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San Francisco with Kids: 26 Top Family-Friendly Activities
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: April 18, 2025 • Published: February 14, 2013
Are you looking for the best things to do in San Francisco with kids? Our city is full of kid-friendly activities, including hands-on museums, cruises around the SF Bay, and day trips they will not soon forget.
Jill's Pro Travel Tips for Parents
1. Visit Brand-New Attractions
- New immersive art exhibition, the Balloon Museum, at the Palace of Fine Arts (March - September 2025)
- Interactive Smurfs: The Adventure Museum in Fisherman's Wharf (opening May 2025)
2. Save Money While Sightseeing
- Take public transit (18 and under ride free on Muni, except on cable cars)
- Get the CityPASS or Go City discount pass for admission to multiple top attractions
- Visit free attractions that kids love, like the sea lions at Pier 39 and the beach at Crissy Field
3. Eat at Kid-Friendly Restaurants
- Boudin Bakery for animal-shaped sourdough and San Francisco clam chowder
- Super Duper Burgers for fast and tasty local fare
- Ghirardelli Square for ice cream sundaes with a waterfront view
4. Stay in Fun Family-Friendly Hotels
- Check out my recommendations for hotels with pools
- Hotels in Fisherman's Wharf for a safe, action-packed area full of attractions
5. Take Breaks in Open Spaces
When you want a piece of grass to relax on with snacks nearby, check out these public spaces:
- Yerba Buena Gardens (downtown): playground, carousel, ice skating rink, interactive art, Children’s Creativity Museum
- Presidio Tunnel Tops (near the Golden Gate Bridge): picnic lawns, kite flying, massive playscape, great views of the bay and windsurfers
- Additional playgrounds all around town
SF has indoor and outdoor activities and engaging places for your kids to explore as they learn.
As a San Francisco resident, I visit everything on my list frequently and continually revise this page so you know the information is up-to-date for your upcoming SF visit!
Here are my recommendations for the 26 best family-friendly activities.
This rare white alligator lives at the California Academy of Sciences and is named Claude. This museum is an excellent pick for fun kids' activities in San Francisco.SFTourismTips is made possible by readers like you! If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Learn more.
1. Aquarium of the Bay
Sitting at the entrance of Pier 39, you will find the Aquarium of the Bay, a popular choice for those looking for what to do in San Francisco with kids.
A visit here offers a deep dive into the plants and animals that live in the waters of the SF Bay.
Popular Ways to Visit the Aquarium of the Bay
- General Admission Ticket - Includes access to the three main exhibit halls, the most popular ticket
- Aquarium of the Bay VIP Tour - Exclusive, personal tour led by an expert, this tour runs before the door to the aquarium opens, ticket also includes access to the main exhibit halls for the day of your tour
- Go City All Inclusive Pass - General admission to the aquarium is also available through this discount pass, it also includes access to more than 30 other activities and attractions around San Francisco and the Bay Area
There are two things here that I love and think your kids and you will love as well.
The first is the large walk-through aquarium tunnels. It's fascinating to stand underneath the water as a variety of animals swim around you.
The second is the hands-on experience area called "Touch the Bay."
Touch the Bay is where your kids can touch housing sharks, stingrays, skates, sea stars, and anemones. Have your cameras ready to capture this unique experience!
I recommend setting aside at least 2 hours for the general admission ticket and the entire morning for the VIP tour.
More to Enjoy: The Aquarium of the Bay also offers daily programs that are included with your general admission or VIP tour tickets. These programs are usually in the afternoon and include experiences such as the Big Feed, where an expert talks about what it takes to feed all the animals in the aquarium, and the Otter Enrichment, where the biologists work with and talk about some of the aquarium's most dynamic animals.
SF Tourism Tip: Combine a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay with your visit to Pier 39.
Learn more about visiting the Aquarium of the Bay in SF
2. Exploratorium
An example of one of the outdoor exhibits at the Exploratorium. This is Remote Rains and you stand under an umbrella as you decide the type of rain you would like to experience.The Exploratorium is a hands-on and educational San Francisco museum for kids of all ages. I love recommending this one because it allows your kids to play and learn simultaneously.
