San Francisco is a fantastic city for a family vacation, offering a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. If you've never been it is a destination well worth exploring. This is a sample of what you can do as a family over a long weekend. If you have longer, there is certainly enough to keep you occupied in the city but you could also take a quick jaunt out to Napa Valley and take in the ambience of one of America's most popular wine regions. Most of the vineyards there will have activities for the kids as well as non-alcoholic sparkling beverages for them to partake in "tasting".
For this blog though we will stay close to San Fran and explore the city and surrounding area. There are some iconic sights to see and such surreal and serene places of nature that the weekend will leave you wanting more. Be forewarned, this city has a lot of ups and downs, literally not figuratively. You will get some good exercise as you explore its hills.
Day 1: Exploring the City
Morning: Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a sprawling urban oasis, spanning over 1,000 acres and offering a variety of attractions and activities for families. Here's a more detailed look at how to spend your morning in this iconic park.
California Academy of Sciences
Start your day at the California Academy of Sciences, a world-renowned science museum that boasts an aquarium, a planetarium, and a natural history museum all under one living roof. The Steinhart Aquarium features a stunning coral reef exhibit, a Philippine coral reef tank, and a rainforest dome filled with free-flying birds and butterflies.
The Morrison Planetarium offers immersive shows that will transport your family to the far reaches of the universe. Don’t forget to visit the Kimball Natural History Museum, where kids can marvel at dinosaur skeletons and learn about the planet's biodiversity. The museum also features interactive exhibits, including the Discovery Tide pool where the kids can touch sea stars and other marine creatures.
The museum has a bit of an odd pricing policy for admission so it is not a fixed price. It varies from day to day and time of day based on historical demand. It is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets ahead of time (by at least 24 hours) as that will save you up to $5 off each ticket. That being said, expect to pay anywhere from $37 - $47 for adult admission and around $25 - $35 for kids (unless they are under two years in which case they are free).
Japanese Tea Garden
After exploring the academy, take a short walk to the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. The serene paths wind through meticulously landscaped gardens, koi ponds, and traditional Japanese structures. Kids will enjoy crossing the arched drum bridge and spotting the colorful koi fish in the ponds. Take a moment to relax and enjoy a cup of tea and some light snacks at the garden’s teahouse.
De Young Museum
For families with older children, consider a visit to the De Young Museum, located right across from the California Academy of Sciences. This fine arts museum features an impressive collection of American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum’s observation tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge, which is a treat for everyone.
Koret Children’s Quarter
Let the kids burn off some energy at the Koret Children's Quarter, one of the nation’s oldest public playgrounds. The playground features modern equipment, including climbing structures, swings, and slides, as well as a historic carousel that dates back to 1914. This is a great spot for kids to play while parents relax on the nearby benches.
Afternoon: Stow Lake and Botanical Garden
Stow Lake
Rent a pedal boat or a rowboat at Stow Lake, located in the heart of Golden Gate Park. Paddle around the lake and enjoy the scenic views, including the waterfall at Strawberry Hill, which is the park’s highest point. You can also hike up to the top of Strawberry Hill for a panoramic view of the park and the city.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Next, head to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, where you can explore 55 acres of diverse plant collections from around the world. The garden features over 8,000 different kinds of plants, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. Kids will enjoy the various themed gardens, such as the ancient plant garden, the succulent garden, and the fragrant garden.
Evening: Dinner and Pier 39
For dinner, head to Pier 39, where you can find family-friendly restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Wipeout Bar & Grill. After dinner, explore the pier’s attractions, including street performers, a carousel, and the famous sea lions lounging on the docks. The Aquarium of the Bay is another great spot to visit, featuring walk-through tunnel exhibits where kids can see sharks, rays, and other marine life up close. End your day with a ride on the carousel and some souvenir shopping before heading back to your hotel.
Day 2: Muir Woods and Sausalito
Morning: Muir Woods National Monument
Day 2 starts with a short drive (or shuttle) across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument. This ancient forest, home to some of the world's tallest trees, provides a serene and awe-inspiring experience for the whole family. If you want an alternate route my preference was to catch the ferry over from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal to the Sausalito Ferry Landing and take a shuttle up to the woods and back from either the ferry terminal or Larkspur Landing.
The shuttle serves Larkspur Landing on weekends and holidays and the Sausalito Ferry Terminal on select summer weekdays. The tickets are round-trip. The ferry will cost $14 for adult and $7 for the kids (under 5 are free) and the shuttle tickets are $3.75 per adult, and children 15 and younger ride free. This is probably going to be the most enjoyable method to get to Muir woods and will afford you some great photo ops along the way.
