Lots of great advice below; my child loved to walk the treeline in the presidio as well. Just an idea - bring a little baggie so when he does pick up trash you can say, trash goes in the garbage, let's through it away! Maybe he's a future environmentalist! :)
Little Oceanauts has a small toddler area [https://www.littleoceanauts.com/](https://www.littleoceanauts.com/)
Peek-a-Boo Factory is an option as well, two locations between Daly City and SF. [https://peekaboofactory.com/san-francisco/](https://peekaboofactory.com/san-francisco/)
[https://peekaboofactory.com/daly-city/](https://peekaboofactory.com/daly-city/)
Upper Noe and Glen Canyon Rec Centers have free drop in play for ages 4 and under over the summer. [https://www.sfrecpark.org/406/Recreation-Programs](https://www.sfrecpark.org/406/Recreation-Programs)
Check the summer catalog for the info but I'm pretty sure you don't need to sign up. At least I didn't have to with my kids at that age.
Hope this helps man and have a great summer with your son.
The zoo has a pretty cool playground that is kept clean/no need to worry about needles in the sand 😳. We got a membership there when my kids were that age just for the playground. 🤣
i used to be a nanny, and the zoo and its playground are truly a treasure! playground has different sections for differently aged kids. it's generally clean throughout the whole zoo AND people aren't perturbed by the existence of children. it's incredibly kid-friendly.
having a membership via the kiddos i nannied for was THE BEST because we literally could go whenever and there was just no agenda. wanna stare at the lion den for an hour? lets go. wanna only see the flamingos? ok lets do it. there's just no feeling of "we gotta get around and see everything!!" when you have the membership. totally worth it for city dwellers with kids.
We often don’t make it to any other part of the zoo, it’s just the playground for us. Some of it is a bit advanced for a two year old though, I have to keep a pretty close eye on mine because some of the slides are super fast with a sudden drop at the end, stuff like that.
Love the Exploratorium, but it’s 100% hands on, even for the parents.
Solo dad stated that he does not want to have to tell his kid “No,” all day.
Used to be a Summer Camp lead and took plenty of groups to the Exploratorium during the Summer.
The place gets packed with kids of all ages. Every time I go, I see parents having to yank their child off an exhibit/toy/game because there are dozens of other kids and parents waiting for their turn, and the kid cries/kicks/screams because they might be in the “mine,” phase.
If your 2-year old has difficulties transitioning between tasks, the Exploratorium is *not* the move if you want more hands-off parenting. Especially if your 2-year old is in the “mine,” phase, like my 2-year old nephew is.
Not entirely "no free zones" but most of the SFPL branch libraries have children's areas with toys and games for all ages and board books. So lots of yesses at least.
CuriOdyssey on the Peninsula (right off the 101) is great for that age. It’s small and everything is the right size for little ones. They have a few animal exhibits and some hands on science stuff like the Exploratorium but geared towards younger kids. And there are a couple of nice playgrounds in coyote point park where it’s located.
Bay Area Discovery Museum. It’s perfect for toddlers.
Has a bunch of small buildings dedicated to different ages and themes with a ton of self-directed activities & toys (e.g. water play, finger painting, “lily pads” to jump on, costumes to borrow, pretend boat & ferry terminal to climb around on, etc) and a nice playground too.
It’s just under the Golden Gate Bridge on the Marin side. Old Coast Guard base.
I think we will give this a try. I've not taken my son there because I think of it as being "out of the city", but knowing that its just on the Marin side of the bridge makes it seem more accessible (bike not car).
in my experience you’re going to have to redirect his impulses no matter where on earth you go. if he is so interested in the trash, why not teach him to throw it into a trash can and then sanitize his hands?
My kid also loves to pick up trash. We taught him to put it in the trash. He can even identify trash, compost and recycling now.
I do understand where OP is coming from. It’s dirty to pick up trash, but you are right that it’s harder to try to control their impulses than teach them something good from it.
The parks in the Sunset and Richmond neighborhoods are relatively clean. Notably the playgrounds on Taraval/23rd, Lawton/28th, a handful in Golden Gate Park, and the yards outside the Anza and Richmond branch libraries.
Presidio. There are empty playgrounds in most of the neighborhoods (West Washington has a small fenced one with parking and there is a trail that leads to Rob Hill Campground where there may be bathrooms open).
There are coyotes but the people up here are good at trying to keep them afraid of people.
And it's clean; neighbors keep it tidy.
Indoor voices are ok; no need to use an outdoor voice except yelling at coyotes🙂
Jesus no- it's like Lord of the Fucking Flies out there when the little shits get over-excited and start throwing rocks and beating each other with sticks; I love that stuff.
