San Francisco, known for the Golden Gate Bridge, its internationally renowned museums, and its many vibrant neighborhoods with Victorian-era architecture. This walkable city is great for families looking for outdoor fun, because adventure can be found all along the Bay to Fisherman’s Wharf. Foodies and art lovers of all ages will enjoy the city’s local festivals and curious types will enjoy the SOMA or a tour of Alcatraz. Keep reading to discover just how you can turn this family vacation to San Francisco into an experience they’ll not soon forget.
Best Things To Do With Kids in San FranciscoView All
Tour San Francisco’s winding streets and cultural districts or visit Chinatown for traditional tea ceremonies. There are plenty of kid-friendly deals in the Bay Area. Here’s where to start:
Rent a bicycle from Bay City Bike and explore the bay together
Play target practice inside an interactive laser attraction at 7D Experience
At The San Francisco Dungeon, experience nine live-actor shows that tell the stories of the Barbary Coast
Head to Legoland California, where you’ll take a submarine ride that travels through shark and stingray infested waters
Enjoy discount admission to the Cartoon Art Museum to see props of your favorite superheroes up close
San Francisco is the ideal family vacation because its attractions are varied and exciting for all ages. From grandparents to toddlers, there are plenty of things to do in San Francisco with family:
Enjoy a family-friendly feast while overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge at Greens Restaurant
Snap an Instagram-worthy photo at the top of the Telegraph Hill stairway climb
Find a last-minute camping spot in Anderson Valley or book a reservation ahead of time
Explore Central Park to watch koi being fed in the Spring and Summer
Order the kids a bright pomegranate lemonade at The Left Bank
For people on the hunt for the best deal at an even better price, San Francisco offers number of hidden value gems. Hike, sightsee, or window shop. Try the following free things to do in San Francisco with kids:
Just 20 miles outside the city, enjoy spectacular views and a historic wooden playground at Linda Mar Beach
Ride the vintage merry-go-round before petting the zoo animals at Tilden Park
Explore the Upper Haight neighborhood on foot to discover tie-dye tourist shops and local boutiques
If in the Bay Area during the Spring, embark on a wildflower hike through the Botanical Gardens
Spend a humbling afternoon amongst ancient trees at Humboldt Redwoods State Park
The Bay Area is full of exciting kids activities to explore. Whether you take a journey to a soda shop or get some sun at the water park, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Francisco with kids:
Drink your weight in soda made from real cane sugar at Retro Soda Fountain Shop
Enjoy the hands-on exhibits at the Randall Museum, where birds and bugs are plentiful
Splash around more than 30,000 square feet of water park at Chan Kaajal
Chow down on the bite-sized burgers at Phil’s Sliders
Visit bobcat ridge at the Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
This California city has a varied history and a fascinating present, making it the ideal location to learn something new while having a blast. Try these family-friendly educational activities:
At Hayes Valley Farm, learn about urban farm techniques within city limits
Learn about the history of pinball and play a game or two at the Pacific Pinball Museum
Teach kids the power of determination during a kids triathlon like Moraga Treeline Triathlon
Become a local wildlife expert at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in East Bay
Discover the history of the original Bay Area peoples at the Novato Museum of the American Indian
Families know that San Francisco is creative to its core. That’s why there are so many opportunities for young ones to get their art on in all its forms. Try these creative classes for kids:
At Young Performers Theatre, instill a love for performance from an early age
Learn the intricacies of line, form, and shape at San Francisco’s Children’s Art Center
Craft your own sculpture at The Museum of Craft and Design during a Saturday session
Explore traditional Latinx art and techniques every Saturday at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
Point those toes and leap across the stage at San Francisco Youth Ballet
Frisco is known for its temperate, breezy weather. But even this city has its cloudy days. Don’t let that stop the fun. Explore these indoor activities for kids:
Explore Play Land, an indoor inflatable arena for kids age 0-9
Worried about kids fussing in the movie theater? Bring them to a Bringing Up Baby event at Rialto Cinema
Splash around indoors at one of the Bay’s many swimming pools, like Charlie Sava Pool or Hamilton Pool
Learn everything there is to know about trains, planes, and automobiles at the Transportation Museum
Attend an immersive storytime session at the Bay Area Discovery Museum