San Francisco’s Randall Museum, known for its wildlife exhibits and model trains, has a new attraction: a child-friendly nature exploration area.

The free museum in Corona Heights Park added another dimension Saturday with an outdoor play space, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced. 

“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,” said Sarah Madland, the Rec and Park’s general manager.

The space features climbing and balancing structures, a woven den, carved logs, and a rope swing, repurposing logs and stumps from the city’s parks.

A group of adults and children gather outdoors for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a nature play area, with some holding the red ribbon and others watching joyfully.
California State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, cuts the ribbon during the debut of the Nature Exploration Area at the Randall Museum in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Attended by children and community members, the outdoor play space features climbing and balancing structures, a woven den, carved logs, and a rope swing. (San Francisco Recreation and Park via Bay City News)

More than 100,000 people visit the compact museum annually to connect with its animals, learn about California nature and explore art and science, officials said.

“Most of our visitors are children, in school groups, afterschool classes or visiting with family,” Randall Museum Director Marcus Wojtkowiak said. “This new Nature Exploration Area is a fantastic new addition that will be heavily used.”