37 Fun Things to Do with Kids in San Francisco: Where to Stay and Where to Eat!
Planning a San Francisco trip with kids? Walk the Golden Gate Bridge, ride a cable car, wave at the sea lions at Pier 39, take the ferry to Alcatraz, and spend a day in Golden Gate Park at the California Academy of Sciences. Then add the Exploratorium and a sundae at Ghirardelli Square. Stay near Fisherman's Wharf for the easiest days.
We rounded up 37 things to do in San Francisco with kids, 9 family-friendly hotels, and 10 places to eat that kids actually love, with prices, hours and a parent tip for every pick. You'll also find the big 2026 holiday dates, easy day trips and a sample three-day itinerary.
Key Takeaways
Best home base: Fisherman's Wharf for walkable fun, cable cars and the Alcatraz ferry; Nob Hill or Union Square for the cable car lines and holiday sparkle; the Presidio for bridge views and space to run.
Best free fun: The sea lions at Pier 39, walking the Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio Tunnel Tops, the Cable Car Museum, Lands End, the bison in Golden Gate Park and the Painted Ladies.
Book ahead: Alcatraz (it sells out), the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden (timed entry) and Muir Woods parking.
2026 holiday dates: The Union Square ice rink from Nov. 4 to Jan. 18; ZooLights at the San Francisco Zoo from Nov. 6 to Jan. 3; the San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker in December.
Pack layers: San Francisco is cool and foggy much of the year, even in summer, so bring jackets for everyone.
Heads up: Car break-ins are common in tourist areas, so never leave anything visible in your car.
Planning a Trip to San Francisco With Kids From LA
Getting to San Francisco From LA
The drive is about 380 miles, or roughly six hours on the I-5 without traffic, and longer if you take the scenic Highway 1. Flights from LAX or Burbank to SFO or Oakland take about an hour and a half, which is the easiest choice with little ones.
Train fans can look into the new night train between LA and San Francisco, which turns the trip into part of the adventure.
Getting Around San Francisco With Kids
You don't need a car in the city. Muni buses, streetcars and cable cars reach most of the places on this list, and walking between Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach and the Embarcadero is easy (though hilly).
If you do drive, use garages instead of street parking and leave nothing visible in the car. Save the car for day trips to Muir Woods, Sausalito or Monterey.
When to Visit and How Long to Stay
September and October are usually the warmest, sunniest months. Summer is often foggy and chilly, and winter brings holiday lights and fewer crowds, with some rainy days.
Plan for at least three to four days to see the highlights without rushing, plus a day for each day trip.
Things to Do in Golden Gate Park and on the West Side
Golden Gate Park is bigger than New York's Central Park, with museums, gardens, lakes, a carousel and even a bison herd. Pair a museum morning with an afternoon outside.
Address: 55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)
Cost: $49 adults, $39 kids 3 to 12
Ages: All ages
An aquarium, a planetarium, a four-story rainforest dome and a natural history museum, all under one living roof. Kids can watch African penguins, walk among butterflies in the rainforest and explore the coral reef tank from below.
Parent Tip: Buy tickets online and head to the rainforest first, before lines form. Thursday NightLife evenings are 21 and up, so come during the day with kids.
Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Cost: Free for kids 17 and under; the observation tower is free for everyone
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This art museum faces the Academy of Sciences across the Music Concourse. The real kid magnet is the Hamon Observation Tower, a free elevator ride to a glass-walled floor with views over the park all the way to the ocean.
Parent Tip: You don't need a museum ticket for the tower, so pop up for the view even if you skip the galleries.
Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Cost: Check the website for current visitor prices; timed-entry reservations are required
Ages: All ages
The oldest public Japanese garden in the country has koi ponds, stone lanterns, a pagoda and a steep arched drum bridge that kids love to climb. The tea house serves tea and snacks with a view.
Parent Tip: Admission is free for everyone from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but you still need to reserve a time.
Address: 320 Bowling Green Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Cost: Playground is free; the carousel is $2.50 adults, $1 kids 6 to 12, free for 5 and under
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 10
This was the first public playground in the country, and it's still a hit, with climbing structures, a giant net and long concrete slides. The historic carousel next door has hand-carved animals and a cheerful band organ.
Parent Tip: Bring a piece of cardboard for faster rides down the concrete slides, and pack snacks, since food options are limited nearby.
Address: 50 Stow Lake Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Cost: Rowboats about $28 an hour, pedal boats about $40 an hour
Ages: All ages (kids must be with an adult)
Paddling around Stow Lake is one of the sweetest things to do in the city with kids. You'll float past turtles, ducks and herons, circle Strawberry Hill island and spot the waterfall and the red Chinese pavilion.
Parent Tip: Weekday mornings are calmest. After your boat ride, walk up Strawberry Hill for a view over the park.
