This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, in case you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
In search of enjoyable issues to do in San Francisco with children?
We beloved our current seven day journey to San Francisco and had been pleasantly stunned by how kid-friendly this metropolis is.
Down beneath we’re sharing our greatest tips about what to do in San Francisco with children together with data on two superior resorts we stayed at, recommendation on easy methods to get round, options on scrumptious locations to eat with children and easy methods to guide a visit to San Francisco.
After we go to a vacation spot, we go deep and vast. We need to expertise what is exclusive to the realm. We’re not simply visiting one other museum or playground you could find in any city. We discover the enjoyable and distinctive sights to share with you.
The bay space reminds us lots of our dwelling again in Sydney – it’s a metropolis on the water, with an iconic bridge, it has a number of bays, a big Asian affect, and scrumptious contemporary seafood.
Craig and I first took a visit to San Francisco method again in 2006 (pre-kids) and beloved exploring it then as a pair, however visiting San Francisco with children this time was a lot enjoyable too!
You’ll be comfortable to know there are many household actions in San Francisco to maintain all members of your loved ones entertained, of all ages. Our ladies beloved exploring San Francisco and experencing a metropolis with pure magnificence, enjoyable sights, unimaginable meals and nice views.
It was a deal with for them after spending months within the wilderness areas of Utah after which coming straight from Yosemite Nationwide Park. It was the thrilling metropolis break they wanted.
So let’s get you began on our listing of issues to do in San Francisco with children.
Keep on the Proper Facet of the Cells at Alcatraz
Enjoyable or scary? Let your children resolve what this household exercise actually is.
Irrespective of which they select, I’m positive fascination shall be part of their Alcatraz expertise – as nicely a dedication to remain on the correct facet of the regulation.
We imagine Alcatraz Island is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in San Francisco and was stunned by how a lot Kalyra (our 11 12 months outdated) loved it – each our youngsters had curious questions after it.
They had been each to be taught extra about what actually occurred to the 2 escapees when our pal advised us the following day. They’ve lately found they did the truth is escape efficiently and made it to someplace in South America.
Additionally they couldn’t recover from that the warden and guards youngsters lived on the island (and beloved it) and there was NO WAY they’d ever do this with prisoners proper subsequent to you.
Strolling into these jail cells and feeling what the prisoners would have skilled was fairly unnerving and Savannah (our 7 12 months outdated) was understandably a bit of freaked out.
Alcatraz Audio Tour
The Alcatraz audio tour is outstanding.
They’ve managed to create an genuine expertise with actual sounds within the background, like clanging cell doorways and footsteps as former inmates and guards recant tales and clarify what life was like on Alcatraz.
Circumstances would have been brutal with the wind cooing off the chilly water. However I assume, on a fog free day, they’d have had good views at the very least.
I like experiences which have my youngsters speaking about it for days after it. You understand they gained one thing essential from it then. They discovered it some of the fascinating San Francisco household actions.
Alcatraz is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do within the bay space so guide your tickets on-line upfront right here. It’s also possible to try varied bundle excursions that embody Alcatraz by clicking right here.
Trip the Cable Vehicles
Lastly, after every week of exploring the town, we discovered time to take our youngsters on the well-known cable automobiles.
They’d been listening to the bell clang, watching it go up and down these hilly streets and even studying about how they labored on our non-public strolling tour (extra on that down beneath).
We took the cable automotive to excessive thrill ranges by letting the ladies stand on the facet – is there another approach to journey a cable automotive in San Francisco?
I used to be freaking out a bit of however trusted they had been accountable sufficient to carry on tight and never fall off. You’d must be monkeying round rather a lot to return off.
I loved using contained in the cable automotive watching the motive force work the brakes, the lever and the bell, after which spent the final 5 minutes off the facet as soon as an area opened up.
Our youngsters assume the cable automotive was some of the enjoyable issues to do in San Francisco with children.
Sizzling Tip:
Traces for the cable automotive could be lengthy. Time it for very first thing within the morning.
The Powell-Hyde line tends to be much less busy than the opposite traces. We jumped on simply close to Ghirardelli Sq. in Fisherman’s’ Wharf and lined up for about half-hour.
The cable automotive is dear at $7 a journey so ensure that you go from one finish to the opposite and make the journey in regards to the journey fairly than getting round San Francisco.
We had a 3 day MUNI cross on our Metropolis Move that coated it. The San Francisco Sightseeing Move now features a 1 day Muni passport which incorporates cable automotive rides! (see extra on this down beneath).
And in case you’re actually into this, try the Cable Automotive Museum in Nob Hill.