Arrival and Main Trail
Arrive early to avoid the crowds and secure parking. Start your exploration on the Main Trail, a flat, easy path that winds through the heart of the redwood grove. This trail is stroller-friendly and suitable for all ages, making it perfect for families. As you walk, take in the majesty of the towering redwoods, some of which are over 1,000 years old and reach heights of over 250 feet. Informational plaques along the trail provide fascinating insights into the ecology and history of the forest.
Family-Friendly Trails
For families with older children, consider branching off onto the Bohemian Grove Trail or the Hillside Trail, which offer slightly more challenging terrain and even more breathtaking views of the redwoods. These trails provide a bit more adventure while still being accessible for most children.
Junior Ranger Program
Check out the Junior Ranger Program at the visitor center. Kids can pick up an activity booklet and complete fun tasks to earn a Junior Ranger badge. This interactive program is a great way to engage children with the natural surroundings and deepen their understanding of the environment.
Afternoon: Sausalito
After your morning in Muir Woods, drive to the picturesque town of Sausalito. This charming waterfront community offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm.
Lunch by the Bay
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Sausalito’s family-friendly waterfront restaurants. Scoma’s of Sausalito offers delicious seafood with stunning views of the bay. For a more casual option, try Bar Bocce, where you can enjoy pizzas and salads while the kids play bocce on the outdoor court.
Explore the Waterfront
After lunch, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade. The views of the San Francisco skyline and the bay are spectacular. Visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum, located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. This museum is designed specifically for children and offers hands-on exhibits, outdoor play areas, and educational programs that encourage creativity and learning through play.
Evening: Return to San Francisco
Head back to the city via the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re returning by car, stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center to learn about the bridge’s history and take some memorable family photos. The welcome center offers exhibits, a gift shop, and access to scenic viewpoints.
Dinner and Evening Activities
Once back in the city, enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the Marina District or Fisherman’s Wharf. The Original Joe’s in North Beach offers hearty Italian-American fare, or head to Boudin Bakery for their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
After dinner, take a stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can watch street performers, visit souvenir shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. If the kids (or yourself!) aren’t too tired, consider visiting the Musée Mécanique, a quirky arcade filled with antique coin-operated games and amusements.
Optional Evening Activity: Sunset at Crissy Field
If you have time and energy, head to Crissy Field for a sunset view of the Golden Gate Bridge. This former airfield turned recreational area offers wide-open spaces for kids to run around, a sandy beach, and breathtaking views of the bridge as the sun sets. It's a perfect way to end a day of adventure and natural beauty.
Day 3: Museums and More
Morning: Children's Creativity Museum
Begin your last day at the Children’s Creativity Museum in Yerba Buena Gardens, a unique, interactive museum designed to inspire creativity and innovation in children of all ages. I don't know if the exhibit that we enjoyed most is still there wherein we created images of buses, planes, trains, etc. and then scanned them. They would then appear on the wall moving through an animated town. Even if it isn't there any longer, there are numerous other things to keep the kids entertained.
Interactive Exhibits
The museum features several hands-on exhibits that will keep kids engaged for hours:
Animation Studio: Kids can create their own stop-motion animated movies using clay figures and other props. This exhibit teaches the basics of animation and storytelling.
Music Studio: In this exhibit, children can perform and record their own music videos. They can choose costumes, create dance routines, and sing along to popular songs.
Innovation Lab: This area encourages children to solve problems creatively through building and designing. Activities often include robot building and simple engineering challenges.
Imagination Lab: Here, kids can engage in various art and craft activities, from painting to sculpture, allowing their creativity to flow freely.
The cost for this museum is $20 for anyone over the age of one, however, you may be able to get in free if you hold a membership to your local museum if it participates in the ROAM or one of the other share programs.
Find out more about these hidden museum membership perks in our related post.
Outdoor Playground and Carousel
After exploring the museum, take a break at the LeRoy King Carousel located just outside. This historic carousel, built in 1906, features beautifully hand-carved and painted animals.
Nearby, the Children's Garden and Playground offers a fun place for kids to run around and play.
Make sure the kids are wearing something that will let them take advantage of the awesome slides here. My daughter must have gone down this slide some 50 times so you can take a break on a bench and let them go wild.
Afternoon: San Francisco Cable Car and Lombard Street
Cable Car Ride
After a creative morning, head to the nearby Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround and hop on one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars. You simply cannot have a visit to San Fransisco and not take a cable car. Everyone will love the experience of riding up and down the city’s famous hills. When we went I was allowed to stand on the back of the tram, it was awesome! The cable car ride is an exciting way to see the city and provides a unique perspective of its steep streets and beautiful architecture. I highly recommend getting the One Day Pass which will allow you to ride unlimited times on the cable cars, allowing you to hop on hop off as you see fit. They are valid on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable cars but not on the city's BART transit system. The current cost is $13 for the pass.
Lombard Street
Make sure to make one of your hop off stops at Lombard Street, known as the “crookedest street in the world.” This famous block of Lombard Street features eight sharp hairpin turns and is beautifully landscaped with colorful flowers. Walk down the winding road, taking in the views and snapping photos.
