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Planning a family trip and looking for the best things to do with kids in San Francisco?
You’re in the right place. San Francisco is packed with family-friendly attractions—from hands-on museums and iconic landmarks to playgrounds, waterfront fun, and easy half-day nature escapes.
This guide brings together 29 of the best kid-friendly activities in San Francisco, organized to help parents build stress-free itineraries. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, elementary-age kids, or teens, you’ll find a mix of outdoor adventures, indoor rainy-day options, and classic “only in SF” experiences.
Even better: many of these attractions are close together, making it easy to group activities by neighborhood
and avoid long travel days—one of the biggest wins when visiting San Francisco with kids.
So here’s how to take your family vacation in San Francisco to the next level!
If you’re building a family itinerary fast, these are the “big wins” from the list:
Not sure how to turn this list into an actual plan?
These sample itineraries show how families commonly group kid-friendly activities
to keep days fun, flexible, and meltdown-free.
Why it works: Big “San Francisco” moments early, flexible waterfront fun later.
Why it works: Everything is close together, stroller-friendly, and easy to adjust based on energy levels.
Why it works: One large park = fewer transitions and built-in outdoor breaks.
Why it works: Fully indoors, hands-on, and great for burning energy when the weather turns.
Why it works: Combines two iconic experiences into one memorable day without overloading kids.
A bunch of these kid-friendly spots have surprisingly cool backstories:
Tap a section to jump. (Yes, we love saving parents time.)
Family fun in San Francisco starts right here at Aquarium of the Bay on PIER 39! With over 20,000 marine animals that are indigenous to San Francisco, the Aquarium of the Bay is a very popular choice for children, especially for those who love marine wildlife. Located at the waterfront at PIER 39, the 300-foot-long crystal-clear tunnels will enthrall children with spectacular views of aquatic species ranging from jellyfish and anchovies to turtles and octopuses. Be sure to check out the Touch the Bay exhibit, which allows kids to get a closer view of sharks, stingrays, and sea stars. Kids are always captivated by the bunch of playful river otters too!
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, located in the Fisherman’s Wharf district, provides visitors with the views, sounds, smells, and stories of Pacific Coast maritime heritage. The park features a Visitor Center, Maritime Museum, and Maritime Research Center. Kids can watch a stunning collection of historic ships in action from the Aquatic Park Historic District that is also featured at this San Francisco national park.
Does your mouth water at the thought of chocolate? So does ours!
That’s why a family vacation in San Francisco style wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the chocolate shop at Ghirardelli Square. Ghirardelli Chocolate was founded in 1852, a few years after the Gold Rush, and is the country’s oldest continually operating chocolate maker.
The newest attraction is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience. The 170-year-old chocolate company is now bringing customers into the chocolate-making experience. It is the first time Ghirardelli is making fresh chocolate bars in-store, alongside roasting hazelnuts and almonds, for customers to try.
Also visit the world’s largest Ghiradelli Pick & Mix, with the widest selection of Ghirardelli Squares available to customize in a variety of gifts, which can now also be personalized!
For a busier experience, Pier 39 is the perfect spot to take in the city’s cool vibe and entertainment!
It is in the heart of city life and will surely keep your kids amused for many hours.
It’s packed with shops, restaurants, stunning views of the bay, and even sea lions!
You can even make your own music!
A series of symphonic stairs placed mid-pier, inspired by Tom Hanks’ film “Big,” allow you to create your own music as you go up or down them. The Famous Seal Lions can be found lounging in the enclosed marina harbor.
Really make the most of your family vacation in San Francisco and head to Pier 39’s 7D Experience.
Perfect for older children, Pier 39’s 7D Experience is a fun and interactive adventure for the whole family.
The Flyer, the Dark Ride, the Lazer Challenge, or all three can be experienced.
The Dark Ride is the most popular of the three activities.
It’s a combination of a movie, a roller coaster, and a video game. You will have 3D movie glasses during your time in the theater, making every moment feel extremely real! As you shoot bad guys and defend others in danger, the hairs at the back of your neck will stand up, as you take every bump (as your chair moves around), and interact with the baddies.