There more than 650 interactive exhibits here. Some of the best are where your kids can learn how electricity works, what causes earthquakes and how important everyday items are made.
Popular Ways to Visit the Exploratorium
- General Admission - This ticket offers full day admission and access to their 650+ hands on exhibits.
- Go City All Inclusive Pass - This discount pass includes an admission ticket to the Exploratorium and 30+ other SF and Bay Area attractions including the Hop On Hop Off Bus, the SF Zoo, the California Academy of Sciences.
- City Pass - This is another popular discount pass with a general admission ticket for the Exploratorium and other popular SF attractions.
The museum became famous for its Tactile Dome - an exhibit through total darkness. Once you step inside, you won't be able to see anything, but are encouraged to feel the textures, listen to the sounds, and smell everything around you.
A team of people watching what's going on inside the dome to keep you and your kids safe.
I also enjoy the weather exhibits. San Francisco is well known for its fog and here you can learn more about it.
There are a few fog exhibits here, but my favorite is the Fog Bridge. It's in an outdoor setting on a pedestrian bridge over the water, which creates the type of fog we see here in SF all the time.
This is just a small sampling of what you will find inside this amazing kids' museum, which I find to be one of the great places to go with kids in San Francisco.
- Find skip-the-line tickets for your visit
- More about what it's like to visit the Exploratorium
- Discover 10 of the best family-friendly museums in SF
3. California Academy of Sciences
The jellyfish tank at the Steinhart Aquarium inside the California Academy of Sciences. The lights inside turn from pink to blue to green on a rotating basis and I just love how they make the jellyfish look so colorful.Head out to Golden Gate Park, and you will find one of our most visited San Francisco attractions for families, the California Academy of Sciences.
It's four museums in one building with an aquarium, planetarium, four-story rainforest, and a natural history museum.
Popular Ways to Visit the California Academy of Sciences
- General Admission: This ticket offers you skip-the-line access to the museum and entry into all of its exhibits including the aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum.
- City Pass: This discount pass offers admission to the museum and a few other attractions at a discounted price. In addition to the museum, it includes access to the Aquarium of the Bay and Exploratorium, a visit to the zoo, and tickets to a bay cruise.
- Golden Gate Park Guided Tour with Academy Tickets: This one is a great way to get to know Golden Gate Park before your visit. You'll go on a 90-minute guided tour of the park and then head over to the Cal Academy for your visit.
There are so many things I love about this museum, so I'll share a few of my favorites.
One is walking through the four-story rainforest. I love watching the variety of butterflies and feeling the different climates as I walk from one level to the next.
Another of my favorite family activities in San Francisco is the Steinhart Aquarium, which is on the museum's bottom level. Here you will find a variety of fish and animals. I love their interesting and colorful jellyfish tanks.
One thing to note if you plan to visit is that you need a separate ticket to get into the Morrison Planetarium. It's free, but when you arrive, head straight to their ticket booth to reserve your seats for a show.
It's the perfect kids' museum in San Francisco and it's fun for the entire family too! Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours here to see everything.
More to Enjoy: Check out the daily calendar so you can catch other fun activities that day, such as the Penguin Feeding, Coral Reef Dive, and kids' programs in the East Garden.
SF Tourism Tip: I recommend visiting during the week. This place gets really crowded on any day of the week but is even more crowded on the weekends.
- Buy your tickets in advance online for skip-the-line privileges
- Additional information about visiting the California Academy of Sciences
More Tips for Visiting San Francisco with Kids
4. Cruise Around the SF Bay
Another one of the fun things to do in San Francisco with kids is a bay cruise.
The most popular option is the 60-minute cruise that takes you from Fisherman's Wharf, along the northern waterfront, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and around Alcatraz. It ends where it started in Fisherman's Wharf.
Most Popular Bay Cruise Options
- 60-Minute Bay Cruise: Most popular option with the most cruises per day, leaves 6 to 7 times a day from Fisherman's Wharf
- Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise: This one cruises under both the Golden Gate Bridge AND the Bay Bridge, it's 90-minutes and is great if you also want to check out the Bay Bridge
- California Sunset/Twilight Cruises: This one runs during the sunset hours in the summer and the twilight hours in the late fall through early spring. It's a great way to get out on the water at night!
