San Francisco is a kind of cities which tempted me for years – and whereas I didn’t precisely intend to attend till after my daughter was born to go to California, it turned out to be a unbelievable place to go to with children too.
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For starters, it has all the massive sights you may anticipate from a serious metropolis however by no means felt as overwhelming or busy as some others in America. There are lot of quirky issues to find too, which is at all times a winner with my daughter – plus loads of outside house, from parks to seashores… in truth, a lot that I discovered 63 issues to do in San Francisco with children.
In case you’re spending longer than our couple of days, it’s price a San Francisco CityPass or Go San Francisco Explorer Cross to assist maintain prices down though you needn’t lay our a fortune with some nice free issues to do in San Francisco amongst my decide of the very best for households.
If San Francisco is your first cease on a Pacific Coast Freeway street journey, take a look at my 10-day itinerary for a California street journey with children in addition to issues to do in Northern California with children and a few nice days out from San Francisco with children
Take a classic fireplace truck tour
Wrapped up in opposition to the summer time fog in an open-top fireplace truck, we rattled and rocketed up and down the well-known hills of town, from Fisherman’s Wharf throughout the Golden Gate bridge to the point of view close to Fort Baker on this classic fireplace truck tour.
Loads of heads turned as our shiny purple truck trundled alongside, which simply added to the expertise.
And for those who do get bumped round a bit, it’s simply probably the most memorable and enjoyable methods to see among the sights.
Spot sea lions
We had no bother seeing (and listening to… and smelling) the colony of California sea lions than dwell at Pier 39.
You may spend longer than you assume as you stand round watching them swimming, sunbathing and scuffling over the very best spots on the pontoons – and it’s a bonus free San Francisco attraction for those who’re visiting town on a finances.
Implausible for teenagers who love animals too.
Take a cruise
When you’re on the waterfront, don’t miss heading out onto the water on one of many San Francisco boat excursions accessible.
Take a cruise on the San Francisco Bay for nice views of the skyline, bridge and Alcatraz (scroll down for extra particulars if you wish to go to the island too).
There are lots to select from, most lasting between round one and two hours together with this Bridge to Bridge choice, in addition to longer cruises taking you past town to Muir Woods Nationwide Monument.
If you wish to take a day journey from this metropolis, do that tour to see Sausalito, Muir Woods and the large redwoods, with the choice of a half day or full time out in addition to extra concepts for day journeys from San Francisco with children
Escape to Alcatraz
Even higher, take the cruise out to Alcatraz itself to mix sightseeing with a go to to the infamous island jail.
E-book upfront as tickets do get snapped up, however even younger children shall be fascinated by the well-known jail and there’s loads of house to run round in addition to cells to cover in.
There’s additionally an immersive audio tour to find extra concerning the historical past of Alcatraz, its most infamous inmates and simply why it was so onerous to flee from.
Hit the seashore
Though Ocean Seaside, on town’s western edge, isn’t nice for swimming due to the sturdy currents, you possibly can very simply whereas away just a few hours constructing sandcastles or flying a kite within the ocean breeze.
Or head over to Baker Seaside within the southwest nook of the Presidio, a mile of sandy shoreline with nice views to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands – it’s price realizing the northern half is a nudist seashore and swimming isn’t suggested for teenagers right here both although.
If the climate is nice sufficient to take a dip, Crissy Area East Seaside is likely one of the greatest seashores in San Francisco with children, and nice for browsing too.
Discover Golden Gate Park
Head throughout the street from the seashore, and you’ll spot the windmills in Golden Gate Park, earlier than a delicate wander beneath the bushes.
Stretching throughout 2.5 sq. miles, the windmill is barely the primary of the explanations to go to the park, as the entire web site covers 1,017 acres and is house to a string of household sights.
However even for those who solely have time for a brief go to, it’s positively one of many enjoyable issues to do with youthful children.
Uncover the San Francisco botanical gardens
Additionally within the park close to the nook of Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Approach, the San Francisco botanical gardens have greater than 50,000 particular person vegetation to admire in its 55 acres.