The California Academy of Sciences is San Francisco’s most popular museum. There are a variety of enjoyable activities for both children and adults, which makes it a great San Francisco family activity.
Watch a fantastic show at the Morrison Planetarium, or go through the four-story rainforest and watch the butterflies flutter about.
You can also head to the beautiful and huge Steinhart Aquarium. Be sure to explore the stunning views by heading to the grass-covered roof at the top, it is truly unique!
The Children’s Creativity Museum focuses on encouraging children’s creativity and confidence while also engaging with their families.
Kids can let their imaginations run wild while being surrounded by the comfort of their parents.
Children can choose from a range of studios and labs in the Explore portion of the museum, depending on their personal choice. There’s something to excite every child’s interest, whether it’s music, robotic coding, animation, or something else. With so many activities, including a carousel, you can expect to spend many hours here.
One of San Francisco’s most fascinating attractions, the Exploratorium hosts a number of exhibitions related to art, science, and human perception. It used to be a part of the Palace of Fine Arts, but it moved to its own location in 2013. The Exploratorium learning laboratory covers topics such as sound waves, superstitions, electricity, optical illusions, centrifugal motion, and more.
Six core galleries feature over 600 interactive displays encompassing geography, engineering, biology, and psychology. The Tactile Dome is very popular since it allows you to journey into complete darkness just by utilizing your sense of touch! What a fantastic idea!
Still, searching for stuff to do in San Francisco?
The perfect museum that promotes learning through hands-on activities. Science-themed displays, environmental education, and arts experiences are all available here. There’s plenty of fun to be had, at the ocean study station, kids can ride a scaled-down model caboose, climb a treehouse, and touch sea stars.
The museum features a café that sells snacks, sandwiches, soups, salads, and other nutritious meals, which is convenient for families. Seasonal organic vegetables are sourced from farms within 100 miles of San Francisco.
Enhance your family vacation to San Francisco by making a trip to the Walt Disney Museum in the Presidio.
Delve into the life and legacy of the legendary filmmaker and learn about Disney’s incredible accomplishments and genre-defining animations by viewing magnificent mementos, film clips, and even awards on exhibit.
There’s nothing quite like taking a cable car up and down San Francisco’s hills.
As one of the most unique ways to explore the city, your kids will find this both a fun and unforgettable experience.
The adventure begins while you wait for the cable cars to arrive at the cable car turnarounds (at Powell, Hyde Street or California and Market Streets) or along the routes. Once you’ve hopped on, you can either sit down or grab the grips and hang on for the ride. The bell-ringing makes the experience even more exhilarating as it can be heard from blocks away to draw the attention of approaching vehicles.
There is so much great stuff to do in San Francisco, and the San Francisco Cable Car Museum is very popular! We mentioned riding the cable cars earlier, but to truly understand the mechanics behind these adventurous modes of transport, the Cable Car Museum is a stop you can’t miss! Entrance is completely free to the museum, which is located in the Nob Hill neighborhood.
Your machine-obsessed kids will get to explore the cable cars very closely and will be able to witness the cable wheels and functional models in operation. When you grasp how they work, you’ll realize the great expense involved to keep the system working. The cable cars are part of the charm of San Francisco, but visiting their museum is the best way to truly get to know them!
This is an absolute must. You will probably see this beautiful iconic bridge in the background while visiting many other attractions. However, we thoroughly recommend you get as close as possible to this breathtaking landmark, which is one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Whether you hike, walk, bike or drive, the Golden Gate Bridge offers a unique experience to everyone.
This zig-zagging street is known as the most crooked street and is too cool not to show your kids!
The iconic section of Lombard Street did not always look the way it does now. It was just a regular street in Russian Hill. The street did not actually take its current shape until 1922.
The design was implemented to try to minimize the steep slope of the street, which made driving quite unsafe at the time. But because of the hairpin bends created, Lombard Street has become the world’s most crooked street as a result! It’s pretty steep, but you will have the choice of either walking or driving down it.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to take in the beautiful views and photograph the gorgeous flowers that have been planted all around this popular landmark.
The first all-paperback bookshop in the United States and the origin of the Beat movement,
City Lights Bookstore at the intersection of North Beach and Chinatown has been an emblem in the literary community of San Francisco since 1953.
