Outpost Playground
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-10
About
The Outpost Playground at Presidio Tunnel Tops is what happens when a world-class national park takes children's play seriously. Located within the Presidio of San Francisco — a former military base turned national park — the Outpost sits at the center of the Tunnel Tops park development with some of the most dramatic playground views in the United States.
This isn't a standard playground dropped into a park. The Outpost is designed in an adventure playground tradition — the structures are intentionally more creative and less standardized than typical municipal playground equipment, with climbing elements, slides, and play zones that evoke the natural Presidio landscape. The design encourages kids to use their imagination in ways that a standard plastic structure doesn't.
The broader Tunnel Tops park surrounding the playground transforms a playground visit into a full half-day of exploration. The park has sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, open lawn areas for running and picnicking, a visitor center, and walking trails that connect to the rest of the Presidio. Families frequently arrive for the playground and end up staying 3-4 hours exploring the whole park area.
Entry is completely free. Parking in the Presidio is free in many lots, though popular lots near the Tunnel Tops entrance fill on busy weekends. Arrive early on summer weekends to secure parking, or take a Muni bus from downtown SF.
The Presidio's fog and wind mean that layers are essential even on days that look sunny from the city. A light wind jacket for everyone is smart packing for any Presidio visit.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; combine with a Presidio Tunnel Tops visit for a full half-day
Wait Times
No wait — free open access
Nearby Food
The Presidio has the Tunnel Tops Visitor Center with food options. The nearby Presidio Main Post has Arguello restaurant and Bon Voyage food. Divisadero Street restaurants are 10-15 minutes away.
Why Kids Love It
The Outpost Playground at Presidio Tunnel Tops is one of the most dramatically located playgrounds in San Francisco — kids climb, slide, and explore on structures designed to evoke the natural Presidio landscape, with Golden Gate Bridge views peeking through the trees. The adventure-playground design philosophy (rougher, more creative play elements vs. standard plastic structures) genuinely sparks more imaginative play.
The surrounding Tunnel Tops park, with its lawn, fire pits, and walking trails, makes it easy to extend the visit well beyond playground time.
From Reddit Parents
“FYI, I think those hours for the Outpost Playground (most people call it Tunnel Tops) are for the educational ranger station area and possibly the restrooms.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- The Presidio Tunnel Tops park around the playground has stunning Golden Gate Bridge views — bring a picnic and stay for the scenery
- Parking in the Presidio is free in many lots — check presidio.gov for parking maps
- Toilets and restrooms are available at the Tunnel Tops Visitor Center area nearby
- The playground opens at 9:30AM — a great morning anchor for a Presidio day
- Dress in layers — the Presidio can be significantly windier and foggier than the rest of SF
What to Bring
- Snacks and picnic lunch
- Layers and wind jacket
- Sunscreen (for when it IS sunny)
- Water bottles
Cost Info
Free Admission
Admission Prices
- Child
- free
Tips to Save
- Completely free.
- Combine with the free Presidio Tunnel Tops park for a full morning with zero admission cost.
- Parking is free in many Presidio lots.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9:30AM-5PM
- Monday
- 9:30AM-5PM
- Sunday
- 9:30AM-5PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30AM-5PM
- Saturday
- 9:30AM-5PM
- Thursday
- 9:30AM-5PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30AM-5PM
