San Francisco is a vibrant city full of iconic landmarks, cultural gems, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, there’s something for every age group. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, the City by the Bay promises a memorable experience for kids and parents alike. At The Kids Point, we believe that family trips should be filled with fun and educational experiences, and San Francisco delivers on both fronts. Here are some of the top fun things to do in San Francisco with kids.
The Golden Gate Bridge: A Majestic Family Adventure
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge offers stunning views and a variety of family-friendly activities. The bridge itself is a marvel of engineering, stretching 1.7 miles over the Golden Gate Strait and connecting San Francisco to Marin County. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll across the bridge via the pedestrian pathway, taking in the panoramic views of the Bay Area, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands.
Fun for Kids:
- Stop by the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center for kid-friendly exhibits and a mini-model of the bridge.
- Picnic on the nearby Crissy Field Beach, where children can run around, fly kites, or simply enjoy the views.
- Visit the Presidio, a nearby park with plenty of green space and playgrounds, where children can explore nature and wildlife.
Exploring Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park, spanning over 1,000 acres, is a gem for families. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering a variety of attractions to suit every interest. From meadows and lakes to gardens and museums, there’s no shortage of things to do here.
Highlights for Kids:
- Koret Children’s Quarter: A fantastic playground with slides, swings, and climbing structures.
- California Academy of Sciences: A world-class museum that includes an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum under one roof. Kids will love the live animal exhibits and hands-on learning experiences.
- Japanese Tea Garden: Stroll through this beautiful garden with koi ponds, stepping stones, and traditional Japanese landscaping.
The Exploratorium: Science and Art in One
The Exploratorium is one of the most unique museums in San Francisco. It’s an interactive museum where kids can touch, explore, and play with over 650 exhibits. The museum focuses on science, art, and human perception, with installations that spark curiosity in children of all ages.
Fun for Kids:
- Hands-on exhibits such as the shadow box, tornado machine, and giant soap bubbles.
- The Tactile Dome, where kids can experience a maze of obstacles in complete darkness, relying solely on their sense of touch to navigate.
- Exhibits that explore how we see, hear, and perceive the world around us, allowing kids to experiment with different scientific principles.
Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf: A Family Destination
A trip to San Francisco isn’t complete without a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. This bustling waterfront area is full of family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and shops. It’s home to a large colony of sea lions that can be seen lounging on the docks, a favorite attraction for young and old alike.
Highlights for Kids:
- Sea Lion Watching: The sea lions that inhabit Pier 39 are a hit with children. They can often be seen basking in the sun on floating docks.
- Aquarium of the Bay: This is a fantastic aquarium where kids can get up close and personal with marine life native to San Francisco Bay, including sharks, rays, and otters.
- San Francisco Carousel: Located on Pier 39, this beautifully designed carousel features whimsical animals for kids to ride.
- Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze: A fun and challenging mirror maze that’s sure to entertain the whole family.
The Children’s Creativity Museum: Unleash Your Imagination
The Children’s Creativity Museum is a hands-on museum that encourages kids to explore their creativity through a wide range of activities. Located in the Yerba Buena Gardens area, this museum offers exhibits and workshops where children can engage in art, music, animation, and digital media.
Fun for Kids:
- Animation Studio: Kids can create their own stop-motion animated films, learning the basics of filmmaking and animation.
- Imagination Lab: A place where children can experiment with building and creating using various tools and materials.
- Music Studio: Here, children can make their own music and learn about sound and rhythm.
San Francisco Cable Cars: A Historic Ride
San Francisco’s iconic cable cars are a fun and unique way to explore the city. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines offer a scenic ride from downtown San Francisco to Fisherman’s Wharf. These historic streetcars are a symbol of the city and provide a thrilling ride up and down the steep hills of San Francisco.
Fun for Kids:
- Ride up the city’s famous hills while enjoying views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
- Learn about the history of the cable cars at the Cable Car Museum, where children can see old cable cars and learn how they work.
