San Francisco

California

United States

North America

Find fun and engaging things to do with your kids in San Francisco. This city welcomes you to a landscape of steeply slanted hills, beaches, the Golden Gate Bridge and quaint Victorian homes called The Painted Ladies.

Find fun and engaging things to do with your kids in San Francisco. This city welcomes you to a landscape of steeply slanted hills, beaches, the Golden Gate Bridge and quaint Victorian homes called The Painted Ladies. San Francisco teems with family-friendly things to see and do. The best times to visit are spring and fall. The city has lots of transportation options, making navigation a breeze. Escape your busy daily life and have some fun and folly in this gorgeous city by the sea.
<h2>1. Bay Area Discovery Museum</h2>
This museum, across the Bay in Sausalito, is an exciting hands-on experience for kids from six to 10. Inquiry-driven experiments help to develop their creative talents and enhance critical thinking skills with both indoor and outdoor activities. Kids can ride a Harley-Davidson on a simulated road or get messy making cakes and pies in the Mud Kitchen. The Lookout Cove is ideal for curious youngsters. They can find plenty to do along the tide pools, in the gravel pits and exploring caves. There is also a safe and entertaining Tot Spot for infants and toddlers.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1021328" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_390026905.jpg" alt="inquiry driven experiments hands on" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>2. Aquarium of the Bay</h2>
Go with the flow in this sprawling aquarium on Pier 59. This aquarium embraces the ecosystems of the Bay. Kids learn how seven different habitats create homes for the inhabitants. Sharks of Alcatraz, rays, octopus, jellyfish and river otters are among the 20,000 local marine animals. Walk through the glass-enclosed tunnels for face-to-fin encounters with creatures of the deep. The aquarium has a variety of Northern California aquatic life, including the Garibaldi, the bright orange California state marine fish.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1021329" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_417580834.jpg" alt="state fish Pier 59 sharks" width="1000" height="749" />


<h2>3. Exploratorium</h2>
You can find all things scientific in the Exploratorium at the Embarcadero. Light, bubble and sound exhibits fascinate kids. They can experience a tornado from inside its whirling winds and count the rings on a 300-year-old tree. There’s time for science experiments like building an electrical circuit. You can encourage them to determine how 100,000 toothpicks became a sculpture.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1021340" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_1100608343.jpg" alt="science experiments light sound" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>4. Presidio National Park</h2>
There are lots of easy hiking opportunities for kids at the Presidio. The natural environment boasts sculptures made from fallen trees, a compelling example of nature becoming art. They can wander through massive tree groves and discover hidden forts. There’s a Batter’s Box with a digital pitcher to challenge Little Leaguers. Other energy reducers for active kids are the beach, the trampoline park or crafting at the Officers’ Club. There’s a stargazing party at night for budding astronomers and future astronauts.

[caption id="attachment_1021308" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132668893-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132668893-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132668893-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132668893-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132668893.jpg 1200w" alt="fall trees sculpture hiking" width="1024" height="683" /> yhelfman / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Cable Car Museum</h2>
Observe cable wheels and working models at this free museum on Nob Hill. A huge deck overlooks the engine and wheels that power the cables. Downstairs, you can see the channel where lines enter the Washington/Mason cable car barn and powerhouse. Explore the three antique cable cars and check out the detailed models and historical photographs. Pick up some souvenirs in the store where you can find books, clothing, memorabilia and genuine cable car bells.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1021342" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_783485716.jpg" alt="cable cars models historical photos" width="1000" height="737" />


<h2>6. Julius Kahn Playground</h2>
This Parisian-style playground is designed to impart the elegance of the Luxembourg Gardens in France. Kids love making interactive wet sand sculptures. Climbing, swinging, and sliding are also quite popular. School-age kids can hone motor skills on spinning sculptures. Mom and Dad have a magnificent panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais on the Marin Headlands.

[caption id="attachment_1021310" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172762468-1024x682.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172762468-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172762468-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172762468-768x511.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/172762468.jpg 1200w" alt="playground golden gate panorama sand" width="1024" height="682" /> samvaltenbergs / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Children’s Creativity Museum</h2>
This imaginative museum is made for kids who love to create multimedia with their own hands. Kids of all ages can design motion animations from clay. If being a rock star is a desired occupation, they can practice in their own studio. Kids of all ages have a blast inventing new machines.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1021343" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_573309592.jpg" alt="invent multimedia motion animation" width="1000" height="668" />


<h2>8. The Butterfly Joint</h2>
What better souvenir to place on a shelf at home than something made by hand – their hand. After punching a time clock and donning a work apron, they get to work. An instructor teaches traditional joining techniques in a safe, no-power-tool environment. Popular items to make are keepsake boxes, stools, and wooden cars.

[caption id="attachment_1021312" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132699635-1024x610.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132699635-1024x610.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132699635-300x179.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132699635-768x458.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1132699635.jpg 1200w" alt="wood joints handmade aprons" width="1024" height="610" /> worklater1 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Stow Lake</h2>
Stow Lake is a great place to do some birding with the kids. Canadian geese, Anna’s hummingbird, red-winged blackbirds, and Mallard ducks are only a few of the 24 species at the lake. Salamanders, newts and painted turtles are showstoppers as well. You can rent a family-sized rowboat, electric boat or paddle boat for some water fun. The boathouse is a kid-friendly café, and there’s also adult beverages for worn-out, older family members.

