Looking for fun things to do in San Francisco with kids? Look no further. From beautiful beaches and adventurous hikes to museums, theme parks, safari trips, zoos and even small train towns, the Bay Area is bursting with opportunities for fun, adventure and learning.
Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids
With San Francisco’s mild temperatures year-round, families can enjoy outdoor adventures any month. But on a rare rainy day, check out unique attractions like the California Academy of Sciences, the Aquarium of the Bay, the Exploratorium, and even the Pinball Museum. Here are some of the best things to do with kids in San Francisco.
1. Zoo
The Bay Area has two great zoos. san francisco zoo and Auckland Zoo. Both offer a great selection of wildlife, but the Auckland Zoo is bigger and has more animals. San Francisco Zoo attractions include a children’s playground, a merry-go-round, and Little His Puffer Train. Auckland Zoo has carnival rides, the Auckland Zoo Express Train (goes to Wilder Australia to see kangaroos), gondolas leading to the California Trail, and a playground. Both locations have children’s zoos and lots of goats waiting to be brushed.
2. Safari West
Safari West It’s an African adventure in the heart of Northern California’s wine country. Dubbed the “Sonoma Serengeti,” animal lovers can take an African-style safari through a 400-acre reserve to see zebras, giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, oryx, antelopes, Cape buffalo, wildebeest and more . You can also roam the grounds and see monkeys, cheetahs, hyenas, the world’s smallest fox, and colorful birds in the aviary.
3. Hiking
Surprisingly for a big city, San Francisco has an abundance of hiking trails. Golden Gate Park alone has miles of trails, including dirt tracks, waterfalls, meadows, beautiful lakes and even herds of bison.these 7 Popular Treks in Golden Gate Park Great place to start.
A more fun place to lace up your hiking boots and explore San Francisco with the little ones is Glen Canyon and the Presidio. Glen Canyon’s trails are unpaved, so strollers can be challenging, but older kids will love the dramatic rock formations, giant steps, creeks and scented eucalyptus trees. And to explore 1,500 acres, Presidio Trail It offers stunning bay views and some lead directly to the beach.
4. Aquarium of the Bay
Families looking for more activities in San Francisco should check out the Aquarium of the Bay when visiting Pier 39. The bay is home to an incredible array of creatures, including green moray eels, variously colored rockfish, and bright orange California marine fish. are all residents here. Highlights include a touch pool where you can feel the sharks, otters, starfish, rays, skate rays, and sea anemones in Alcatraz his tunnel.
5. California Academy of Sciences
Arguably one of the best things to do with kids in San Francisco, you’ll be greeted by a giant Tyrannosaurus skeleton as soon as you enter. California Academy of Sciences. And it gets even better from there. This multi-level museum includes an aquarium where you can occasionally see your scuba diver feeding the fish, a tropical rainforest that starts at the forest floor and walks up to the treetops, a curious forest (5 year olds). There are many popular exhibits, such as the ), planetarium, etc. Outdoor spaces are a great place for kids to build a fort out of branches and leaves or get their hands dirty in nature.
6. Exploratorium
With hundreds of indoor and outdoor exhibits, it’s fun for young and old alike. Exploratorium. Located along the Embarcadero, the facility lets kids create colored shadows, learn the science of bubbles, see themselves in giant mirrors, and explore black-and-white rooms.
7. Beach
Crissy Field East Beach in San Francisco offers postcard views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a great place for kids to swim in the cool, calm waters, build sandcastles and fly kites. A nearby warming hut is perfect for parents who want a hot cup of coffee while watching their little ones enjoy the sand and surf.
An hour from San Francisco, Stinson Beach is perfect for families who love hiking. The sea views along the cliffs are spectacular. The beach and nearby small towns are a great way to spend the day.
8. Playground
The Bay Area has hundreds of playgrounds throughout the county, Colette Children’s Playground Considered to be one of the best and first in San Francisco
America’s Public Playground Children will love the wave-like climbing wall, rope climbing tower, giant concrete slide and nearby ball game field.
9. Water park
Cool off at one of the Bay Area’s many water parks. Wave in Dublin is fairly new and has 6 slide towers. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord is full of terrifying slides, lazy rivers and wave pools. raging water Jose is bigger. There are nine slides, a relaxing river, wave pool, raft rides and two children’s playgrounds.
10. Children’s fairyland
Children’s fairyland Auckland restaurants have been entertaining families for over 70 years. The park has 10 acres of gardens and animals and about 60 picture book sets. It’s perfect for children under 8, but it’s also great for adults to see their favorite childhood books come to life. It’s always fun to walk in Willie the Whale’s wide mouth.
11. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
One of California’s most popular theme parks, this theme park has it all. From deadly rollercoasters and rides for the little ones, to visits to animal nurseries, to petting dolphins and watching cheetahs, giraffes, lions and tigers, families need to arrive early and spend the night.
12. Pinball Museum
If you want to enjoy retro play, pinball museum at Alameda. Pinball games range from vintage to modern, and kids (and their parents) can easily compete for hours on a classic game. No coins required. Admission includes unlimited game time.
13. Sonoma’s TrainTown
For railroad enthusiasts, this is the Bay Area’s most exciting place to visit. Admission is free, and while it’s fun to watch the trains in Train Town, it’s even more fun to ride them. Take a boat ride, cross bridges, go through tunnels, and take small pit stops to mini-towns and petting zoos. It’s a 20 minute trip. There are also several other rides here, including a merry-go-round and a Ferris wheel.
14. Giants Stadium
A day at the ballpark is classic and exciting for the whole family. Enjoy hot dogs, cold beers and cotton candy while cheering on the home team. In addition to the games, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities such as a slide inside a giant 80-foot Coca-Cola bottle and a mini field where you can hit home runs and sprint around the base.
15. Tilden Park Little Farm
Little Farm is free and hassle free. Stay as long as you like. Bring some celery and lettuce and let the little ones feed the animals. Expect to see cows, pigs, chickens and rabbits. Open all year round, it’s a great place to walk around and have a picnic. The Environmental Education Center is open Tuesday through Sunday and is a great place to learn a little about nature.
