Living in any city with a family poses the challenge of finding fun, interactive, and affordable options for entertainment. Luckily the City by the Bay has plenty. Whether you’re moving to San Francisco or already call yourself a local, there are plenty of choices for daytime fun in the city. Here are our picks of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids.
1. Children’s Creativity Museum
Located in Yerba Buena Gardens and featuring hands-on activities for the kids, this museum is the perfect place to spend a cold, foggy day in the city. Head to the museum’s Imagination Lab and let your kids create in the hands-on studio environment; or, spend some time in the Music Studio where you and your kids can karaoke in front of a green screen. Make sure you stop by the carousel located just outside and take a quick spin on one of America’s best carousels before heading home.
2. Crissy Field
Crissy Field is the perfect daytime destination for families. Offering scenic views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, this 130-acre grassy field is ideal for children to play outdoor games and for your dogs to roam around. Your family can also rent bikes and follow the paths around Crissy Field that will lead you to a variety of secluded areas along the beach. It’s located right along the water, so you’ll get to enjoy nice views of the Bay, as well. Before heading to the Presidio, stop by Marina Submarine and pick up some delicious sandwiches for a picnic.
3. Seward Street Slides
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood near the Castro, the Seward Street Slides may be one of the city’s greatest hidden gems. It isn’t the collection of native plants in Seward Mini Park that brings locals to this community garden. Instead, the main attraction of this place is its two long concrete slides. Grab a few pieces of cardboard and race your kids down these slides because this afternoon activity is enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s free, fun, and outdoors, and you can’t beat that on a sunny San Francisco day.
4. Off the Grid
Does your family ever struggle to agree on what to order for dinner? Whether you’re in the mood for Vietnamese, Mexican, or Italian food, Off the Grid has it all. Check out the different locations throughout the city where live music and more than 30 incredible food trucks are waiting for you and your family. Your kids will also enjoy playing outdoor games like skee-ball and tic tac toe with other San Francisco locals. Head to the Presidio on Sundays from 11am-4pm and you’ll get a chance to enjoy all of this and more. It’s the perfect family environment that is sure to become a new weekly routine.
5. San Francisco Zoo
Open 365 days a year, the San Francisco Zoo is a great option for low-cost family fun. This 100-acre zoo is home to over 2,000 exotic and endangered animals, and offers its guests fun rides, educational programs and a petting zoo ideal for toddlers. The zoo also features multiple gardens, where plants from all over the world–and California native ones–are grown. And in case you aren’t ready to cut the day short, the SF Zoo is conveniently located only one block away from Ocean Beach so your family can enjoy some fun in the sun!
6. The Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a museum that has perfected the intertwining of art, science, and discovery. With over 400 educational exhibits catered towards kids, your children will find learning fun and interactive by exploring exhibits such as the optical illusions gallery and the cow’s eye dissection. Its new location on Pier 15 means you’ll also get to enjoy sweeping views of the water and Bay Bridge while your kids discover the joy of science and art. There’s also a restaurant and cafe on-site, a gift shop filled with unique and educational gadgets, and outdoor exhibits.
San Francisco offers its residents ample opportunities for playing in the park, exploring in museums, and relaxing with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get settled into your new San Francisco apartment and head to some of these city gems with your kids.
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