Sea Lions at Pier 39
We’ve seen so many sea lions earlier than, together with swimming with them in South Australia, that the ladies weren’t tremendous excited in regards to the sea lions of San Francisco.
As I discover these animals so cute, playful and humorous I loved watching them bark, wrestle, sleep and swim within the waters simply off Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf.
They’ve taken over a number of of the docks right here. And in case you are not skilled with seeing sea lions within the wild, add this to your listing of greatest issues to do in San Francisco with children.
Sizzling Tip: Different Pier 30 sights
Your children may also love:
Pier 39 is filled with these touristy kitschy issues. We didn’t dangle round for too lengthy, however we did these actions because it was included on our Sightseeing Move didn’t value us any additional and the ladies actually beloved it.
Video: Prime Points of interest in San Francisco with Youngsters
Click on play to observe the enjoyable we had visiting the Prime sights in San Francisco. You’ll love the Museum of 3D Illusions.
Zip round in a GoCar
Driving round in a GoCar is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in San Francisco space with children that you could be not have considered.
Really, while you see these small yellow automobiles zipping across the streets you could assume it’s not kid-friendly in any respect. However our ladies had a blast and it was one of many prime San Francisco household actions they had been most trying ahead to.
It was a part of our Sightseeing Move and we solely had an hour included with that. I didn’t really feel that was sufficient time. We left in peak hour visitors so bought held up with that and didn’t get to leap out of the automotive.
I’d advocate hiring a automotive for extra time and doing the longer routes round the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.
It actually was a enjoyable approach to get round and are fairly straightforward to drive.
Verify all GoCar offers on Get Your Information and guide upfront.
Prime Tip:
That is in all probability NOT one thing to do in San Francisco with toddlers! While there isn’t a age restrict, there’s a weight restrict of 30 lbs minimal.
Additionally, verify whether or not your automotive insurance coverage or journey insurance coverage coverage covers extra automobile insurance coverage for a motorcycle, which is what the GoCars are labeled as.
That is a kind of distinctive San Francisco sights for positive – I don’t assume I’ve seen this anyplace earlier than.
Walt Disney Household Museum (get impressed)
The Walt Disney Household Museum is devoted to the life, perseverance and creativeness of Walt Disney, creator of a few of America’s and the world’s’ most beloved animations, most notably Mickey Mouse – the mouse that began all of it.
The museum options gallery and displays that showcase his early cartoon drawings motion pictures, and fashions of Disneyland.
I particularly loved listening to about his ‘failures’ and determinations to succeed and sitting on the park bench that helped plant the Disneyland seed.
Whereas watching his daughters journey the carousel in Griffith Park in LA, Walt started to dream of a spot the place dad and mom and youngsters might take pleasure in rides collectively.
See an issue, Create an answer. I like Walt Disney!
After we visited the brand new exhibit devoted to the mouse that began all of it had lately been opened. It’s price a go to to be taught extra about Mickey and even attempt your hand at drawing him. I used to be impressed with the ladies efforts.
Prime Tip:
In case your youngsters take pleasure in creating and utilizing their creativeness, you could need to go to The Youngsters’s Creativity Museum. It’s a hands-on area that enables youngsters to think about and create in a multimedia setting.
Youngsters of all ages can design their very own clay movement animations, faux to be a rock star within the music studio, or invent a brand new machine.
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge on the open air Large Bus, in a luxurious Audi, and by driving our very personal truck (Ford F250).
Crossing one of many world’s most iconic bridges is kind of the joys for everybody. Our youngsters discovered it most enjoyable on the open air bus – though extraordinarily windy and chilly.
This made the Large Bus price it for me and the ticket was included in our Sightseeing Move so a no brainer to make use of it as a approach to get across the metropolis and see the websites (see extra on this bus down beneath).
I additionally beloved seeing it by way of the entrance and roof home windows of the Audi on our non-public driving tour of the town.
Biking throughout the bridge is one other great approach to expertise the Golden Gate Bridge and you’ll’t miss the views from these locations:
- North Vista
- South East Vista
- Baker Seashore
- Overlook close to the batteries
If you’re lengthy on time and power, I counsel biking all the best way to Sausalito for lunch and possibly try the Bay Space Discovery Museum, then catch the ferry again.
The true adventurous households might cycle all the best way to Tiburon even!
Trip the Hop On Hop Off Bus
What younger children don’t like using on the highest of a giant double decker bus? Particularly driving throughout the long-lasting Golden Gate Bridge!
We like beginning a go to to a brand new metropolis by doing these hop-on-hop-off buses because it provides you a pleasant overview of the town and lets you see some cool locations you could want to return to.
