This simple park is just a 5 minutes drive from us. As luck would have it we ran into an old colleague and his kids. Zygie spent the majority of time swinging his heart out. There is a large field connected to the playground and structures for wittle and big kids. His new move is that he wants to do all the dangerous things on his own. Also doesn’t want any pictures taken. But he pushed his car through the play structures before splashing in water dripping down the tennis court. At present time Tom has gone back to search as we lost the green Porsche and are close to meltdown. With love to enclaves like St. Francis and San Francisco ☺️.
52 Playgrounds: #54 Rochamebeau Playground
Last weekend our good friends that live in the South Bay had every intention of coming up to the city to enjoy fleet week. Unfortunately Karl 😶🌫️ decided jets were to be hidden so we met up at a playground. This one has a true neighborhood feel with a barn style club house and a small kids area that is fenced in. Zygie loved the left over cars and wagons strewn about. We loved the slides and swings and being with all the little people we know and love. Ended at brunch and kiddos playing around. All the best in SF this very foggy season.
Adventure: Pacific Grove and Dennis the Menace Playground
We spent the weekend in Pacific Grove as Dayana took time off for her birthday. Last time we were here we stayed on Ocean Blvd in an Airbnb cottage that had views to die for. It’s right across from a walking trail that runs from the lighthouse all the way to the Monterey aquarium. The playgrounds are epic, the beaches are small little coves, and the houses all cottages and Victorians. Deer stroll as if they own the place and there are tons of wall space for car pushing. Highlight has been a German bakery called Pavel with massive croissants that taste like brioche. Zygie keeps saying walk and outside as that is all we do. Walkabouts. Same, same in a new location. The seals yap early in the morning and the fog burns off at 1. This little town is such a gem and gives us all the beauty and shake up to feel refreshed. We 😋California.
52 Playgrounds: #53 Alice Chalmers Playground
Today is Tom’s 42nd birthday so we did a mom and Zyg adventure this morning so Tommy could watch football in peace :). Alice Chalmers is definitely designed for bigger kids but nonetheless we had a blast. The slide required an obstacle course to get through so we did not actually go down the play structure and instead slid down a concrete slide and pushed car car allover steps and rails. There was a sandpit that Zygie avoided telling me he prefers the beach. He is talking so much more these days and asking what everything is and describing what he wants to do. We went out to the baseball field and did a few foot races back and forth to the grass before the hunger meltdown started. We shoved down a packet and baked apples before tearfully making our way back to the car. Having the best day with little man laying on me for an early nap on the couch. Much love to new parts of the city! The views of Sutro tower and edges of downtown were unexpected, but also magical. With love to this amazing little village SF 🥰
52 Playgrounds: #52 Michelangelo Playground
Football season is upon us which means more mom and Zyg playground adventures on Sunday morning. I initially thought 52 would be something intentionally planned, but here we are at a small appointed park that was the most excited I’ve seen Zyg in a while. Tom decided to support his local bar becoming a Patriots bar. The bar is close to Russian Hill so we found a playground in that general direction. Michelangelo is a small hidden gem that welcomes you with the largest bougainvillea bush and one of SF’s steepest hill and the crookedest road in the world just on the other side. The play structure is old but Zyg was so into it. It’s funny observing what he is interested in vs when he just wants to push his car. Today he was excited for the sandy pit and the barrel slides. He jumped to his hearts delight on the swaying bridge. Russian Hill School was having some sort of ceremony so eventually bigger kids showed up and Zygie was interested in joining their game of tag not realizing he is too small. So much love for all the joy and giggles this morning. SF ☺️
52 Playgrounds: #51 Hayes Valley Playground
Hayes Valley used to be a regular jaunt when we lived in Nopa. We walked by the playground many times, but this was the first time we explored. It’s quite small and designed for older kids, but there was plenty of surface for Zygie to push his car. There was a beautiful garden with dahlias and vegetables. There was an amazing mural on the basketball next to the playground which caught Zyg’s attention. We ran round and round and pushed cars allover the climbing structure and over and above a brick concrete area with workout equipment. Highlight was a stroll down memory lane on Hayes with a plan to come back for brunch at The Wine Merchant and Arbor. Hayes is Instagram reality. All these clothing brands have set up store fronts for the now hip main drag. All the best, SF 🥳
52 Playgrounds: #50 Presidio Wall Playground
Our local baker at the farmer’s market recently moved, but before he left town he introduced us to Neighbors Bakehouse in Potrero Hill and we are obsessed. We wake up in the morning and jet across town for decadent croissants, mushroom tarts, and delicious kimchi buns. We logged all our wares to Presidio Wall Playground which is quite stunning. The park itself is small, but with views of eucalyptus trees and the Golden Gate Bridge it is a sight to behold. Zygie’s new favorite thing to do is bring his large ambulance. He pushed it across what looks to have been a water feature no longer supported. He loves to swing and had to hold the ambulance while swinging to all of our detriment. He ran around the sand pit and eventually traded with another little boy for an “old school car”. We enjoyed the 73 degree weather and completely ignored all other play structures. Off to the backyard for our makeshift pool and Indian summer days lazying around with friends. We 💕you SF for all these adventures.
