Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, educational fun, or just a memorable day with the kids, these best family activities in San Francisco that promise something for everyone. From iconic landmarks to interactive museums, this list highlights the best family activities in San Francisco. Add these destinations to your itinerary and discover just how many fun things to do in San Francisco with kids await your next family adventure.
1. Explore the Exploratorium
One of the absolute best family activities in San Francisco is visiting the Exploratorium. Located along the Embarcadero, this museum of science, art, and human perception is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. With over 650 hands-on exhibits, your kids will be fully immersed in the wonders of physics, biology, and technology. It encourages curiosity and creative thinking, making learning a joyful experience.
The Exploratorium is designed for all ages, so parents will also find themselves intrigued and entertained. Kids can create fog rings, experiment with magnets, and even build circuits. The museum is spacious, and the exhibits are well spread out, making it easier for families with younger children to navigate. If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Francisco with kids, this should be at the top of your list.
Located at Pier 15, it also offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. After your visit, take a walk along the waterfront or enjoy a snack from nearby vendors. A visit to the Exploratorium combines education and play, truly one of the most enriching things to do in San Francisco as a family.
2. Ride a Cable Car and Visit Lombard Street
For a classic San Francisco experience, hop on one of the city’s iconic cable cars. It’s more than just a mode of transportation—it’s an adventure. Riding up and down the city’s hilly streets offers kids a thrilling ride, and adults a nostalgic journey. The Powell-Hyde line is especially scenic and drops you off near another family favorite: Lombard Street.
Lombard Street, known as “the crookedest street in the world,” is a winding road with eight hairpin turns framed by beautiful gardens and classic San Francisco homes. Walking or driving down this street is one of the best family activities in San Francisco because it’s both fun and uniquely picturesque. Kids will enjoy watching the cars navigate the curves, and it’s a great photo opportunity for the whole family.
Don’t forget to stop at the top to admire the sweeping views of the city and the bay. The combination of riding a cable car and exploring Lombard Street is a perfect way to immerse your family in the charm of the city and enjoy some truly fun things to do in San Francisco with kids.
3. Visit the California Academy of Sciences
Nestled in the heart of Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is a must-visit destination for families. It’s one of the most innovative and engaging natural history museums in the world. With its planetarium, rainforest dome, aquarium, and natural history exhibits, it offers something for everyone.
The four-story rainforest is a huge hit with children. They can walk through a tropical environment filled with butterflies, birds, and exotic plants. The aquarium below features a mesmerizing coral reef and deep-sea creatures. Don’t miss the chance to meet Claude, the albino alligator, a favorite among young visitors. This museum is not only educational but also highly interactive, making it one of the best family activities in San Francisco.
As part of your things to do in San Francisco itinerary, this spot ensures hours of fun and learning. With a cafe and picnic areas nearby, it’s easy to spend a whole day here. For fun things to do in San Francisco with kids, few places offer the variety and immersive experiences found at the California Academy of Sciences.
4. Discover Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering a variety of fun things to do in San Francisco with kids. Spanning over 1,000 acres, it’s home to playgrounds, lakes, gardens, and several family-friendly attractions. Whether your family loves biking, boating, or simply enjoying nature, this park has it all.
Head over to the Koret Children’s Quarter, one of the oldest public playgrounds in the country, recently renovated with modern equipment and a giant concrete slide. Families can rent bikes or pedal boats for a more active adventure. The park also features the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, where kids can explore winding paths and koi ponds.
With so many things to do in San Francisco, Golden Gate Park stands out as a place where families can both relax and explore. Pack a picnic or enjoy a treat from a food truck. It’s one of the best family activities in San Francisco because of its versatility and natural beauty.
5. Explore the San Francisco Zoo
A trip to the San Francisco Zoo is a guaranteed hit with kids. Spanning 100 acres, this zoo is home to over 1,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals. Families can enjoy close-up encounters with creatures from around the globe, including big cats, penguins, and lemurs.
