Top 10 things to do with kids in San Francisco
There are plenty of reasons for adults to enjoy San Francisco – the cuisine, the architecture, the arts, the history – but kids find some of these grown-up activities dull. Luckily, there are many kid-friendly activities in San Francisco. As a bonus, many of these activities subtly include a little education and cultural appreciation as well.
1. The Exploratorium
The renowned Exploratorium, newly located on Pier 15 and completely renovated, contains abundant hands-on science projects for children. They can generate massive soap bubbles, explore electrical circuits, examine light refraction, and more through a variety of permanent and rotating displays. The Exploratorium is situated at 3601 Lyon Street. Children five and under have no cost; admission for older children and adults ranges from $19 to $25 per individual. Admission is discounted 50% if purchasing a CityPass.
2. California Academy of Sciences
On a cold or wet day, many parents realize that numerous kid-friendly activities in San Francisco are outside. The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, though, can keep your children warm, dry, and entertained for hours. The Academy features a planetarium, an aquarium, a butterfly-filled rainforest dome, and a living roof. The Academy is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive. Children ages 3 and under are free; ticket prices for older children and adults range from $20 to $35 per person.
3. Lombard Street
In the hilly Russian area just past Hyde Street, Lombard Street curves sharply downhill in a way that has earned the nickname “the crookedest street globally.” The block contains many switchbacks to help vehicles navigate dropping down Lombard safely. Enjoy taking in the Bay perspectives from the top of Hyde Street, where the Powell-Hyde Street cable car stops, then stroll on the sidewalk downhill past lovely old houses and drivers holding their breath. Or drive down the hill yourself, if you`re feeling daring!
4. The Golden Gate Bridge
Why drive across this notable San Francisco landmark when you can stroll across it instead? Pedestrians can traverse the east side of the scaffold, which has astonishing perspectives of the city and San Francisco Bay, year-round from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.; hours are longer during Daylight Savings time. There is likewise a gift focus on the southeast (San Francisco) side of the scaffold. Take Highway 101 northbound toward the scaffold, at that point turn off at the last San Francisco exit to arrive at the parking lot for the pedestrian entrance.
5. Cable Cars
You should plan for the hike to take between five to six hours, or potentially more time. To make the journey as smooth as possible, be sure to pack plenty of water and nutritious snacks to keep your energy up. Select suitable outdoor footwear like sturdy sandals or true hiking boots – not lightweight or open-toed shoes. Also bring along a waterproof bag to keep your gear dry and a pair of poles for extra support and balance along the way.
6. Crissy Field
The Marina District`s Crissy Field offers something delightful for every nature enthusiast in the family: a coast with a spectacular vista of the Golden Gate Bridge, a lagoon perfect for bird observation, paved and unpaved spaces for cycling, and expansive grassy fields for picnics. Crissy Field is situated in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, at the western end of Marina Boulevard. Park near the Beach Hut Café at the eastern end of Crissy Field, then stroll west along the coast to reach the Warming Hut, which has a café and a gift shop.
7. Angel Island
Sometimes not receiving as much attention when compared to its more popular neighbor, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island State Park contains a wealth of natural and historical assets. Angel Island has served as a civil war Army post, a station for Chinese immigrants entering the country, a POW camp, and a quarantine station, still retaining buildings and other constructions from each of these eras. This fascinating island located in San Francisco Bay can be reached by ferry from downtown San Francisco’s Ferry Building or from Pier 41. Visitors can rent bicycles near the ferry stop on Angel Island to tour the island by bike, or explore the trails and paths by foot.
8. Hyde Street Pier
For family members who take delight in boats, the Hyde Street Pier in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is a must-see destination. On the pier, you can tour about half a dozen vessels constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, such as a three-masted freight ship and a paddle steamboat. Begin at the Visitor’s Center at Fisherman’s Wharf, located at 499 Jefferson Street. Youngsters under 16 can access the Hyde Street Pier free of charge, while adults are charged $5.00 per person.
9. Chinatown
North of the Financial District, San Francisco boasts the oldest and biggest Chinatown in North America. Visitors can enter through the Chinatown Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and explore the shops, restaurants, and bakeries on Grant Avenue and Stockton Avenue. Popular areas include the Golden Gate Bakery at 1029 Grant Avenue, the dim sum restaurant New Asia at 772 Pacific Avenue, and the local park Portsmouth Square.
10. The deYoung Museum
When the kids grow tired of exploring the California Academy of Sciences, cross the lawn to the quirky copper clad deYoung Museum. Look for the break in the sidewalk guiding you to the deYoung’s entry, a project by artist Andy Goldsworthy representing San Francisco’s earthquake history. After entering the building, walk north to reach the elevators accessing the museum’s observation tower. This free tower offers stunning views of San Francisco.
Laurie Bouck is the co-author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Vaccinations. She shares information about health and medicine on her blog, MedFly (med-fly.blogspot.com).