Whether your children are avid readers, or you are keen to introduce your kids to books about social justice and activism, it’s the perfect place, as there is a brilliant children’s book section within the bookstore.
In the heart of Golden Gate Park, Blue Heron Lake (Stow Lake) is a lovely man-made beauty.
There are various things to do at this San Francisco landmark, including hiking to the top of Strawberry Hill where you can see birds and turtles or simply relaxing in the Chinese Pavilion.
Or why not try the most popular activity at the lake, rent a pedal boat, and row out across the lake.
The Blue Heron Lake Café is also a great place to grab a bite to eat. All the ingredients are sourced locally, organic, and sustainably grown if possible.
The children’s playground and carousel in Golden Gate Park‘s southeast corner are remembered fondly by generations of San Franciscans (and young visitors from all over the world!).
When it was opened in 1888, it was known as the Sharon Quarters for Children, and it is believed to be the country’s first public playground. The concept of dedicating a room purely for the enjoyment of children was revolutionary at the time.
The playground was completely renovated and reopened in 2007 as the Koret Children’s Quarter, thanks to the Koret Foundation’s generous funding. A climbing wall styled like waves and a rope climbing structure have been added, but the historic concrete slide has been preserved.
Fun for the whole family, with beautiful views of the city, this park in the Mission District is a big hit. Kids can enjoy the swings, bouldering rocks, and wooden boats. The playground’s “pinnacle” however, is a thrilling 45-foot-long slide that offers a roughly thirty-foot elevation change. The Super Slide is tucked into the hillside among stones, trees, and dense foliage, and anybody who climbs up to its entrance will be treated to a thrilling ride. The slide can be reached through an accessible bridge that leads to stone stairs, or by climbing up the slope on the rubber surface area that surrounds a field of stones.
Located next to the Presidio, this playground is ideal if you’re stuck when it comes to finding stuff to do in San Francisco with the kids. Parents and children can explore two of its structures, one for babies and toddlers, and another for school-aged children; both of which are situated in a sandpit. If your kids are sports enthusiasts then they will further love it here as it has basketball and tennis courts, as well as soccer and baseball grounds, making Julius Kahn Presidio Wall Playground a park that appeals to individuals of all ages. This park is beautiful and green, with a grove of wonderful trees around it, making it a great area to trek and explore.
There are lots of things to do at the Presidio Tunnel Tops. It has nature play spaces for kids, picnic areas, places to fly a kite, and trails to walk in nature with wonderful views.
You can even experience a classic national park campfire with the whole family. The Outpost is an enormous outdoor playland like nothing your family has ever experienced. Children will have unforgettable adventures by swinging, crawling, and climbing on huge play structures built from fallen tree trunks, boulders, and other natural things. Kids can build, make art, roam free on their own, or make up new games with friends. This is the place to get excited about Presidio’s wild outdoors.
The Field Station is where kids see the Presidio through art, science, or simply their imagination.
Drop in to draw butterflies, touch a crawfish, discover maps made by the first explorers, or be challenged to close their eyes and describe what mystery object is in their hands. It’s not a classroom and it’s not a museum – and it just might be the most fun indoor spot in San Francisco.
Come to feel inspired and escape from the busy city at Presidio Tunnel Tops.
This new outdoor area in San Francisco is a destination to enjoy on its own, and a jumping-off point for other Presidio adventures including the Crissy Field Center.
For a quieter experience and family vacation in San Francisco, Bernal Heights Park is a great option.
It offers a stunning 360-degree view with clear sights of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown, San Bruno Mountain, and the East Bay hills.
Even when Twin Peaks is blanketed in afternoon fog, the light shines brightly on these windswept slopes.
You can hike around the hill’s tranquil peak to escape the stresses of urban life, as red-tailed hawks fly overhead.
There’s also a rope swing at the top of the hill and a dog-friendly park. Bernal Hill is an important area for the city’s human and wildlife residents since it is one of the city’s few remaining natural refuges.
Bounce, slam dunk and discover your inner gymnast.
