San Francisco Launches Free Nature Adventure Map
Joelle Kenealey
San Francisco Launches Free Nature Adventure Map
Posted on June 5, 2026San Francisco – As summer approaches, SF Children & Nature launched the SF Nature Adventure Map, a free citywide initiative connecting families across San Francisco to 35 nature destinations and outdoor experiences designed to inspire young people to get outside and explore, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today.
Inspired by the themes of nature connection, environmental justice, and play, the interactive map highlights destinations showcasing San Francisco’s unique urban ecology, including plants, creatures, and people, among major landmarks and community spaces. Each section encourages families to discover the natural world in their own neighborhoods and across the City.
The SF Nature Adventure Map will be available at all San Francisco public libraries as well as eight featured sites where families can also collect eight special limited-edition stickers. Versions are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
The map was created by SF Children & Nature in collaboration with SF Rec and Park, the San Francisco Public Library, Presidio Trust, the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy, and the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, along with community feedback. It was illustrated by local artist Kaeli McLeod to highlight San Francisco’s native plants and animals, and the many ways families can experience nature across the City.
“From climbing logs and exploring sandy shorelines to discovering wildlife and hidden trails, San Francisco’s parks offer endless opportunities for kids and families to connect with nature,” said SF Rec and Park General Manager Sarah Madland. “This map is designed to spark curiosity, inspire adventure, and encourage young people to get outside this summer and discover the incredible outdoor spaces this City has to offer.”
“Kids who grow up in nature are healthier, happier and more resilient. Replacing a little screen time with green time can make a lasting difference for children, families, and communities,” said SF Children and Nature Director Maria Durana.
“Young people are the future stewards of San Francisco’s most cherished community institutions, our libraries and parks,” said City Librarian Michael Lambert. “Having the Nature Adventure Map available at all library locations across the City allows our youth and their families to learn about the incredible natural spaces right in their own backyard.”
Research shows that access to nature can improve mental health, support emotional regulation, and strengthen social connection, skills that are increasingly important as children navigate a rapidly changing world. In addition to encouraging outdoor play, the project is designed to increase awareness of the City’s many parks, libraries, gardens, and cultural spaces while inspiring future environmental stewardship and community connection.
There will be a community celebration in partnership with Library Day to highlight the map’s launch at the Yerba Buena Gardens' Fun Zone (Howard and Fourth streets) on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For photos, click here
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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.
About SF Rec and Park
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department manages more than 230 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside City limits—Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields, and numerous small-to-medium-sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports- and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo, and Lake Merced. In 2017, San Francisco became the first City in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the City.
About the Presidio Trust
The Presidio Trust’s mission is to steward and share the history, beauty, and wonder of the Presidio for everyone to enjoy forever. As a federal agency working in service to the public, the Presidio Trust is guided by a triple bottom line: welcoming all people and protecting the planet, fueled by the performance of successful park businesses.
About the San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco Public Library connects our diverse communities to learning, opportunities and each other. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles.
About Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy
As the steward of Yerba Buena Gardens, the Conservancy advocates for community engagement that centers on equity and helps break down real and perceived barriers through creative, innovative, and inclusive programming and activations on our campus. The Conservancy manages the Yerba Buena Gardens under a long-term lease from the City and County of San Francisco. Our mission is to provide arts, culture, recreation, and nature in beautiful, accessible, welcoming spaces for everyone through stewardship and collaboration.
About the YMCA of Greater San Francisco
With 15 locations, a residential camp and more than 130 program sites in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco is one of the Bay Area’s largest community service organizations serving 130,000 people annually. The Y promotes individual and community well-being for people of all ages through wellness programs, youth development, and critical social services. The programs and services at each local Y are shaped by the needs and aspirations of the people it serves, building strong bonds of connection at the community level. Through partnerships with neighborhood associations, schools, civic leaders, and businesses, the Y continues to evolve and expand, providing safe spaces in which people can be authentic, belong to a welcoming community and become their best selves.
About the Artist
Kaeli McLeod is a California-based artist with a BFA in Illustration from California College of the Arts. Their work invites audiences into colorful, playful worlds inspired by California, nostalgia, nature, and storytelling. Blending digital tools with hands-on techniques like screen printing, zine-making, risograph, and textured printmaking, McLeod creates vibrant artwork that feels imaginative, tactile, and full of personality.
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