San Francisco with kids

Getting around San Francisco with kids is easy to do without a rental car. Uber is prevalent everywhere and the Municipal Metro service is vast with numerous buses and trains running across the city but you simply can’t come to San Francisco and not use the Cable Cars! Not only do the lines cover many main points of interest these moving landmarks are iconic, unique and insanely fun! Our kids had such a thrill being hauled up and down the steep hills, bells ringing! TIP: Our top piece of advice here is to completely skip the endless line at the beginning and end of the Cable Car lines and head instead to ANY other stop where you can simply just hop aboard. We can’t for the life of us figure out why people wait in the hours-long lines where the cable cars turn around instead of just walking a block or two to another stop.

The largest playground in Golden Gate Park, Koret Playground offers a giant concrete slide that most kids go down sitting on a piece of cardboard. There are separate play structures for smaller guys and bigger kids, a large blue wave sculpture, a towering rope tower to climb, and a carousel. And there’s also a little food kiosk nearby to stock up on water or indulge in a coffee while watching the kids explore. Smaller but equally exciting playgrounds are all throughout the park. Most of the children’s play areas in Golden Gate Park include accessible features.

Get a map from the check-in counter and explore the 55 acres of blooms at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. There are over 8,000 different types of plants from all over the world! From wide paved paths to skinny dirt trails, families can climb hills, relax by the pond, and search for their favorite flowers.

The de Young Museum allows families the opportunity to explore beautiful artwork and get creative through hands-on programs, discovery guides, and videos to learn more about the art. On Saturdays, stop by the free drop-in program for families. Explore the collections and learn new art-making techniques with de Young’s team of teaching artists. Another great feature at the De Young Museum is the observation tower. This spectacular space offers 360-degree views of the city and is a can't-miss feature of the museum.

This living museum and historical landmark is magical. Families can find colorful and unique tropical plants from the lowland tropics to the highland tropics, as well as aquatic plants, potted plants, and unique plants, in the special exhibits area of the Conservatory of Flowers. The iconic white building, the oldest building in Golden Gate Park, is just as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.

The tranquil Japanese Tea Garden San Francisco has an arched drum bridge kiddos love to play on, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, and beautiful koi ponds. After trekking the 5-acre garden, relax at the tea house. Situated in the middle of the Japanese Tea Garden, you can sample a variety of teas and popular Japanese refreshments.

The de Young Museum allows families the opportunity to explore beautiful artwork and get creative through hands-on programs, discovery guides, and videos to learn more about the art. On Saturdays, stop by the free drop-in program for families. Explore the collections and learn new art-making techniques with de Young’s team of teaching artists. Another great feature at the De Young Museum is the observation tower. This spectacular space offers 360-degree views of the city and is a can't-miss feature of the museum.

San Francisco's newest playgrounds. Step outside to the Outpost, a nature playground inspired by history and adventure. Let your kids climb, explore, and build in this unique space. There's a discovery area for little ones, art and science zones with changing activities, and even a spot to construct forts with natural materials. The Outpost is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm. Pack sun hats and sunscreen for those California rays!

San Francisco's Presidio Tunnel Tops has two hidden gems that will ignite your senses and spark endless fun: the Field Station and the Outpost. The Field Station is like a curiosity lab for all ages. Think hands-on exhibits with real animal specimens, historical artifacts, and nature treasures from around the park. Touch a crawfish, smell fragrant Presidio plants, or try your hand at mapmaking like the first explorers. It's not a classroom, it's not a museum, The Field Station is open weekends from 10am to 5pm. Check the Presidio Tunnel Tops website for special events and programs.

Check out the Walt Disney Family Museum –which is included in the Go Card San Francisco. Founded by Walt’s older daughter, Diane Disney Miller, San Francisco was chosen as the home of the Walt Disney Family Museum because her family settled nearby in wine country. The museum features 40,000 square feet of interactive and entertaining exhibits and galleries detailing the life and legacy of Walt Disney and the company he founded. Beautiful, expansive galleries feature all kinds of Disney films, photographs, sketches, clips, cartoons and more. Many of the stations are narrated by Walt’s own voice. We learned about Walt Disney’s impressive personal life, from the early beginnings and his success and grand ambitions to the building of Disneyland and how he created an empire that continues to inspire innovation and imagination, even today. The museum includes over 200 video screens and interactive exhibits, but our unanimous favorite was the intricate model of Disneyland housed in the second to last gallery.

The Palace of fine art is a must see if you like nice gardens and architecture. Perfect place to let your kids run around and to take family photos.

It's all about timing. It needs to be exactly at high tide to hear the music. It's something to experience. A walk from the parking lot.

