15 Best Family Things to Do in San Francisco
What to Do for Fun in San Francisco with Your Kids?
San Francisco presents a good selection of family-friendly places. Besides wonderful sightseeing opportunities, the city has a vast collection of museums spread throughout the Bay Area. Most of these museums offer hands-on learning and interactive exhibits, which promote children’s active learning and creativity, while some introduce kids to imaginative techniques such as stop-motion animation.
Below, we’ve gathered some of the best things to do with your family in San Francisco. A few attractions feature observable inner workings that still function to this day. Active kids can spend a day out at a premier trampoline park or hop on an old-fashioned carousel in one of America’s first public playgrounds.
What are the best things to do with your family in San Francisco?
1. Bay Area Discovery Museum
Awesome children’s museum at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Head up to this interactive children’s museum for a day out filled with inspiring arts and science exhibits. It’s right off Horseshoe Bay, at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and occupies around 7.5 acres of National Park land.
Toddlers can enjoy the Tot Spot, a multi-sensory playground specially designed with stimulating outdoor tunnels, obstacles, and other explorative features. Older kids can take part in various STEM activities, play a physics-based round of golf at Planet Putt Putt, and explore Gumnut Grove. You can reach the museum via the Golden Gate Transit but be aware there is a walk of up to a mile, so drive and take advantage of the free parking if you can. Read more
Location: 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Phone: +1 415-339-3900
Bay Area Discovery Museum
2. House of Air Trampoline Park
The place to bounce, slam dunk, and discover your inner gymnast
Good for: Families
Active kids can jump and bounce to their hearts’ content at this indoor adrenaline and trampoline park that’s right next to the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Even mom, dad, and guardians can join in the fun.
House of Air hosts a good variety of activities in its massive indoor facility. There are trampoline jumping sessions, aerials, physical training on trampolines, trampoline dodgeball, trampoline basketball dunks, and other active sports such as rock climbing, ninja obstacles, and fitness classes. It’s a great place to host a birthday party, especially with the onsite café that serves classic pizzas and snacks.
Location: 926 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (Closed Tuesday)
Phone: +1 415-345-9675
House of Air Trampoline Park
3. Exploratorium
A museum of science, art, and human perception
Good for: Families
Promoting itself as a “public learning laboratory,” Exploratorium is one of San Francisco’s great educational spots for families with kids. The interactive museum is at Pier 15, just a few minutes’ drive south from the Fisherman’s Wharf.
Parents and kids can explore, play, and discover through the various exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, such as learning about light through making your own light paintings, generating electricity from light through photoelectricity exhibits, and test-launching model rockets with a launcher of your own design. Check the website before you visit for brilliant seasonal events like story time, crafts, and illuminated artworks. Read more
Location: Pier 15, The Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Phone: +1 415-528-4444
Exploratorium
4. Children’s Creativity Museum
A place for budding designers, musicians, and movie directors
Good for: Families
The Children’s Creativity Museum is an interactive science and technology museum that focuses on creativity and family collaboration. Younger ones can make their own spaceship designs at a DIY table, while older kids can create a series of clay characters, then bring them to life through stop-motion animation techniques.
On top of these fantastic activities, there’s also an interactive music studio and a digital community garden where visitors can stretch their drawing skills by adding flowers or whatever they can imagine. It’s a sure way to entertain the whole family. Don’t miss a ride on the beautiful hand-carved carousel, delighting visitors since 1906. Read more
Location: 221 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Open: Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed Monday–Thursday)
Phone: +1 415-820-3320
Children's Creativity Museum
5. California Academy of Sciences
Fascinating natural history museum and research institute
Good for: Families, Photo
You can find the California Academy of Sciences inside the eastern half of the vast Golden Gate Park. It houses the Steinhart Aquarium, the Morrison planetarium, and the Kimball Natural History Museum, all of which are included in just one admission fee.
Science and nature are both celebrated here. Take an inspiring stroll through the Osher Rainforest exhibit, a lush, 4-story rainforest teeming with butterflies, exotic birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Check out the giant arapaima in the Amazon Forest tunnel: this massive fish will astonish you. To save a little on your entry fee, book your tickets online in advance or consider purchasing a CityPass to other top San Francisco family attractions. Read more
Location: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 415-379-8000
California Academy of Sciences
6. Ghirardelli Experience
Chocolate treats at San Francisco’s native chocolatier
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food
The Ghirardelli Experience is the home of San Francisco’s most famous chocolatier, located in the picturesque Ghirardelli Square. You can enjoy a range of decadent sweet treats here, including chocolate bars, shakes, cocoas, and ice cream sundaes.
The Ghirardelli Experience isn’t just for your sweet tooth. It’s one of the best places to enjoy a view of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz. Take in the view from your seat for the price of a piece of chocolate. This is also a good spot to stock up on tasty souvenirs that are sure to be appreciated. Read more
Location: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 9 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 415-447-2846
Ghirardelli Experience
7. Cable Car Museum
The working mechanism of the city’s cable car system
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
This wonderful; museum serves as a place where families can admire the history and understand the workings of the world’s oldest cable car system. San Francisco’s Cable Car Museum on 1201 Mason Street is free to visit.
The working museum showcases fantastic exhibits that explain how the cable car system works, along with various tools, parts, and devices. There are several old grip cars displayed, as well as the cable car powerhouse nearby, in which you can observe the pulleys and cables hard at work from its 2 viewing galleries above. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for some memorabilia, including genuine cable car bells. Read more
Location: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 10am to 4 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 415-474-1887
Cable Car Museum
8. Blue Heron Lake
A fun boating lake within the Golden Gate Park
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
Blue Heron Lake, formerly Stow Lake, is the largest body of water within the Golden Gate Park, where families can rent a pedal boat and enjoy the placid and natural surroundings with the occasional sightings of turtles, ducks, and Canadian geese.
