Finding things to do in San Francisco with kids isn’t that tough – just spending time walking around the city can be a whirlwind of adventure! There are a variety of parks to enjoy, plenty of tasty restaurants to try, and lots of arcades to check out. But it can also be very rewarding to find things to do that combine both fun and learning something new!
Luckily, you will find myriad venues in the San Francisco area that lend to both fun and education. Here are 10 things to do in San Francisco with kids that you and your little ones won’t want to miss out on:
Aquarium of the Bay
Head over to Pier 39 for an underwater view at the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can walk through a tunnel of sharks and rainbow-colored fish. The aquarium is designed to make you feel like you are deep-sea diving, but without the need for any special equipment. You and your kids can learn all about the different fish that live within our sea at this awe-inspiring aquarium.
The California Academy of Sciences
You’ll find the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, so it should be easy to fit into a day’s schedule. One of the most unique features is the multi-level bubble that’s full of fluttering butterflies and insect displays. The museum also offers the opportunity to learn about rainforest animals.
TakeLessons San Francisco
Are your kids interested in arts, crafts, or music lessons in San Francisco? TakeLessons can connect you with private teachers and tutors for a variety of subjects! And why not join in yourself? Students of all ages- including moms and dads – can take private lessons, too, and it’s a great way to bond with your kids.
San Francisco Zoo
Get to know more than 250 species of animals at the San Francisco Zoo. This place is home to an endangered snow leopard, and boasts one of the best gorilla habitats in the country. You also won’t want to miss the 6-acre petting zoo that will let you and your little ones get up close and personal with farm animals of all kinds!
The Exploratorium
The San Francisco Exploratorium features over 650 unique exhibits – you could spend all day exploring this museum! This is one of the things to do in San Francisco with kids where you’ll learn about sea life, electricity, and even the weather, all in one stop.
Children’s Creativity Museum
At the Children’s Creativity Museum, you can learn about all things creative! Learn the basics of stop motion animation by creating clay characters in the animation studio, bust out some tunes in the music studio, or let your kids participate in the Mystery Box Challenge at the Innovation Lab, where they can invent something spectacular out of various materials. The Children’s Creativity Museum offers something for everyone, and it’s a great way to let your child’s imagination run wild!
San Francisco Playhouse
The San Francisco Playhouse is home to some of the best plays and shows in the area. Kids and adults alike will be awed by the lights, the acting, and the props while enjoying live theater.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz is a popular tourist spot that has a lot of history behind it to learn about. The audio tour is interesting for adults to listen to, and makes it easy to give kids little glimpses into what life was like at Alcatraz back when it was in operation.
Boudin Bakery and Bread Museum
Spend some time at Fisherman’s Wharf and visit Boudin Bakery and Bread Museum, where you can see professional bakers in action and explore the interactive shows that are available. The 30-feet glass walls make it easy to see every step the bakers take to make the perfect loaf of bread. There’s nothing like seeing exactly where your food is coming from – plus, one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids at this museum is getting to eat a piece of fresh, warm bread before you leave!
Stow Lake
Ready to spend some time in nature and get a breath of fresh air? Located in Golden Gate Park, Stow Lake is a fantastic place to rent an electric, paddle, or row boat for the afternoon! Bring some bread along to feed the hundreds of ducks you’ll undoubtedly come across. The area offers lots of nature trails to explore on foot, too.
There are so many great things to do in San Francisco with kids that you and your little ones won’t find a moment to be bored while in the big city. Get out there to learn, adventure, and explore!
Photo by Jonathan Kos-Read
Megan L.