The zoo also features a children’s zoo area with petting barns and interactive exhibits. There’s even a mini train and a carousel to add to the fun. For parents, the scenic landscaping and informative signage make it an enjoyable and educational experience.
As one of the top best family activities in San Francisco, the zoo provides a full day of entertainment. It’s located near the Pacific Ocean, so you can combine your zoo visit with a walk along Ocean Beach. If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco that offer both fun and learning, the zoo is an ideal choice.
6. Take a Ferry to Alcatraz Island
While it may not seem like a traditional family outing, a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island is one of the most intriguing things to do in San Francisco. Older children and teens will be fascinated by the stories of the island’s infamous prison, while the boat ride itself offers exciting views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline.
Alcatraz tours include an engaging audio guide that tells the stories of former inmates and guards. Walking through the old cell blocks and learning about prison life is surprisingly captivating for curious young minds. It’s a great way to introduce children to American history in an interactive setting.
This trip combines sightseeing, education, and a bit of adventure, making it one of the best family activities in San Francisco. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as this popular attraction often sells out.
7. Enjoy Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf
Pier 39 is a lively waterfront destination that’s brimming with family-friendly entertainment. From street performers and musicians to arcades and interactive exhibits, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in San Francisco with kids here. One of the main attractions is the sea lions lounging on the docks—they’re loud, amusing, and endlessly entertaining.
Families can also enjoy the Aquarium of the Bay, which features walk-through tunnels filled with sharks and stingrays. There’s also a two-level carousel, mirror maze, and plenty of shops and eateries offering delicious seafood and sweet treats. Don’t miss the 7D Experience, a combination of a motion ride and interactive shooting game.
Pier 39 is a highlight of the best family activities in San Francisco thanks to its diverse offerings and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a place where kids can run around and explore, while adults soak in the views and savor the local flavors.
8. Visit the Children’s Creativity Museum
Located in Yerba Buena Gardens, the Children’s Creativity Museum is a hands-on, multimedia arts and technology experience designed specifically for young minds. With exhibits that allow children to create stop-motion animation, build robots, and compose music, it’s the perfect place for sparking imagination.
This museum emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and creativity. It’s especially suited for children ages 2 to 12. Families can explore the Imagination Lab, Tech Lab, and Animation Studio, all designed to offer interactive and educational experiences. Staff members are always available to guide activities and encourage kids to explore.
If you’re seeking best family activities in San Francisco that focus on creativity and STEAM education, this museum is a fantastic option. It’s also located near a playground, an ice skating rink, and a carousel, making it a hub of fun things to do in San Francisco with kids.
9. Walk or Bike the Golden Gate Bridge
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a walk or bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. This iconic structure offers breathtaking views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. For families with older kids, biking the bridge can be both exhilarating and memorable.
Bike rentals are available nearby, and you can choose to ride all the way to Sausalito and take a ferry back. It’s a great way to combine physical activity with sightseeing. Even a simple walk partway across the bridge offers incredible photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the engineering marvel up close.
This experience is one of the classic things to do in San Francisco, and a favorite among families. It may not be the most traditional activity for younger children, but for school-aged kids and teens, it’s one of the best family activities in San Francisco.
10. Relax at Crissy Field
Crissy Field is a beautiful waterfront park perfect for a family day out. With wide open spaces, sandy beaches, and picnic areas, it offers a chance to relax and let the kids run free. As one of the most beautiful places in the USA, Crissy Field is one of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge, especially at sunset.
Families can fly kites, enjoy a game of frisbee, or simply walk along the shoreline. There’s also a nearby cafe and interpretive center to learn more about the area’s natural and cultural history. The flat walking paths make it accessible for strollers and young children.
As one of the more relaxed best family activities in San Francisco, Crissy Field offers a break from the city’s bustle. It’s a great way to end your day of exploring, and easily combined with a visit to the nearby Presidio or Fort Point.
