Adventures for Youth Groups
Youth groups visiting Presidio Tunnel Tops can enjoy two incredible experiences.
Outpost Outdoor Adventure Playground (Free). Open every day from 9:30 am to 6 pm April to October; open 9:30 am to 5 pm November to March. Most engaging for 2- to 12-year-olds. The Outpost is a two-acre outdoor adventure playground inspired by the Presidio's nature and history.
Presidio Field Station (Free). Open Wednesday to Friday, 11 am to 4 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. All ages. The Field Station is a park curiosity lab: a place that feels behind-the-scenes where you can use your senses to investigate real things from the Presidio.
Schedule Your Youth Group Visit to the Outpost + Field Station
- While groups can come on their own, we highly recommend you pre-schedule your visit for groups of 20 or more people to ensure adequate supplies and staffing.
- If one of the dates you've requested is available, we'll send an email to confirm your visit. If none of the dates you've requested is available, we'll contact you by e-mail.
- Please add groupvisits@presidiotrust.gov to your safe senders list so our emails don't go to your spam folder.
Trip Planning Checklist
Important to Know
- We recommend weekday visits for groups as weekends are typically very busy.
- The Outpost and Field Station are spaces you explore on your own. This means that families, children with their caregivers, and groups can just walk into the Field Station and Outpost during open hours and start their own adventure. That said, our Adventure Guides and Park Guides may be able tocan welcome and orient your groups during their visit (including Spanish and French-speaking guides) if scheduled in advance.
- We recommend a minimum two-hour visit. Typically, groups start in the Outpost. We suggest allowing 30 minutes to one hour for Outpost play followed by a 20 - to 30-minute Field Station experience. If you have sufficient chaperones, we recommend allowing kids to move between the Outpost and Field Station.
- There is not a limit to your group's size. Note that the Field Station is a public space with a limited capacity of 70 people at a time. Your group may need to adjust your time of entry or break into smaller groups, as needed. The adjacent Outpost is a good option to pass the time!
- Recommended adult/youth ratio: We recommend a ratio of 1:10 (adults to youth). Please plan according to the needs of your group.
Before Your Trip
- Prepare your group so they can play freely! The Outpost includes water features. Kids should wear clothes they can get dirty or wet, as well as comfortable closed-toed shoes for climbing. You may even want to bring a change of clothing for after the adventure! Use our Presidio Tunnel Tops Field Guide to help prepare youth for their visit.
- Prepare chaperones to support exploration and play. Our Presidio Tunnel Tops Field Guide has everything you need to stay organized. Print copies for adults who are supporting the visit.
- Check the weather. The Outpost stays open rain or shine but may close when hazardous weather is forecast. Visit the National Weather Service website for weather conditions.
- Coordinate transportation.
- Driving : Provide directions to Presidio Tunnel Tops to your drivers (parking information included).
- Your own bus : Parking for buses can be reserved. View bus drop-off and pick-up locations.
- Public transportation options : View public transportation information.
- If your group has time to explore beyond Presidio Tunnel Tops, check out our self-guided adventures.
- Access + Inclusion. View our Access + Inclusion page for more information.
Arriving at Presidio Tunnel Tops
- If possible, leave lunches in your vehicles. If you will need space for lunches and backpacks, there are lockable storage chests in the Outpost that can be reserved in advance. Please note this need in your scheduling form.
- When you arrive, gather your group on the plaza between the Field Station and the Outpost. There is an all-gender public restroom and a water fountain nearby.
- Notify a staff member at the Field Station and your group will then be welcomed and oriented to the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a youth group visit cost? These public park spaces are free to everyone. If a group arrives by private vehicles or chartered bus, parking fees may apply.
How much time should we allow for our visit? We recommend a minimum two-hour visit. Typically, groups start in the Outpost nature playground. We suggest allowing 30 minutes to an hour or more followed by a 20- to 30-minute Field Station experience. If you have enough chaperones, we recommend allowing kids to move between the Outpost and Field Station.
If you have more time, your group can enjoy a self-guided adventure or simply explore the park. Crissy Field East Beach [link to the Crissy Field East Beach place page] is less than a five-minute walk.
What's included in a youth group visit? While the Outpost and Field Station are independently explored spaces, groups who have pre-scheduled a visit will be welcomed by park staff.
Does my youth group need a reservation? While reservations are not required, we highly recommend you pre-schedule your visit to ensure enough supplies and staffing for the day.
How far in advance should I submit my visit request? We ask that you let us know by the Thursday before the week of your visit.
Can my group visit on the weekend or a holiday? Yes, but note that weekends and holidays are the busiest days for general public visitation. We only schedule youth group visits for weekdays.
How many people can we bring on our visit? There is not a limit to your group's size. Note that the Field Station is a public space with a limited capacity of 70 people at a time. Your group may need to adjust your time of entry or break into smaller groups, as needed. The adjacent Outpost playground is a good option for wait time.
Where can our group eat lunch? There is ample lawn space at Presidio Tunnel Tops. There are also first-come, first-serve picnic tables and an indoor pavilion with tables near Presidio Transit Center.
Are there options to buy food at Presidio Tunnel Tops? There are Presidio Pop Up food trucks and carts at Presidio Tunnel Tops, as well as other nearby dining options.
Are there resources to help me prepare for our trip? Yes, see the Presidio Tunnel Tops Field Guide and a Planning Checklist.
Are the Field Station and Outpost available for rent for things like birthday parties? No, they're not available for private rentals. There are other venues in the Presidio for rent, including lawns.