It could actually additionally assist you to save on transportation charges as they sometimes take you to essentially the most iconic San Francisco factors of curiosity.
And they’re often included within the Sightseeing Move which can be why we bounce on these buses and counsel you add this exercise to your listing of issues to do with children in San Francisco bay space.
Take within the Spectacular Views from Coit Tower
I visited Coit Tower on my solo journey to San Francisco and immediately regretted not doing it on our household trip.
The views from Coit Tower are completely gorgeous, particularly if the standard San Francisco fog has risen and the blue sky is radiating. When that occurs, you’ll see views that may make you assume you’ve landed on a Greek island. (Try this Reel)
Coit Tower is a 210-foot white, fluted tower within the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. It’s surrounded by Pioneer Park, which was established in 1876 on the previous website of the telegraph station.
It prices $10 to go to the highest of the tower for the views, however it’s price it. You’ll get 360-degree unobstructed views of San Francisco metropolis and bay space – all the best way out to the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Angel Island.
It’s possible you’ll benefit from the murals downstairs on the partitions telling the story of life in California through the Despair.
Pioneer Park, on the backside of the tower has good gardens and seating areas and trails. I completely LOVED the big gum timber round right here. As if San Francisco didn’t’ remind me of Sydney sufficient.
I’ve been advised there are parrots alongside the paths in Pioneer Park, which youthful children particularly will love I didn’t see any however was not paying consideration.
Store in Haight-Ashbury
If you’re searching for cool issues to do in San Francisco with teenagers, they usually like procuring, put the Haight-Ashbury district in your listing of what to do in San Francisco.
This neighborhood is the birthplace of the 1960’s counterculture motion and attracts a various crowd trying to absorb the vibe.
Higher Haight Avenue is a hodgepodge of classic clothes boutiques, file retailers, bookstores, and informal, eclectic eating places.
While our eldest will not be fairly a young person (but), she’s been wanting to purchase a pair of Doc Martens boots together with her personal cash for some time, and we satisfied her to attend as shopping for a pair in Haight-Ashbury can be fairly cool.
Bordering Golden Gate Park, this neighborhood additionally options many colourful, well-preserved Victorian properties and is only a enjoyable place to stroll round.
The Japanese Tea Backyard and Stow Lake is in Golden Gate Park close to right here as is Ocean Seashore – an extended wild rugged seaside.
See the Painted Women, Alamo Sq.
Because of the TV present Fuller Home and Netflix reruns, the Painted Women could also be one thing everybody in your loved ones will love. Our ladies grew to become followers of this hit TV present set in San Francisco due to Fuller Home.
They beloved visiting the Painted Women on Alamo Sq. and watching these well-known colourful Victorian properties, determining which one is “the home.”
Right here’s the reality: None of them!! These had been simply used as opening San Francisco properties. The Fuller Home “home” is definitely in Pacific Heights.
It’s thoughts boggling to see the quantity of individuals having fun with a picnic and drinks and simply sitting watching the homes.
However it’s a kind of free issues to do in San Francisco as soon as!
Get your Selfie on on the Museum of 3D illusions
Instagram cameras on the prepared!
The Museum of 3D Illusions gives you a number of backdrops and set modifications to make your Instagram images pop.
On the Museum of 3D Illusions they’ll even inform you the place to face with a circle digicam on the ground indicating how one can create the right 3D phantasm.
You’ll have artists from everywhere in the world contributing to your set.
Simply bear in mind there are many folks behind you ready their flip – so candy and snappy please!
What I like about visiting the Museum of 3D Illusions with children because it’s about much less about creating the right shot for likes however fostering their creativeness and creativity.
The ladies had a blast at each bit of art work developing with concepts on easy methods to act to slot in with the inventive piece.
It’s a bit expensive so far as San Francisco children actions go, $25 for adults and $12 for youths, however the children are positive to recollect it as some of the enjoyable issues to do in San Francisco.
And less expensive then shopping for all these props on your Instagram photographs.
Well-known Lombard Avenue (drive or stroll down)
A should do in San Francisco is legendary Lombard Avenue within the Nob Hill District.
Generally known as essentially the most “crookedest avenue on this planet”, Lombard’s 27 levels was too harmful for automobiles to drive down it in order that they added in a sequence of 8 hairpin turns.
It’s now stuffed with vacationers strolling, driving and biking all the way down to get their Instagram photographs of the quarter mile downhill stretch lined with beautiful gardens.
You additionally get nice metropolis views of Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz from the highest of the road.