Go to at weekends, and there are interpretation stations with workers to clarify extra concerning the gardens, plus some household actions at completely different occasions in the course of the 12 months.
Cease and odor the roses
And orchids, begonias, hibiscus… plus lots of of different species) on the close by Conservatory of Flowers too.
The Victorian-era greenhouse, one other of the sights in Golden Gate Park, holds over 2,000 species of vegetation & flowers.
There are discounted charges for teenagers, and youngsters beneath 4 enter free.
Head to Japan
You could possibly even transport your self to a different world with out leaving the park in any respect, by making a go to to the Japanese tea backyard. As I stated, it’s an enormous park…!
Cease for tea within the tea home, looking over the pond, in addition to seeing what the long run holds with a fortune cookie as you discover.
The pagoda is likely one of the few surviving buildings from the 1915 world’s honest, and has just lately undergone a serious renovation.
Spy bison
When you’re within the park, say hello to the household of American bison which dwell within the buffalo paddock.
They’ve lived right here since 1890 when a pair had been dropped at the park, and now you can spot the herd round John F Kennedy Drive within the north-west nook.
(And the best way to make your children groan? Carry out the previous jokes… what’s the distinction between a buffalo and a bison? You possibly can’t wash your palms in a buffalo).
Click on right here to e-book tickets and excursions for the very best issues to do in San Francisco with children
Spot leopard
In case you’re visiting San Francisco with children who love animals, you possibly can see extra uncommon species just like the snow leopard throughout a go to to the San Francisco Zoo.
Set simply past Lake Merced and alongside the ocean, it’s house to over 2,000 animals, lots of them rescued.
From tiny bugs to towering giraffe, no-one’s going to be bored throughout a time out right here, particularly with lions, bears and tigers on show as properly.
See parrots within the city jungle
Spy among the flock of untamed parrots who dwell on Telegraph Hill, with Coit Tower to identify close by as properly. Shiny inexperienced with vibrant purple heads, the cherry-headed conures have discovered an city jungle to get pleasure from.
In case you (or your children) don’t fancy climbing up or down the steep Filbert steps with the attractive gardens surrounding them, you too can spot the birds in Sue Bierman Park close to the Ferry constructing.
Head underwater
If sea creatures are a favorite, head to the Aquarium of the Bay, which has a whopping 20,000 marine animals inside.
You possibly can e-book a behind-the-scenes tour to learn the way they’re cared for, in addition to exploring the three primary halls, getting palms on with seastars within the interactive tide swimming pools, and recognizing the whole lot from river otters to sharks.
The Uncover the Bay exhibit can be nice for studying extra concerning the waters across the Aquarium itself, with info on the marine life which makes its house in San Francisco.
Uncover the world (and house)
Transport your self from beneath the waves and out into the celebrities: there’s an aquarium, in addition to a planetarium, a rain forest and 40,000 animals beneath one dwelling roof on the California Academy of Sciences pure historical past museum – skip the road with this ticket.
You possibly can journey into house on the world’s largest all-digital planetarium or be reminded of among the wonders of nature right here on earth, from the African Penguin exhibit to the rainforest dome, in addition to the wildflowers rising on the two.5 acre dwelling roof.
There’s additionally a brand new momentary exhibition coming this 12 months, operating from Could 26 to January 21, 2024, on The World’s Largest Dinosaurs, wanting on the largest land animals which ever lived – a few of which grew to the size of 4 buses. The Mamenchisaurus mannequin, a whopping 60 toes lengthy, can even be on show.
Benefit from the music of the waves
Go and take heed to the Wave Organ on the marina – head past the Golden Gate yacht membership for some pretty views, and probably a small recital because the organ pipes remodel the tide’s actions into music. Properly, sounds at the very least.
Simply essentially the most uncommon live performance you’ll hear within the metropolis and completely child-friendly – to not point out being utterly free for those who’re visiting San Francisco on a finances.
