San Francisco – Children visiting San Francisco’s beloved Randall Museum now have an exciting new way to play, explore, and connect with nature thanks to the debut of a new Nature Exploration Area, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today.
Families, community members, Randall Museum Friends, SF Rec and Park staff, and partners from San Francisco Children & Nature gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration today to officially open the new outdoor play space, welcoming young visitors to discover the wonders of nature through hands-on exploration and imaginative play.
“The new Nature Exploration Area adds another dimension to the Randall Museum experience and creates even more opportunities for children to learn about nature,” said SF Rec and Park General Manager Sarah Madland. “When kids have the freedom to climb, explore, and let their imaginations lead the way, they build confidence and develop a lasting appreciation for the world around them.”
The space features climbing and balancing structures, a woven den, carved logs, and a rope swing, creating endless opportunities for adventure, creativity, and discovery.
The Randall Museum Nature Exploration Area is the 15th nature play space created through the collaborative efforts of SF Children & Nature and its partners, and the fourth Nature Exploration Area built within the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department system using a quick-build approach.
Constructed through an on-site design-build process, the project repurposes logs and stumps sourced from San Francisco Recreation and Park Department operations, transforming locally sourced natural materials into an engaging play environment for children and families. The project demonstrates how innovative partnerships, sustainable practices, and community support can create high-impact, affordable nature play spaces in a relatively short timeframe.
“Nature-rich childhoods don't happen by accident—they happen when communities invest in programs and places that inspire exploration, creativity, and a connection to the natural world,” said Maria Durana, Director of SF Children & Nature. “This Nature Exploration Area is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that every child in San Francisco experiences the benefits of nature through play and discovery.”
“Over 100,000 people come to the Randall Museum annually to connect with the animals in our care, learn about California nature and explore art and science concepts through creative & interdisciplinary learning. Most of our visitors are children, in school groups, afterschool classes or visiting with family. This new Nature Exploration Area is a fantastic new addition that will be heavily used,” said Randall Museum Director Marcus Wojtkowiak. “Personally, I am honored that our neighbors championed this project, showing that they truly value and support nature education as we do.”
The project was made possible through a partnership between SF Rec and Park, SF Children & Nature, and Randall Museum Friends. Randall Museum Friends worked with 90 community members to collectively raise more than $38,000, while Rec and Park contributed more than $3,700 to the project.
“Over the last nine months, Randall Museum Friends worked alongside neighbors, volunteers, and community partners to raise the funds needed to bring this project to life. It’s really a testament to the meaningful impact a community can have when everyone comes together to enhance a place that means so much to so many families,” said Randall Museum Friends Executive Director Bonny Gildin.
The Randall Museum, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in September, is a free community learning center where visitors of all ages can explore science, nature, and art through hands-on experiences. Located in Corona Heights with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, the museum features a STEM lab, woodworking studio, natural sciences lab, art and ceramics studios, a toddler playroom, habitat-based live animal exhibits, and more.
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About SF Children & Nature
San Francisco Children & Nature is a citywide collaborative dedicated to ensuring all kids experience nature-rich childhoods. Together with our members, we work to expand access to and connection with nature spaces, promote high-quality outdoor experiences, and support families in getting outside.