It’s a lot more durable to take images and movies while you drive down it, though it’s a cool expertise in San Francisco with children to not miss.
Sizzling Tip:
Anticipate lengthy traces ready to go down. Images will in all probability be higher in case you can stroll it however be careful for automobiles.
It’s one of many San Francisco prime sights for a motive so anticipate lots of people.
Play on the Exploratorium Science Museum
We’ve performed loads of these fingers on science museums and nearly didn’t go right here, nevertheless, The Exploratorium down at Pier 15 is without doubt one of the greatest Bay Space sights for households.
However I used to be apprehensive it could be too just like what we’ve got performed earlier than, however this was a really distinctive place with cool experiments that foster exploration and curiosity.
Sadly, we went an hour earlier than closing time so needed to race by way of it. You undoubtedly want just a few hours on the Exploratorium.
I LOVED the summer time exhibit they’d on Self, Made.
There have been superb experiments to provide you higher perception into your self and easy methods to match right into a world that will really feel so totally different and sometimes uncomfortable.
Sizzling Tip:
As you could find these museums in all places (in all probability in your house city) I’d not embody it in your San Francisco trip in case you are quick on money and time, because it’s not an overly distinctive to San Francisco tradition and historical past.
Nonetheless, I do assume it’s one of many enjoyable locations to go to in San Francisco with children if you can also make it work. Our ladies LOVED it!
One other museum that focuses on science and interplay is the Randall Museum. Or the Youngsters Creativity Museum.
Pose with the Murals within the Mission District
The attention-grabbing Mission District (an evolving neighborhood with Latino roots and hipster vibe) might be referred to as a digital out of doors artwork gallery filled with vibrant murals and avenue artwork.
There are tons of of partitions and fences all through the neighborhood showcasing colourful artistic endeavors that includes varied themes.
Finest considered on foot, we took a stroll alongside Clarion Alley, between seventeenth and 18th streets, and Mission and Valencia streets. Clarion Alley is understood for group and humanities actions and sometimes depicts themes of social inclusiveness.
Greater than 700 murals have been created since 1992, talking to group considerations of social, financial, and environmental justice.
Our ladies loved posing in entrance of the colourful murals and in addition discovered some essential life messages.
Balmy Alley within the Mission District can be the place you’ll discover extra vibrant avenue murals.
Mission Dolores Park
While within the Mission District, head to Mission Dolores Park positioned on a hillside between Dolores and Church streets and 18th and twentieth streets.
This park is one among San Francisco’s most beloved gathering spots: a hotbed for public rallies, marches, and clear park initiatives. It affords improbable metropolis views, open area for the youngsters to play (together with a kid-friendly playground), and prime folks watching.
It’s an exquisite place to go to in San Francisco with children.
Sizzling Tip:
Additionally within the Mission district, seize an ice cream at Bi-Ceremony Creamery and pastry at Tartine Bakery (see our part down beneath on locations to eat in San Francisco with children).
There’s additionally nice espresso at 4 Barrel Cafe (375 Valencia st), and plant based mostly Mexican meals at Gracias Madre,
Meet Your Fave Superstar at Madame Tussauds
Are you able to get extra touristy than Madam Tussauds?
Sometimes not what’s on the prime of our listing of household trip actions when visiting cities.
Actually, I solely went to my first one just a few months earlier than this in Los Angeles. This was my second one! I really actually appreciated this one because it advised the San Francisco story nicely and had fairly cool interactive museums.
We bought to jam with Janis Joplin, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix! Plus combat Muhammad Ali and sit subsequent to Al Capone in Alcatraz. You possibly can’t get higher than that.
Madame Tussaud is a prime attraction on the San Francisco Sightseeing Move so a no brainer to go in case you get the Day Move.
Discover Chinatown with children – meals and murals
As the largest Chinatown on this planet, and the oldest within the USA, this is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in San Francisco with children from a cultural perspective as they will really feel like they’ve been transported to China.
Chinatown is bustling with markets, eating places and small alleyways.
Wander the streets and admire the pagodas and murals depicting Chinese language customs, tradition and beliefs.
The youngsters will certainly need to go to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Manufacturing unit in Ross Alley. They’ve been making fortune cookies by hand since 1962.
You possibly can watch the women making the cookies and inserting the fortunes, pattern some or purchase your personal field of cookies.
Be sure you try extra of Ross Alley whereas there. As soon as a infamous and harmful avenue as the situation of the Tong Wars. It’s additionally the situation for scenes from Karate Child II and Large Hassle in Little China.
And get a bit of perception into Taoism on the Tin How Temple hidden on the 4th flooring of an condo constructing on Waverly Avenue.
