Little Oceanauts, Inc
Rating
Family of 4
$35-55 for 2 adults + 2 young kids.
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 0-6
About
Little Oceanauts on Ocean Avenue brings a nautical twist to the SF indoor playground scene — the ocean and underwater adventure theme gives the space a distinct personality that stands out from generic soft-play gyms. Located in the Ingleside neighborhood, it serves families from Balboa Terrace, West Portal, Miraloma Park, and surrounding areas that don't always make the tourist family activity lists but have dense young-family populations.
The play space is designed for ages 0-6, with soft play structures, crawl areas, and climbing elements that fit young children rather than overwhelming them. The ocean theme carries through the design details — think nautical colors, sea creature imagery, and underwater motifs that give kids a sense of imaginative context for their play.
One important logistics note: Little Oceanauts has notably variable hours. Friday and Sunday offer full 10AM-6PM access, which is ideal for families planning a longer morning. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday close at 2PM, and Saturday closes at 3:30PM. Check the schedule before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
For visiting families staying in the Sunset, West Portal, or Forest Hill neighborhoods, this is a convenient indoor option on a foggy SF morning. Local families from the Ingleside appreciate having a neighborhood play space that doesn't require trekking across the city.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Friday and Sunday have extended hours (10AM-6PM) — best for full morning sessions
Wait Times
No formal wait — open play format
Nearby Food
Ocean Avenue has a mix of local restaurants and cafes. The surrounding Ingleside neighborhood has some good neighborhood spots. City College of SF is nearby.
Why Kids Love It
Little Oceanauts on Ocean Avenue in the Ingleside neighborhood has an ocean-adventure theme that gives the whole space a personality — kids explore a play environment styled around nautical and underwater motifs rather than generic soft-play shapes. The Ocean Ave location serves a neighborhood of SF that's slightly off the tourist trail, meaning it tends to be more community-focused and less hectic than downtown play spaces. Parents appreciate the neighborly vibe.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Hours vary significantly by day — Friday and Sunday are 10AM-6PM, while Mon/Tue/Thu are only 10AM-2PM and Saturday closes at 3:30PM
- Located in the Ingleside neighborhood — a quieter, more residential part of SF
- The nautical/ocean theme makes for charming photos
- Sign the waiver in advance online to save time at check-in
- Parking on Ocean Ave is street parking — arrive with time to find a spot
What to Bring
- Socks for children
- Snacks
- Water bottles
- Change of clothes for toddlers
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$35-55 for 2 adults + 2 young kids.
Check website for current drop-in rates.
Tips to Save
- Friday and Sunday offer the longest hours (10AM-6PM).
- Memberships available for local families.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10AM-6PM
- Monday
- 10AM-2PM
- Sunday
- 10AM-6PM
- Tuesday
- 10AM-2PM
- Saturday
- 10AM-3:30PM
- Thursday
- 10AM-2PM
- Wednesday
- 10AM-2PM