Balboa Park

Created in 1909, Balboa Park is a mecca for recreation. Inside the park, you'll find a public swimming pool, a children's playground, a stadium, baseball diamonds and tennis courts. One of SF's few public soccer-specific stadiums, Boxer Stadium, is located here, too. // Ocean Avenue and San Jose Avenue (Sunnyside), sfrecpark.org

Cayuga Playground/Park

The quirky look of Cayuga Park is owed to the 375 figurines—which range from cartoonish cowboys to real-life looking reptiles—that are scattered throughout. // 301 Naglee Ave (Oceanview), sfrecpark.org

Lessing and Sears Mini Park

Take a stroll through the community gardens or eat lunch atop the picnic benches here. Let the kids run free on the park's playground. // Sickles and Sears St. (Oceanview), sfrecpark.org

Merced Heights Playground/Park

Let the kids have a networking event of their own at this sandy playground. Basketball courts, too, can be found on the park's grounds. Leashed dogs are allowed. // Byxbee and Shields St. (Ingleside), sfrecpark.org

Brooks Park

Situated atop the southwestern-most hill in SF, Brooks Park is brimming with Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean, the Farallones, and even Mt. Tamalpais. Pack a picnic and, perhaps, consider the vistas your dessert. // 373 Ramsell St. (Ingleside), sfrecpark.org

Randolph and Bright Mini Park

Instead of waiting for the bus on a cold slab of steel, sit down atop the lush green grass found within this pocket-sized piece of paradise. Kids can take advantage of the small playground in the center of the park. // Randolph and Bright Mini Park (Ingleside), sfrecpark.org

Lakeview and Ashton Mini Park

Thick with wildflowers every spring and early summer, this is a great place for floral photography and butterfly watching. Be careful on the walk up; there are more than a few potentially ankle-breaking rocky outcroppings to lookout for. // Shield St. and Orizaba Ave. (Oceanview), sfrecpark.org

Head and Brotherhood Mini Park

Sure, it's a small park—but it's big on dog appeal. With a large off-leash area, your four-legged friend will be grinning from ear to ear.// Head St. and Brotherhood Way (Oceanview), sfrecpark.org

Mount Davidson Park

At 930 feet above sea level, Mount Davidson is, by far, the highest lookout point in San Francisco. The park's famous concrete cross is a popular place for a daily pilgrimage and, come Easter, it's lit-up in honor of the day. // Myra Way (Sunnyside), sfrecpark.org

Miraloma Playground*

Recently renovated to help spruce-up its aging asphalt Mirlaom Playground now sports two freshly paved and level basketball and tennis courts. Not too keen on picking up ball or racket—but don't mind tossing your furry BFF his or her favorite frisbee? Take advantage of the open green patches just south of those said courts to let Fido wear himself out. // Omar and Sequoia Way (Sunnyside), sfrecpark.org

Sunnyside Rec Center + Playground

I scream, you scream, we all scream for complete clubhouse makeovers! Now freshly redesigned form the ground-up, the Sunnyside Rec Center and Playground has been brought back to its former glory days, bright and fully-modernized with only the top-quality play equipment. Stop by to check it out for yourself. // Teresita Blvd. and Melrose Ave. (Sunnyside), sfrecpark.org

Glen Canyon Park

With more than 70 acres of pristine riparian and grassland ecosystems, the park is high on any outdoor enthusiast's list.There's a long, steep staircase that ebbs and flows in the park; it's especially good for doing stair climbs on.// Elk St. and Chenery St. (Diamond Heights), sfrecpark.org

Walter Haas Playground*

Combed by meticulous growth of both native and non-native landscape, Walter Haas Playground is the Four Seasons of playgrounds found in The City. Better yet, dogs are welcomed here too! // Addison St. and Farnum St. (Glen Park), sfrecpark.org