Amazing Playground Slides in San Francisco’s Hillsides

Remember the rush of slipping down a playground slide? Whatever your age, you can relive that adrenaline spike at several family-friendly playgrounds in San Francisco. The Golden Gate City has amazing public parks and free outdoor slides that appeal to adults and children alike. Thanks to the city’s naturally rolling landscape, most of these are unique concrete slides that are set right into the hillside. So, the next time you’re in the neighborhood, take a dip down these San Francisco slides and relive your childhood with your kids!

Be very, very quiet about the Seward Street slides

On your quest to find the best San Francisco slides, make sure to check out one of the city’s hidden gems, Seward Mini Park. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, the peaceful park boasts two side-by-side steep concrete slides best conquered with the help of cardboard for smoother gliding. Be sure to watch those curves as you pick up speed! Pro tip: Take a detour here with the kids before hiking up to Twin Peaks.

Take in city views from Bernal Heights

The Esmerelda Street Slides, two side-by-side metal gliders, are tucked away near Bernal Heights Park. The steep, uphill climb to these quintessentially San Francisco slides will give you a workout, but it’s so worth the effort. Check out the spectacular city skyline view from this residential hillside neighborhood, but a word of caution: These slides may look like beginner slopes, but you’ll pick up speed faster than you think.

Get elevated at Mission Dolores Park

Helen Diller Playground isn’t just for kids: Head to the 45-foot-long Super Slide to experience an elevation change of nearly 30 feet.

It’s no wonder Helen Diller Playground is a local favorite. In addition to swings and climbing walls for the kids, there are two thrilling San Francisco slides for the whole family to enjoy at this spot within Mission Dolores Park. A short and wide mound slide is perfect for team gliding, while a curvy, hillside super slide is perfect for speedsters. There’s an elevation change of 30 feet, but fear not: there’s comfortable rubber surfacing surrounding the area.

Enjoy classic fun at Golden Gate Park

As one of the first public playgrounds in the country, with roots that go back to 1888, Koret Children’s Quarter Playground is another local favorite for family fun. Head to the southeast corner of Golden Gate Park and swoosh down the concrete San Francisco slide. Let the kids swing from the rope climbing structure or cheer them on as they tackle a wave-shaped climbing wall. Then take a ride on the historic carousel.

Slide and skate at Hilltop Park

Hilltop Park was the city’s first public skateboard park and features picnic areas, concrete slides and a 70-foot sundial. Photo Credit: Miller Company Landscape Architects

Explore the beautiful Bayview neighborhood with a trip to dog-friendly Hilltop Park. Home to the city’s first skateboard park, it also features a 70-foot sundial and several cozy picnic areas. Use a slice of cardboard to swoop down concrete slides built up from the hill. Then take in gorgeous hilltop views of downtown and South San Francisco.

Go totally tubular at Yerba Buena Gardens

Catch some fresh air while exploring the downtown arts and culture scene by spending time at Yerba Buena Gardens. The urban playground includes a 25-foot tube slide and a hedge labyrinth. Explore the lush grounds of the gardens, then pause to take a closer look at the park’s cascading waterfall: You’ll see the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, Revelation, featuring etched quotes from Dr. King’s speeches.

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