Take a drive
To discover the entire metropolis, observe town’s 49 Mile scenic drive – you possibly can obtain a map earlier than you go to, and journey previous a few of San Francisco’s most well-known sights and best-known neighbourhoods.
In addition to taking you alongside the coast, you possibly can drive by means of the Golden Gate Park to Twin Peaks, the Mission District, Chinatown and Russian Hill plus lots extra.
Be a part of a bus tour
In case you’d quite let another person do all of the onerous work, be part of a Large Bus Tour across the metropolis’s completely different neighbourhoods.
With 24 stops, you possibly can hop on and off as the flowery takes you, and there’s the choice to improve your ticket to incorporate a Sausalito trolley tour and night-time tour, or a Large Bus Tour plus Alcatraz go to.
See the views
Head to the highest of Twin Peaks to get pleasure from panoramic views of town. In case you’re seeking to get lively and your children are prepared for the problem, there are family-friendly hikes.
However for those who’re visiting with youthful children, quick on time, or just don’t fancy heading up on foot, you too can drive as much as soak within the views.
Bike the bridge
Hire bikes and cycle throughout the Golden Gate Bridge for an additional expertise of the long-lasting landmark – there are a mixture of guided bike excursions in addition to the possibility to discover at your individual tempo.
In case you’re visiting San Francisco with teenagers or older children, this two-day tour package deal takes you throughout the bridge by bike in addition to together with entry to Alcatraz.
Take a stroll
Trip (or stroll) one of many trails at The Presidio – The Batteries to Bluffs path is a good one for those who’re visiting San Francisco with children.
Lower than a mile lengthy, it’s quick, not too difficult and with some wonderful views out throughout the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge.
However there are a string of different trails to strive at The Presidio with children, together with a loop that’s lower than three miles lengthy to find the coast.
Uncover the labyrinth
For an extended stroll, observe the path from the Land’s Finish Lookout to see the ruins of the Sutro Baths, a labyrinth, and extra fabulous views of the shoreline.
There’s a five-mile round model of the stroll, though you too can select a shorter part to get a style.
Trip the cable automotive
Hop on one of many traditional San Francisco cable vehicles in some unspecified time in the future throughout your keep – invented right here round 150 years in the past, they’ve been named a Nationwide Historic Landmark.
The Powell-Hyde line might be essentially the most well-known of town’s cable vehicles however the California Avenue line is the quietest if you’d like the expertise with out the queues.
Maintain on tight and don’t strive driving outdoors except you’re a neighborhood.
And see what powers them
You possibly can see the huge mechanisms which maintain town’s well-known cable vehicles operating too, with a go to to the free Cable Automotive Museum on Nob Hill.
There’s a group of historic cable vehicles, which first began operating in 1873, in addition to a have a look at how know-how has modified and the efforts to save lots of town’s iconic transport.
Take the crooked avenue
Uncover the twisty turns of Lombard Avenue, both in a automotive or on foot (begin on the high and work down).
The ‘Crookedest Avenue’, operating between Hyde and Leavenworth is famously not even the crookedest in San Francisco – Vermont Avenue within the Potrero Hill neighbourhood claims that title – but it surely’s positively impressively flexible and fairly.
Boat on the lake
Hire paddleboats on Stow Lake, one other of the various sights within the Golden Gate Park and a beautiful approach to escape town bustle on a sunny day.
There are rowing boats in addition to pedal boats, plus electrical variations if you’d like a extra relaxed expertise
Trip the ferry
Enterprise out to Angel Island state park, generally known as ‘Ellis Island of the West’ for an additional nice day outside in San Francisco with children.
Uncover its historical past on the tram tour – or with a guided Segway tour – in addition to taking a stroll round to get pleasure from the views of town skyline and the bay.
For extra days out from San Francisco with children, take a look at my high picks
View the bay
For one more spot to gaze to the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, discover a viewpoint with a quite completely different historical past at nineteenth century Fort Level.