The San Francisco Zoo: A Day with Animals
The San Francisco Zoo and Gardens is home to over 1,000 animals and is one of the best zoos in the region. It’s the perfect place for a family day out, offering exhibits that showcase animals from around the world, including endangered species.
Fun for Kids:
- Children’s Zoo: An interactive area where kids can pet farm animals and enjoy hands-on experiences with animal care.
- Little Puffer Zoo Train: This mini train takes kids on a fun ride around the zoo, offering views of the animal exhibits.
- Penguin Feeding: A popular attraction where kids can watch the penguins get their lunch, with informative talks from zookeepers.
Chinatown: Cultural Exploration for the Whole Family
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest and oldest in North America. A visit here is a sensory adventure for kids, with colorful streets, delicious smells, and fascinating cultural landmarks.
Fun for Kids:
- Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: Visit this famous spot to see how fortune cookies are made and sample some freshly baked ones.
- Chinatown Walking Tour: Take a guided walking tour through the bustling streets to learn about Chinese history and culture.
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Shops: Kids can explore these interesting shops and learn about traditional medicine.
Bay Cruise: Explore San Francisco from the Water
Taking a Bay Cruise is one of the best ways to see San Francisco from a different perspective. Families can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the waters of the San Francisco Bay, with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline.
Fun for Kids:
- Alcatraz Island Tour: Take a boat ride to Alcatraz and explore the historic prison. Audio tours make this experience engaging for kids, as they learn about the infamous criminals who were housed there.
- Sea Life: Kids can spot dolphins, sea lions, and even whales if they’re lucky.
Bay Area Discovery Museum: Learning and Play by the Bay
Located in Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is a fantastic children’s museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. It sits on a 7.5-acre campus with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay.
Fun for Kids:
- Art Studios: Kids can create their own art projects using a variety of materials.
- Outdoor Exploration: The museum offers expansive outdoor areas for kids to explore, including a large playscape that encourages imaginative play.
- Nature-Based Programs: Engage with nature through hands-on science programs, perfect for young explorers.
SkyStar Observation Wheel: Views Above the City
For an exciting view of San Francisco, head to the SkyStar Observation Wheel at Pier 39. This 15-story Ferris wheel offers spectacular views of the city, the Bay, and iconic landmarks such as Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Fun for Kids:
- Enjoy a smooth and fun ride in one of the 36 enclosed gondolas, providing a safe experience for little ones.
- Learn about the city’s landmarks as you take in the stunning views.
Children’s Fairyland: A Storybook Adventure in Oakland
Just across the Bay in Oakland, Children’s Fairyland is a whimsical amusement park designed for younger children. This fairy tale-inspired park features storybook sets, friendly animals, and gentle rides perfect for kids under eight.
Fun for Kids:
- Explore over 60 storybook sets based on classic tales like “The Three Little Pigs” and “Cinderella.”
- Enjoy kid-friendly rides such as a mini-carousel, Ferris wheel, and a gentle train ride.
- Play in the garden and watch live puppet shows at the Fairyland Theatre.
House of Air: Trampoline Fun for Active Kids
House of Air, located in the Presidio, is an indoor trampoline park that offers a variety of fun activities for active kids. It’s the perfect place to burn off some energy while having a blast.
Fun for Kids:
- Trampoline Dodgeball: A fun twist on the classic game of dodgeball, played on trampolines.
- Ninja Obstacle Course: A challenge for kids of all ages to test their skills and agility.
- Toddler Zone: A special play area for younger kids (ages 2-4) to safely jump and play.
San Francisco offers a diverse range of activities for families, ensuring that children of all ages will have a memorable experience. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting hands-on museums, or enjoying the beauty of the city’s parks and waterfront, San Francisco is an excellent destination for family-friendly fun. With a blend of education, adventure, and entertainment, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do with kids in this iconic city by the bay. Plan your next family adventure with The Kids Point and explore the best of San Francisco!