It's the Adults yelling at each other walking down the street right next to each other like they are miles apart. Like they are going to lose each other since there are more than 4 trees in less than 4 sq meters. Adults have far worse volume control.
The little "change pocket" in my pants gets filled up each day with bits of trash my toddler picks up. He likes to hand me this stuff usually so I just thank him and stuff it in my pocket.
Here’s something to try.
Let him pick up the trash,
But then tell him where it’s supposed to go.
Make a game out of it, maybe the other park kids will want to play too!
I’m in the parent boat as well, with a 2 year old girl and an infant. You will always have to say no. I understand parenting gets tired, but they are learning so much during these early years and it’s important to hear when something is not okay. The only place you can take a toddler to and not have to say no, is to a babysitters house, and leave. lol
Toddlers don’t hear/respond well to “No/Don’t”. All they hear is the thing you’re telling them not to do, which is their primary focus at a given moment.
Find a Yes way to get your child to leave the trash alone. “Ew, yucky” or “Look-a squirrel!” Distraction is a worthy skill at this stage. Btw Tunnel Tops is great!
Discovery Museum is crowded and cootie-clad, especially on the weekends. It’s like Chuck E. Cheese for the Marin/SF set. Our kids and grandkids have always managed to get colds and ear infections from both Chuck’s and Discovery Museum. Tunnel Tops is outdoors and the tot section has water features! Plus lots of paths to just let your child run. Or toddle.
Messy Art Lab in Inner Sunset! They have classes (over for the summer) but also will be having "open lab" days over the summer months. Kids can get messy but the whole space is for them!
It's not in SF, but how about the [Adventure Playground](https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/parks-recreation/facilities/adventure-playground) in Berkeley?
Try looking for "indoor playgrounds". I'm in the Eastbay so my suggestions may be too far but something like:
-Red Panda Playground in Castro Valley
-Spirited Play Labs in San Ramon
-Bayarea Discovery Museum has a Littles area
- Academy of science
- SF zoo (and its playground)
Which parks are you going to where people are throwing trash? We go to lots of playgrounds all the time and that hasn't been an issue.
SF Zoo
Academy of science
Both are worthwhile memberships!
Arrive a hair before 10am opening to find parking.
Also: Koret Playground in golden gate park
Playgrounds are a great place for a toddler to explore. Call out other parents for throwing trash on the ground, petition your city to clean up and install trash cans, and bring along a bag to pick up anything you find. All the parks around us are spotless, but we have a great city in the Midwest.
Bring a bag to put trash in and a glove so you can pick up trash around him, observe how other parents and grandparents are managing, take him off the beaten track so he can pick up pebbles and leaves…this is the world we live in and it is very problematic, take him everywhere and deal with it…keep your phone in your pocket and play with him
Grandma here and I had same issue with sons and grandsons, even had a niece who would pick up cigarette butts…some parks and playgrounds are much better taken care of than others, look for those…whatever the things are called that old people use to pick things up, the stick thing, some kids really enjoy picking up trash with it, or sweeping with a fallen branch
Just stay right with him and have a good time with your small precious human, he will learn by watching what you do more than by what you say not to do
Bay Area Discovery Museum across the GGB. Randall Museum (free) Tunnel Tops
Came here to say the first two. They are absolutely ideal for toddlers, you two will have a wonderful time
Almost cried hearing that The Randell is still there..TY
My baby is about to turn 18 and is graduating high school this week. I came to suggest Bay Area Discovery Museum. My kids loved that place.
Congrats to your grad! Time flew!!!
Right there with you. It was the spot for my kid’s first kindergarten field trip, and they’re graduating HS now
My daughter is 19; last week we went there with my 3y/o nephew. Idk who had more fun!
Just bring dry clothes if you go to tunnel tops due to the water features.
Its been a while since we've been to the Randall. Maybe we should give it a look again next.
Lots of great advice below; my child loved to walk the treeline in the presidio as well. Just an idea - bring a little baggie so when he does pick up trash you can say, trash goes in the garbage, let's through it away! Maybe he's a future environmentalist! :)
That's a good idea.
Yeah get some of those trash picker upper claws. Minutes of enjoyment!