Hitchcock followers will acknowledge this spot from Vertigo, however there’s additionally a free app to obtain to let you know extra concerning the web site, together with self-guided excursions, what to see and issues to do.
Watch the gliders
Head over to Fort Funston, among the finest hang-gliding spots within the nation – you may not fancy taking to the air with children, however watching them soar from the 200ft excessive cliffs is a good sight.
Bear in mind that the surf and undertow are harmful right here, so don’t be tempted to paddle.
San Francisco’s trendy spot
Select one of many metropolis’s most elegant spots for a household photograph alternative, with a visit to the Palace of Nice Arts within the Marina neighborhood.
Used for occasions, you possibly can wander round snapping just a few pictures or bag a bench to take in the structure.
Get a photograph of the Painted Women
The colorful row of Victorian and Edwardian homes alongside Alamo Sq. Park is certainly one of San Francisco’s most well-known spots.
Dubbed the Painted Women (or the Seven Sisters), they’ve appeared in a string of films and TV exhibits – for followers of Mrs Doubtfire, the home from the film is a brief stroll away at Steiner Avenue.
Snap a celeb
Pose for a distinct photograph opp with San Francisco celebs like Janis Joplin and Steve Jobs at Madame Tussauds, in addition to stars, politicians and Silicon Valley bigwigs galore.
In addition to the same old large identify stars immortalised in wax, this explicit department of the waxwork museum additionally celebrates native artists, activists and lawmakers who’ve performed a job within the metropolis’s historical past.
Shoot your individual music video
Be the director of your individual video (full with costumes and inexperienced display) on the Youngsters’s Creativity Museum’s Music Studio.
Initially known as ZEUM, the interactive arts and know-how museum has lots to encourage children to be inventive, from animation to sculpting and play areas too.
Get animated
Encourage budding animators on the Walt Disney Household Museum, studying about Disney’s personal rise to superstar.
In addition to seeing a few of his personal early cartoons and discovering extra about his life, with the story narrated by Disney himself, the cinema additionally exhibits traditional motion pictures.
See the Yoda Fountain
On the Presidio, the life-sized Yoda statue is on the entrance to the Lucasfilm places of work, simply off Letterman Drive.
The places of work themselves are open throughout weekday working hours with extra Star Wars memorabilia inside, together with a life-size Darth Vader.
Discover Japantown
Considered one of solely three formally designated Japantowns left within the USA – the others are in San Jose and Los Angeles – it’s excellent for small followers of anime (and sushi).
The Japantown neighborhood is house to the Japan Heart and Japantown Collectibles for starters. Or you too can take strolling excursions, in addition to profiting from the possibility to snap up loads of quirky souvenirs.
Debate the murals
See among the metropolis’s most colourful murals as you stroll alongside Balmy Alley within the Mission District. There are guided excursions, and the murals are always altering, however you possibly can see creative commentary on the whole lot from human rights to native politics.
In case you fancy combining avenue artwork and meals, there’s this nice Mission District tour that’s nice with older children, mini foodies or infants who’ll snooze of their buggy!
Climb the mosaic steps
Try the sixteenth Avenue Mosaic Steps, a collection of 163 tiled steps put collectively by greater than 300 native folks.
That includes fish and birds, in addition to solar, moon and stars, the intense colors and complicated designs are attractive and always altering as you climb.
Play The place’s Wally (or The place’s Waldo)
It’s known as The place’s Waldo within the US, The place’s Wally within the UK – however the stripy garments are the identical, no matter identify you give him.
And for those who head to Russian Hill together with your eyes peeled, you’ll see the indicators for Waldo Avenue have had a brightly striped makeover.
Get inventive
Residence to American artwork from the seventeenth to twenty first centuries, together with textiles and different works, there are some nice causes to go to the de Younger museum with children.
Cease in on Saturdays and there are free household artwork actions starting from sketching to creating your individual art work, typically themed round one of many items from the gallery’s assortment or one of many particular exhibitions.
Discover some artwork
There’s extra inspiration for households on the Asian Artwork Museum, in addition to occasional particular actions together with storytelling.
