19 Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids

Are you planning a trip to the Bay Area and wondering about the things to do in San Francisco with kids?

There are so many attractions in the Golden City and it can be hard to know what are the must-do in San Francisco with kids. With my kids (and without them), we visited San Francisco quite a few times. That’s what happens when a side of your family lives in Northern California.

We’ve created this list of fun things to do in San Francisco with kids to help you plan your visit. You’ll find some of the famous San Francisco attractions, but also some more unique things to do. You’ll also find a few fun day trips from San Francisco your family should enjoy.

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Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids

Below is a list of 19 fun things to do in SF with kids. Some of the activities are free while others are paid attractions. For more family-friendly activities in California, you can download the GoWhee app.

Also, if you plan on visiting a few paid attractions, it might be worth it to purchase the GoCity San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass or the GoCity San Francisco Explorer Pass.

1. Golden Gate Park

Contributed by Denise from Chef Denise

Visiting Golden Gate Park is one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids. Sometimes referred to as the Golden Gate Panhandle, the park stretches from Stanyon Street on the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west (Ocean Beach). With over 1,000 acres, there’s something for kids of all ages.

The best way to explore is to walk the trails to the sights. You can even do a self-guided exploration game through the park. Have you ever seen or heard of Bison in San Francisco? There’s a paddock full of them in the park.

And there are more surprises like windmills, fly fishing pools, and even a polo field. Less surprising are the Stow Lake, restaurants, and picnic areas.

In the heart of the park, there’s a planetarium, an aquarium, and many museums such as:

• Fine Art Museum of San Francisco (De Young Museum)
• California Academy of Sciences (including the Natural History Museum)

Some of the museums found in the Golden Gate Park are included in the GoCity Pass. Unique and rare plants are housed in the oldest building in the park, the Conservatory of Flowers, and there’s a beautiful botanical garden as well.

For the younger kids, the Koret Children’s Quarter and Carousel is a must-stop. Need a break? The park’s Japanese Tea Garden (the oldest in the US) is a great place for a respite or snack. Save some appetite for when you leave—there are so many great restaurants in San Francisco!

2. San Francisco Cable Car

There is no visit to San Francisco with kids without taking the cable car. This family-friendly activity is a lot of fun and allows you to rest your legs if you’ve been sightseeing in San Francisco for a while.

During the ride, you and your family will enjoy the views from some of the steepest streets in the city. If you’re interested in the history of cable cars in San Francisco you can also head to the free cable car museum.

3. Aquarium of the Bay

Located on the waterfront at Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay is home to over 20,000 marine animals that your kids will be fascinated by. Here you can see animals like sharks, rays, octopuses, jellyfish, and much more.

Kids will love walking around the aquarium while seeing the movement of these animals. 

One of the kid’s favorite areas is the Sea Lion Center!

4. Alcatraz Prison

One of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids is to visit Alcatraz. This famous prison is full of interesting history lessons and unique stories that will be both fun and educational for your children. Located on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz must be accessed by a ferry ride from Pier 33. It is important to book tickets in advance as tours fill up quickly. 

You can book different tours, some including a waterfront guided tour in addition to the Alcatraz Island tour. Some other tours will include the Alcatraz visit as well as the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.

Alcatraz was once one of the highest security prisons in the United States. Now, it is a historical site that gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of prisoners and guards who lived in the island prison. During tours of Alcatraz, you also get the opportunity to learn about the native American takeover of the island to protest indigenous treatment in the United States.

There are still remnants of the takeover visible on the island which makes for a good scavenger hunt to try and spot them all. You and your children will enjoy exploring the island and the prison while learning about the penitentiary system in America.

Contributed by Shannon of Adventuring With Shannon

5. Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio of San Francisco is a beautiful urban park at the tip of the city, facing the Golden Gate Bridge. In this 1,500-acre park, you’ll find scenic overlooks, Fort Point National Historic Site, Baker Beach, the Walt Disney Family Museum and much more.

A short walking distance from the Presidio is the Presidio Heights playground.

Presidio Heights Playground is one of San Francisco’s hidden gems for kids. Small children will love this playground located in the Presidio area. They’ll have fun playing with toys, making castles in the sandbox, and playing in the fake grass.

This local community playground also has picnic tables, a basketball court, and restrooms.

6. Walt Disney Family Museum

If your family loves Disney, but you can’t make it to Disneyland, then the Walt Disney Family Museum must be on your California itinerary. 

Located in the Presidio of San Francisco, this museum guarantees fun for all the family. There are plenty of things to read and see that will definitely capture your kid’s attention. The museum did a really good work of explaining the life of Walt Disney.

You should allow yourself at least 2 hours to explore the museum, but you could definitely stay longer. We also recommend checking out their film screenings.