The boathouse also has row boats, electric boats, and passenger pedal boats that can seat up to 6 people, all available to hire. Some of the lakeside attractions that you can row to include Strawberry Hill Island, an artificial waterfall, and a beautiful Chinese Pavilion. After enjoying the sun and the sights, stop by the snack bar for juicy burgers, hot dogs, and vegan options.
Location: 50 Blue Heron Lake Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight
Phone: +1 415-831-6830
Blue Heron Lake
9. San Francisco Zoo
A spectacular animal showcase
Good for: Families, Photo, Group
The San Francisco Zoo offers you the chance to walk around 100 acres of land populated by over 250 species of animals in their native habitats. The zoo hosts over 1,000 individual animals and is in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, nestled right up against the Pacific Ocean.
This exciting attraction allows you to get up close to giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and grizzly bears, see lemurs leaping through trees, and view one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in captivity. It’s a family-friendly attraction that also offers plenty of dining options and a gift shop for souvenirs. Kids will love the whimsical carousel and the unique Elinor Friend Playground, while teens might prefer the thrilling Virtual Reality Zone. Read more
Location: Sloat Blvd at the Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +1 415-753-7080
San Francisco Zoo
10. Oracle Park
One of America’s premier ballparks
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
Oracle Park is one of America’s top sports stadiums, and a visit to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without attending one of its ballgames. Home to the San Francisco Giants, who have won the World Series Championships multiple times, a game here is an unmatched experience partnered with epic waterfront views.
The magnificent towers and the Willie Mays statues are 2 exterior features you can’t miss. Once inside, check out the world’s largest baseball glove and grab a beer at famed Peet’s Café. Baseball buffs will love the 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour where you can sit in a Major League dugout and visit the press box. Tickets can be hard to come by, so make sure to book in advance. Read more
Location: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
Open: Game times vary
Phone: +1 415-972-2000
Oracle Park
11. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Local, national and international art exhibits
Good for: Families, History
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is a contemporary arts center that celebrates a wide variety of art expressed in exhibitions and performances. You’ll find all sorts of displays and programs held here all year long led by locals and traveling acts alike. From art galleries to magical performances, there’s always something new to discover. Check online before visiting, as event times may be different to the galleries’ opening times.
Anyone who’s looking to immerse themselves in artistic expression and the multitude of Bay Area communities on display here will enjoy a trip to this arts center. Why not participate in one of their free workshops? You and your kids can create gorgeous lanterns or collages together. Read more
Location: 701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Open: Galleries: Wednesday–Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Phone: +1 415-978-2700
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
12. Koret Children’s Quarter
Legendary playground with an old-fashioned merry-go-round
Good for: Families
Also referred to as the Golden Gate Park Carousel thanks to its charming merry-go-round, the Koret Children’s Quarter is a longstanding family attraction in the southeast corner of the Golden Gate Park. The children’s quarter was established back in 1888, making it one of the nation’s earliest known public playgrounds.
Your kids will love traversing the climbing wall and ropes or zipping down the historic concrete slide. To extend your day out even further, the Sharon Art Studio next door offers art classes for both parents and kids. Parking is close by, but you’ll have to get there early as spots fill up quick. You’ll also find restrooms just up the hill. Read more
Location: Martin Luther King Jr Dr & Bowling Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight. Carousel hours vary by season
Phone: +1 415-831-2700
Koret Children’s Quarter
13. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
A San Francisco food landmark
Good for: Families, History, Food, Budget
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a legendary bakery in Chinatown that has been providing fortunes since 1962. Every day, up to 10,000 cookies are made here by hand, using a secret family recipe. Cookie flavors are unique: you’ll find chocolate, strawberry, and even green tea.
Order a customized fortune cookie message as a thoughtful gift for a loved one to really make their day. The shop is open every day of the week but if you want to enjoy the tour with fewer crowds, it’s best to visit the factory on a weekday. You can easily reach the factory on public transportation. Read more
Location: 56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 415-781-3956
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
14. Randall Museum
A small, but packed museum with interactive exhibits
Good for: Families, Budget
This longstanding San Franciscan museum at the south-eastern base of the Corona Heights Park offers interactive natural science exhibits. Weekly agendas for families with kids include Science Saturdays, where you can try out various experiments, and art-making classes.
Live animal exhibits allow you to learn more about California’s diverse habitats and see native species such as coyotes, gray foxes, brush rabbits, California quails, and Gopher snakes. Toddlers can enjoy their dedicated learning space filled with carpeted climbing structures, as well as books and toys. You’ll be pleased to know that admission is free, making the Randall Museum a great budget day out for your family. Read more
Location: 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (Closed Sunday and Monday)
Phone: +1 415-554-9600
Randall Museum
15. Spreckels Lake
A favorite lake for hobbyists
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
Officially referred to as the Spreckels Lake Model Yacht Facility, this manmade lake on the northern side of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is a major go-to for model boat enthusiasts. Boaters of all ages gather here to put their racing sailboats or powerboats to the test, while assessing their designs or improving their remote-controlling skills.
Even though the lake is manmade, Spreckels is a fine example of a naturalistically styled artificial lake. Access is free, and you and your kids can simply relax by the lakeside while admiring the showcase of the passionate model builds.
Location: Spreckels Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Phone: +1 415-831-2700
Spreckels Lake
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