The Ferry Building isn't just a historic landmark, it's a treasure trove of fun and deliciousness waiting to be explored. Here's why it should be top of your San Francisco itinerary: Foodie Frenzy: Indulge in a global feast under the iconic clock tower. From melt-in-your-mouth oysters to artisanal cheeses and vibrant produce, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a smorgasbord for all senses. Kids will love picking out colorful treats and fresh-baked goodies, while parents savor gourmet delights and local brews. Hop aboard a historic ferry for a mini-adventure across the bay. Imagine the wind whipping through your hair as you admire the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island from a unique perspective. It's a quick and scenic escape from the city, perfect for little legs and curious minds. Unwind after your explorations with a picnic on the waterfront. Spread out a blanket, soak up the sunshine, and let the gentle lapping of the waves lull you into serenity. Pack a storybook for impromptu read-alouds, or simply watch the boats bobbing on the water – it's pure magic. Keep an eye out for street performers, musicians, and artists who add to the lively atmosphere. Let your kids loose in the nearby carousel or grab a scoop of ice cream at the lively farmers' market. The Ferry Building is a treasure trove of unexpected delights! Tip: Don't forget to snap a selfie with the iconic clock tower – it's the perfect way to capture your Ferry Building memories!

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge was the highlight of one of my many childhood trips to San Francisco and the number one thing we wanted to do in San Francisco with kids. Tip: Full day bike rentals are included with the Go Card San Francisco! The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Blazing Saddles get you all outfitted and set up for your biking adventures. Your bike rental includes a helmet, a bike lock, and a custom map with route recommendations. Starting in Fisherman’s Wharf you can follow the National Park bike path on a scenic ride through the Marina, Crissy Field, and the Presidio stopping to take many photos along the way. I definitely suggest waiting until the afternoon when the infamous San Francisco fog subsides before you head out across the country’s most iconic bridge. The whole experience will be unforgettable! Feeling the ocean wind in your face and sensing the majesty of this landmark was absolutely exhilarating. It’s an adventure that your kids will never forget! Social Media photos really don't do it justice! TIP: Pretty much any route in San Francisco will include hills due to the city’s unique geography, so you’ll want to consider that when deciding the best type of bike for your family. We have chosen two tandem bikes which we rode with younger kids. Teenagers who are more confident and experienced riders can have their own bikes. Blazing Saddles also offers tagalong bikes and trailers perfect for younger children and toddlers.

The Exploratorium in San Francisco isn't just a museum, it's a playground for the imagination, a laboratory of discovery, and a guaranteed grin-inducing good time for kids of all ages. Interactive exhibits galore 🤓 from tinkering with robots to building musical instruments, every corner ignites curiosity and sparks learning. Kids can touch, play, and experiment with hundreds of exhibits, making science fun and engaging (no boring lectures here!). There is something for everyone! Whether your little ones are mesmerized by bubbles or your teens are fascinated by the human brain, the Exploratorium has something to captivate them. Six themed galleries cover everything from light and sound to the environment and the human body. This is 100% a homeschool haven! The Exploratorium is a dream come true for homeschool families. With its hands-on approach and diverse exhibits, it's the perfect complement to any curriculum. Plus, weekday visits tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed learning experience. Forget screen time! The Exploratorium encourages collaboration, communication, and shared laughter. Work together to solve puzzles, build structures, and discover new things. It's a recipe for lasting memories and strengthened family bonds. ⭐️ Purchase tickets online to avoid lines and guarantee entry. ⭐️ Choose a weekday for a more relaxed experience, especially if you have young children. ⭐️ Pack a lunch or snacks to fuel your explorations (there are also cafes on-site). ⭐️ Wear comfortable shoes for exploring all six galleries. Tip: Don't forget to check the Exploratorium website for special events and workshops tailored for families and homeschool groups!

If you are in San Francisco and are looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with the kids, I have got the place for you. Right at the end of Taylor street at Pier 45 on Fishermans’ Wharf is a unique little family owned museum which is as fun as it is interesting. The Musee Mecanique is an antique coin operated penny arcade. It is home to more than 300 antique mechanical musical instruments, arcade games and other amusements. What truly makes this museum appealing to both the young and old of heart is that you can drop a quarter in any of these machines and experience them in their original working order.

Spend some time on the Embarcadero to Pier 39. This area is a must-do when visiting San Francisco with kids. Sure, it’s touristy but there is no shortage of fun diversions! You can take a spin on the Pier’s carousel, check out the 7-D theater or do some dockside shopping. Our kids loved that there was an entire store dedicated to Biscoff, one of their favorite treats! Shoot me a message if you have any specific questions.