It’s the oldest Taoist temple in San Francisco’s Chinatown, and one of many oldest still-operating Chinese language temples within the US.
Chinatown is without doubt one of the most household issues to do in San Francisco, particularly in case you use it as a possibility to take vibrant household images.
Personal San Francisco Strolling Excursions
In case your children are like our ladies, they love strolling excursions. They love the tales and characters and historical past they study.
Metropolis strolling excursions are a improbable approach to have interaction children and assist them connect with a vacation spot and an actual life studying expertise. WAY higher than studying about it from a textbook, or perhaps a museum.
We joined one of many non-public strolling excursions of San Francisco with our Australian pal, Michael Glass, who owns Boutique Traveler.
He’s lived in San Francisco for 8 years and has gotten to know the town on a deep degree.
And he has performed lots of analysis into the historical past of San Francisco, specifically two enormous occasions that fully modified the town: The Gold Rush Period and the Earthquake of 1906.
We discovered a lot on one among his San Francisco Strolling Excursions – fascinating tales and insights that we by no means would have discovered on our personal.
Like why they rushed to save lots of the whisky distillery within the nice hearth, the place the outdated coronary heart of San Francisco was, the oldest Chinese language restaurant in San Francisco, how among the buildings had been constructed on outdated whaling boats, and the place scrumptious meals could be discovered!
This strolling tour made San Francisco that significantly better.
IT’s additionally nice to have a tour information available to assist snap household images. We bought so many good ones on this tour!
I’m positive like us, you hardly ever get a photograph with each member of your loved ones in it. That is such a particular approach to create lifelong recollections of your journey.
All you need to do is chill out and revel in it and maybe strike a Kung Fu transfer or two.
UPDATE: our pal is now not working these excursions (Thanks COVID!!) however I discovered one other non-public strolling tour possibility right here that will get good opinions. We nonetheless extremely advocate this San Francisco exercise!
Video of our Personal Strolling Tour of San Francisco + Alcatraz
Click on play beneath to observe our video.
What did you assume? Cool strolling tour huh?
Metropolis of Lights Bookstore
It is a great point to do in San Francisco in case you’re touring with a teen particularly!
Metropolis Lights Bookstore was based in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin and have become grew to become an on the spot gathering place for readers, writers, artists, and activists.
This bookstore is synonymous with Beatnik tradition, showcasing the Beat Era’s writing works and is greatest recognized for publishing Allen Ginsberg’s Howland Different Poems.
Metropolis of Lights is without doubt one of the most well-known impartial bookstores within the USA and has essentially the most complete collections of any bookstore in San Francisco.
Throughout three flooring you’ll discover new-release books from main publishing homes in addition to harder-to-find, specialty publishers.
Additionally they have a youngsters’s guide part, with picks for the kids who’re activists!
Whereas right here pop exterior and revel in…
Jack Kerouac Alley
Named after the well-known author, Jack Kerouac, this small alley is stuffed with murals and poetic knowledge from the greats ranging from Confucius on the East facet of the Alley (which is in Chinatown) shifting all the way down to Mayou Angelo down the west facet of the alley.
Whereas it’s improbable on your literature loving teen, youthful children will love the vibrancy of the road artwork!
Play and Picnic at The Presidio Park
Oh sure. The Presidio Park shortly grew to become one among my favourite locations to go in San Francisco, significantly after seeing all you are able to do there.
Widespread utterings from me on our San Francisco journey was,
“Wait, that is additionally a part of The Presidio?
Odds are you could have not heard of it Presidio Park. It’s a nationwide park in an city panorama and kinds a part of the higher Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space.
You possibly can learn our full publish on the Presidio Park San Francisco.
These are the prime issues to do with children in Presidio (they may love the quiet escape from the insanity of the streets of San Francisco)
- Ecology Path
- Woodline in lovers lane
- Presidio Picnic
- Walt Disney Museum
- Julius Kahn Playground
- Crissy Subject
- Yoda Statue on the Letterman Digital Arts Middle Go into the foyer of Lucas movies to additionally see Darth Vader. Can you discover the small statue of chew backer
You possibly can try a free Presidio Explorer Backpack for the youngsters to make use of to assist be taught extra in regards to the park.
It incorporates an journey map and playing cards that lead you to enjoyable discoveries. Magnifying glasses, binoculars and compass are included.
California Academy of Science Museum
Many individuals beneficial the California Academy of Science as one of many San Francisco household sights, and I’ll admit it does sound superior.
Nonetheless, we didn’t go to California Academy of Science as we discovered it costly, costing our household $210 to go to for the day.
