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Koret Children's Quarter & Carousel: A Golden Gate Park Jewel

Step back in time at Golden Gate Park's Koret Children's Quarter, featuring a vintage carousel and playground fun for the whole family.

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Located in Golden Gate Park, the Koret Children's Quarter is believed to be the first public playground in the US, dating back to 1888. It features a historic carousel from 1914 with hand-carved animals, a concrete slide, and modern play structures, offering a blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary fun.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Carousel Ride

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
North of, Kezar Dr, San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, California, 94118, US
Wednesday
10:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday
10:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday
10:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday
10 am-5 pm
Sunday
10 am-5 pm

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    Getting There

    Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the Koret Children's Quarter, including the 7, 33, and N. You can take the bus to the southeastern corner of the park. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the playground. Use a Clipper card for easy payment on BART, Muni/SFMTA (bus), historic trams, and cable cars. A single ride on Muni costs $3.

    Walking

    From the California Academy of Sciences or the de Young Museum, walk east towards Bowling Green Drive. The Koret Children's Quarter is located near Bowling Green Drive, between John F. Kennedy Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The playground is across the street from the Bowling Green yards.

    Ride Share/Taxi

    Request a ride to the Koret Children's Quarter, located off Kezar Drive in Golden Gate Park. The ride-share driver can drop you off near Bowling Green Drive. From there, it's a short walk to the playground. A short ride from downtown San Francisco may cost approximately $15-25, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

    Local tips

    Bring cardboard to use on the concrete slides for a faster and more comfortable ride.
    Visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
    Check the carousel's operating hours, as they vary depending on the season.
    Consider taking public transportation to avoid parking challenges in Golden Gate Park.

    Discover more about Carousel Ride

    The Koret Children's Quarter, nestled in the southeast corner of Golden Gate Park, has been a beloved destination for families for over a century. Originally named the Sharon Quarters for Children, it opened in 1888 and is considered one of the nation's first public playgrounds. This innovative space was designed to promote child development through organized play. Over the years, the playground has evolved, with a major renovation in 2007 made possible by the Koret Foundation. This renovation retained the famous concrete slides while adding new play structures. A highlight of the Koret Children's Quarter is the Herschell-Spillman carousel, dating back to 1914. This vintage carousel features 62 hand-carved animals, including horses, frogs, a dragon, and other creatures, offering a nostalgic ride for all ages. Painted panels inside the carousel showcase Bay Area landscapes. The Koret Children's Quarter provides a mix of old and new, with the concrete slides offering a thrilling experience and the modern play structures catering to children of all ages. The playground is a popular spot for families, offering a safe and fun environment for kids to play and explore. The park also has green spaces and picnic areas, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation.

    A brief summary to Carousel Ride

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