The Painted Ladies (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Painted Ladies?
What makes it 88% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 benefit from a two-tier playground, open lawns, and seasonal festivals, but streets border the park and no staff supervise, so guardians must watch closely.
Positives:
- Free entry and amenities: Playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and water refill are all complimentary.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Paved loops connect parking, playground, and photo spots
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Only some trees offer shade; bring sun hats and sunscreen.
- Peak-hour crowds: Late afternoon sees more visitors; consider a morning visit
What is The Painted Ladies?
- A row of elaborately ornamented Victorian and Edwardian residences lining Alamo Square Park in San Francisco
- Each house features intricate details—cornices, gables and bay windows—accentuated by polychromatic paint schemes
- Restoration efforts in the 1960s preserved this iconic ensemble as a landmark of American Victorian architecture
What is so special about The Painted Ladies for with kids?
- Free, age-segmented playground in Alamo Square Park
- Large lawns for family picnics and active games
- Iconic Painted Ladies backdrop for memorable family photos
- Annual October Alamo Scare! Halloween event for kids
- Easy stroller access with public restrooms and water refill
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This lets your family enjoy the playground, picnic spot, and photo areas at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Painted Ladies
Alamo Square Playground:
Two-tier play area with slides, swings, and climbing for ages 3–12.
Tip: Visit early to beat crowds and bring a change of clothes.
Picnic & Lawn Games:
Spread a blanket on the grass for snacks and simple games while kids run free.
Tip: Use benches near restrooms and refill water at the fountain.
Postcard Row Photos:
Take family photos of the Painted Ladies against the downtown skyline from the park hill.
Tip: Shoot during golden hour for warm light and fewer crowds.
Brunch & History Tour:
Join a private 3-hour walking tour with kid-friendly bites and neighborhood stories.
Tip: Book in advance and confirm under-12 rates with the operator.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Painted Ladies
- Arrive early: Reach the park by 9 am to find parking and open space at the playground.
- Use Hayes & Scott entrance: This ADA-accessible gate has the shortest paved walk to the playground
Reviews of The Painted Ladies
Rafah Figueroa
The Painted Ladies are beautiful! 🏡✨ I visited early in the morning, and it was peaceful with amazing light for photos. The view of the colorful houses with the city in the background is stunning. A must-see spot in San Francisco
Aung Myo Htut
Historic and colorful Victorian style houses in SF. There is a park on a hit right across the houses with SF skyline in the backdrop. Very nice place to view the houses and to relax. I didn't have a chance to go inside the houses.
Laine Alan
Beautiful view of the city from this vantage point, its both tranquil and breathtaking. It offers a welcoming calm to the faster pace of the city. Find a bench, or stretch out on the lawn. Perfect place to bring a lunch, or to take a break. It's both dog and "people" friendly. One of the bright spots in the city.
Bryam Cabrera
The Painted Ladies are a nice stop if you’re in San Francisco, but don’t expect too much beyond the photo opportunity. The houses are iconic and the view of the city behind them is beautiful, but there isn’t much else to do in the area. I stayed for about an hour, which was enough time to take pictures, relax on the grass, and enjoy the atmosphere. It can get crowded, so it’s best to go early if y...
Alex Rivera
Beautiful park. Highly recommend stopping by this landmark. The houses are great to look at. There’s also a walk-in exhibit that you can check out. You can say you’ve been inside one of the painted ladies.
When is the best time to visit The Painted Ladies (San Francisco, United States)?
San Francisco weather changes quickly; bring layers year-round. In late October, join the free Alamo Scare! trick-or-treat event (4–6 pm).
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Street parking (2 hrs) | USD 10 |
| Picnic snacks | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 30 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of The Painted Ladies
Address: San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
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