Contemplating we journey full time and are immersed on this planet of nature, science and pure historical past each day, we didn’t really feel this was price our cash.
However, for you, this San Francisco youngsters’s museum could also be fully totally different. I’d extremely think about it on a return journey to San Francisco with children, if we had extra funds.
Why is it so in style?
It’s an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and pure historical past museum within the coronary heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and recognized to be a “highly effective voice for biodiversity analysis and exploration, environmental schooling, and sustainability throughout the globe.”
The California Academy of Science consists of:
- Morrison Planetarium (inside a 75 foot dome)
- Steinhart Aquarium: some of the biodiverse and interactive aquariums on this planet. dwelling to just about 40,000 dwell animals, representing greater than 900 distinctive species
- Osher Rainforest: neotropical rainforest stretches 90 ft excessive with 1,600+ dwell vegetation and animals
- Kimball Pure Historical past Museum: interactive shows highlighting the distinctiveness of our planet in stunning methods.
It’s most famous for its residing roof, which is a 2.5 acre rooftop of rolling hills and fields and vegetation, providing a house to native wildlife and serving to to maintain the constructing sustainable.
Prime Tip:
Head over to the ninth Ground of the De Younger Museum and see the roof from their free observatory deck.
You received’t be capable of stroll round it, nevertheless as talked about the ladies expertise loads of residing environments. I do want all properties had been constructed with this on prime.
Lands Finish Path – nice San Francisco hike with children
Trying to escape the congestion of the town? The The Lands Finish Path is a part of the Golden Gate Leisure Space and is one among my favourite locations to go to in San Francisco.
This space reminded us a lot of Australia with its rugged shoreline path, views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, and timber and wildflowers.
It’s a tranquil and fairly spot to get out in nature and stretch your legs, and also you’ll really feel such as you’re in a small coastal city.
It’s a 3.4 mile return path, however we solely walked a brief method as we had been quick on time. I like to recommend going additional all the way down to the Lands Finish Labyrinth which seems tremendous cool!
Bike the Golden Gate Park
Within the 1870s’ greater than 150,000 timber had been planted on 1,000 acres to create a metropolis park.
Golden Gate Park is now one of many largest city parks within the United States, stretching greater than 3 miles from the ocean to the Panhandle. It’s straightforward to get misplaced on this verdant park with its wooded community of trails, gardens, lakes and museums.
The neighborhoods surrounding Golden Gate Park are price exploring extra for his or her various and award successful eating places together with Richmond, Sundown and Haight Asbury.
Hiring bikes is an effective way to discover the park for a few hours as much as an entire day in case you like.
On the weekends they shut a part of the primary thoroughfare which makes it a secure and extra pleasing journey. Though there are numerous trails off highway that are simply pretty much as good. Simply look ahead to pedestrians.
There’s loads of locations to go to within the Golden Gate Park in your journey.
- Koret Youngsters’s Quarter has colourful slides, swings, rope climbing buildings, an genuine carousel from 1914
- The Botanical Backyard has greater than Has greater than 8,000 species of vegetation
- Japanese Tea Backyard is a serenity place to sip on a cup of inexperienced tea. Craig and I beloved visiting right here on our San Francisco journey pre-kids.
- The aforementioned California Academy of Science and De Younger Museum can be within the park.
There are even buffalos within the western finish of the Golden Gate PArk
Go to Baker Seashore
In case your children want a little bit of seaside play time, Baker Seashore might be a worthwhile cease. However, wouldn’t be a spot I’d advocate to hangout for an entire seaside day. I couldn’t think about that’s a kind of greatest issues to do in San Francisco, ever?
Too chilly, too windy, harmful water circumstances. I additionally discovered the sand fairly darkish and yucky and there was a little bit of trash round.
Fortunately, our ladies picked up lots of it – the great Junior Rangers they’re. There are picnic tables and grills right here, which provides to the attraction of some household seaside outing
The most effective motive for visiting is gorgeous view from Baker Seashore of the Golden Gate Bridge in opposition to the Marin Headlands.
It’s also possible to admire the homes perched on the cliffs at Sea Cliff. The large brownish purple one on the finish is Jack Dorsey’s home, proprietor of Twitter. It’s also possible to see it from the Lands Finish Path from the China Seashore facet.
Be sure you drive by way of the beautiful Sea Cliff neighborhood after to take a look at the million-dollar properties lining the cliff face.
Seward Avenue Slides
We didn’t make the Seward Avenue Slides, however we had a number of folks advocate it to us as one of many locations to go to in San Francisco that the locals love.
