With Kids

May 25th 2012

(6 more)

For children, outer and inner :)

San Francisco can be a great city for children and families - it's fairly small, there are lots of physical and outdoor activities... and many SF adults have playful childlike tastes in fun :)

For outdoor activities with children, Golden Gate Park rules them all with great walking and biking, a phenomenal science museum, playgrounds (including an antique carousel►), many lakes, and at the western edge, a big beautiful beach! Crissy Field and Baker Beach are also great outdoor spots for kids... especially when the fog plays nice.

Other simple and cheap activities include taking a ferry across the bay to Sausalito, Tiburon or Angel Island (Alcatraz is considerably more expensive and often requires advance purchase). The Cable Cars are open air and fun, and the Cable Car Museum can be fun for kids (and free). In and around the Mission, an ice cream battle rages (?) between Bi-Rite Creamery, Humphrey Slocombe, and Smitten... among others :)

Museum-wise, the Exploratorium (across the street from Crissy Field) and Zeum successfully orient towards children. (Interestingly, the Walt Disney Family Museum does not especially).

Tagged for With Kids...

49ers
In Harbaugh we trust...

Following the boom-bust rollercoaster just like local tech workers and the original forty niners, coach Jim Harbaugh (who is from Palo Alto and coached Stanford previously) seems to be leading the niners out of the lean times, even if they haven't returned to the golden era► of Montana, Rice, Lott, Young, Walsh, et al :) (see more)

826Valencia
Arrrrrrrrgh

If you have a funny bone, hook or patch, visit one of the city's hidden gems! (see more)

Alamo Square
Relaxation, now with stunning views...

Alamo Square's elevated and central location makes for a pleasant park - great for picnicking or just relaxing after a long day. Unless the day happens to be the 3rd Sunday of May when Alamo Square's top-of-Hayes-hill becomes a madhouse of spectators, participants and those doing a bit of both in Bay to Breakers :) (see more)

Alcatraz
Commune with the inner Capone

Notorious beyond it's size and penitential impact (Alcatraz was only a prison for 19 years►), "The Rock" is an exciting afternoon - especially on a nice day. The complex is nicely restored with lots of information and many photographs. The "prison yard" has phenomenal views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. (see more)

Alta Plaza Park
Playground with a view

Sitting on the highest peak of Pacific Heights, Alta Plaza Park (literally "high place") provides some views to the north (the bay) and amazing ones to south... and there is not a playground in SF with a better view. (see more)

Angel Island
Escape from Alcatraz

Alcatraz's bigger and less-developed sibling, Angel Island provides unbelievable views on 14 miles of trails - truly a hidden gem! Hiking and biking are recommended, and for those with sea legs kayaking! Tram and a Segway tours are also available. Camping is an unforgettable experience, but fills up quickly - the group sites are regularly booked a year in advance. (see more)

Aquarium of the Bay
Jellyfish, giant Sea Bass, sharks, oh my!

Devoted to the stunning aquatic life of the San Francisco Bay, the aquarium sparks the imagination to the watery world below! (see more)

Baker Beach
Most scenic beach in SF

Burning Man's original resting place (and now Balsa Man), Baker Beach delightfully boggles urban expectations! (see more)

Ballet
Beyond belief

The first professional ballet company in the United States, San Francisco Ballet is possibly the most highly regarded performance group in the area. (see more)

BATS Improv
Keepin' it real...

With every performance 100% plan-free (much less practice!) and imbibed with audience input (and sometimes on-stage participation) - BATS amuses, inspires and, occasionally... falls totally flat :) (see more)

Bay Model
How does the bay model model itself?

The US Army Corp of Engineers created the Bay Model in 1958 to understand the effects of new structures built in or by the bay. The meticulously constructed scale model of the bay area (complete with tides!) is more than 1.5 acres itself and spans from the Pacific to Stockton and Sacramento. (see more)

Berkeley
Berzerkeley

Voted a "nuclear free zone" in 1986, the rest of us can breathe a little easier while in Berkeley! (see more)

Bernal Hill
Elevate!