House of Air trampoline park is a great indoor option for kids (in case the weather is slightly unfavorable).
Located in the Presidio in a repurposed airplane hangar, families with kids aged 3 and over can enjoy open trampoline jump time to their heart’s content.
There is a designated “mini” jump area for children aged 3 to 6, allowing them to play freely without any fear of injuring themselves around the older wilder jumping kids. Feeling competitive? Get that adrenaline pumping and turn it up a notch with trampoline dodgeball! This has got to be one of the best San Francisco attractions for families!
Come play together at San Francisco’s only outdoor mini golf course.
Stagecoach Greens combines local history, creativity, and classic mini-golf fun into a relaxed experience the whole family can enjoy. Each hole is inspired by San Francisco landmarks, inventions, and moments from the city’s past, making it fun for kids and surprisingly entertaining for adults too.
Located in the heart of Mission Bay, Stagecoach Greens sits right next to the popular Spark Social food truck park, which makes it an easy family win—play a round of mini golf, then grab lunch or snacks just steps away. The course is built for hardy San Franciscans and usually plays in all weather, so checking the forecast before booking is a good idea. Golfers of all ages are welcome, but children must be supervised.
Feed your creative and artistic flair at the Butterfly Joint.
As one of the best things to do with kids in San Francisco, it’s a children’s woodworking and design workshop for ages 2 and up. Kids use punch cards to clock in, put on aprons, and learn ancient joinery skills to produce beautiful works of art. Focus, problem-solving, resilience, tenacity, and responsibility are instilled in the classes and camps offered here.
The parallel slides were built in 1973 and are still providing thrills today.
If you want to really feel exhilarated then bring a piece of cardboard! Although the slides are smooth, clothes can provide some friction, so sliding down on a piece of cardboard will definitely make you go faster!
This is a great activity for older kids.
Located in the Presidio, the complex is named after the Letterman Army Hospital which previously occupied the site. Star Wars fans will be delighted with the life-size Yoda sculpture and Star Wars costumes in the lobby. You can find Yoda in front of Building B, headquarters for the San Francisco campus for Lucasfilm Ltd., Industrial Light and Magic, LucasArts, and the George Lucas Educational Foundation.
The site has been leveled to form hillocks that serve as a buffer between the buildings’ mass. Tree groves have been planted, and a path that runs through the park and links to the Presidio Promenade has been constructed.
The center’s surrounding grounds are beautiful. Equipped with meadows, a lagoon, and seating areas, it’s a prime location for a picnic for the whole family.
A trip to Muir Woods in Marin County’s lovely rolling hills provides kids with a taste of the big outdoors.
Muir Woods National Monument is home to one of the world’s few old-growth redwood forests.
Children are awestruck by the size of these colossal, thousand-year-old trees, which reach heights of over 250 feet.
Sunlight scarcely reaches this rich, dark setting, which is so unlike your typical city park that it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on children. The walking trail is nice and easy, which is always appreciated by both parents and children. So make sure to add this to your list of family fun in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Go to Muir Woods with the San Francisco Jeep Tour Company:
For the most memorable experience, keep the adventure flowing and try our half-day Giant Redwoods Private Jeep tour with a stop in the Bayside town of Sausalito, or a glorious full-day combination San Francisco City tour and Muir Woods Tour onboard our convertible jeep!
This is a must-see on your family trip to San Francisco.
Bay Area Discovery Museum is a place where kids can let their imagination and creativity run wild.
The museum offers outdoor and indoor exhibition spaces as well as daily events for children aged 6 months to 10 years. It is located in Sausalito at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge on 7.5 acres of National Park property.
It’s a great way to double up on activities as you can enjoy all of what the museum offers, plus enjoy the breathtaking views of the bridge – talk about getting more bang for your buck!?
Often overlooked, this Zoo is high on our list for San Francisco family activities.
Located on the city’s western side, mere steps from the Pacific Ocean, it’s the perfect day out with the kids. Especially if they are animal lovers. A snow leopard, a black rhinoceros, and polar bears can all be found here. Some other exhibits of interest include a three-acre savanna with zebras, giraffes, and ostriches; a gorilla preserve with a family of six gorillas; and a eucalyptus grove that homes several adorable koalas.
