San Francisco works well for families. Many of its best experiences are physical: riding things, climbing things, pressing buttons and watching animals.

Top picks

  • The Exploratorium: hundreds of hands-on science exhibits. Children of every age, and adults, lose track of time.
  • The California Academy of Sciences: an aquarium, penguins, a rainforest dome and a planetarium under one roof.
  • Cable cars: ride inside with small children; older ones love the running boards.
  • Pier 39 sea lions and the carousel.
  • The Musée Mécanique at Fisherman's Wharf: antique arcade games for a coin each.
  • A ferry ride across the bay to Sausalito or past Alcatraz.
  • Golden Gate Park: the large children's playground with its old carousel, Stow Lake's pedal boats and the bison.
  • Presidio Tunnel Tops: a big nature play area with views over the bay.

Planning tips

Group sights by area to avoid long trips across town. Build in a park after every museum. Strollers and steep hills do not mix: plan routes along the flat waterfront or use transit for the climbs. Children under a certain age ride Muni free; check current rules. The weather changes quickly, so carry a warm layer for each child.

For family travel in general, see city trips with children.

A family day plan

  1. Morning: a cable car ride from Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf.
  2. Mid-morning: the sea lions at Pier 39 and the carousel.
  3. Lunch: chowder or sandwiches on the waterfront.
  4. Afternoon: the Exploratorium on Pier 15, a walk along the Embarcadero.
  5. Late afternoon: the playground at the Ferry Building plaza or Tunnel Tops.

Rainy-day ideas

  • The California Academy of Sciences.
  • The Exploratorium.
  • The Musée Mécanique.
  • The Aquarium of the Bay.
  • The Children's Creativity Museum near Yerba Buena Gardens, for younger children.

Outdoor ideas

  • Rent bikes along the flat waterfront or in Golden Gate Park.
  • Paddle a pedal boat on Stow Lake.
  • Run on the sand at Crissy Field, with the bridge in view.
  • Climb to the top of the Seward Street slides in the Castro: concrete slides on a hillside (bring cardboard).
  • Hunt for the sea lions, seals and pelicans along the bay.

Where to stay with children

Fisherman's Wharf and the Marina are popular with families for space, quiet nights and easy access to the waterfront. See where to stay in San Francisco.

Frequently asked questions

Are cable cars safe for children?

Yes, seated inside. Older children can stand on the running boards with an adult.

Is the Golden Gate Bridge walk too far for children?

Walk out to the first tower and back, about a mile in total, rather than all the way across.

Is Alcatraz suitable for children?

Most children over about eight find it fascinating; some younger ones find it frightening or tiring.