With a 360° views and a warmer-than-average reputation, Bernal puts the urban lowlands in their place :) (see more)

Bi-Rite Creamery
Just say yes!

Catty corner to Dolores Park and as-of-yet untouched by the DEA, this Mission "homemade ice cream" hot-spot often sports a line out the door. There are no reports of un-delicious► ice creams, but it's advisable to sample a few flavors before ordering... just to be safe :) (see more)

Blue & Gold Ferries
SF's most exciting public transporation..

A ferry trip provides an easy and cheap way to enjoy the exciting geography of the bay - not to mention, transportation :) (see more)

Botanical Garden
All your flora are belong to us

A tranquil 55 acres inhabited by 7500 hundred plants, the garden► delights plant nerds, walkers and picnickers - especially on warm days! (see more)

Buena Vista Park
"Good views" :)

One of SF's larger neighborhood parks, BVP mixes a large tree canopy and numerous trails with 360° views. Connecting the Haight and Castro neighborhoods - the park vibes seedier than nearby Corona Heights or further away Kite Hill, although typically less so than the Panhandle and the east side of Golden Gate. (see more)

Cable Car Museum
Steampunker's Delight

Those interested in the mechanics and history of the Cable Cars will not be disappointed! (see more)

Cable Cars
Walk Like a Victorian

Originally invented to spare horses dying (literally!) on the steep hills of San Francisco, the city's now-iconic transportation► is worth a ride if it's easy - waiting for an hour or more makes the decision harder. (see more)

Cal Academy of Sciences
Stunning aquarium and rainforest

San Francisco's most freshly baked (err.. renovated) museum delights with large aquariums, African dioramas, a rainforest, and planetarium all wrapped in a wondrously uber-modern grass covered "living roof"► with skylights. (see more)

Cantor Arts Center
Gallop over

Tucked away on the Stanford campus, Cantor Arts Center is sometimes overlooked on the local museum circuit. The third largest collection of Rodin sculptures► anchors the permanent collection. And it's all free... always! (see more)

Cartoon Art Museum
Kapow!

A small colorful action-packed exhibit, the Cartoon Art Museum consistently surpasses expectations. Check the website for exhibits and events... including cartooning classes! (see more)

Castro Theater
Delightful theater, excellent films

An organist plays the pipes► before most shows at this Spanish Colonial theater. Most runs are classic or independent films. (see more)

Cavallo Point
Perfect Spot for a Post-Headlands Drink or Three

Providing stunning city views, spooky military ruins (which you're "not supposed to" explore), fishing, and one of the better frisbee/picnicking fields you'll find - Cavallo Point delights. (see more)

Children's Creativity Museum
More m than moma

With hands-on animation►, sound and video production►, performance, and visual art - the Children's Creativity Museum (formerly Zeum) spins creative. (see more)

China Beach
Between a rock and a gorgeous view

Baker Beach's smaller and more secluded sibling provides a cozy scene with fewer dogs (not technically allowed) and a big storm wall! The beach is supposedly named for Chinese fishermen who used to camp there during the early years of the city. (see more)

Chinatown
More China than town

The oldest Chinatown in North America, the largest Chinese population outside Asia - and a bold break from the foggy pastels of San Francisco... epitomized by the colorful Chinese New Years parade► (see more)

Coit Tower
A visual stimulator

The namesake tower gets the attention - but the hike and the views► are the main attraction! (see more)

Conservatory of Flowers
Living Victoriana

Located just inside Golden Gate Park from the Panhandle, the oldest surviving flower conservatory in the western hemisphere (1878) and consists of 25 tons of glass - and after a 2003 restoration, it seems likely to hold the title for a while longer yet :) (see more)

Corona Heights Park
Iron in them thar hills!