Not only is this a great one for kids, but its one of the best things to do in San Francisco with families.
The picture above shows me on a cruise heading under the bridge. The other cruise on the bay is on the same route, as these cruises run several times a day.
What I love best about this cruise is going underneath the Golden Gate Bridge twice. Their narration is also fantastic, and a great way to learn more about our interesting history.
These cruises run daily through two companies: Blue and Gold Fleet and Red and White Fleet. Both operate out of Fisherman's Wharf.
More to Enjoy: Even if it's warm along the coast, it's cool on the water. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and some layers including a jacket, long pants, etc.
SF Tourism Tip: I recommend sitting on the left side of the boat (as you face forward). This side offers excellent views of the SF waterfront on the way out and of Sausalito on your return trip. The best views of Alcatraz are from the right side of the boat, so I recommend switching seats part of the way through the cruise.
>> My experience on the Bay Cruise
5. Cable Cars & Museum
This is the California cable car line as it reaches the top of California Steet in Nob Hill. The Fairmont Hotel is in the background.Everyone in your family will love riding the San Francisco cable cars. These rolling historic gems run up and down some of our steepest streets.
Three lines are still in operation. Two run between Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf. The third line runs up and down California Street.
All three offer beautiful views and an exciting ride around the city.
You can also step inside the free cable car museum. This small museum tells you about the history of the cable cars in San Francisco and what happened to them after the 1906 Earthquake and Fire.
However, the best part for kids is to see the wheels in action as they pull the cars on the line up the steep hills.
In the basement, you will also find a full model scale that allows you to step inside, look around, and learn more about them.
It's one of the unforgettable things to do in San Francisco with kids.
SF Tourism Tip: During the busy summer months and holidays, you will see a long line to get on the cable cars at the start of the line. I recommend walking up the street to the first or second stop. This will allow you to get on faster as most cars allow a little space to pick up passengers along the route.
6. Golden Gate Bridge
This is one of the outdoor exhibits at the Golden Gate Bridge. These exhibits are a great way for children to visualize how the bridge works.Another one of the fun kid-friendly things to do in San Francisco is tour the Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk or bike across. It's open from around dawn to dusk daily.
I love walking through the outdoor museum during my visits. Here, you can learn more about how suspension bridges are built and how they work.
You can then walk across the bridge to get a better feel for its size. The entire walkway is 1.7 miles, but you can turn around and head back at any point.
If your kids and you like biking, you should rent a bike for the day in Fisherman's Wharf.
More to Enjoy: You can also soak in the views of this famous bridge from several great spots nearby.
SF Tourism Tip: It's REALLY windy on the bridge most of the time, so make sure to bring along something warm to wear. I like to layer so I can add and remove items as needed based on the weather.
>> Learn more about visiting the Golden Gate Bridge
7. Ferris Wheel in Fisherman's Wharf
The temporary Ferris Wheel in Fisherman's Wharf. It runs daily and is a fun kids' activity in San Francisco.The Ferris wheel is a great temporary attraction for kids in Fisherman's Wharf. The current plan is to have the Ferris wheel continuously operating in its current location until October 2025.
It is a HUGE hit with visitors. The ride lasts for between 9 and 12 minutes.
At the top, you can see all around San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown SF.
Make sure to add this to your list of fun things to do with children in San Francisco!
>> Book advanced tickets for your ride!
8. Golden Gate Park
This is the drum bridge in the Japanese Tea Garden. You will find this popular children's attraction inside Golden Gate Park.Another one of the best children's activities in San Francisco is to head out to Golden Gate Park.
You can enjoy Golden Gate Park in many different ways.
Step inside one of its top museums, including the California Academy Of Sciences, de Young, or the Conservatory of Flowers. Explore one of its outdoor gardens, which includes the Japanese Tea Garden or the Botanical Garden.