[caption id="attachment_1021313" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/946323804-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/946323804-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/946323804-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/946323804-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/946323804.jpg 1200w" alt="birds rowboat water boathouse alcohol" width="1024" height="683" /> Let photo prove our life / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Pirate Supply Store</h2>
Ahoy mates! If you’re looking for kitschy, amusing iconic pirate gear, this is a great place to find it. There’s a map to help the kids find hidden treasures behind every door and in every drawer. Eye patches give kids an authentic look. Pegleg sizing charts and hooks are popular fare, and the kids can take home some gold doubloons to show the gang.

[caption id="attachment_1021314" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/184884354-1024x746.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/184884354-1024x746.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/184884354-300x219.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/184884354-768x559.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/184884354.jpg 1200w" alt="pirates peg leg eye patch" width="1024" height="746" /> joecicak / Getty Images[/caption]

Fun and Engaging Things to Do with Kids In San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. The architecture of the city is unique and draws people in from all over the country. In recent years the city has become home to a growing foodie trend with a number of interesting markets and restaurants opening their doors.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. The architecture of the city is unique and draws people in from all over the country. In recent years the city has become home to a growing foodie trend with a number of interesting markets and restaurants opening their doors. Those that love the outdoors will find plenty to do in this sunny city including hiking in the surrounding mountains and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge.
<h2>1. Golden Gate Bridge</h2>
The Golden Gate bridge is famous across the world and is the iconic image that represents the city of San Francisco. The bridges name refers to the body of water that it spans, the Golden Gate Strait. Try walking or cycling across the bridge to get a real feel of the size and beauty of the bridge. The views while crossing the bridge are stunning and provide plenty of photo opportunities.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/669719364-1024x576.jpg" alt="669719364" width="1024" height="576" /><span class="image-caption">Mlenny / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Ferry Building Marketplace</h2>
This is the top attraction for foodies in the city. The building acts as a public food market that is home to a number of small food stores, restaurants, and snack stops. You will find food from all around the world in this market, and if you can't find it here, you won't find it anywhere in the USA.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/479156280-1024x341.jpg" alt="479156280" width="1024" height="341" /><span class="image-caption">heyengel / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. Golden Gate Park</h2>
This recreation park looks out over the Golden Gate bridge. The park is a popular spot with locals, and you will find people out enjoying a picnic, jogging, walking, and cycling. The park is similar to Central Park in New York in that it serves as a backyard for many residents who don't have any outdoor area at home.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/144804246-1024x741.jpg" alt="144804246" width="1024" height="741" /><span class="image-caption">Akropot / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. The Exploratorium</h2>
This is unlike any museum you have ever seen. Referred to by the staff as a hands-on learning laboratory, children and adults alike will learn something at the Exploratorium. The museum has over 600 interactive exhibits across a wide range of subjects from ancient history, to science, and the universe. Plan to spend at least a full day here to get the most out of the exhibits.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/160583646-1024x683.jpg" alt="160583646" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Vacclav / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. Cable Cars</h2>
San Francisco is famous for their cable cars, and they are a feature of the city as they go up and down the steep hills. The majority of people will have seen them in movies, series or even postcards. Visitors love using this mode of transport, but you will see plenty of locals on the cable cars on their way to work or school.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/480373634-1024x645.jpg" alt="480373634" width="1024" height="645" /><span class="image-caption">batuhanozdel / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. Mission District</h2>
This was originally a Mexican district of San Francisco, but in recent years it has attracted a Bohemian crowd. Try any of the local restaurants for an authentic burrito or other Mexican dishes. There are plenty of interesting coffee shops in the area, and it is known for its liberal vibe. Head to one of the parks for the gorgeous views of the city.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/545457166-1024x678.jpg" alt="545457166" width="1024" height="678" /><span class="image-caption">photo_chaz / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. Alcatraz</h2>
This infamous prison has featured in movies and legends since it was opened. In 1972 it was taken over by the National Park Service, and it is now a popular tourist attraction. The prison housed some of societies worst offenders including the mob boss, Al Capone. Set in the middle of San Francisco Bay, it was almost impossible to escape from and was considered the highest security prison in the USA.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/849446742-1024x624.jpg" alt="849446742" width="1024" height="624" /><span class="image-caption">DanHenson1 / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. Fishermans Wharf</h2>
Fishermans Wharf is a place that was popular with tourists and locals alike. However, in recent years the area has become so full of tourists that many locals avoid the area. If you do want to try Fisherman's Wharf, you will find stunning views of the bay and a variety of restaurants and small markets.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/698389398-1024x726.jpg" alt="698389398" width="1024" height="726" /><span class="image-caption">legacy1995 / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. China Town</h2>
New York City may have the most famous China Town in the USA, but many people find that the one in San Francisco is more authentic. This is the place that invented the Fortune Cookie that has become a part of Chinese meals across the world. Walk through the streets and local markets before trying some of the best Chinese food in the world. The area is very well known for Peking Duck and a variety of dumplings. Try the egg tarts at the Golden Gate Bakery for a unique San Francisco experience.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/871050230-1024x683.jpg" alt="871050230" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Jorge Villalba / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. AT&amp;T Park</h2>
Home to the San Francisco Giants since 2000, this is one of the most scenic ballparks in the USA thanks to its views across the bay. The stadium has played host to a number of World Series games and finals. Tours are available throughout the year except on game days. Take a look at the display of trophies and other baseball memorabilia.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/89144337-1024x670.jpg" alt="89144337" width="1024" height="670" /><span class="image-caption">DanCardiff / Getty Images</span>

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