Sometimes forgotten but rarely regretted (!) Corona Heights Park offers hiking (short but exciting!), great views, picnicking, basketball, tennis, a playground and a museum on and around dramatic red rock formations. (see more)

Crissy Field
The bay, up close and personal :)

After serving as a landing site of early explorers, hosting the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and serving as a airfield for the army, Crissy field now offers visitors a great escape urban San Francisco and enjoy the bay's natural beauty. Approximately a 4 mile (round trip) walk from the Palace of Fine Arts to the Golden Gate Bridge. (see more)

Dolores Park
Sunny center of outdoor activitiy

Covering two city blocks on the Castro side of the Mission district, Dolores Park has more visitors per square foot than any park in the city. Tennis and basketball courts, pickup soccer, a children's playground (currently under re-construction), dogs aplenty, and expansive skyline views combine for a magically relaxing afternoon. It is delightful (and relatively safe) after dark as well. Bike polo is on (at least temporary) hiatus pending a political battle with the tennis players. (see more)

Embarcadero
No hills!

Running along the bay from AT&T Park up to Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero provides a break from the city's steep inclinations. As such, it's widely enjoyed by locals and visitors on foot, bicycle, skateboard, rollerskate, etc... although traffic can be an issue both on the sidewalk and off. (see more)

Exploratorium
All hands on... everything!

The most hands-on► museum experience in SF (anywhere?!), the Exploratorium offers a great visit for everyone. For children and the scientifically curious, the museum is a must-see! More than one family has been saved by this rainy day adventure :) (see more)

Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco's Archetype of Itself

San Francisco's biggest tourist destination is visually stunning, entertaining, and offers a starting point for a variety of activities: bay tours/ferries (including Alcatraz), Cable Cars, Ghirardelli's chocolate, a variety of seafood, and one of the nation's best Maritime Museums (including the USS Pampanito submarine). (see more)

Fort Funston
Fort fun

The unofficial recreation wing of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (run by the National Park Service), Fort Funston provides a world renowned hang gliding► hot spot, the city's largest and best off-leash area for dogs and a network of beautiful trails and beaches. (see more)

Fortune Cookie Factory
Making fortunes, one cookie at a time

Feeling lucky? (see more)

Giants
Home of the Giants

As the only major sports team playing in urban San Francisco, the Giants enjoy special support among locals. AT&T park (its 3rd name since opening in 2000 when the Giants left the now 49ers-only Candlestick Park) is a relatively small open-air stadium providing nice views of the bay and not much protection from the wind. (see more)

Glide Memorial Church
Salvation through music

A heavyhitter in San Francisco's progressive political arena - Glide builds on a foundation of gospel singing►! (see more)

Golden Gate Bridge
Icon of the Golden Gate

The Golden Gate Bridge is not to be missed! It's best up close and personal. The bridge is a bit less than 2 miles across - an excellent hike or bike ride. Be sure to wear warm clothes, as it is often windy and/or cold►. (see more)

Golden Gate Park
Soul of SF

Home to two major museums - the Cal Academy of Science (which publishes a free app/guide specifically to the park) and de Young museums - a Japanese tea garden, a flower conservatory, a herd of bison, numerous lakes, a polo stadium, an early 1900's carousel, windmills, a Sunday roller disco, massive festivals and countless characters visiting on a daily basis - Golden Gate Park surprises with regularity! (see more)

Grace Cathedral
Holy Cathedral, Batman! Gothic is bigger than you

Nob Hill's heavyweight hood ornament is a must-visit for those intrigued by cathedrals and architecture. In addition to stunning stained glass, there are two meditation labyrinths► (outside and in), and three massive organs. (see more)

Huntington Park
Centerpiece of Nob Hill

Surrounded by Nob Hill heavyweights (Grace Cathedral, Mark Hopkins, Flood Mansion, et al), Huntington Park vibes light with a children's playground, many dogs, great views, a well-kept garden, fountain ("Fountain of the Tortoises"), etc. (see more)

In-n-Out Burger
A taste of Southern California

While relatively new in San Francisco, In-n-Out has a long history► (by California standards) in Southern California and its simple menu, low prices, no advertising and purportedly healthy ingredients combine to generate fiercely loyal cult-members... err, customers :) (see more)

Japanese Tea Garden
Feeling lucky?

