SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
- Home
- Attractions
- Toddlers Activities
San Francisco with Toddlers: 10 of the Best Things to Do with Kids 5 & Under
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: May 4, 2025 • Published: February 21, 2017
Are you visiting San Francisco with toddlers? My recommendations for some of the best activities include visiting the Aquarium of the Bay, stopping by the Randall Museum, or heading to Koret Playground.
Other highlights that I think you little ones will love include the Children's Creativity Museum, the Peek-A-Boo Factory, and a Bay Cruise.
Jill's Pro Travel Tips for Parents
These are my top recommendations for families getting to know San Francisco with the littlest travelers.
- Where to Stay (with Nap Time in Mind): Shorter travel times mean fewer meltdowns. Areas like Fisherman’s Wharf and SoMa are stroller-friendly and close to transit and attractions. Consider renting an apartment for access to a kitchen and more room to spread out.
- Getting Around with a Toddler: Plan ahead with strollers because SF is hilly! Most public transit is accessible, but cable cars are not as stroller-friendly, so bring something easy to fold and carry. Don’t forget, riding Muni (except the cable cars) is free for 18 and under. More tips on getting around SF
- Eating Out with Little Ones: At meal times, convenience is key. While in Fisherman’s Wharf, try Boudin Bakery to watch sourdough animals being made. Downtown, enjoy Super Duper Burgers’ mini shakes and fast service. In Golden Gate Park, the Park Chalet across from the beach offers a grassy lawn and outdoor seating. Most restaurants have high chairs if you ask.
- Toddler-Friendly Attractions: Little ones love the touch pools and walk-through tunnels at Pier 39’s Aquarium of the Bay, playgrounds like Koret Children’s Corner designed with toddlers in mind, and interactive museums like the Children’s Creativity Museum.
- What to Pack: Make sure to pack layers of clothing for your little. The weather can vary, so be prepared for fog, wind, sun, and cooler temps. Don’t forget small toys and books for lines or restaurants, and a noise app if your hotel’s in a busy part of town. You’ll find family restrooms at major attractions for easier diaper changing.
Read on for more information about the top 10 things to do with toddlers during your stay in SF.
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
If your toddlers are fascinated by water, the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 is the perfect place to take them.
Children will love that all the sea animals they see in the tanks also live right outside in the SF Bay, from small, colorful, Nemo-like fish to mesmerizing jellyfish, sharks, octopi, and even stingrays.
Some especially captivating exhibits for the little ones include the walk-through aquariums, where they can see fish swimming all around and above them, and the touch pond, where they can feel the bumpy skin of starfish and other creatures.
>> See photos from the aquarium as well as visiting information
>> Pick up your tickets before you arrive
2. Bay Cruise
I love cruising on the SF Bay. It's a fun and exciting way to take in the sights of San Francisco with toddlers.
Your kids will love boarding a big boat and feeling the damp breeze as they look back at the city and get to see Alcatraz and Angel Islands up close. They will look up in awe at the massive metal beams of the Golden Gate Bridge as you sail beneath.
For those who are a little wary of the outside viewing decks, you can always take your toddlers to the indoor seating area, where they will be safe and can still look out at everything going on outside.
>> Find tickets on GetYourGuide
>> Read about the five best bay tours
These are just a few additional cruises to check out during your stay.
3. California Academy of Sciences
The most visited museum in SF, the California Academy of Sciences, is an amazing place for kids of all ages and adults alike.
I enjoy visiting for the diversity of its exhibits, which gives you a taste of sea life, plant life, natural history, geology, ecology, and even outer space.
Between exploring the aquarium and the four-story indoor rainforest, catching a show at the planetarium, interacting with the earthquake exhibit, and admiring the live albino alligator and T-Rex skeleton, it would be impossible for your kids to be bored. Find this attraction in Golden Gate Park.
>> Get skip the line tickets before you arrive
>> Get detailed information about this popular science museum
4. Children's Creativity Museum
When visiting San Francisco with toddlers, you know they won't last very long just walking around visiting tourist attractions. Kids have a lot of creative energy, and they need to play and make things, even when on vacation.
