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Koret Children's Quarter: A Golden Gate Park Gem

Discover a historic playground in Golden Gate Park with a vintage carousel, concrete slides, and modern play structures for family fun.

★★★★★4.4 (108)

Located in Golden Gate Park, the Koret Children's Quarter is a historic playground offering a blend of classic and modern play structures, including the iconic Herschell-Spillman carousel and concrete slides. It's a beloved destination for families seeking fun and recreation.

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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Carousel Ride.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the playground can get crowded.
Bring cardboard to use on the concrete slides for a faster ride.
Take public transportation to avoid parking challenges within Golden Gate Park.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park's green spaces and picnic areas.

Discover more about Carousel Ride

The Koret Children's Quarter, nestled in the southeast corner of Golden Gate Park, has been a source of joy for generations. Originally established in 1888 as the Sharon Quarters for Children, it's considered one of the first public playgrounds in the United States. This innovative space was designed to provide a dedicated area for children's play and development. Today, the Koret Children's Quarter seamlessly blends historical charm with modern play structures. The meticulously restored Herschell-Spillman carousel, dating back to 1914, is a highlight, featuring hand-carved wooden animals and intricate paintings. The playground also retains its original concrete slides, a favorite among visitors since the early days. The playground offers diverse play areas suitable for different age groups, with features like a rope climbing structure, climbing walls, a zip line, and a mosaic sea serpent in a sandy play area. The Koret Children's Quarter provides a mix of nostalgic and new experiences, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Its location within Golden Gate Park also provides easy access to other attractions, such as the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum.

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    Getting There

    Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the N Judah Muni light rail line towards Ocean Beach. Get off at the Irving St & 6th Ave stop, and walk north into Golden Gate Park. The Koret Children's Quarter will be on your right. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00.

    Walking

    If you are already within Golden Gate Park, follow signs towards the California Academy of Sciences and the Japanese Tea Garden. The Koret Children's Quarter is located nearby, west of Bowling Green Drive between John F. Kennedy Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

    Ride Share

    From anywhere in San Francisco, use a ride-sharing service to reach the Koret Children's Quarter. Set your destination as 320 Bowling Green Drive, San Francisco. Expect to pay around $15-30 for a ride from downtown, depending on traffic and time of day.

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