Forest school is all the rage in this outdoor only Covid era so treat your kids to the experience with this great discovery in the presidio hills south of Baker Beach. From the exit of the Baker Beach parking lot at Lincoln Blvd you will see a parking lot for the presidio warehouse directly across the street. That is the beginning of the Lobos Creek Valley Trail which is hard to miss because it is built on a nice boardwalk that covers indigenous marshland. At the end of the path follow the stairs and path up the hill. If you wander to the left you will discover several forts built out of fallen trees.

There are three swings in various places: One pictured at right is definitely only for the little ones but there is an arm swing nearby that is sturdy enough for the adults too. Jump off a log and hold on tight for a fun ride off the hill. There’s also a sweet amphitheater built out of driftwood and other fallen trees. The kids love taking turns performing and has excellent sound reverb to boot.

It’s a great choose-your-adventure day and as a bonus: roundtrip from the street is only about a twenty minute walk. I made a makeshift treasure map which you could integrate into the mystery of the outing. We have found the ropes broken or missing wood handles but part of the fun is rebuilding and feeling apart of the wonder as well.

We have lived in walking distance of this very cool outdoor playground for kiddos for 9 years. I couldn’t possibly tell you when or how it came about because we only discovered it around Thanksgiving by sheer accident. I took my family on a walk that I had been doing daily and wanted them to see the beauty and take some photos at the magic light hour. Sure enough the kids kept running off and the magnetic pull of their curiosity found these cool wood formations. On top of that there were several areas with ropes attached to trees and you could add your own seat or handles for a spin on a good old fashioned rope swing.

Every time we have returned, we discover something new. Indy keeps asking to go back and take all of her friends (which isn’t really possible right now) but really it’s the adults that are letting their inner children come alive. I highly recommend for a fun day out and about for all ages. Embrace your wild!

SF Presidio - Tree Swings & Wood Forts