San Francisco is a great city to visit with kids of all ages. There is tons for everyone to see and do. Here are our top 5 along with our top tips to make sure everyone has an enjoyable trip.
Top 5 Things to Do with Kids
1) Head down to Fisherman’s Wharf. The sea lions at Pier 39 are hugely entertaining. They are continually coming and going, pushing each other off rafts, arguing, jostling, making lots of noise and generally being sea lions. They are also free, that best of prices. There is loads of other entertainment, street theatre and lots going on. Further along the waterfront at Hyde Street Pier, there are loads of boats to look at. Fisherman’s Wharf is also where the boats leave for Alcatraz which is a great trip for older children.
Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
2) If you looking for inside entertainment, you can’t go wrong with the Exploratorium . This is a really cool, highly interactive science museum, with the emphasis on the interactive, rather than the museum. Good for toddlers upwards.
3) There is loads for kids to do at the Golden Gate Park . Please note, this is not the green space immediately adjacent to the Bridge, but is a vast park most of 4 miles to the South. There is tons to do here with all manner of different gardens, a fabulous children’s play area and even a buffalo paddock. Your best bet for getting to the Park is to either catch a cab or use the Muni (municipal railway). Their website is the best resource for planning your journey, or your hotel can advise.
4) The Golden Gate Park is also home to the California Academy of Sciences, which is another great rainy day option. There is an aquarium, planetarium and a natural history museum here so there should be something to please everyone.
5) If you need to let off some steam and get away from the city for a few hours, you can’t go wrong with catching a boat out to Angel Island. Pick up a picnic before you go and spend the day on the beach, hiking, kayaking, doing a Segway, tram or diggler (? no, me neither, looks like a cross between a moped, a bike and a scooter) tour.
Top 5 Tips
1) San Francisco is very walkable but the streets are steep. If you have a child in a buggy this may result in more of a workout than you would like! A baby sling
2) Take layers out for everyone, every day, even if the sun is shining when you set out. If the fog comes in it can get chilly very quickly! Waterproofs are also a great idea.
3) If you are in the city for a while and intend on visiting several attractions, the San Francisco City Pass can be a good way of saving money.
4) It is a good idea to carry a stock of change with you. The public loos at Pier 309, Market and Powell and Castro and Market are all the payable type.
5) If you have forgotten, lost or mislaid any item of kids related paraphernalia, a good place to head for is Target. There is a store downtown at 789 Mission Street.