Ghirardelli Square
Hop back on the cable car and make your way to the end of line stop at the Powell & Hyde Cable Car Turntable and you are a short walk to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience for some delicious chocolate treats. Enjoy an ice cream sundae or a hot fudge sundae at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop while taking in the views of the bay.
Evening: Exploratorium and Dinner along The Embarcadero
For the late afternoon to evening hours, head to the Exploratorium at Pier 15. This hands-on museum of science, art, and human perception offers hundreds of interactive exhibits that are both educational and entertaining. Your location puts you square in the middle of The Embarcadero a street that runs along the city’s eastern shoreline, and is home to several waterfront attractions and numerous restaurants. Pick your favorite cuisine and make a dinner reservation somewhere here.
Exploratorium Highlights
Tinkering Studio: Encourages children to experiment with materials and tools, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Outdoor Gallery: Features exhibits that explore the natural and built environment of the Bay Area, including the popular fog bridge.
Living Systems: Interactive displays that explain biological processes, from plant growth to human physiology.
Seeing and Perceiving: Exhibits that challenge the senses and explore how we perceive the world around us.
The Exploratorium is a place where kids can touch, play, and experiment, making it an ideal afternoon activity.
Optional Outings
Evening Cruise
If your family isn’t too tired, consider ending one of your days with an evening cruise around the bay. Several operators offer sunset or twilight cruises that provide stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge illuminated against the night sky. This relaxing boat ride can be a memorable end to your family adventure.
Drive up the Coast
If you have rented a vehicle you could drive north up the coast and take in some lovely beaches and scenic vistas. There are many lovely beaches you can park and walk down to within an hour or two by car and the drive along the coast is an experience in and of itself.
Tips for Traveling to San Francisco
Layer Up: San Francisco’s weather can change quickly. Dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day. You may think because it is California it will be sunny and warn but San Francisco is a different animal entirely. It could be 85 degrees in the Napa Valley just a short drive away and yet the city temps might barely crack 55. There is a reason that the famed Mark Twain has been quoted, albeit erroneously, as saying "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco". He never actually said that but anyone who's experienced the cold air that comes in off the bay can certainly relate!
Plan Ahead: Some attractions, like Muir Woods, require advance reservations for parking or shuttles. Check online and book ahead to avoid any last-minute issues.
Stay Hydrated and Snack Up: Keep water and snacks handy to keep the kids energized and happy during your excursions.
Be Device Savvy: Make sure you've got the iPad and other devices charged and handy for those downtime moments where you may need the distraction. Keep our power bank at hand as well to provide a quick charge.
Il Digestivo
Some essentials for your trip may include the following items ranging from water bottles to cardigans. Pack wisely!
Reusable Water Bottle
This is a travel essential for sure. Don't add to the global plastic problem by buying disposable plastic bottles. Get yourself a good reusable bottle ideally insulated to keep your water nice and cold. Many airports have refilling stations past security so you can empty the bottle before going through the checkpoint and fill up afterwards. If staying at a hotel they will possibly have a water station as well, or if not you can buy a large glass container to keep in the room and fill up before heading out. If you are in a country that has good tap water then you are set.
Belkin Power Bank
Keep your electronic devices charged on the go with a power bank. Compact and portable, these devices are perfect for outdoor adventures and off-the-grid travel. Numerous models are available with differing connection types so find one that fits your device's needs. This is the Belkin Power Bank, BoostCharge Plus 10k mAh Portable Charger w/Integrated Lightning Cable & USB-C Cable.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe
One of the top rated hiking style shoe available, and as you are going to be doing a lot of walking around in San Fran you do not want to skimp on quality, trust me. Pigskin leather and mesh upper 100% recycled laces and webbing Bellows tongue keeps out debris. Protective toe cap 100% recycled mesh lining Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support. Molded nylon arch shank. Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort Vibram TC5+ rubber sole. Available in over 10 colors, these shoes range in price from 45.00 to 125.00 depending on size and color selected.
Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe
The women's version of the above, these are available in 6 colors. They range in price from 45.00 to 75.00, again depending on size and color selected.
UGG Women's Franca Travel Cardigan
Ugg is a very well known name associated with comfort. This loose fitting cardigan with oversize hood and welt pockets is sure to please. Ideal for lounging around the hotel room, wearing on the airplane, or for layering up as you make your way around SF. Available in 3 different color options.
Aran Crafts Men's Irish Cable Knitted Cardigan Sweater
This Beautiful Aran Button Mens Sweater is made from 100% Irish Merino Wool ensuring you warmth and softness. Made by the renowned West End Knitwear, Ireland's biggest knitwear manufacturer, and the Irish sure do know how to make clothes for a chill foggy day! Available in tan or charcoal.
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