We highly recommend checking out the feeding schedule to get up close and personal with the beautiful animals.
San Francisco Jeep Tours is the perfect family-friendly tour activity in San Francisco onboard their private tours.
The city tour routes and entertaining tour guides cover lots of information on the “not to miss” attractions.
Book a San Francisco Jeep City Tour, Sunset and City Lights San Francisco Jeep Tours, or the
Full Day Combo City and Muir Woods tour to travel to many of the kid-friendly locations in and around San Francisco.
Don’t miss out on this top-rated experience! —Book your Jeep tour today!
San Francisco is one of those cities that works surprisingly well for families. There’s a mix of outdoor fun, hands-on attractions, and short travel distances that make it easy with kids.
Is San Francisco a good destination for kids?
Short answer: Yes—very.
San Francisco offers kid-friendly museums, parks, sea lions, cable cars, and easy half-day trips like
Muir Woods. Many experiences are outdoors, interactive, and easy to mix into a flexible family itinerary.
Most tourists visit Fisherman’s Wharf with their kids. There are tons of restaurants, shops, the famous sea lions at
PIER 39, and easy waterfront walking. However, Golden Gate Park is also a top neighborhood for families,
with museums, lakes, gardens, and playgrounds spread across one giant green space.
If you want easy logistics, many families like being near Fisherman’s Wharf / North Beach (walkable, lots of food options, waterfront fun).
For a calmer vibe, consider Marina / Cow Hollow (near the Presidio) or Inner Sunset (close to Golden Gate Park).
Wherever you stay, prioritize being near what you’ll do most—because with kids, convenience is everything.
Usually, no. Parking can be pricey and street parking is limited in many neighborhoods.
A mix of walking, rideshare, and public transit works well for most families—especially if you plan days by area (waterfront day, park day, etc.).
The exception is if you’re doing multiple day trips outside the city, but even then, many families use guided tours or shuttles instead of driving.
Pack layers—even in summer. A light jacket or hoodie, closed-toe shoes for hills, and a windbreaker for the waterfront will save your day.
Throw in a small daypack with snacks, water, wipes, and a “backup entertainment” item (stickers, small toy, or coloring pad).
Bonus parent win: bring a compact blanket for chilly viewpoints.
The simplest approach is to cluster by area:
do one day around the waterfront (Aquarium + PIER 39 + Ghirardelli), another day in Golden Gate Park (Academy + Blue Heron Lake + Koret),
and a Presidio day (Tunnel Tops + Walt Disney Family Museum + Yoda/Lucasfilm).
It cuts down on transit time and keeps kids happier.
You’ve got great indoor options. The Exploratorium and California Academy of Sciences are excellent rainy-day anchors. You can also do indoor energy-burners like House of Air (trampoline park), or indoor entertainment like the 7D Experience at PIER 39.
Top picks (because kids can touch stuff and move around): Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Aquarium of the Bay, Children’s Creativity Museum, Randall Museum, and House of Air. If you want something short and exciting between meals, the 7D Experience at PIER 39 is a fun add-on.
Most families have the smoothest days by doing the “big thing” earlier (museum, aquarium, cable cars) and saving playgrounds and parks for the afternoon. Mornings often mean smaller crowds and less waiting—especially at PIER 39 and popular museums.
Yes—with a few practical tips. Hold little ones close, keep hands inside, and avoid the busiest times if you can.
For strollers, it’s usually easiest to fold them before boarding (space is limited).
If your kids love mechanics, pair the ride with the free Cable Car Museum to see how the whole system works.
If you want the iconic moments (Golden Gate Bridge + cable cars + Lombard Street + waterfront) without turning the day into a logistics puzzle, plan a “classic highlights” day with a couple of short stops and one longer anchor. Kids do best with variety: one wow-view, one fun ride, one snack stop, one play break.
You can visit with a stroller, but expect some steep sidewalks nearby. Many families prefer viewing from the bottom (easy photo moment) and keeping it as a quick stop rather than a long hangout.
Toddlers/Preschool: Children’s Creativity Museum, Aquarium of the Bay, playgrounds (Koret, Dolores, Tunnel Tops).
