A whimsical playground set in a forest with large mushroom structures and slides. Children and adults play on stepping stones, slides, and climbing structures among trees, surrounded by dragonflies and lush greenery.

Mushroomland Playground

Shrink down, dig in, and see the world from below.


Overview

Rooted in science and steeped in imagination, Mushroomland invites children into a fungi-inspired play environment where movement and discovery go hand in hand. Modeled after the forest floor and the hidden networks beneath it, this immersive zone helps kids experience the magic of mycelium, decomposers, and underground life—through crawling, climbing, and sensory-rich play.


Why This Matters

Mushroomland helps kids build a deep connection to the ecosystems beneath their feet. Through movement and imagination, children discover the quiet power of fungi and decomposers—laying the foundation for ecological literacy, curiosity, and care for the living world.


What You’ll Experience

  • Giant mushroom cap climbers and lookout towers

  • An elevated bridge winding through oversized mushroom caps, offering aerial views

  • Crawl-through mycelium tunnels glowing with soft, bioluminescent-style lights

  • Decomposer logs to explore, scramble over, and hide inside

  • Spore-themed trampolines and bounce pads for kinetic play

  • Beetle trails and soft forest-floor textures for barefoot walking

  • Hidden insect and fungi sculptures tucked into nooks and crannies

  • “Shrunk-Down” Nature Trail, where kids become the size of insects—navigating oversized blades of grass, giant spores, and sculptural invertebrates for a full bug’s-eye adventure

  • Sensory mushroom beds with edible herbs, mosses, and touchable textures

  • A shaded forest storytelling circle for mycology-themed programs and nature play


Be part of reimagining how SF cares for the wild.

Support the transformation of the San Francisco Zoo into a living EcoPark — a place rooted in care, creativity, and coexistence.

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Change starts here — in our city, for our planet.

Economic Impact