You can also enjoy one of its free attractions, such as Blue Heron Lake (formerly known as Stow Lake) or the Bison Paddock, where you can see a herd of bison in person.
More Ways to Enjoy Golden Gate Park
- 3-Hour Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park GoCar Tour: Pick up your GoCar in Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy a three-hour GPS Guided Tour.
- San Francisco Golden Gate Park Tour: This is a great tour where that will allow you will to explore Golden Gate Park on foot. This 3-hour tour is a great way to see popular attractions and off-the-beaten path areas.
- Golden Gate Park Bike Tour: This is a two-hour guided tour, and you will ride past the Bison Paddock, the Japanese Tea Garden, the windmill and tulip gardens, and more.
You can then end your day near Ocean Beach with lunch or dinner at the Beach Chalet, which has views over the Pacific Ocean.
More to Enjoy: Head over to the 9th and Irving area in the Inner Sunset for some great food and drink options.
SF Tourism Tip: Set aside plenty of time to explore Golden Gate Park. The park is massive and there are a ton of things to see and do here. You can also check out my one-day suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit.
>> Learn more about everything there is to see and do at Golden Gate Park
9. Muir Woods
A look up at the towering trees inside Muir Woods. One of my favorite things to do with children near San Francisco.I recommend adding Muir Woods to your itinerary of kid-friendly things to do in San Francisco. This impressive National Park is home to hundreds of old growth Coastal Redwood trees.
It's just a half-day trip from SF and is great for those who love the outdoors. Their trails are VERY close to these redwoods, so you can see them up close.
Popular Ways to Explore Muir Woods
- Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Trip: This tour offers a ride to Muir Woods, an hour and a half to explore on your own, a short 15- to 20-minute tour of Sausalito, and about half an hour to explore this small waterfront town on your own. You can then take the bus back or stay and take the ferry or bus back to SF. This tour does include admission into Muir Woods.
- Muir Woods & Sausalito Small-Group Tour: This small group tour includes a ride to Muir Woods, a chance to explore the park for an hour and 20 minutes, and then a stop in Sausalito, where you will have an hour to explore on your own. You can then hop back on the bus or stay in Sausalito and take the ferry or bus back to SF. This tour does not include admission into Muir Woods.
- Muir Woods by Shuttle: Another popular option is to visit using the Sausalito ferry. You will need to make your own way to Sausalito in time to catch your shuttle. You can then explore on your own until your return shuttle arrives. It only runs during the busy summer months and some holidays. You must book in advance and spots go quickly!
The main trails are mostly flat, well-maintained, and easy to explore. You will find educational information about the trees next to the trails.
If you prefer a long hike, you will also find trails that head up into the hills.
SF Tourism Tip: This national park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass, so bring yours along to use it for your entry if the fee isn't already included with your tour.
>> Ways to get from San Francisco to Muir Woods
>> More Muir Woods visiting tips
10. Family-Friendly Activities at Pier 39
In addition to the Aquarium of the Bay (#1 on my list), you will find several other family-friendly activities in San Francisco on Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf.
Some of my top picks for kid activities here include a ride on the carousel, a walk through the Mirror Maze, or check out our famous sea lions!
You can even go on a 7D Experience, which includes a rollercoaster-type ride that moves in sync with the activities on the large movie screen in front of you.
Popular Children's Activities on Pier 39
- 7D Experience: This fun family-friendly attraction is popular on Pier 39. There are four different rides to choose from and the staff will help you select the one that is right for the ages of your family. Each show lasts about 15 minutes.
- The Flyer: This is a theme park ride that allows you to "fly" over top SF landmarks and attractions. On the flight, you will soar and drop as you "visit" top SF sights.
- Meal at Hard Rock Cafe: Kids will love eating at the Hard Rock Cafe on Pier 39. This ticket offers the chance to enjoy a two- or three-course meal of American favorites (you can choose from two menu options). You can use it for lunch or dinner.
Pier 39 also has great restaurants for kids in San Francisco, including Players Sport Grill and Arcade and the Hard Rock Cafe.
With tons of shops along the boardwalk, you could spend all day exploring.
