena Gardens - Photo 1
Yerba Buena Gardens - Photo 2
Yerba Buena Gardens - Photo 3

About This Spot

A downtown oasis with a fantastic children's garden, ice skating rink, carousel, and bowling. The playground area has a slides built into the hillside and a sand play area that kids love.

What to Expect

🚼Stroller Friendly
πŸ’Free Entry
🌳Outdoor Area
πŸ§’Toddler Safe

Parent Tips

πŸ’‘

The children's garden is separate from the main gardens β€” look for it behind the MLK memorial. Ice skating and carousel have small fees. Great spot to combine with the Children's Creativity Museum next door.

Local Insider Tips

β€’Find the children's garden behind the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial waterfall
β€’Ice skating rink is open year-round with skate rentals available
β€’Combine with Children's Creativity Museum, SFMOMA, or Metreon
β€’Street parking is challenging - consider public transit or paid lots
β€’The carousel and bowling alley are small additional fees but worth it
β€’Free WiFi available throughout the gardens

Family Reviews

D

"Perfect downtown playground when you're in SOMA. The kids love the sand area and the slides built into the hill."

β€” Downtown parent

S

"Great place to decompress after the Children's Creativity Museum. The ice skating is a huge hit with older kids."

β€” SF parent

L

"Hidden children's garden behind the MLK memorial is magical. Feels like a secret oasis in the middle of the city."

β€” Local parent