7. Dolores Park

Dolores Park is located in the Mission Dolores District, in the center of San Francisco. It’s one of the best free things to do in SF with kids.

Here you can let your kids burn off energy at the playground that offers plenty of space for children to run and play with other kids, and fun swings, slides, and much more!

There is space for a fun outdoor picnic. This is one of our favorite San Francisco hidden gems. You’ll have stunning views of Downtown San Francisco and all the green space that makes you feel like you aren’t in a city.

Not too far from Dolores Park, you’ll find the “Maison Bleue de Maxime le Forestier”, which was made famous by a French song.

8. West Bluff/Crissy Field

Contributed by Kristin Lee of Global Travel Escapades

If you’re looking for a chill family-friendly activity to do in San Francisco, consider packing a delicious lunch (or dinner) and having a little picnic!

And while there are many spots around the city that would be suitable for enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, one of the best spots is at Crissy Field, near West Bluff! There, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as find that it’s less crowded than more touristy lookout points. 

Crissy Field also has several picnic benches, so you can opt to use those or bring a blanket to sit on. Plus, you’ll discover that the area has plenty of grassy space to play games, so kids can easily run around!

And just to top things off, there’s nearby parking, which is always a nice bonus since decent parking in San Francisco is often a rare commodity!

9. Ghirardelli Square

Contributed by PlanningAway

One of the best San Francisco activities with kids is Ghirardelli Square. This is the home of the original Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Ghirardelli chocolate has been around for over 160 years. It originated in San Francisco!

Ghirardelli Square is where you will find delicious ice cream and chocolate treats. As you enter Ghirardelli Square you can head directly into the restaurant. You will place your order before you actually enter the building.

After you enjoy your delicious ice cream, be sure to check out the chocolate mixers. They actually churn the chocolate inside the store!   

If the first restaurant is too crowded don’t worry there are two more locations located within Ghirardelli Square. The second shop is even bigger than the first! You will also find a larger gift shop with more options for souvenirs. 

Ghirardelli Square has recently been updated with lots of new shops and restaurants. There is also an arcade and mini golf center on the first level. The arcade is perfect if you kids need to be kids and get some energy out.

Ghirardelli Square is a great place to visit in San Francisco at night because it is open till 11:00 pm!

10. Visit Pier 39

Contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Kids will love seeing Pier 39, an iconic destination in San Francisco and home to the famous floating platforms of sea lions. Pier 39 is full of activities for kids to enjoy, whether you’re visiting for an hour or most of the day. In addition to seeing the sea lions, kids will love looking out over the San Francisco Bay to try to spot whales or riding the old-timey carousel. 

For animal lovers and future scientists, make your way to the Sea Lion Center hosted by the Aquarium of the Bay. The Center has interactive displays, sea lion pelts for kids to touch, and a real sea lion skeleton. For a more immersive experience, visit the Aquarium of the Bay, a small set of exhibits that include jellyfish, an underwater tunnel, and even sharks. 

The thrill seekers in your group will enjoy trying a virtual reality game or “the San Francisco Flyer” theater with special effects that make you feel like you’re flying over the Bay.

There is also an arcade, mirror maze, and plenty of charter boats that will take you out into the Bay to see it from a whole new perspective. It is free to enter Pier 39, but note that many of the special exhibits and activities are paid attractions.  

11. Boat Tour in the Bay

Contributed by Erin from Super Simple Salty Life

When visiting the San Francisco Bay area, the first thing you notice is all of the water surrounding the city. So the best way to explore the bay is to take a boat tour! There are several boating options for families in San Francisco, from fast catamarans with sails to slower ferry boats taking visitors around Alcatraz Island or back and forth from the neighboring Sausalito.

The Red and White San Francisco Bay Cruises have been sailing since 1892. They offer one-hour Golden Gate Bridge cruises and sunset cruises while explaining the history of the bay and city. These narrated cruises also point out local marine life such as dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and even whales!

For the more adventurous, Adventure Cat Sailing takes guests on a sailboat tour of the bay, traveling underneath the bridge and past the city skyline. This hour-and-a-half tour becomes thrilling once the wind speeds pick up! Don’t worry, it is completely safe and as a bonus, kids are half-price!

These boat tours are fun for every member of the family, and create a whole new way to see the San Francisco Bay Area.

12. Children’s Creativity Museum

Contributed by Allison Baxley, Renovating Life

Easily one of the best afternoons spent with kids in San Francisco, the Children’s Creativity Museum will surprise and delight kids of all ages. With many interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, children will have no problem finding something they like.