52 Playgrounds: #49 Woh Hei Yuen
Zygie got his second Covid shot today so we sandwiched the experience with a visit to the Cable Car Museum so he could see ta-tas in person. We stumbled upon Woh Hei Playground and park quite by accident. It’s not on our list of playgrounds and just happened to be close to a parking spot. We first went to the cable car museum where Zyg was impressed but oblivious to all the signs saying keep off. I was suckered into purchasing a train and bus he did not need, but brings him joy. The playground offered concrete wall space perfect for pushing car car. It is so serene and feels like an alley in London, but we are in Chinatown. An old lady is blasting traditional Cantonese tunes and a teenager is scrunched under a pirate ship play structure. Zygie loved that I showed him the monkey bars and lost everything in my pocket. He is brave enough to climb the structures without any help and has an affinity for the tallest swiggliest slides. Sunshine 🌞 this part of the city meant dinner on the Embarcadero. We slid into Hillstones patio with a fast dinner and all the love for this magical place San Francisco.
52 Playgrounds: #48 Hilltop Park
Hilltop park is located at the highest point in the Bayview neighborhood. After a long week traveling, it was great to be back with Zyg. We’ve been obsessed with Neighbor Bakehouse in Potrero Hill (the mushroom tarts and croissants are next level) so we headed east. It’s also the time of the year when the sunset is shrouded in cool cray fog and breeze while the other side is sunny. The park itself is expansive with gorgeous concrete slides and a yellow sundial. Zygie immediately wanted to swing his heart out. We realized he has gotten so adept at climbing and running and sliding. He climbed up the rock wall on his own and even took some risks walking up the concrete slide. We enjoyed the serene feeling of having the place to ourselves and the gorgeous views of colorful houses and greenery. This part of town has a reputation that overshadows its beauty and diversity. No part of SF we’ve visited that we have not loved. xx 🌁
52 Playgrounds: #47 Alta Plaza Park
Loving park play dates with friends! Today we invited folks to join our adventure to much success. The structures were wet thanks to thick fog, but the park views are second to none. Zygie loved the swings and got very excited about a train play structure. He ran all around but struggled to slide because his clothes were wet. We made our way down to Choquets for brunch with views of fire engines, buses, and all the things that make Zygie light up. 😚 SF
52 Playgrounds: #46 Presidio Tunnel Tops Outpost
Today was opening day so we got up early hoping to run through the playground before the crowds arrived. Unfortunately the gate to the outpost was locked so we had to wait for the official open at 10am. The views from this new park are unreal spanning Crissy Field, Alcatraz, GGB, and The Presidio. The playground itself is made from all natural materials and blend into the landscape. Zygie was initially happy in his stroller but as more and more people showed up he got scared. 😅trying to get out of there, but still loving the incredible paths and connective tissue this park creates between the Marina and Presidio. So much love to this city we call home. Especially because we need a do-over.
52 Playgrounds: #45 Minnie & Lovie Ward
Zygie has been a bit on the cranky side and he added a side of banging his noggin on the side of the couch right before we left for the playground. He was calm once we got into the car and we made our way south of the sunset. This neighborhood was basked in sun with beautiful views and a mix of 70s and 40s style houses. The playground itself is situated on a hill with epic views. Zyg loved the slides and swings. He interacted with the play structure quite a bit and loved the swings. There is a large walking track that surrounds the playground that you can get to from going down a gigantic slide. There is an awesome terrace wall that he could push his car around. Plus there was a soccer game full of older guys and their wives were doing Zumba beside the field — such a smart idea. We met a cute little family at the playground and simply enjoyed the weather. Parking was slightly difficult but we parked 1 block away on a hill and walked down. SF Summer 🥰
52 Playgrounds: #44 Merced Heights Playground
Zygie was up at 6:30 today after an exciting play date with his friend Paloma the day before. Tom was exhausted so Zyg and I headed back to this playground. The last time we tried to come it was being redone. It was totally worth it! This was the first time in a bit that little man actually interacted with the play structures in addition to playing with his cars. He loved the flat swing and walking across a rope net structure. The slides were huge and wet so I wouldn’t let him go down any of them but he found his way trying to climb up the slides ☺️. The views are outstanding and the neighborhood is quaint. The fog is burning off so we are hopeful Stern Grove Festival will be a sun filled afternoon of music and dancing. All the love to this wonder place, San Francisco.