Explorer Packs could also be accessible from the household exercise desk in South Court docket, with props and playthings to introduce younger guests to line, form, color and texture, or you possibly can take a look at recommended concepts for various ages on the museum web site.
Regulate tiqets for reductions on tickets too.
And see world-class sculpture
Assume deep ideas whereas looking at a forged of Rodin’s sculpture ‘The Thinker’, on the primary entrance to the Legion of Honor’s artwork assortment.
Have a look inside on the assortment and momentary exhibitions too, which characteristic artists and kinds from all over the world.
Take pleasure in some music
Absorb some extra tradition throughout one of many San Francisco Symphony’s household live performance performances, generally known as Music for Households.
Going down on chosen Saturday afternoons, there are pre-concert actions and interactive performances, in addition to family-friendly concert events at different occasions all year long.
Take a inventive workshop
In case you’re in search of just a few uncommon souvenirs, the 826 Valencia Pirate Provide Retailer is a good place to cease in with children.
For these spending longer within the metropolis, take a look at the good workshops for teenagers at aimed toward aged 8+ as properly.
Hit the arcade
In case you haven’t blown your allowance already, save a few of your pocket cash for the Musée Mecanique, with its assortment of early-Twentieth century arcade video games.
The gathering at Fisherman’s Wharf is free to enter, however with over 300 completely different machines, you’ll need some change to profit from them.
Board ship
Stand on the deck of a nineteenth century square-rigger ship on the Maritime Nationwide Historic Park – certainly one of half a dozen historic vessels at Hyde Avenue Pier.
There are many actions for teenagers happening as properly, or take a look at the Brokers of Discovery sport with missions for households to finish as you discover.
Dive dive dive!
Properly type of… let your creativeness roam free within the USS Pampanito submarine, docked in Pier 45 close to Fisherman’s Wharf.
The sub, used in the course of the Second World Battle, is now a museum with torpedoes, engine room and mess corridor on show.
For extra historic ships and boats, it’s solely a brief stroll additional alongside to Hyde Avenue Pier as properly, the place you possibly can spot a steamboat and sq. rigger amongst others.
Get curious at a museum
Throughout the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito is the Bay Space Discovery Museum, which mixes science and creativity.
With seven completely different exhibition areas, it’s aimed toward kids beneath 10 with each day drop-in programmes in addition to lots to discover.
Or invent your individual design
Construct your individual contraptions within the Exploratorium’s’s South Gallery, the place the reveals are devoted to the artwork of tinkering.
With greater than 650 completely different interactive reveals, this attraction at Pier 15 is the form of place that’s excellent for curious children to get palms on, and study physics, music, artwork, biology and extra on the identical time.
Uncover what’s under town floor
Discover out extra concerning the metropolis’s geology with the Discovery Avenue Excursions which take strolls alongside hidden alleyways and up hills as they delve into the science of on a regular basis life.
Finest for teenagers and above, as there’s typically a variety of strolling, however teams of six or extra can prepare non-public excursions.
Study concerning the nice fireplace
Study concerning the metropolis’s fireplace of 1906 on the San Francisco Hearth Division Museum, together with the possibility to eye up some historic fireplace engines – together with the primary in-built California.
Admission is free however because it’s staffed by volunteers, opening hours are restricted so verify the location earlier than you flip up.
Spot the Golden Hearth Hydrant
Set on the nook of Twentieth and Church Streets, this fireplace hydrant was one of many few which labored after the 1906 earthquake and ensuing fireplace.
Liable for saving a number of streets, it will get a brand new coat of gold paint yearly to mark its function.
Splash within the fountain
On the Embarcadero, simply throughout from the Ferry Constructing, this large sculpture has ladders and stepping stones to encourage you to stand up shut.
Correctly known as the Vaillancourt Fountain (however also referred to as Quebec Libre!), the water has been repeatedly turned off throughout California droughts however both means, it’s a memorable spot.