The historic Red and White Fleet cruise ship, operating in the Bay Area since 1892 offers the only cruise that goes under both the iconic Golden Gate bridge and the gigantic Bay Bridge. It is also the only one that offers guided narration in 16 different languages via personal headsets you wear while cruising. This was awesome as we didn’t have to strain to hear a guide and instead got all the insights into the city’s history, architecture and little-known facts right in our ears as we sailed along the waterfront for 90 minutes. TIP: Make sure to line up at least 30 minutes in advance of departure if you want to be up top for prime viewing. And don’t forget to bring a sweater or jacket. It can get chilly and windy on the bay! In fact its always a good idea to dress in layers in San Francisco. A cool 60 degrees from the chilly fog feels much colder than 60 degrees in the sun. Dress warmer than you think you need to be.

Hop aboard the USS Pampanito, one of two historic ships docked at Pier 45 in Fisherman’s Wharf. This authentic Balao class Fleet submarine went on six missions during World War II. Today it serves as a floating museum, memorial and National Historic Landmark. We have enjoyed the headset with a pre-recorded audio tour of the submarine while exploring various compartments and rooms, from the living quarters to the torpedo bays. It really gives you a feel for what life aboard the Pampanito and similar vessels was like. Tip: This activity is included in the Go Card San Francisco, if you purchased this for savings.

Start your day with the Early Bird Tour of Alcatraz, embarking from Pier 33 at 8:45 AM. I highly recommend this option but it’s definitely not a spur of the moment activity. Tickets to Alcatraz sell out months in advance with the Early Bird (first tour of the day) and Night Tour (last tour of the day) being the most difficult to come by, often selling out as soon as they go on sale 90 days before the tour date. Having done the Night Tour try to do the Early Bird option as it is substantially less packed than the regular day time tours. It is totally worth the extra effort to see Alcatraz uncrowded. Alcatraz means “pelican” in Spanish, a reference to the first inhabitants of this rocky island. It’s location in the middle of the bay is both strategic and exposed to harsh ocean winds. In 1859, the US Military established a fort at Alcatraz to guard the Bay. In 1907 it became a military prison and in 1934 it became a maximum-security federal penitentiary which it remained until 1963 when it was closed due to the extremely high cost to maintain. Commonly called “The Rock”, Alcatraz housed some of the most notorious criminals like Al “Scarface” Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Our kids have been enthralled with the stories on the award-winning audio tour included with admission. It is truly OUTSTANDING! I really can’t express that strongly enough. It is unlike any other audio tour we’ve ever done. Not only does it walk you step by step through the extensive prison complex you are immersed in the sounds and narratives of the island’s fascinating history from first-hand accounts of the actual guards and prisoners. You truly get a sense of what it was like to be in Alcatraz prison when it was in operation. You’ll even be walked through an extensive escape attempt and riots complete with sound effects and an exciting description of what later become known as the Battle of Alcatraz. From start to finish Alcatraz is one of our favorite experiences in San Francisco! TIP: Alcatraz Cruises is the one and only official tour boat that actually takes you to Alcatraz Island. It is best to book with them and not through a tour company that marks up the tickets. You can book 90 days in advance of your desired tour date.

Pier 39 is also home to the famous sea lions who make their home on Pier 39’s K-dock. The roughly 1,700 sea lions that took up residence on the docks of Pier 39 late last century now rarely ever leave. This cuddly bunch of creatures play, splash, and sometimes even fight, but mostly they sun themselves on the floating wooden docks while hundreds of tourists look on. It’s an amazing sight well worth taking some time to enjoy. It’s easy to find the sea lions at K dock from either side of Fisherman’s Wharf or straight through all the shops and restaurants of Pier 39. Just follow the sound of barking!

There was one other iconic San Francisco food you have to try; Ghiradelli! A beacon bayside landmark since 1862, this former chocolate factory and woolen mill is now a three-level modern shopping and restaurant complex. The square retains the famous Ghiradelli trademark clock tower and the original Ghiradelli electric roof sign but the real draw here is the decadent desserts served in the soda shop and sold in the Ghiradelli store. Enjoy some delicious sundaes and enjoy checking out the Vintage chocolate making machinery that still operates inside the shop to demonstrate the process Ghiradelli uses to make their trademark treats.

Amazing pizza! A must try!

I've enjoyed soup and sandwiches in the casual café. Make some time to watch the professional bakers carefully craft batches of bread and shape the sour dough into intricately designed animals like bears, crabs and turtles. Make sure to take a quick trip upstairs to where the Bistro restaurant is located to see the small museum and learn more about the history of the bakery and catch a peek into the bakery itself and see (and smell!) where the “Mother” dough is kept in a special vault.

The Fort Mason Farmers Market isn't just a grocery run, it's a vibrant feast for the senses and a mini adventure for curious taste buds. Keep an eye out for live music, cooking demonstrations, and even face painting for the little ones. The market is more than just shopping, it's a vibrant community event buzzing with life and energy. Tip: Don't forget to bring cash for some vendors and arrive early for the best selection!