52 Playgrounds: #43 Sue Bierman Playground
Friday! Tom was getting his hair cut in North Beach so we decided to check out Sue Bierman Park on the Embarcadero with a family dinner date at Coqueta after. Unfortunately the pirate ship that is the main attraction recently burned down so the only play structure left was for kids age 5+. Zygie still had a blast although I had to be right on top of him. We went down the slide several times and ran through the grassy areas before heading to watch the ⛴ dock on the piers. The sun was shining with a little breeze and we had the best time watching trains and all the cars go across the bay bridge. My heart and stomach are full from an amazing dinner. He is so good at eating out and being patient as small courses come out. In love with Zygie and our little heaven on earth, San Francisco.
52 Playgrounds: #42 Panhandle Playground
Happy Fourth of July. Today we went to the panhandle. I love the city on big holidays — it moves at a local’s pace. The playground is close to our old neighborhood so we had been saving it for a family park and brunch day. We can go back whenever and it is so easy to get to with plenty of parking on a day like this. Zygie loves stairs, texture, and sounds. He explores them with his cars and hands. It’s fun to watch him engage. This space has wooden slat stairs and rock stairs next to the large slide. There is a big and a little kids area but we stayed in the big kids section. We climbed up and down and through the slant in the rubber flooring. Zygie is excitedly into trains and things that move so we chased “Ta-Ta” allover the playground. The Obama portraits are in town so we went to introduce Zyg to the symbols that inspire what the 4th of July means and the message for us to calibrate our life and goals. The portraits were the only images in the museum hung at a height with a large and heft size for a toddler to be inspired at the height of a pocket stroller at the same time as an adult .I wish there were more art hung at that level for him to explore and engage.
52 Playgrounds: #41 Francisco Park
Summer in SF means the sunset is shrouded in fog and North Beach is basking in sun. We headed that way to explore Francisco Park which is the largest public park and playground in the last 40 years. There are spectacular views and the park itself blends into the natural surroundings. Zyg met quite a lot of dogs and spent the majority of time on the large lawn with a concrete wall pushing his cars. He made a cute little friend at the smaller kids playground and they took some interesting risks climbing and rolling down steep inclines next to the steps. The fresh air and beauty almost makes you forget everything going on in the world. It is good to be back into the groove of being home but my heart also tugs at the world little man is going to grow up in.
Adventure: Grand Cayman Islands
We took our first family vacation since Covid! My cousin Tola was getting married in Atlanta so the Caribbean was the closest and shortest flight we could find. Zygie has loved every minute of this adventure. We danced and stayed up till midnight in Atlanta but checked into a routine in the Islands. Everyone has been so welcoming and little man has been obsessed with the pool, everyone’s shoes, and the fresh seafood and butter croissants available at his beck and call. The last day of holiday he melted down due to sand being on his car, but overall he was so inquisitive and curious. It’s so fun watching him explore and grow up. It’s as if he grew overnight with all his phrases, reaching for his specific cars, interest in dready art and most importantly trying to distinguish chickens from dogs. We got a new foldable stroller before we left so we can fit into the overhead bin. Zyg has been loving it and now gets in and out on his own. He also refers to it as “bombo”. Not really sure where he got that word, but he uses funny words for different things. Including, “Gargone” for bib. Heart is full and family battery is juiced.
52 Playgrounds: #40 Koshland Community Park
Zyg is 19 months today. We took a mom only playground adventure to Koshland Community Park and Gardens which is close to Hayes Valley. The playground structure itself was for older kids, but the setting was serene early in the morning. No one else was there and Zyg was able to push his car all over the place (though he is starting to do it less and sometimes forgets about the car). There are gorgeous views from the the park with slivers of the ocean next to the top of the Salesforce Tower. Zygie crushed an empanada before running through the community gardens. Karl has rolled in so it was a cool, gray morning. It’s my favorite time of the year!
52 Playgrounds: #39 Mother’s Meadow Playground
It’s been a lovely Memorial Day weekend! On Saturday we went to visit Alta Plaza Park in Pac Heights. Unfortunately the playground was closed, but the perfect little brunch spot “Choquet” was open. Tables out in the streets with fire engines doing laps made for Zygie’s perfect day. On Sunday we decided to keep it close and paid a visit to the last playground in Golden Gate Park that we wanted to visit. Lucky for us, our amazing baker Matt was there with his twin boys Asher and Jethro. Zygie loved their rambunctiousness and chased them around the play set and up and down concrete walk ways where he pushed car car. He was much more interested running up and down the hill than anything else. Zyg’s perfectionist traits continue to shine as he ferociously tried to wipe his shoes after they got a little mud on them. We came home and grilled out with friends and laughed till our hearts were full.
52 Playgrounds: #38 Rossi Playground
The weather is perfect today, sun is out and Karl is no where to be seen. Late start but it was worth it. The park wasn’t crowded and it’s tucked into a neighborhood flush with flowering dogwoods. Zygie is more interested in pushing his car and meeting people than actually climbing the play structures. There were big, sprawling fields for baseball and great facilities for all sports, including a remodeled pool. Zygie loved all the troughs that he could push “car car” along. Back home and enjoying the sunshine.