The oldest public Japanese garden in the country, this Golden Gate park gem is a great place to walk, check out the koi, structures, statues.. or have a cup of tea :) (see more)

Japantown
A very little bit of Japan in SF

The largest and oldest Japantown in the United States. With excellent sushi restaurants, a Japanese mall, a supermarket, and the delightful Kabuki Springs & Spa and more packed into about six blocks "J-Town" makes a great visit. It adjoins the Fillmore District, Pacific Heights, Western Addition, and annually hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival. (see more)

Lake Merced
San Francisco's fresh-water stepchild

In a city surrounded by ocean, the largest fresh-water body of water in San Francisco is sometimes forgotten. Lake Merced provides unique fishing (permits req'd), picnicking, bicycling, walking and running opportunities. (see more)

Lands End
Best hike in San Francisco - easy!

Beautiful hikes up to 5 miles can be started at the Sutro Baths parking lot (also accessible from the Muni 38 Geary line) and continued until it's time to turn around. The Legion of Honor and golf course sit at the end of the trail. For those willing to walk through Seacliff, Baker Beach and the Presidio are relatively accessible and offer similarly beautiful outdoor recreation. (see more)

Lombard Street
Get your wiggle on

Iconic of San Francisco, the Lombard street hairpins are a quick hit of fun. If the weather is bad, or the location inconvenient - feel free to skip it. It's relatively close to the Maritime Museum and Aquatic park. (see more)

Maker Faire
Do. It. Yourself.

Organized by "Make:technology on your time" magazine and advertising itself as "The World's Largest DIY Festival", the faire is worth a visit for anyone who loves to make things or is inspired by the creative works► of others. (see more)

Marin Headlands
A little gift from God

The Marin headlands offer a unforgettable (and convenient!) experience with the rugged California coast. On a clear day, San Francisco is on full display and the temperature is reliably higher on the north side of the bay. Many stunning Golden Gate Bridge photos are shot from the headlands. (see more)

Maritime Museum
Lifeblood of early San Francisco

With one of the world's best natural ports, San Francisco owes much of its prominence to oceanic travel and Maritime Museum is a great visit for history and maritime buffs. The Balclutha►, a tall sailing ship from 1886, is the crown jewel of the bunch (7 total). The USS Pampanito submarine/museum is run by the same organization, but a few blocks away on Pier 45. (see more)

Metreon
All your Metreon are belong to us

Like a mall, without many stores - the Metreon does have a 15 screen movie theater (including the largest IMAX screen in the world), a video arcade, a food court and a smattering of other stores and attractions. (see more)

Mission Dolores
The original missionary position

The oldest building in San Francisco, Mission Dolores de Asis still holds mass and provides visitors► a window into the native Ohlone culture (at least, the end of it), and Spanish colonization of San Francisco, with still-working bells►. (see more)

Mission Murals
Wild and free

The Mission Murals are an oft-overlooked artistic treasure of San Francisco. The Mission's regularly warm weather can combine for a great afternoon of mural appreciation. (see more)

Mission Pie
Sweet, savory, or one of each (!)

An urban offshoot of Pie Ranch in Pescadero, Mission Pie's commitment to sustainability, local produce and community involvement roots in SF's social entrepreneurship camp. (see more)

Mt Tamalpais
Top of the Bay Area

Sprawled between Stinson Beach and Mill Valley, Mt Tamalpais (translating literally as "Tamale Country") offers phenomenal views and great hikes! No tamales, unfortunately. Hiking and Biking - road and mountain - are the preferred modes of transport (the "Crookedest Railroad in the World►" ceased operation in 1930). (see more)

Muir Woods
Old growth redwoods

"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world" John Muir (see more)

Musée Mécanique
Before Pac-Man ate dots...