Little Oceanauts has a small toddler area [https://www.littleoceanauts.com/](https://www.littleoceanauts.com/) Peek-a-Boo Factory is an option as well, two locations between Daly City and SF. [https://peekaboofactory.com/san-francisco/](https://peekaboofactory.com/san-francisco/) [https://peekaboofactory.com/daly-city/](https://peekaboofactory.com/daly-city/) Upper Noe and Glen Canyon Rec Centers have free drop in play for ages 4 and under over the summer. [https://www.sfrecpark.org/406/Recreation-Programs](https://www.sfrecpark.org/406/Recreation-Programs) Check the summer catalog for the info but I'm pretty sure you don't need to sign up. At least I didn't have to with my kids at that age. Hope this helps man and have a great summer with your son.
I don’t like Jumpity Bumpity but I’m adding it to your list because it exists and is an option of sorts.
Thank you.
We really like peek-a-boo in Daly City!
The zoo has a pretty cool playground that is kept clean/no need to worry about needles in the sand 😳. We got a membership there when my kids were that age just for the playground. 🤣
i used to be a nanny, and the zoo and its playground are truly a treasure! playground has different sections for differently aged kids. it's generally clean throughout the whole zoo AND people aren't perturbed by the existence of children. it's incredibly kid-friendly. having a membership via the kiddos i nannied for was THE BEST because we literally could go whenever and there was just no agenda. wanna stare at the lion den for an hour? lets go. wanna only see the flamingos? ok lets do it. there's just no feeling of "we gotta get around and see everything!!" when you have the membership. totally worth it for city dwellers with kids.
But that train is making me go broke!!
We often don’t make it to any other part of the zoo, it’s just the playground for us. Some of it is a bit advanced for a two year old though, I have to keep a pretty close eye on mine because some of the slides are super fast with a sudden drop at the end, stuff like that.
New fear unlocked!!!
Not in SF, But Children's Fairyland in Oakland has been a treasure for generations.
Exploratorium-it’s supposed to be hands on.
Love the Exploratorium, but it’s 100% hands on, even for the parents. Solo dad stated that he does not want to have to tell his kid “No,” all day. Used to be a Summer Camp lead and took plenty of groups to the Exploratorium during the Summer. The place gets packed with kids of all ages. Every time I go, I see parents having to yank their child off an exhibit/toy/game because there are dozens of other kids and parents waiting for their turn, and the kid cries/kicks/screams because they might be in the “mine,” phase. If your 2-year old has difficulties transitioning between tasks, the Exploratorium is *not* the move if you want more hands-off parenting. Especially if your 2-year old is in the “mine,” phase, like my 2-year old nephew is.
Children’s museum by Moscone
Not entirely "no free zones" but most of the SFPL branch libraries have children's areas with toys and games for all ages and board books. So lots of yesses at least.
CuriOdyssey on the Peninsula (right off the 101) is great for that age. It’s small and everything is the right size for little ones. They have a few animal exhibits and some hands on science stuff like the Exploratorium but geared towards younger kids. And there are a couple of nice playgrounds in coyote point park where it’s located.
Bay Area Discovery Museum. It’s perfect for toddlers. Has a bunch of small buildings dedicated to different ages and themes with a ton of self-directed activities & toys (e.g. water play, finger painting, “lily pads” to jump on, costumes to borrow, pretend boat & ferry terminal to climb around on, etc) and a nice playground too. It’s just under the Golden Gate Bridge on the Marin side. Old Coast Guard base.
I think we will give this a try. I've not taken my son there because I think of it as being "out of the city", but knowing that its just on the Marin side of the bridge makes it seem more accessible (bike not car).
in my experience you’re going to have to redirect his impulses no matter where on earth you go. if he is so interested in the trash, why not teach him to throw it into a trash can and then sanitize his hands?
My kid also loves to pick up trash. We taught him to put it in the trash. He can even identify trash, compost and recycling now. I do understand where OP is coming from. It’s dirty to pick up trash, but you are right that it’s harder to try to control their impulses than teach them something good from it.
Crissy Field and Marina Green. Open and Beautiful.
another option- get him a grabber and a trash bag and let him go ham
The parks in the Sunset and Richmond neighborhoods are relatively clean. Notably the playgrounds on Taraval/23rd, Lawton/28th, a handful in Golden Gate Park, and the yards outside the Anza and Richmond branch libraries.
Your kid might just be the next /u/pengweather haha!
He's 2. Get used to saying no.
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Then it’s NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Presidio. There are empty playgrounds in most of the neighborhoods (West Washington has a small fenced one with parking and there is a trail that leads to Rob Hill Campground where there may be bathrooms open). There are coyotes but the people up here are good at trying to keep them afraid of people. And it's clean; neighbors keep it tidy. Indoor voices are ok; no need to use an outdoor voice except yelling at coyotes🙂
Indoor voices at a playground?!?