More to Explore: Pier 39 is in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. You will find tons of great San Francisco kids' activities here, so allow plenty of time for your visit.
SF Tourism Tip: Plan your visit when the sea lions are here in SF. Many don't realize that at times, three are only a few hanging out the docks at Pier 39. The best times to see them are usually March to May and August to October. Learn more about the San Francisco sea lions.
More Fun Family-Friendly Activities Around Fisherman's Wharf
- Fun games and activities in the Musee Mecanique
- What you'll see when you visit the SS Jeremiah O'Brien
11. Children's Creativity Museum
The Children's Creativity Museum is one of the best San Francisco children's activities. Located in SF's South of Market District, they offer hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages.
Their Animation Studio is a great option for kids 5 and older who want to create clay characters and bring them to life on screen.
Kids ages 3-6 will enjoy the Imagination Lab, where they can imagine, create, and share. Musically inclined children ages 3+ will also enjoy the Music Studio.
The museum is at 221 Fourth Street. Visit their website for more information.
12. Stairways Around San Francisco
Another one of the fun things to do in with kids in San Francisco is to check out our colorful stairways. Some offer colorful mosaic designs, beautifully painted steps, serene gardens and historic homes on both sides.
Some of the most colorful steps I love to recommend include the 16th Avenue and Moraga Steps, the Hidden Garden Stairs, and the gorgeous Lincoln Park Steps.
I also love the steep steps leading from the Embarcadero to Coit Tower. The most famous are the Filbert Street Steps, but I love the Greenwich Street Steps, which are just one block north and usually not as busy. Both take you to the top of Telegraph Hill to visit Coit Tower.
You will also find other exciting stairways in some of SF's other top districts and near some of our best attractions.
SF Tourism Tip: One of the best ways to learn even more about two of our most beautiful staircases is by taking the Hidden Stairways of San Francisco Tour. It is a guided walking tour covering both the 16th Avenue Steps and the Hidden Garden steps. Learn more about this interesting tour.
>> Find a list of my favorite stairways around SF
13. Randall Museum
The Randall Museum is a kid-friendly San Francisco museum in the heart of the city. This free museum offers dozens of exhibits on science, nature, and the arts.
Some of its top exhibits include Food For Thought, which is about the food cycle and our place in it; Riding the Rails, which is about how trains shaped the West; and the Toddler Tree House, where the little ones can explore and learn.
They have a Live Animal Exhibit, which features animals found in the wild around California including a new weasel named Scarlet and a raccoon named Lyra.
More to Enjoy: Before or after your visit here, you can also check out the climb to the top of Corona Heights. Here, you will find fabulous, unobstructed views around part of the SF Bay, including downtown.
SF Tourism Tip: The Randall Museum offers several great events. One that I recommend is their Third Friday Bird Hike. It starts at 8 am and is limited to just 16 people. Visit their site to sign up.
>> Find additional fun activities for toddlers in SF
>> Visit their website for additional details
14. Urban Hikes
This is a great example of the views you get of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Lands End Trail. It's a great hike for those of you visiting San Francisco with teenagers.An urban hike is one of my favorite kid's activities in San Francisco. The city features a variety of trail options, from cliffside jaw-droppers to tree-lined beauties.
My top pick is Lands End. This trail is along a cliff with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and across the SF Bay to Marin. It's a great one for older kids and teens that you only need to keep an eye on occasionally.
Twin Peaks is a great one too and the payoff at the top is unobstructed views all around the SF Bay. The hike is short, but steep with well maintained trails.
Others on my list include family-friendly hikes to the top of Mount Davidson, Tank Hill, and around Glen Canyon Park.
15. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
When you visit, you can buy some of their freshly made fortune cookies. This is just part of what was on sale during my last visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown.Have you ever wondered how fortune cookies are made? The next stop on my list of the best things to do in SF with kids is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown.
Step inside this local gem and watch as fortune cookies are made right in front of you. It only takes a few minutes to see how skilled their staff is at churning out these cookies.
Most people spend only 15 to 20 minutes here, enough time for you to see their process.