Two lengthy, steep concrete slides, designed by 14-year-old Kim Clark, are the primary occasion on this group backyard.h
It says to deliver a bit of cardboard and put on sturdy pants and benefit from the thrill. All adults should be accompanied by youngsters!
Go to the Redwoods at Muir Woods
For those who’re searching for San Francisco children actions that contain nature, don’t miss immersing your self within the inexperienced world of the redwood forest in Muir Woods Nationwide Monument.
Muir Woods is without doubt one of the distinctive San Francisco sights – nicely it’s simply exterior of the town, so it’s one of many prime sights close to San Francisco. You possibly can simply go to Muir Woods in simply a few hours.
Our ladies discovered a lot in regards to the redwoods by way of the Junior Ranger Program at Muir Woods.
These are magnificent timber and you could need to hug just a few. Redwoods are the tallest residing factor and have very shallow roots that might be the equal to your large toe. Such a enjoyable truth.
Do the straightforward 2-mile loop stroll.
Begin on the correct hand facet of the path beside the serene and fairly creek after which on the finish go left and up the hill to take the extra barely elevated path again.
This gives you an ideal overlook from the cover and can find yourself becoming a member of with the creek path. Then make the most of the various seats alongside the best way to pause and take in their magnificence.
Fortunately due to the parking allow scenario the crowds listed below are managed and it’s not too busy.
Prime Tip:
You MUST make sure you guide your allotted parking time on-line earlier than venturing to Muir Woods. You’ll not be allowed to enter until you may have performed this. You possibly can reserve your parking spot right here.
Entrance to the park is $15, or is roofed on an America the Lovely Annual nationwide Parks cross. Extremely price it in case you intend to go to a number of federal lands in your USA journey.
Video of Muir Woods, San Francisco
Click on play beneath to observe us stroll amongst these giants.
Aren’t they only unimaginable timber?
Defintiely make time to go see them.
Eat Scrumptious Ice cream from Bi-Ceremony Creamery
There are a number of locations to get ice cream in San Francisco with children of all ages that adults will love too, however many Bay Space locals will agree that you could’t beat a cup of Bi-Ceremony Creamery.
You’ll discover them down within the Mission District, or in case you see the ice cream truck go by you’ll want to wave it down.
Our pal Michael took us there on his non-public driving tour. You can’t beat native ideas and being pushed straight there.
He recommends the salted caramel and honey lavender. I believed my espresso toffee was the final word.
Sizzling Tip:
For those who’re testing the Painted Women in Alamo Sq., go to the Bi-Ceremony location on Divisadero and Hayes avenue the place there’s sometimes much less of a wait.
Pancakes at Dottie’s True Blue Cafe
For giant helpings of American breakfast favorites, together with enormous pancakes, take your children to Dottie’s True Blue Cafe (they’ve gluten free pancakes too which was a win for us adults).
It is a native’s fave, and there’s all the time a line. We bought there early and had a 40 minute wait, however something that’s good and in style with the locals is busy on this metropolis.
By the point we walked out with full tummies, the road up had doubled and was down the road.
It’s positioned in a little bit of a sketchy space of the Tenderloin District (not one of the best space of San Francisco) though we felt comfy sufficient.
Take into account getting an UBER straight to the door, however we walked from our Kimpton Resort in Union Sq. (extra on this resort down beneath).
Style Candies and Cheese (AND wine) at Ghirardelli Sq.
There’s something for all members on the household at Ghirardelli Sq..
It was my favourite space of Fisherman’s’ Wharf and didn’t really feel as touristy as Pier 39 and the primary hub of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Ghirardelli Sq. is the location of the outdated Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufacturing unit. It’s now a mixture of retail and eating, however there’s a Ghirardelli retailer and ice cream bar to fulfill your chocolate cravings.
You possibly can organize them a sundae from the ice cream bar (anticipate a wait on the road right here) or decide your favourite chocolate flavors and refill a to go pattern field (line a lot shorter).
Sizzling Tip:
Simply up from the shop is one other Ghirardelli ice cream bar that sells the identical factor however has a lot smaller traces!
With chocolate field in hand, stroll by way of the center of the sq. and previous the fountain to The Cheese College. Order a platter of native cheese and a glass of wine and discover a seat within the glassed conservatory and admire the views over the bay and a slight glimpse of the bridge.
This was maybe my favourite twenty minutes of our whole San Francisco journey and nothing you will see that on another issues to do with children in San Francisco listing.
You’re welcome.
However wait, it doesn’t cease there
Head on over to the San Francisco Brewery for native samplings of craft beer and burgers and rooster wings for dinner.