The self-proclaimed largest private collection of (working!) mechanical arcade games and instruments in the world - the Musée Mécanique traces the marriage of technology and entertainment long before the birth of computers. The digital arcade (with 30+ year old video consoles) in the back juxtaposes nicely as well. (see more)

Nob Hill
Great views, rich history + exercise :)

World renowned from it's wealthy history originally flowing from Gold Rush, Comstock Lode and Transcontinental Railroad, Nob Hill provides great views with a dose of perspiration :) (see more)

North Beach
No beach - but a great party!

The aroma of Italy still wafts through this old quartiere... now infused with teams of hard partying "youngsters" :) (see more)

Oakland Museum of California
Going back to Cali

Renovated► and re-opened as of May 1, 2010! (see more)

Ocean Beach
The big chill...

As San Francisco's largest and most relaxed beach, Ocean Beach is a delightful break from urbanity. Even on the warmest days, there is plenty of room to throw down a towel (or t-shirt) and soak up some California rays and play in the surf►. It's advisable to bring wind protection and a warm layer, just in case :) (see more)

Outdoors

Combining an exciting seismically-carved geographic and a relatively mild ocean-moderated climate San Francisco, and the surrounding areas offer some phenomenal ways to enjoy the outdoors - walking and bicycling are great roof-free ways to get around town :) (see more)

Palace of Fine Arts
A little bit of Rome in SF

Originally built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts today houses the Exploratorium and a theater. (see more)

Panhandle
Not just for panhandlers...

A halfway house between urban San Francisco and the Golden Gate Park, this long (3/4 mile) narrow (1 block) strip of park divides the Haight and the Western Addition ("NOPA" if you're a real estate agent). (see more)

People's Park
Not enough people in your life?

An urban artifact of the 1960's counter-culture movement, People's Park is used daily by the homeless (no camping) and basketballers. (see more)

Point Reyes
Long live the Reyes

Tracing the über-linear Tomales Bay (owing to the San Andreas Fault - cause of the 1906 Earthquake), Point Reyes National Seashore provides a wealth of opportunity for humans and other animals - including birds, deer, elk, seals, and seasonally, whales :) (see more)

Presidio
Military preservation

With stunning views over an area 40 percent larger than Golden Gate Park, the Presidio is sometimes overlooked for outdoor adventures. An army base from 1776 (by the Spaniards, the same year as the Mission Dolores) to 1994, and now operated by the National Park Service, the area is not especially developed for recreation, but provides it nonetheless. (see more)

Red's Java House
Simple building, simple pleasures

In the shadow of modernity and the Bay Bridge, Red's Java House serves cheap burgers on the bay and enjoys an avid following among Downtown refugees. (see more)

Rodeo Beach
Popular for good reason

A delightful finish to the Marin Headlands loop, Rodeo Beach is a popular and accessible beach just a short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge (the fast and furious can hike there from the bridge). (see more)

Sausalito
Take a break from the clouds

Sunny to San Francisco's cloudy Sausalito sits just across the Golden Gate Bridge, and offers a host of eateries and art galleries - in addition to ferry service, kayak rental and great bicycling in the surrounding areas. The Cavallo Point bar & restaurant offer top-notch edibles, at a price :) (see more)

Sea Trek Kayaking
Bay imitates bath

With the best natural bay in the world, San Francisco has a rich maritime history, and getting out on the water is one of the most exciting ways to explore the area :) (see more)

Smitten Ice Cream
Prepare for smiting!