See the large sundial sculpture
On the Ingleside Terraces, the sundial is the most important in San Francisco – it’s even fairly correct (when there’s no Daylight Financial savings at the very least).
Over 100 years previous, the diameter of the dial with Roman numerals is a formidable 34 toes.
Trip the carousel
Take a spin on the historic carousel within the Koret’s Youngsters’s Quarter of the Golden Gate Park. The merry-go-round was initially in-built 1914, and remains to be twirling after renovations.
Overlook extraordinary on a regular basis horses and take your decide from dragon, camel, and goat, in addition to frogs, canines, roosters, and pigs.
Go sliding
Trip down the concrete Seward Avenue Slides – designed within the 60s by a 14-year-old, the park survived makes an attempt to develop it and the park opened in 1973.
And it’s the right factor to do in San Francisco with children, not least as a result of the indicators insist, no adults except accompanied by a baby.
Carry a chunk of cardboard to sit down on, though you may discover just a few leftover to borrow.
And extra sliding
Save your cardboard and whoosh down the 40-foot Bernal Slides in Bernal Heights – the highest is at Winfield and Esmerelda.
Made from steel (don’t do that in shorts!) and opened within the late Seventies, the hill has been redeveloped to create a mini park round them…
Discover a playground
Youthful children will favor Dolores Park‘s Helen Diller playground, simply off Twentieth avenue – this spectacular play space has simply undergone renovations earlier than reopening in 2022, so it’s wanting its greatest once more too.
In addition to the same old playground enjoyable, you possibly can slide down a Mayan pyramid and sprint throughout a suspension bridge as you discover, plus there’s the thrilling 45 foot lengthy Tremendous Slide right here too.
Run off to the circus
Study juggling and tightrope abilities on the Circus Heart with after-school courses – over-eights solely, however all ranges are inspired.
And never solely do you not want any expertise, even higher, it’s utterly free!
Get misplaced in a mirror maze
Essentially the most enjoyable approach to get misplaced in San Francisco… at the very least for a bit, Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze on Pier 39 provides a twist to the same old labyrinth-style puzzle.
Black lights make the reflective maze glow so in addition to serving to you lose observe of the place you’re going, there’s at all times a collection of nice results if you wish to stand and stare between discovering your means out – free for under-fives.
Go to a ballgame
Get a style of a Main League baseball sport as you watch the Giants play at Oracle Park.
You possibly can decide up tickets for as little as $20 for those who plan forward, and even when these don’t have the very best view, it’s an amazing expertise for households.
Strap on some skates
The Yerba Buena Ice Skating rink is open year-round, with public skating periods and skate rent for all ages.
Or for those who’re visiting within the holidays, the seasonal Union Sq. and Embarcadero Heart rinks open within the run-up to Christmas as properly.
Study your fortune
That is your fortunate day – perhaps. Learn the way the fortunes get contained in the cookies, with a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Manufacturing facility in Chinatown.
It’s free to go to, though you’re inspired to go away a tip or purchase some cookies to pattern on the finish, particularly for those who’re going to take pictures.
You can too go to as a part of a strolling tour of Chinatown, the place you pay what you need for the 90-minute stroll by means of the district.
Have an ice cream
Ghirardelli Sq. is the traditional spot for ice cream, however for extra uncommon flavours head to the Mission district and Bi-Ceremony Creamery or Humphry Slocombe, the place you may strive something from blood orange to smoked s’mores.
Humphry Slocombe additionally has a stand within the Ferry Constructing, the place you possibly can decide up a string of different scrumptious treats on the identical time.
**First printed 2016, up to date 2023**
PIN FOR LATER: TOP THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO WITH KIDS
Disclosure: this submit incorporates some affiliate hyperlinks, together with hyperlinks to web sites providing discounted tickets or skip-the-queue choices. Any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All choices are ones I’ve tried or advocate as the very best issues to do in San Francisco with children.
Predominant picture/Golden Gate bridge courtesy Depositphotos/all different photographs copyright MummyTravels