More Ways to Explore Chinatown
- All About Chinatown Walking Tour: This two-hour tour offers a great historical overview of this thriving city within a city. It visits the fortune cookie company, an herbal pharmacy, and the busy Stockton Street food markets. This tour runs daily.
- Food Walking Tour of Chinatown and North Beach: This afternoon tour runs for around four hours and includes a visit to the fortune cookie factory, tasting stops at local dim sum spots, and great restaurants around North Beach.
- Top 10 Streets of SF: This three-hour walking tour offers an insider's look at top spots in Union Square, Chinatown, and around North Beach. I love it for its fascinating stories and small group size.
More to Enjoy: During your visit to Chinatown, stop at a local dim sum restaurant to sample some dishes. My favorites near the fortune cookie factory are Delicious Dim Sum (752 Jackson Street) and Good Mong Kok Bakery (1039 Stockton Street).
SF Tourism Tip: Pick up a few of their tasty treats when you visit. They have shelves of a variety of their cookies, and they make great gifts!
16. Escape Rooms
One of the great family things to do in San Francisco is an escape room. The escape rooms offer an interactive game (they have a variety of games you can choose from) where you will work as a family to solve clues and "escape" from the room.
This simulated game takes place in a room that will only include your family, so you can be comfortable letting them explore and make decisions on their own.
I recommend EscapeSF at 602 Kearny St in the Financial District and The Escape Game San Francisco in Fisherman's Wharf at 145 Jefferson Street.
17. San Francisco Zoo
This attraction is often overlooked but is one of the perfect things to do with children in San Francisco. This family activity in San Francisco is just steps from the Pacific Ocean on the city's western side.
Here, you can see tigers, penguins, and gorillas. You can also see rare animals, such as a snow leopard, a black rhinoceros and a grizzly bear.
Some of the other fun things to do here include the Little Puffer Miniature Steam Train, the Dentzel Carousel, and the Elinor Friend Playground.
SF Tourism Tip: Before you arrive, check out the animal feeding and connections schedule. You can watch them feed the penguins, participate in the animal education reading time, or attend the animal meet and greet.
>> More about visiting the SF Zoo
18. Lombard Street
Lombard Street is another one of the fun things to do in San Francisco with kids. This crooked street is like no other with eight hairpin turns.
You can walk down one of the staircases on each side or drive down. Several small group tours also drive down Lombard Street.
You can walk up and down the stairs and watch the cars navigate the tight turns to the bottom.
Plus, it's free to visit and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
More to Enjoy: Continue downhill after your visit to enjoy everything that the North Beach district has to offer.
SF Tourism Tip: I recommend visiting first thing in the morning. I find the crowds are thinner before 9 am and you also get the morning light on Lombard Street, which makes for more stunning photos.
19. Local Sports Teams
The SF Giants is a popular pick for those visiting San Francisco with kids. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon. This is a shot of them in action at Oracle Park.Kids of all ages will enjoy attending a sporting event in the SF Bay Area. We are home to more than half a dozen professional teams, including baseball, football, soccer, and hockey.
There are games and events all year long in the SF Bay, and it's a great way to spend a few hours during your visit.
The SF Giants are in action during the summer and are a popular choice. The Golden State Warriors are one of the most popular picks in the cool winter months.
Other teams here include the San Francisco 49ers, San Jose Sharks, and the several top college teams.
20. Disney Movies at the Disney Museum
The Walt Disney Museum shows a classic Disney movie in their Fantasia Theater several days a week. These films range from Bambi to Mary Poppins.
Although the schedule varies slightly, you will usually find at least one show in the morning and a couple of showings in the afternoon.
Tickets are an additional $5 for those with tickets to the museum. If you only want to see a movie, the cost is $10 for adults and $8 for youth. Five and under are free.
The museum itself is also interesting. It walks you through the life of Walt Disney. It shows you how he got started, some early versions of his cartoons, the process of creating those cartoons, and so much more.
More to Enjoy: The Walt Disney Museum is set inside the Presidio where you will find tons of hiking trails, outdoor art, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Set aside some extra time to explore this area, which is great for when you are deciding what to do with kids in San Francisco.