Elementary: Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Randall Museum, Cable Car Museum.
Tweens/Teens: Exploratorium, 7D Experience, Urban Putt, House of Air, plus the “classic SF” sights for photos.
If you want high engagement (and fewer “I’m bored”), both are strong choices.
The Exploratorium is packed with interactive exhibits and feels like a giant curiosity playground.
The Academy of Sciences bundles multiple experiences in one place (rainforest, aquarium, planetarium), so it’s a full half-day without needing to bounce around town.
Top parent-approved spots: Presidio Tunnel Tops (huge nature play), Helen Diller Playground at Dolores Park, Koret Children’s Quarter in Golden Gate Park, and Bernal Heights Park for a short hike with a big view payoff.
One of the most kid-approved areas in the city: family favorites around Fisherman’s Wharf
include PIER 39 and the sea lions, Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park, the classic Musée Mécanique arcade, and the colorful murals and photo spots at Umbrella Alley.
Yes—kids love exploring Alcatraz. It’s a mysterious island with a fascinating history.
From the cliffs and forts outside, to the spooky prison, it’s an unforgettable experience.
The audio tour inside the prison tells all about the history and stories within the old prison walls.
The big classics that feel like “we’re really here”: ride the cable cars, visit the Golden Gate Bridge,
see the curves at Lombard Street, and watch the sea lions at PIER 39. These are the moments that end up in everyone’s highlight reel.
Yes—and they usually love it. Muir Woods National Monument
features mostly flat, stroller-friendly boardwalks and short loop trails.
It’s an easy way for kids to see giant redwoods, stretch their legs, and get that “whoa” feeling without a hardcore hike.
Family tip: Mixing one big highlight with one outdoor stop each day keeps kids energized and avoids burnout.
Muir Woods often requires planning ahead (parking/shuttle options can fill up).
The easiest visit is the one you don’t have to stress over—lock in transportation, arrive earlier in the day, and keep it simple with the main boardwalk trails. If you’d rather skip the logistics, a guided private group half-day trip can be the smoothest option for families.
Yes for the main boardwalk and flatter areas. A stroller works best on the primary, paved/boardwalk sections.
If you plan to do longer side trails or uneven paths, a baby carrier is often easier.
Totally doable—and it’s one of the best “big day” combos for families.
Start with the Golden Gate Bridge (short stop, big wow factor), then head to Muir Woods for an easy loop among the redwoods.
Keep the rest of the day flexible: add Sausalito, snacks, and a waterfront stroll if everyone still has energy.
If you want this to feel effortless, a private city + Muir Woods-style day keeps everything flowing smoothly.
San Francisco has a surprisingly strong lineup of free family wins: watch the sea lions at PIER 39, visit the Cable Car Museum (free!), explore playgrounds like Dolores Park and Koret, walk scenic viewpoints, and enjoy big outdoor spaces like the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.
Many of the best kid moments here cost nothing.
A private tour can be a fun, family-friendly way to see a lot of San Francisco without the day turning into a transportation challenge. With a personalized route, flexible stops, and easy photo opportunities, it’s often the “one decision” that simplifies the whole trip.
A stress-free way to sightsee with kids: Private Jeep tours are family-friendly and easy to tailor for children, with flexible stops, restroom breaks, and fun photo opportunities.
Kids must meet age and car-seat requirements, and booster seats can be requested in advance.
San Francisco is a surprisingly easy city to explore with kids when you plan it right. Between hands-on museums, big outdoor spaces, iconic sights, and short travel distances, families can mix adventure, learning, and downtime without feeling rushed.
The key is balance: pair one “big highlight” each day (like the Exploratorium, Golden Gate Bridge,
or Muir Woods) with one flexible, low-stress stop (a playground, waterfront walk, or casual food break).
That rhythm keeps kids engaged—and parents sane.
If you want to simplify logistics even more, a private sightseeing option can bundle several must-see
locations into one smooth, family-friendly experience, with flexible pacing and plenty of photo stops.
However you choose to explore, San Francisco delivers memorable moments for kids of all ages—and
plenty of “wow” moments for parents too.