Eat the Finest Chocolate Croissants within the USA
Who cares about giving the youngsters a chocolate croissant deal with? Effectively, that is one delicacy you’ll push your children out of line for!
The chocolate croissants at Arsicault Bakery had been named greatest within the nation. Sure you heard that appropriately.
Thanks once more to Michael from Boutique Traveler for sharing it with us so we might share it with you. You’ll in all probability not see it on another listing of greatest issues to do in San Francisco with children!
That’s why we journey like we do. You’re welcome.
I’m gluten free and couldn’t resist a chunk. OMG. I might have simply demolished the entire thing however exercised restraint. Transfer over Paris you may have some competitors!
Sizzling Tip:
Get there as near opening as doable because the pastries promote out early!
Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday by way of Friday, and eight a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Smitten Ice Cream
Oh go on then! Because you’re in San Francisco for longer than a day, you may have extra ice cream.
One other locals fave with the youngsters in San Francisco, and large children who additionally love ice cream!
Robyn Sue Fisher is a lifelong ice cream freak from Stanford College who began promoting her Smitten Ice Cream out of a Radio Flyer wagon in 2009.
Her do-it-yourself ice cream was made to order, flash-frozen on the time of sale with liquid nitrogen in her personal ice cream machine that was powered by a battery pack she constructed out of an outdated motorbike battery.
Because of the smaller-sized crystals achieved with liquid nitrogen, the ice cream was ultra-creamy. She makes use of solely unprocessed, actual, regionally sourced and sustainable elements.
Utilizing social media, she alerted her followers to the flavour of the day and the wagon’s whereabouts.
At the moment she has three retailers in SF and one in Oakland.
Eat extra scrumptious chocolate croissants Tartine Bakery
Yep. Our native pal and tour knowledgeable Michael got here up with one other winner.
Tartine Bakery has the second greatest chocolate croissants in San Francisco (behind Arsicault Bakery) and he’s not flawed.
Not simply croissants on provide right here, however an ideal all-round bakery utilizing natural elements offering the makings for breakfast pastries, sizzling pressed sandwiches, and low.
For those who had been to know our youngsters, they love bakeries, they usually give this one a tick of approval.
3-Day San Francisco Itinerary
We’ve mapped out your 3 day journey to San Francisco, together with what we expect are the unmissable San Francisco sights and provide you with a timeframe to take pleasure in them, plus a helpful map that will help you get round!
Tips on how to Save Cash on San Francisco Points of interest
The Metropolis Move saves vacationers 42% or extra on mixed admission to San Francisco’s prime sights.
Pricing $94 adults and $74 youngsters age 5-11. It’s legitimate for 9 consecutive days and consists of:
- California Academy of Science
- Non our bay cruise
- Aquarium on the Bay
- Exploratorium or SF Museum of Fashionable Artwork
- and three limitless MUNI bus and cable automobiles.
However, I a lot desire the San Francisco Sightseeing Move because it consists of extra range of their sights and extra native excursions.
We solely used the MUNI from the town cross. We’re not large museum folks so it wasn’t a win for us. And I don’t like how the bay space sights are chosen for you.
Getting Round San Francisco
- MUNI buses are good for reasonable metropolis vast journey. There are over 50 routes. Google Maps is greatest for serving to you determine what traces to take to your locations. You should purchase and use tickets by way of the Muni app. Fare is $2.75 for adults $1.35 for youths. You should purchase day costs. You want precise fare. Money solely.
- Cable Vehicles are greatest for vacationer thrills and capturing views. The Cable Vehicles will assist you to navigate the San Francisco steep hills. Traces: Powell-Hyde, Powell Mason, and California st $7 a method; $21 day cross
- The BART is greatest for East Bay exploration. The Bay Space Speedy Transport connects San Francisco t5o the Easter and southern sides of the aby and past.
- San Francisco Bay Ferries are greatest for North Bay exploration.
- Trip and bike share are greatest for setting your personal schedule. Lyft and Uber may also help you get to the place you need to go shortly and simply. Could also be cheaper for group journey.
- Bay Wheels Bikes are docked on the town streets and require an app to make use of.
- Clipper Card is the all-in-one transit card for the Bay Space you may load it with money to journey on Muni, Bart, Caltrain and ferries.
Be warned, this metropolis has lots of hills, and may get windy!
Extra USA Cities
Extra Northern California Content material
Pin Under To Save On Pinterest:
What Bay Space children actions are you able to advocate? Or in case you nonetheless have questions on what to do in San Francisco with children, go away a remark down beneath
Supply: Breaking Travel News