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Seward Park Concrete Slides tourist attraction in San Francisco, CA
Photo: Jean Nunes
View of Seward Park Concrete Slides in San Francisco, CA
Photo: Pedro Velasquez
View of Seward Park Concrete Slides in San Francisco, CA
Photo: Julie Winter

Seward Park Concrete Slides

4.5(98 reviews)FreePlayground
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 4-12. Younger preschoolers (4-6) enjoy the novelty and manageable speed, while older kids love racing friends and perfecting their sliding technique. Toddlers under 3 may find the slides too fast or intimidating, though the playground has other equipment for little ones.

About

Seward Park's iconic concrete slides are a one-of-a-kind San Francisco experience where kids race down smooth hillside slides on pieces of cardboard. This quirky local gem combines old-school playground fun with thrilling speeds, creating memories that visiting families and locals alike treasure for years.

Highlights

  • Two side-by-side concrete slides built into the natural hillside
  • The satisfying swoosh sound and speed of sliding on cardboard
  • Racing friends or siblings down parallel slides
  • Traditional playground equipment for variety
  • Quintessential San Francisco neighborhood atmosphere

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Bring flattened cardboard boxes or buy them from enterprising kids who often sell them at the park entrance for $1-2
  2. 2.Wear pants rather than shorts to avoid scrapes, and sit on the cardboard properly to control speed
  3. 3.Visit on weekday mornings for shorter lines; weekends can get crowded with 15-20 minute waits
  4. 4.The slides run fastest when dry, but check for debris before sliding down
  5. 5.Park on surrounding residential streets (free) rather than the small lot which fills quickly

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10 AM-noon) offer the shortest wait times and pleasant weather. Avoid foggy summer afternoons when the slides can be damp and cold. Saturday and Sunday afternoons are busiest, especially during sunny weather.

What to Know

The park is free to visit with street parking available nearby. There's a small playground adjacent to the slides, restrooms on-site, and the hilly terrain requires moderate mobility to access the slides.

Seasonal Notes

Slides are open year-round but most enjoyable during dry, sunny weather (September-November and March-May). Summer fog can make slides cold and slightly damp. Closed Mondays for maintenance.

Nearby Eats

Noe Valley is packed with family options: Firefly Restaurant (400 Cortland Ave) offers great kids' meals and a welcoming atmosphere, while Peasant Pies (4108 24th St) serves delicious savory hand pies perfect for hungry sliders.

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