In addition, outside of the museum kids can enjoy a spacious playground with ample running room and opportunities to climb, slide, and move their bodies. And in the front of the museum, don’t miss the 100+ year-old LeRoy King Carousel.

Tickets range from $15-20 depending on the day of your visit. Tickets are required for anyone over the age of one. All proceeds are considered charitable 501(c)3 donations and help support the community.

Located in the central Soma district of San Francisco, this museum is easily accessible.

Tip: If you plan to use ride shares, make sure you have car seats for your kids, as these are required and cabs/Ubers don’t usually have their own.

13. Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge

Contributed by Anu Agarwal of Destination Checkoff

Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a top attraction in any San Francisco itinerary. Other than seeing the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most popular things to do on the Golden Gate Bridge is to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The biking path starts at Fisherman’s Wharf and continues along the waterfront, goes up and across the Golden Gate Bridge, and ends in the charming coastal town of Sausalito. It takes around 3 hours to do the one-way bike trip. You can take a break and enjoy some lunch or ice cream at Sausalito. 

From here you can either take the bike back on the same path or you can take a ferry from Sausalito back to Fisherman’s Wharf. There are several bike rentals at Fisherman’s Wharf for this activity if it is your first time in SF, booking a bike tour would be a great idea, that way you need not worry about the logistics.  

14. Mrs Doubtfires House 

Contributed by Caterina from 24 Hours Layover

For those of you who have kids that love the movie Mrs Doubtfire (who doesn’t right?!) starring the late Robin Williams, then surprise them with a visit to the original house that was used in the film!

The famous Mrs Doubtfire house is an absolute must-visit when you are in San Francisco!

The iconic house is located at 2640 Steiner Street in Pacific Heights – a really lovely neighborhood with lots of nice houses. A visit to Mrs Doubtfire’s House is sure to bring back lots of memories of the movie. Plus it’s a good workout as it’s located on a very steep street!

On the tree outside the house, you’ll see lots of tributes to Robin Williams which is incredibly moving. Do remember this is a residential area and it is somebody’s home so you can’t go inside, but just seeing it from the outside and getting some photos is great: it’s one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids! 

15. Maritime National Historic Park

Contributed by Astrid from The Wandering Daughter

San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park offers a friendly, informative experience for families looking to learn about the city’s maritime history, and maybe do a little family bonding during travel too!

The historic maritime park is open year-round and has several locations, including Hyde Street Pier and the Maritime Museum Building, that give something different for families to enjoy. 

Hyde Street Pier is located on the east end of the park area. Here, you can enjoy walking on decks of historic ships, taking cell phone tours, or watching boat builders use traditional maritime skills for repairing boats in this open-air museum that houses some fascinating vessels from our past! Tickets to visit the ships at Hyde Street Pier are $15 per person.

Another place to visit is the Maritime Museum Building, located on Beach Street. This museum offers a stunning example of Art Deco design, with its sleek lines emulating those found on ocean liners.

The Maritime Museum also features a WPA-era mural from the 1930s, as well as other pieces showcasing sailors’ trade skills that took place centuries ago! Entry into the museum is free.

Family Day Trips from San Francisco

San Francisco is a great home base for exploring the Bay Area and Northern California.

With its international airport, many visitors will land in San Francisco with their kids. So why not take an extra few days to explore the nearby areas?

Here are a few ideas for family day trips from San Francisco.

16. Camping Near San Francisco at Steep Ravine

Contributed by Jac from Weekend Path

If you’re after a fun, kid-friendly camping near San Francisco, look no further than the Steep Ravine Campground and Cabins.

Located just under an hour from San Francisco in Mount Tamalpais State Park, Steep Ravine offers tent campsites and the most wonderful, basic camping cabins—all with stunning ocean views.

Kids particularly love camping here because it’s right next to Steep Ravine Beach. Low tide is the best time to visit the beach for tide pool exploring and running around on the sand.

The wildlife-watching is spectacular at the Steep Ravine campground and makes for some amazing family memories. Spotting dolphins and fawns from camp is something your kids will remember for a lifetime.

Nearby family adventures include beautiful Stinson Beach and the Dipsea Trail, one of the Bay Area’s best hikes. It’s worth noting that the Steep Ravine campsites and cabins are incredibly popular, so make sure you book your spot well in advance!

17. Pinnacles National Park

Contributed by Alyssa from An Apple a Plane

Consider exploring beyond the Bay Area on a day trip to Pinnacles National Park! Coming in at 5th smallest national park in the United States, Pinnacles draws visitors for its rare talus caves, rock climbing, and its 30 miles of trails.    

Something unique and important to note while planning your trip from San Francisco to Pinnacles National Park is if you plan to enter from the east side or the west side of the park. The west entrance is about 3 hours from San Francisco and the east entrance is about 2.5 hours from San Francisco.  

