Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids

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San Francisco is one of the best cities in California, and is definitely worth a trip to visit. And luckily, visiting San Francisco with kids is easy. There are so many fun things that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re passing through as a stop on a longer road trip, or you’re spending several days in the city, you’ll want to check out these fun things to do in San Francisco with kids. And, if you’re limited on time, check out this San Francisco one-day itinerary to make the most of your time.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

There are many different areas in San Francisco that you can stay in. When we visit San Francisco with kids, we love staying close to Fisherman’s Wharf because there are so many fun things we can easily walk to.

Choose from hotels in San Francisco’s most popular districts, close to the biggest attractions.

Fisherman’s Wharf: This area is popular with families due to its proximity to many popular attractions like Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay, and Ghirardelli Square. There are several hotels in this area that cater to families, such as the Argonaut Hotel or the Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf.

Union Square: Staying near Union Square puts you in the heart of the city. You’ll have easy access to shopping, dining, and public transportation. Hotels like the Westin St. Francis or the Grand Hyatt San Francisco are good options for families.

Embarcadero: This waterfront area offers beautiful views of the Bay Bridge and easy access to attractions like the Exploratorium and Ferry Building Marketplace. Consider staying at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco or the Omni San Francisco.

Presidio: If you’re looking for a quieter and more nature-filled experience, consider staying in the Presidio. The Lodge at the Presidio offers family-friendly accommodations in a historic setting. Enjoy easy access to hiking trails and attractions like the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Mission District: This vibrant neighborhood offers a diverse range of dining options and cultural experiences. Look for family-friendly boutique hotels or vacation rentals in the area.

Best Things to Do With Kids

1. Exploratorium: This hands-on science museum is both educational and entertaining for kids of all ages.
2. Golden Gate Park: This massive urban park offers endless opportunities for family fun. Visit the California Academy of Sciences, home to an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum.
3. Pier 39: Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is a bustling waterfront attraction with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Kids will love watching the sea lions sunbathe on the docks, riding the carousel, and visiting the Aquarium of the Bay.
4. Alcatraz Island: Take a ferry to this historic maximum-security penitentiary. There are several Alcatraz tours to pick from.
5. San Francisco Zoo: The San Francisco Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. Kids can see everything from lions and tigers to penguins and giraffes, and enjoy the zoo’s playgrounds and rides.
6. Bike The Bridge: We love renting bikes and taking them over the San Francisco Bay Bridge. You’ll have plenty of fun photo ops along the way.
7. Cable Car Ride: A ride on one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars is a must-do for visitors of all ages. Kids will love hanging onto the sides and feeling the wind in their hair as they travel up and down the city’s famous hills.
8. Children’s Creativity Museum: Located in Yerba Buena Gardens, the Children’s Creativity Museum offers hands-on exhibits and workshops focused on art, technology, and innovation.
9. Ghirardelli Square: When visiting San Francisco with kids, stopping by Ghirardelli Square for a sugary treat is a must.
10. Beach Day: San Francisco has several beaches perfect for a day of family fun. Ocean Beach offers wide expanses of sand for playing and flying kites, while Crissy Field has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and plenty of space for picnics and beach games.

Unique Things to do in San Francisco (or just outside)

Head to Yosemite: If you’re spending a significant amount of time in San Francisco, you might want to plan a day trip to Yosemite. And there are multiple Yosemite tours that depart from the city.

Ghost Tour: If your kids are up for it, doing a walking tour of the city and hearing tales about the spirits that haunt San Francisco is unique and fun way to explore this city. We’ve done these tours in other cities as well and they are so interesting and fun!

Final Thoughts

If you love your visit to San Francisco, you might want to consider a family vacation in Seattle next! Check out my list of the coolest hotels in Seattle.

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