The city of San Fransisco is known for its vibrant culture and fast-moving pace.
Parents visiting the city may not be aware of the wealth of kid-friendly activities available in the area.
We find popular family-friendly venues like the Exploratorium, Six Flags Discover Kingdom, and more on the list of things to do with your kids in San Francisco.
Keep reading to learn about more attractions, pricing, hours, and special rates for visiting some of San Francisco’s most family-friendly venues.
Contents
- How to Prepare for a Day Out With Your Kids in San Francisco
- 10 Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids
- San Francisco Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Prepare for a Day Out With Your Kids in San Francisco
Tip #1. – Plan Ahead
There is nothing worse than getting to your destination and finding out that the location is closed or has different hours for the day.
Check the website of the attraction you want to visit beforehand to avoid missing out on the fun.
Tip #2. – Pack Essentials
Your kids can easily get tuckered out when they are having so much fun for hours on end.
Think smart by packing essentials like water bottles, blankets, extra phone chargers, and a first aid kit when planning a long day out with the kids.
Tip #3. – Check The Weather!
The weather in San Francisco can be highly unpredictable.
Be sure to check the weather using your favorite weather app or hotel tv programming to ensure your family’s fun day doesn’t turn out to be a bust.
Tip #4. – Bring a Stroller or Wagon
Spending long hours standing in line at entertainment venues like museums and zoos can take a lot out of you and your kids.
Bring a foldable stroller or wagon along for the trip to make it easier to transport your kids between rides or exhibits and to save strain on your back from having to carry heavier kids around from one exhibit or ride to another.
10 Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids
#1. San Francisco Zoo
About the Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo is not only one of the most popular attractions in the Bay Area but also one of the most popular attractions worldwide.
San Francisco’s Zoo features unlimited outdoor adventure where you and your kids can visit immersive zoo exhibits like the Hearst Grizzly Guilch, the Insect Zoo, and the Wildlife Theater.
You and your family can even snap photos of your favorite and most exotic animals.
Contact Information
Address: Sloat Boulevard / Upper Great Highway San Francisco, California – 94132
Phone: 415-753-7080
Website: https://www.sfzoo.org
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily
Fees
Adults: $22. 00
Children: $22.00
Seniors: $16.00
#2. Children’s Creativity Museum
About the Museum
The Children’s Creativity Museum of San Francisco offers children and their families immersive educational experiences they will be sure to remember for years to come.
This kid-friendly museum features bite-sized exhibits for kids to tinker with and learn about educational topics, including STEM. They also have an interactive playground and carousel onsite.
Contact Information
Address: 221 4th Street, San Francisco, California – 94103
Phone: 415-820-3320
Website: https://creativity.org
Fees
General Admission is $20.00 per person for all visitors over one year.
#3. Exploratorium
About the Exploratorium
If you and your kids love adventure and themed hands-on activities, then the San Francisco Exploratorium is the place to be!
The Exploratorium features over one-thousand interactive exhibits that teach children and families the basics of science, math, and technology.
You and your family can get lost for hours in the Exploratorium while you learn about the latest concepts in STEM.
Contact Information
Address: Pier 15 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, California – 94111
Phone: 415-528-4444
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday, Closed on Mondays.
Fees
General Admission: $39.95
Children: $24.95
Teachers: $24.95
Seniors: $24.95
#4. California Academy of Sciences
About the Academy
This famous family-friendly museum teaches visitors the concepts of natural history and research.
You and your family can have tons of fun getting lost in this four-hundred-thousand-square-foot museum with an aquarium and planetarium.
Kids enjoy learning about the marine life that normally lies beneath our feet when they visit the aquarium.
Visitors of all ages love learning about the universe in an up-close format when they see the onsite planetariums.
Families typically spend 3-4 hours exploring the CAS’s many exhibits.
Contact Information
Address: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, California 94118
Phone: 415-379-8000
Website: https://www.calacademy.org
Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm Sunday (Open year-round)
Fees
Admission prices can change daily and are different for members.
Visit the California Academy of Sciences website to learn more.
#5. Yerba Buena Gardens
About the Gardens
The Yerba Buena Gardens belong to San Francisco City Parks and feature a wide variety of waterfalls, public artwork, walking trails, and a relaxing ambiance.
Your kids will love relaxing in the gardens and exploring the many varieties of trees, flowers, and invertebrates that frequent the park.