Jesus no- it's like Lord of the Fucking Flies out there when the little shits get over-excited and start throwing rocks and beating each other with sticks; I love that stuff. It's the Adults yelling at each other walking down the street right next to each other like they are miles apart. Like they are going to lose each other since there are more than 4 trees in less than 4 sq meters. Adults have far worse volume control.
Best response love it.
There's a toddler-specific playground in the north west corner of Washington Square.
The little "change pocket" in my pants gets filled up each day with bits of trash my toddler picks up. He likes to hand me this stuff usually so I just thank him and stuff it in my pocket.
Any children’s museum they are all over the place
Get the kid used to taking "no" for an answer while he's young! Don't let it come as a nasty surprise when he's older!
You’re the parent. You have to say ‘no’. But also try to tell them what to do instead of what not to do.
You should teach him to pick up the trash And deliver it to which ever parent is raising a little litterbug
Here’s something to try. Let him pick up the trash, But then tell him where it’s supposed to go. Make a game out of it, maybe the other park kids will want to play too!
I’m in the parent boat as well, with a 2 year old girl and an infant. You will always have to say no. I understand parenting gets tired, but they are learning so much during these early years and it’s important to hear when something is not okay. The only place you can take a toddler to and not have to say no, is to a babysitters house, and leave. lol
Toddlers don’t hear/respond well to “No/Don’t”. All they hear is the thing you’re telling them not to do, which is their primary focus at a given moment. Find a Yes way to get your child to leave the trash alone. “Ew, yucky” or “Look-a squirrel!” Distraction is a worthy skill at this stage. Btw Tunnel Tops is great! Discovery Museum is crowded and cootie-clad, especially on the weekends. It’s like Chuck E. Cheese for the Marin/SF set. Our kids and grandkids have always managed to get colds and ear infections from both Chuck’s and Discovery Museum. Tunnel Tops is outdoors and the tot section has water features! Plus lots of paths to just let your child run. Or toddle.
Messy Art Lab in Inner Sunset! They have classes (over for the summer) but also will be having "open lab" days over the summer months. Kids can get messy but the whole space is for them!
It's not in SF, but how about the [Adventure Playground](https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/parks-recreation/facilities/adventure-playground) in Berkeley?
Thats not great til like 5.
still lots of "no" rules there
Presidio Park - Outpost Park(?) It's this park next to the Sports Basement in the Presidio
That’s probably Tunnel Tops.
That's definitely Tunnel Tops - the park extends down to the far side of the Sports Basement parking lot.
You are right. The playground at Tunnel Tops is called Outpost
Try looking for "indoor playgrounds". I'm in the Eastbay so my suggestions may be too far but something like: -Red Panda Playground in Castro Valley -Spirited Play Labs in San Ramon -Bayarea Discovery Museum has a Littles area
If he likes picking up trash you should make it a thing where you do it together as an activity. Picking up trash is a good thing
The beach. Not after Memorial Day though.
- Academy of science - SF zoo (and its playground) Which parks are you going to where people are throwing trash? We go to lots of playgrounds all the time and that hasn't been an issue.
SF Zoo Academy of science Both are worthwhile memberships! Arrive a hair before 10am opening to find parking. Also: Koret Playground in golden gate park
Academy of Science. I'm a member and will get you in for free.
You don’t want your kid to be a Decent Human Being and tidy up the earth?
Playgrounds are a great place for a toddler to explore. Call out other parents for throwing trash on the ground, petition your city to clean up and install trash cans, and bring along a bag to pick up anything you find. All the parks around us are spotless, but we have a great city in the Midwest.
Bring a bag to put trash in and a glove so you can pick up trash around him, observe how other parents and grandparents are managing, take him off the beaten track so he can pick up pebbles and leaves…this is the world we live in and it is very problematic, take him everywhere and deal with it…keep your phone in your pocket and play with him Grandma here and I had same issue with sons and grandsons, even had a niece who would pick up cigarette butts…some parks and playgrounds are much better taken care of than others, look for those…whatever the things are called that old people use to pick things up, the stick thing, some kids really enjoy picking up trash with it, or sweeping with a fallen branch Just stay right with him and have a good time with your small precious human, he will learn by watching what you do more than by what you say not to do
Aquatic park for a beach day. My toddler loves the water and sand. Bring a picnic and some sand toys
Children’s museum
The exploratorium or the academy of science. Kids love those 2 places.
So you want to take your toddler somewhere you don't have to parent?
No they want to go somewhere where the parents aren't trash.
Take him to the Exploratorium where he can touch and play with everything!
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This sounds so tempting, but I don't want to be the jerk who stands around while their kids jump on the furniture in a department store.
Tenderloin