There is no drive-through option to reach one end of the park from the other. Visitors need to drive around the entire perimeter of the park to reach the other side. This might be a plentiful option if you are planning on staying overnight, or truly want to get your day started early in the morning and don’t mind the back-and-forth driving.  

Animal lovers can look out for the infamous California Condor, Falcons, and Golden Eagles.  

There is only one campground at Pinnacles National Park located on the east side of the park. It has coin-operated showers and a pool on site. Weather-contingent, the campground is open from mid-April through the end of September.

You can check on The Dyrt app or Harvest Hosts for additional camping spots.

18. Half Moon Bay

Contributed by Pafoua at Her Wonderful World

Though there are many wonderful things to do in San Francisco with kids, one of the best trips is taking a short 40-minute drive to Half Moon Bay. If you’re looking for someplace to escape the city for a while, Half Moon Bay is definitely worth checking out.

Half Moon Bay is a charming little coastal town with plenty of fun things to do, like exploring the tide pools, hiking the nature trails, and playing on the beach.

One of the best places for an adventure is Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is home to some of the best tidepools on the coast and is a great place for kids to explore and learn about marine life. The reserve also has a stunning forest of Monterey Cypress with amazing views of the ocean!

Hiking is also a great option to do in Half Moon Bay with kids. One of the most popular trails is the Purisma Creek Redwoods Trail, which leads to stunning views of the redwoods. Families can also walk the Coastal Trail, which brings you ocean views along some of the most popular beaches in Half Moon Bay.

Speaking of beaches, there are so many to visit in Half Moon Bay: Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, Francis Beach, and Poplar Beach. The Pacific Ocean will be too cold to swim in, but with a wetsuit, you can surf.

For a charming place to take your kids outside of the city, Half Moon Bay is perfect for an adventure!

19. Muir Woods National Monument

Contributed by Allison Baxley, Renovating Life

Located across the Golden Gate Bridge and only 30 minutes from the Mission District of San Francisco, you can find Muir Woods National. 

Monument, often called simply, Muir Woods. Part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, wander the trails under the impressively tall, towering redwood trees, some of which are almost 1,000 years old and as tall as 250 feet.

With six miles of trails to wander, you can spend as little as a half hour on the shortest loop or several hours on longer trails taking in the beauty of these trees in one of the last remaining redwood forests in the Bay Area.

Safe and easy for kids of all ages, with bathroom facilities and easy parking.

Make sure you reserve your parking spot ahead of time ($8), as reservations are not sold on the spot and there is no cell service or internet to reserve on-site.

FAQs: Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids

Is San Francisco kid-friendly?

Yes, San Francisco is a kid-friendly city. It has many parks and attractions suitable for children, such as the Exploratorium, an interactive science and art museum designed to engage kids of all ages. Plenty of outdoor activities are available in the city, such as biking along the waterfront or exploring the Golden Gate Park. Additionally, many family-friendly restaurants throughout San Francisco offer various cuisines perfect for families with young children.

What is San Francisco mostly known for?

San Francisco is known for the popular and most iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Alcatraz, or “The Rock,” was once an infamous federal prison that held some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone. Today, both are a popular tourist attraction that allows visitors to explore its unique history.

Is the Bay Area kid-friendly?

Yes, the Bay Area is kid-friendly. It has many attractions and activities suitable for children of all ages, including Discovery Museums, the California Academy of Science, and an Exploratorium. There are also many playgrounds and outdoor areas for kids to explore and enjoy.

Is San Francisco a good place to live with kids?

Yes, San Francisco is a great place to live with kids. And if you’re planning to reside there with your family, I recommend the Bay Area if you want a safe place to raise your kids. The Bay Area has everything – from affordable homes to some of the best schools, safe surroundings, family-friendly neighborhoods, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. There are many parks and playgrounds for children to explore and many cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy.

What is the most visited in San Francisco?

The amazing Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are two of the most visited locations in San Francisco.

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids

As we end our exploration of things to do in San Francisco, I hope you have discovered that this City has something for everyone. From its iconic landmarks and breathtaking views to its diverse culture and delicious food, there is never a dull moment in the City by the Bay.

One of the best aspects of San Francisco is that it is also an excellent destination for families with kids. With many kid-friendly activities and attractions, you can be sure to keep everyone in your family entertained and happy. From visiting the interactive Exploratorium museum to riding a cable car up to Lombard Street, endless options exist for fun and educational experiences.

Not only is San Francisco a great place for families, but it also offers unique experiences for solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends. Whether you want to spend a day exploring the colorful Mission District or take a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, there is always something exciting to discover in this vibrant City.

Happy travels! 😉

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