The robotic "Kelvin" pushes gourmet ice cream to new heights by spinning fresh local ingredients (eg, TCHO chocolate) at sub-zero (liquid nitrogen) temperatures! (see more)

Speedway Meadow
Grand Central

Speedway Meadow in the middle of Golden Gate Park is probably the most popular picnic spot in the city. The location is far enough out for the coastal Fog to have a larger-than-Dolores impact, but the spacious meadow and surrounding areas (eg, adjoining Stow Lake) offer a lot of outdoor activities. (see more)

Starr King Open Space
Putting the hill in Potrero

Expansive city and bay views delight human visitors while the four-legged critters sniff out a vibrant social life - Starr King Open Space enjoys substantial popularity among both humans and dogs and regularly provides great sunset watching. (see more)

Stern Grove Festival
Not as stern as it sounds

The longest running free concert in the United States, the festival is a great way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon. There are a lot of other folks who think so too, and arriving early is the name of the game for getting good seats. (see more)

Stinson Beach
Beautiful Marin

This sandy peninsula of Marin merriment combines nicely with trips to nearby Bolinas, Muir Woods and Mt Tamalpais - with Point Reyes only a bit further. (see more)

Stow Lake

The largest of Golden Gate Park's man-made lakes, Stow is a hub of activity including hiking, bicycling and, formerly, boating. The boathouse rentals (boat and bike) are currently closed, and catalyst of an ongoing battle. (see more)

Sutro Baths
Victorian communal bathing

The largest indoor swimming complex at its opening in 1896, the baths burned down in 1966 generating accusations of insurance-related arson at the time, and much reminiscing► since then. (see more)

Symphony
Amazing music, hall

Conducted by the talented Michael Tilson Thomas in the eye-popping Davies Symphony Hall, the symphony delights►! (see more)

Tennessee Valley
Tennessee + a beautiful beach

Insulated by a 2 mile hike from the end of Tennessee Valley Road, the beach is a more secluded version of Rodeo Beach in the eye-popping Marin tradition. (see more)

Tiburon
Spanish for shark :)

Easily accessible by ferry, and a short ride from Angel Island - picturesque Tiburon provides a warm suburban break from SF! (see more)

Tourist Club
Beer drinkers unite

Nestled in the woods with views of Mt Tamalpais, delicious brews, and nose-waking barbecues, the Tourist Club (also known as the "German Tourist Club") provides delightfully transporting afternoons! (see more)

Toy Boat Dessert Café
Tired of adulthood?

Serving local "Double Rainbow" ice cream and a variety of other desserts (plus beverages, bagels and sandwiches) in a playful ice cream parlor atmosphere, Toy Boat delights! (see more)

Treasure Island
The elusive treasure island...

An island with eyepopping views, 5 wineries (the grapes are imported) and only 2 places to eat can't be all bad? :) (see more)

Twin Peaks
Not just an old TV show...

When the weather is clear, Twin Peaks pops eyeballs - especially around dusk (or sunrise►?). When it's cold, wet, windy, and/or foggy, TP is more of a survival adventure challenge :) (see more)

UC Berkeley
Go Bears!

Consistently ranked the number one public university in the country, Cal may be best known for it's historical role in the free-speech and antiwar movements both spearheading and defining the 1960s. (see more)

University of San Francisco
Schoolgirls for Jesus

Elevated and prominently visible, San Francisco's first university makes a clean break from the Western Addition. (see more)

USS Pampanito
More fun than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick?

If being in the middle of the ocean, in the middle of a war, under water, in overheated cramped quarters floats your boat - definitely check out the USS Pampanito! (see more)

Walt Disney Family Museum
A History of Magic in the Kingdom

A must-visit for anyone inspired by the history of animation and/or Disney, the museum showcases an astounding collection of artifacts and exhibits. (see more)

Wells Fargo History Museum
Back when banking was cool... or at least colorful

Located inside Wells Fargo's first office, this museum-within-a-bank maintains the best collection of California gold rush artifacts in the city. (see more)

Yerba Buena Gardens
Some pretty good yerba

Before San Francisco became "San Francisco" it was called "Yerba Buena" - Spanish for "good herb". (see more)

Yosemite
Gifts from God(s)

Amazing mountains, waterfalls, lakes, wildlife►! (see more)

Zoo
Critter connections

Peacocks► roam, koalas► sleep, tigers kill, and children run around and scream... it's a zoo out there :) (see more)

San Francisco Adventure

With Kids