Take them to the Children's Creativity Museum in Yerba Buena Gardens, where they can put their imagination to work and enjoy the animation studio, tech lab, music studio, and more.
Your family will be guided by a skilled artist-educator to realize creative projects in each exhibit.
While you're in Yerba Buena Gardens in SoMa (downtown SF), you can also check out the outdoor playground, carousel, ice skating rink, interactive art, and, often, free performances.
>> Visit their website to find out more
5. Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is another unique museum that allows kids of all ages to learn through playing and interacting with the exhibits. This space for discovery is located at Piers 15 and 17 on the Embarcadero and contains five large galleries based on distinct topics.
The displays are hands-on, which means your toddler will enjoy exploring a large breadth of exhibits that include creative activities.
Little ones also enjoy the color and sound experiences, as well as the Tinkering Studio.
>> Pick up your tickets to the Exploratorium in advance
>> See pictures and get more details about the Exploratorium
Where to Stay in San Francisco
6. Koret Playground & Carousel
The Koret Playground and Carousel, located at the southeast corner of Golden Gate Park, make up what is believed to be the first public playground in the US, dating back to 1888.
At the time, designing a space just for children was a revolutionary idea, and today the park remains dedicated to providing a fun, safe, green area for all kids to enjoy.
Your toddler will have a blast riding on one of the carousel's 62 colorful animals. Children 5 and under ride free with a paying adult ($2.50). Children 6 to 12 years pay just $1.
You can also enjoy the picnic area and check out the adjacent art studio.
>> Get directions and find out more about Koret Playground
7. Peek-A-Boo Factory
The Peek-a-Boo Factory is a safe and clean indoor playground designed for children to socialize, learn, and play.
While the kids get both exercise and mental stimulation, parents can either explore the fun, colorful play structures with their children, network with other parents, of enjoy workspaces with free Wi-Fi.
There is a special toddler/baby play area for children 0 to 3 years old, as well as a junior play area for children 3 to 12 years old.
Head over to Peek-a-Boo on SF's west end for a nice break, and let the kids do the running around in a controlled space.
>> Get more information on their website
8. Pier 39
When visiting San Francisco with toddlers, make sure to take them to Pier 39, one of the most popular tourist attractions located in Fisherman's Wharf.
This place offers not only fun activities for the little ones, but also great dining and shopping for adults.
They will love riding the historic two-tiered carousel and watching free magic and acrobatics shows at the adjacent stage.
This is also where you will find the amazing Aquarium by the Bay and the cute resident sea lions playing on the docks outside.
>> Discover the top nine things to do at Pier 39
9. Randall Museum
Since 1951, the Randall Museum has been fulfilling Josephine D. Randall's dream of bringing outdoor education to children living in the city, free of charge.
In addition to the rotating interactive art and science exhibits, you can bring the kids here to enjoy a permanent live animal exhibit, science lab, woodshop, art and ceramics studios, greenhouse and gardens, and theater.
This space is especially great for families with very young ones, as they offer a toddler playroom.
>> Read more about the Randall Museum on their website
Want More Free Things to Do? Traveling with your kids can be expensive. Be gentle on your wallet and check out my list of 55 free activities and places to visit in San Francisco.
10. SF Zoo
Most kids love going to the zoo, and if that is true for your family, the SF Zoo will be a real treat.
This place has a variety of exhibits, from the Primate Discovery Center to the African Region, the Cat Kingdom, Bear Country, and the Outback Trail. Some of the rarer animals you'll find here include a polar bear, black rhino, and snow leopard.
Viewing such a diverse sampling of animals is an incredible learning experience for children of all ages, especially when you catch one of the animal feedings or check out the interactive didactic exhibits in the Children's Zoo area.
>> See photos and find out how to get to the SF Zoo
Deals on Hotels and Local Rentals
Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: Besides hotels, you'll also find some great places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an apartment or a room and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on VRBO here.
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!
 |
 |
 |
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!