SF Tourism Tip: The Disney Museum offers great traveling and temporary exhibits throughout the year. Check out the schedule before you arrive, so you can see if you want to add this to your visit.
21. 7D Dark Ride Experience
The 7D Dark Ride Experience is one of the awesome kids' activities in San Francisco on Pier 39. It's part theater, part video game, and a lot of fun.
Strap into your seat and get ready for the ride of your life. Use your laser gun to fight the bad guys and score points.
You can choose from one of several 7D Dark Ride themed games. They will help you decide which is the most appropriate for your kids.
More to Enjoy: The same company also operates the LaZer Challenge (a laser room where you twist and turn to get from one side of the room to the other without touching any lasers), The Flyer (a huge flying theater), two escape rooms (one all about Alcatraz and another called Malone's Mobster Hideout), and a virtual reality ride.
SF Tourism Tip: Buy a combo pass if you plan to enjoy more than one of the 7D Experiences. It will allow you to save on the overall cost.
22. USS Pampanito
Have you ever been on a real submarine? The USS Pampanito is an old WWII sub that went on six missions during the war. The intact vessel was slightly modified and is now a floating San Francisco museum.
I think this is one of the best activities for kids in San Francisco because they get to learn what it is like to live and work on a submarine.
It's a unique opportunity for your family to listen to the stories and learn their history through their audio app (all stories are kid-friendly).
During your visit, you can peek in the quarters and see where the people on board ate and hung out while living on board.
- Learn more about what you will see on the USS Pampanito
- Tickets are included in the GO City San Francisco Card, learn more here
23. Playground at Dolores Park
If your kids love playing at playgrounds, check out the large playground in Dolores Park. It's one of several entertaining playgrounds throughout San Francisco, located in the Mission Dolores district.
This playground offers your kids a space to run around and play for an hour or two. It has swings, slides, and climbing equipment.
It's also a wonderful place to have a picnic with the family. This spacious park, which sits at an angle with views of downtown San Francisco, is a popular spot among locals.
It's a fun way to spend time in San Francisco with kids.
24. Parrots of Telegraph Hill
This is what most of the famous parrots in San Francisco look like. This one is sitting in a tree enjoying some berries in the Telegraph Hill district.Have you heard about our famous parrots? One of the best places to see them in the wild is around the Telegraph Hill District.
These green and red parrots have been flying around this district for decades. They are not native to SF. Locals let pets go into the wild many years ago, and the flock grew from there.
Some of the best places to see them in this district are along Union Street near Calhoun Terrace and around Coit Tower.
You can also stroll around the neighborhood listening for the flock. Believe me, you will hear these parrots before you see them!
In addition, you will also find our wild parrots along the Embarcadero, along the Saturn Stairs (near the Castro), and in the Mission District.
25. Seward Slides
Another one of the fun things to do in San Francisco with kids is to head over to the Seward Street Slides. These cement slides are a fun way to spend an hour with the family as you explore SF.
Since the slides are made out of cement, you need some cardboard to get down. Fortunately, you can almost always find some from previous visitors there.
The slides are free and open from 10 am until 5 pm.
They are open every day except Monday.
26. House of Air Trampoline
The House of Air Trampoline is a great San Francisco activity for kids two and older. You can grab tickets for their open gym time and let your kids jump around for an hour or two.
They have different areas available that ensure the younger kids don't get run over by the older kids.
The playground access is only for children 2 - 4 years old. It costs $15 per child per hour.
They also have a Trampoline Area for those 5 years of age and older. This is $28 per child per hour.
The final area is the Training Ground, which is for children 7 and older only. It costs $40 per child per hour.
They also require special HOA grip socks that are $3 a pair.
The House of Air Trampoline is open Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesday). It is typically open for a few hours in the afternoon from around 1 or 2 p.m. until around 6 p.m. However, their hours change, so make sure to visit their site for the exact hours for the day you plan to visit.
It will make for a memorable time in San Francisco with kids.
>> Visit their site for details
Events by Month
Are you looking for additional fun activities for your stay? Click the links below to view all of the best events by month.
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
