Are you planning a trip to San Francisco soon? If so, you’ll want to make sure to pack your bags with some of the top things to do in the city with kids! From touring famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alamo Square, to finding new and exciting adventures like visiting the Exploratorium, there’s really something for everyone in this amazing city. So get out there and start exploring!
1. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge.
This iconic landmark is a must see for any visitor to San Francisco. It is definitely one of the top things to do in San Francisco with kids. Not only is the bridge a beautiful sight, but you can also take some amazing photos from atop it.
2. Ride the cable cars up the famous hills of San Francisco.
This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective, and your kids will be thrilled to get a little bit of a workout too!
Head to the top of Nob Hill and take in the magnificent views of San Francisco before hopping on a cable car down to Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re feeling energetic, head over to Pier 39 for a walk along the water or take a ride on one of the many ferries that ply the bay. There’s plenty to do in San Francisco with kids without ever having to leave the city limits!
3. Visit the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.
San Francisco is home to more than just skyscrapers and beaches, it’s also home to some really great museums. The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is perfect for kids who love art and history. The museum has a wide range of exhibits, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to paintings by famous artists like Rembrandt and Monet. There’s something for everyone at the Legion of Honor Museum, so be sure to take your family on a tour!
4. Take a walk along the waterfront and explore the many diverse neighborhoods that make up San Francisco.
There’s no better way to get to know the city than by foot! The city is diverse with each neighborhood having a unique personality. A couple of favorites are the Marina and Haight – Ashbury.
The Marina District in the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the city and is a great place to take a walk around. A great place to stop is the Exploratorium, the kids (and adults) will love it!
The Haight is funky and eclectic in an entertaining way. Every visit is different and you never now what you will see.
Additionally, it’s a great place to explore on foot or by bike. It’s also a great place to get some food and drinks as there are lots of delicious places to get a bite. You could easily spend an entire day here and not see everything.
The Castro is home to many trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and bars that are perfect for people watching. There is always something happening in the Castro, whether it be street performers, music concerts, or just people hanging out. Furthermore the architecture is unique and the stores are eclectic which makes for an interesting visit.
5. Go on a safari in the San Francisco Zoo.
For those of you who haven’t been to the San Francisco Zoo yet, it’s a must-see. The zoo is located near the beautiful Golden Gate Park. The zoo is home to many animals, including lions, elephants, and tigers. Whereas, if you’re looking for a fun activity that your children can do together, make sure to visit the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna. This section features animal exhibits that are designed to be interactive and educational.
The San Francisco Zoo is definitely a top things to do in San Francisco with kids destination!
6. See a Game at the Oracle Park – home of the San Francisco Giants!
There are plenty of things to do in San Francisco with kids, but one of our favorite spots is Oracle Park. The ballpark is located on the bay, so there are great views of the water and the cityscape. First and foremost there are plenty of restaurants and pubs near the park that will make for a fun day out with your family. Secondly, the area is easy to get to using public transportation, with a train station very close by.
7. Take a trip down to Fisherman’s Wharf and check out the many seafood restaurants there.
Hands down, our family’s favorite spot in the city is Fisherman’s Wharf. You Could easily spend an entire day visiting all of the attractions in this area. Pier 39, tours of Alcatraz, the aquarium, Ghirardelli Square, shopping, and some great Seafood make this area a great way to spend the day with the family.
In addition to all of these great attractions, you can also visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Madame Tussauds, and musee mecanique, one of the worlds largest privately owned antique arcades.
8. Take a trip up to Mount Tamalpais for a lovely view of the city and some great hiking.
The Bay Area is home to many great hiking trails. Mount Tamalpais offersa great view of the Bay Area and San Francisco. There are also many parks in the area that can be enjoyed by children, including Golden Gate Park and Buena Vista (Haight-Ashbury) Park.
9. Visit Golden Gate Park.
Golden Gate Park is home to many great attractions and is easily a great way to spend a day. You could visit the California Academy of Sciences, the deYoung Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, or the Conservatory of Flowers as an example of just a few of the things to do while visiting this magnificent park. Additionally, There are also plenty of playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails and more to keep the whole family entertained.
10. Take a cruise down the Bay Area waterways.
Another excellent way to see some of the best parts of San Francisco from a different perspective is a cruise on the bay. For those that enjoy a nautical adventure there are cruises on the bay that include dinner or wine tasting. Make sure that you don’t forget the ride over to Alcatraz, always a favorite. There’s really something for everyone in this amazing city!
11. Take a Drive Down Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay.
Half Moon Bay is a charming town located along the coast of California. It’s home to many attractions for families, including the Point Montara Lighthouse, which is a great place to take a photo.
The town also has plenty of things to do for kids. The beach is only a short walk away and offers plenty of sand and waves to play in. If you’re looking for something more active, Half Moon Bay has two World Class golf courses within close proximity.
Historic Main Street is lined with multiple option of shops and restaurants. Make sure to stop by the Half Moon Bay Bakery for some great sandwiches and pastries.
As an added bonus, plan your visit in the fall. This is the best weather season of the year. Besides that, the city transforms into the West Coast Capital of the World, with some great pumpkin patches around town.
Whether you’re exploring the town on your own or taking advantage of all its kid-friendly activities, Half Moon Bay is a great place to spend a day with your family.
Conclusion.
San Francisco is a city that never stops moving, and with so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re with kids, though, there are plenty of top things to do in San Francisco that will keep them entertained and happy.
San Francisco is one of the most popular travel destinations in America – so make sure you don’t miss out by planning your trip with kids in mind!
Ken and Susan Lord are the owners of Beautiful Lyfe Travel. Ken and Susan are passionate about travel and are committed to changing the world one vacation at a time.