11 Top Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids
San Francisco: Where Family Fun Meets Kid Chaos
Hey, parents — picture your kids laughing out loud on a cable car, a game of spot-the-seal or a ferry ride across the bay. San Francisco is a jackpot of family-friendly fun, mixing its signature heft with what kids really love.
It’s got end-of-the-line outdoors thrills, quirky charm, and enough goodies to make it a bucket-list score for the whole crew.
Here’s my roundup of 11 best things to do in San Francisco with kids that are easy, epic and parent-approved. Whether you’re going for views or just trying to occupy the little ones, SF’s got you covered.
All set to conquer the Golden Gate City with your squad? Now let’s count down the fun—hand over the snacks and let’s get going!
11. Ride a Cable Car Across the City
Alright, you can’t skip this—it’s San Francisco 101! Hop on a cable car, hear those bells clang, and zip up those wild hills. It’s like a mini road trip right in the city, and your kids will lose it over the bouncy ride.
The Local Vibes are unbeatable—history meets pure fun. Start at Powell Street where it’s less packed, snag a seat, and let the little ones hang on tight (safely, of course!). It’s a quick thrill that’ll have them grinning ear to ear. What’s your crew’s fave ride memory? Tell me below!
10. Explore the Exploratorium
Imagine: your kids digging into fog machines or colossal bubbles at the Exploratorium on Pier 15. This interactive science arena is a complete playground — learning in the form of chaos they’ll love.
It’s one of those San Francisco kids activities that keeps ’em occupied for hours. Buy tickets online in advance to avoid the line — you’ll thank me later when you’re not wrangling a meltdown.
They’ll be too busy playing mad scientist to realize they’ve gotten a little smarter by the end. Got a little experimenter? Share their favorite museum moment!
9. Visit Alcatraz Island
Cross over to “The Rock” — Alcatraz is creepy-cool in its old prison cells and killer views of the bay. The pirate-y vibes are a hit with the kids, and the audio tour’s a crowd-pleaser (headphones = quiet time for you!).
It’s Nature’s Best with that waterfront edge, and a little history, too. Bring jackets — those bay winds come in quick. For kids who love a good story, it is one of the best things to do in San Francisco. Been there with your gang? Leave your Alcatraz stories in the comments below — I’m all ears!
8. Play at Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is your family’s open-air base camp — paddle boats, a carousel and the Koret Playground keep everyone happy.
It’s big, with Nature’s Best greenery to roam, so bring a picnic, plop down on the grass and let the kids use some of that pent-up energy.
It’s ideal for a low-key day of family fun in San Francisco — no muss, no fuss. My crew loves the boats — do yours? What are your faves about the park?
7. Taste Chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf
Go to Pier 39 and eat clam chowder in a sourdough bowl while sea lions haul out next to you. It’s a Taste Quest requirement — lick-your-fingers-style, kid-approved, and messy yum.
Food and goofy animals is gold for little ones (and your camera). Go to Boudin Bakery for the most fresh bread bowls — worth it.
This is just one of those San Francisco activities for kids that is a win-win for everyone. What’s your wharf snack pick? Spill it!
6. Check Out the California Academy of Sciences
An aquarium, rain forests and a planetarium all under one roof? The California Academy of Sciences is a riot. Children go berserk for sharks, butterflies and stars — Nature’s Best meets utter wonder.
Be sure not to miss the penguin feeding — a fan favorite that’ll have ’em shrieking. It’s an attraction for kids in San Francisco well worth every minute.
If you time it right, you’ll be the hero of the day. Have a nature-lover in your crew? Let us know their favorite critter below!
5. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge (On Foot or Bike)
Take the kids to the Golden Gate Bridge — walk or bike, it’s a Road Trips vibe, epic bay and skyline views. It’s a grand adventure they’ll brag about, and all those photo ops? Unreal.
Rent bikes at Crissy Field — they have kid sizes — and pedal away. For that wow factor, it’s one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids. Who’s biking with you? Tell me your bridge plans!
4. Discover the Children’s Creativity Museum
At nearby Yerba Buena Gardens, the Children’s Creativity Museum allows kids to animate clay figures or jam out in a music studio.
They’re the ones in charge here — messy, loud and so much fun. Stop by the outdoor carousel afterward for bonus giggles.
It is a hidden gem for family activities in San Francisco that ignites their wild ideas.” My kiddo was super into the clay — yours also? Hit us with your wins in creativity in the comments!
3. Spot Seals at Año Nuevo State Park
Head sign up a fleeting Road Trips to Año Nuevo State Park south ele phant seals barrel roll and bark on the beach, and it’s Nature’s Best up close.
Kids go bananas for these giant, noisy goofballs — it’s an animal show come to life. December and January offer peak seal activity so schedule a guided tour then. It’s a little outside SF, but so worth it. Seen the seals yet? Share your pics or plans!
2. Wander Chinatown’s Streets
(SF’s Chinatown is the largest outside Asia — dragons gates, dim sum and the buzzing Local Vibes in abundance.) Kids love the bright colors and Taste Quest snacks, like fortune cookies (who doesn’t?).
Take a tour of a cookie factory — it’s free and so much fun. It’s one of those things to do in San Francisco with kids that feels like a mini trip abroad. What’s your family’s go-to in Chinatown? Hit me up!
1. Sail on San Francisco Bay
First place, however, is awarded for sailing the bay — hop a ferry or tour boat (Blue & Gold Fleet’s a good one) and ride past Alcatraz and the bridge.
Who doesn’t love the wind, waves and Nature’s Best views? It’s a splashy adventure kids will never forget! Choose a sunny day for the best vibes and cheeriest wee sailors. It’s the ultimate family win. Ready to sail? Tell me your bay dreams!
Your San Francisco Family Adventure Awaits
There it is—11 dope things to do in San Francisco with kids, and from cable cars rumbling through the city to sailing the bay’s ruffled waves. It’s a road trip rich in taste quests, local vibes and nature’s best — SF’s kid-ready magic at its best.
Whether you’re bridge-hopping or chowder-slurping, your gaggle’s in for a good time. So, what’s at the top of your family’s SF hit list? Weigh in in the comments—I’m dying to know! Gather the gang, stock up on snacks and head out—San Francisco is calling all of your little explorers!