Many garden visitors take advantage of the peaceful scenery at the gardens while picking up designated areas.
Contact Information
Address: 750 Howard Street, San Francisco, California 94103
Phone: 415-651-3684
Website: https://www.yerbabuenagardens.com
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm Daily
Fees
Free
#6. Randall Museum
About the Museum
Families who love science, nature, and art are often in awe of the many related exhibits offered by the Randall Museum in San Francisco.
The museum has many interactive exhibits and features, including live animal exhibits, interactive nature displays, an onsite theater, and ceramic studios.
This is one of the best places to spend a hot summer afternoon or a snow day, as the museum is open year-round and currently has no admission fee.
Contact Information
Address: 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, California –
Phone: 415-554-9600
Website: https://Randallmuseum.org
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday
Fees
Free
#7. House of Air Trampoline Park
About the Park
Tired of your kids running around the house and jumping on the furniture when they are home from school during the summer break?
Take advantage of the energy-burning trampolines at the San Francisco House of Air Trampoline Park.
Besides offering a place to bounce on giant indoor trampolines, the House of Air also offers structured workout classes, dodgeball leagues, and special children’s programs.
This indoor trampoline park also has designated kid’s zones where your kids can relax and unwind and reduced rates on certain days.
Call or visit their website to learn more about reduced rates and special kid pricing.
Contact Information
Address: 926 Mason St, San Francisco, California – 94129
Phone: 415-345-9675
Website: https://houseofair.com
Hours: 1 pm – 6 pm Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 10 am – 6 pm Saturday-Sunday, Closed Tuesdays.
#8. Zeum Carousel
About the Carousel
The Leroy King Carousel (also known as the Zeum Carousel) is a hand-carved carousel located in the heart of the Yerba Buena Vista Gardens of San Francisco.
This carousel has a storied history that dates back to the early 1900s and still attracts thousands of local visitors and tourists today.
San Francisco families and visitors should note that this popular carousel has limited operating hours and is only open on weekends.
Contact Information
Address: 221 4th Street, San Francisco, California – 94103
Phone: 415-820-3320
Website: https://www.zeum.com
Hours: 11:30 am – 4:30 pm Saturday – Sunday
Fees
Adults: $5.00
Children: $5.00
Members: Discounted Rate
#9. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
About Six Flags
Six Flags theme parks are some of the most popular parks in the world.
Discovery Kingdom offers access to the latest and greatest thrill rides, roller coasters, and family-friendly rides that provide hours of fun for family members of all ages.
One of the best features of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the new subscription-based pricing model that makes it easier for families to afford.
You and your family can enjoy repeated trips to the Discovery Kingdom during its regular operating hours when you opt to purchase the Six Flags Plus experience pass for just $9.99 a month per person.
Learn more about the annual operating schedule, ticket pricing, and amenities by visiting the Six Flags Discovery website.
Contact Information
Address: 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, California – 94589
Phone: 707-644-400
Website: https://sixflags.com/discoverykingdom
Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Daily during the operating season; hours may vary.
Fees
Adults: $45.00
Children: $45.00
Six Flags Plus: $9.99 per month
#10. Bay Area Children’s Theatre
About the Theatre
Theatre lovers of all ages can enjoy visiting the Bay Area Children’s Theatre of San Francisco.
They offer live theater performances catering to younger audiences, including children, teens, and adults.
You and your child can immerse yourselves in a world of fun and fantasy when you visit the Bay Area Children’s Theatre for a live performance.
Visit their website to learn about the latest upcoming performances and special pricing information.
Contact Information
Address: 1420 Harrison Street, San Francisco, California – 94103
Phone: 415-580-1811
Website: https://bacthetre.org
Fees
Vary
San Francisco Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: San Francisco Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I buy tickets in advance to a kid-friendly attraction in San Francisco?
If you’re planning on visiting San Francisco’s kid-friendly attractions, the best way to purchase advance tickets is by visiting the venue’s website online.
Many San Francisco area attractions offer online ticket purchases to help you save time and money when planning your family outings.
Are there any kid-friendly attractions in San Francisco that offer free or reduced admissions?
Yes!
A few attractions in San Francisco offer free or reduced Admission for kids with families on certain days.
The Randall Museum and the Yerba Buena Gardens are two examples of local area attractions for families with kids that offer free and reduced Admissions.
San Francisco is a fantastic city for families with its wide range of kid-friendly activities and attractions.