San Francisco is one of those cities that just feels fun. Hills that double as playgrounds, trams that make every toddler squeal with joy, sea lions lazing in the sun, and science museums so good you’ll secretly enjoy them as much as your kids.
We spent a couple of days exploring with our two little ones, but honestly, you could spend a week here and still have more to do. Here’s our pick of the best kid-friendly things to do in San Francisco — plus a few that are still on our “next time” list.
Ride the Cable Cars
It wouldn’t be San Francisco without a cable car ride, would it? It’s such a simple thing but honestly one of the highlights for our kids. Hanging onto the poles as the city’s famous hills whizz by is pure joy — though maybe hold on tight if you’re doing the downhill sections!
There’s also a free Cable Car Museum where you can see how it all works. It’s surprisingly fascinating, and great if you need a breather between rides.
Hop on an Open-Top Bus Tour
Normally we’d skip the big sightseeing buses, but honestly, this was such an easy and fun way to see the city with kids. They loved sitting up top having a great view of everything around us. You can hop on and off at various stops — perfect if you don’t fancy tackling those hills on foot with a buggy.
Exploratorium
If you only do one museum in San Francisco with kids, make it this one. The Exploratorium is basically a massive, hands-on science playground where touching everything is not just allowed — it’s encouraged.
Our two were obsessed with the light and shadow exhibits (and the fog machine, obviously). You could easily spend half a day here — there’s so much to explore and it’s perfect for all ages. There’s a café on-site too, so you can refuel without leaving.
Tip: Go early if you can — it gets busy, especially on weekends.
California Academy of Sciences
Set inside Golden Gate Park, this is another one that ticks all the boxes. There’s an aquarium, a rainforest dome, a planetarium, and a “living roof” covered in grass and flowers. You’ll wander from watching penguins to gazing at stars — it’s brilliant for curious little minds.
It’s not cheap, but you can easily spend a few hours here. And when you’re done, Golden Gate Park itself has playgrounds, lakes, and endless space to run around (and maybe wear them out before bedtime…).
Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf
Yes, it’s touristy, but kids absolutely love it. The sea lions sunbathing on the docks are the stars of the show, but there’s loads more to explore — the Aquarium of the Bay, the retro arcade at Musée Mécanique, and Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, which is exactly as chaotic and hilarious as it sounds.
Grab a Ghirardelli hot chocolate, watch the street performers, and just soak up the buzz. If your kids have any energy left (ours didn’t), hop on a short bay cruise for views of the bridge and Alcatraz.
Walt Disney Family Museum
Set in the beautiful Presidio, this museum tells Walt Disney’s story — from early sketches to Disneyland itself. It’s fascinating for older kids and adults (and a great rainy-day option). There’s a café, gorgeous views of the bridge, and a few quieter corners if your little ones need a break.
The Parks & Playgrounds
San Francisco has some brilliant playgrounds — the kind that make you wish you were five again.
-
Koret Children’s Quarter in Golden Gate Park is a classic, complete with concrete slides and climbing structures.
-
Helen Diller Playground at Dolores Park is another favourite, with creative play areas and skyline views.
-
And if you’ve got older kids (or you’re a big kid yourself), don’t miss the Seward Street Slides — bring a bit of cardboard and get ready to race!
- Our favourite was The Outpost, a huge nature-inspired playground with slides built into the hills and lots of climbing areas — it’s ideal for toddlers right up to older kids. Pack a picnic, grab a coffee from the nearby café, and make an afternoon of it.
The Presidio & Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is even more impressive in real life than you’d imagine. You can walk or bike across (some rentals have trailers or seats for little ones), or just admire it from one of the many viewpoints in the Presidio.
We found Crissy Field perfect for kids — there’s sand to play in, space to run, and a view of the bridge that’s hard to beat. Bring snacks or grab something from the café by the beach and make an afternoon of it.
Chinatown & Beyond
Wander through Chinatown’s colourful streets, pop into the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, and let the kids watch cookies being folded by hand — they might even get to try one warm!
From there, you can stroll towards North Beach for Italian pastries, or climb up to Coit Tower for city views (and maybe spot the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill).
Take a Boat Trip Around the Bay
This was such a hit with all of us. We took a short cruise around San Francisco Bay — sailing past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge. The kids were in awe (and slightly windswept), and it was such a fun way to see the city from a different angle. You can book directly at Pier 39 — most trips last about an hour, which is perfect for little attention spans.
San Francisco is one of those cities that’s as fun for adults as it is for kids — it’s playful, walkable, and full of surprises around every corner. Whether you’re exploring its museums or chasing seagulls by the bay, it’s impossible not to fall a little bit in love with it.
Add comment
Comments