Address: John F. Kennedy Drive, near Spreckels Lake
San Francisco, CA 94121
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Yes, there are real bison in the middle of San Francisco. A small herd has lived in Golden Gate Park for more than a century, and kids are always amazed to see them grazing behind the fence.
Parent Tip: The bison often rest at the far end of the paddock, so bring binoculars. Spreckels Lake next door is fun for watching model boats on weekends.
Address: Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94132
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)
Cost: $32 adults and $22 kids 2 to 11 on weekdays ($34 and $24 on weekends), free under 2
Parking: $15 on weekdays, $20 on weekends
Ages: All ages
Right next to Ocean Beach, the zoo has lemurs, giraffes, penguins, a children's zoo with farm animals, and a little train and carousel. The Dinos Rule! exhibit of life-size dinosaurs has been extended through Jan. 3, 2027.
Parent Tip: It's often foggy and windy out here, so bring warm layers even if it's sunny Downtown. Visit in the morning, when the animals are most active.
Address: Lands End Lookout, 680 Point Lobos Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94121
Cost: Free
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
The ruins of the old Sutro Baths sit right on the ocean, and kids love exploring the stone walls and the little cave nearby. The coastal trail has some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the city.
Parent Tip: Hold little hands near the cliffs and stay on marked trails. Start at the Lands End Lookout visitor center for restrooms and a trail map.
Things to Do at Fisherman's Wharf and Along the Waterfront
The waterfront is where most families spend their first day, with sea lions, old-time arcade games, chocolate and ferries all within walking distance. It's touristy, but kids love every minute.
Address: The Embarcadero and Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Attractions and shops, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; restaurants, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free to visit
Ages: All ages
Hundreds of barking, snoozing sea lions pile onto the floating docks at the end of Pier 39, and watching them is free. The pier also has a two-story carousel, street performers and plenty of snacks.
Parent Tip: Head to the sea lion viewing area on the west side of the pier first. The carousel is at the back of the pier, and kids 2 and under ride free with a paying adult.
10. Alcatraz Island
Departs: Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33, The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94133
Cost: Day tour tickets from $47.95 adults and about $29 kids 5 to 11
Ages: Best for ages 8 and up
Taking the ferry to the famous former prison is a highlight for school-age kids. The award-winning audio tour, narrated by former officers and inmates, makes the cell house come alive.
Parent Tip: Alcatraz sells out, so book as early as you can. The walk from the dock up to the cell house is steep, so leave the stroller behind if you can and bring a carrier.
Address: Pier 39, The Embarcadero and Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Cost: $28.25 adults, $20.25 kids
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 10
Moving walkways carry you through clear tunnels while sharks, rays and schools of fish swim over your head. It's a great size for little kids, and you can see it all in about an hour.
Parent Tip: Pair it with the sea lions next door. It's a good rainy-day backup when the fog rolls in.
12. Musée Mécanique
Address: Pier 45, Shed A
San Francisco, CA 94133
Cost: Free admission; most games cost 25 to 50 cents
Ages: All ages
This free museum is packed with antique arcade games, fortune tellers, player pianos and old-time mechanical scenes. It's like stepping into an old penny arcade, and it's one of the best deals in the city.
Parent Tip: Bring a roll of quarters, or use the change machines inside. Check the website for hours before you go.
Address: 900 North Point Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Hours: Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free to visit
Ages: All ages
The old chocolate factory is now a plaza full of shops, and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience is where you'll find the famous hot fudge sundae. There's also a mini golf course and a kids' shop on site.
Parent Tip: Share a sundae, since they're huge. Walk downhill to Aquatic Park afterward to watch the swimmers and the boats.
14. Exploratorium
Address: Pier 15 (The Embarcadero at Green Street)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays
Cost: $39.95 adults, $29.95 youth 4 to 17
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
San Francisco's science museum has hundreds of hands-on exhibits about light, sound, motion and perception, and kids can easily spend a whole day here. Don't miss the Tactile Dome, a pitch-black maze you explore by touch (separate ticket).
Parent Tip: It's closed on Mondays, and Thursday evenings are adults-only. Go early in the day, when the exhibits are less crowded.
Address: One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
Hours: Building open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (shop hours vary); farmers market on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ages: All ages
This historic ferry terminal is now a food hall, and it's a delicious stop for families. Kids love the burgers and shakes at Gott's Roadside, the free ice cream samples at Humphry Slocombe and the sugar-dusted malasadas at Ocean Malasada.
Parent Tip: Come on a Saturday morning for the big farmers market. If you park in the nearby lot, ask the shops about parking validation.
Things to Do on San Francisco's Cable Cars, Hills and Neighborhoods
San Francisco's neighborhoods are full of surprises for kids, from crooked streets and secret slides to fortune cookie factories. Hop on a cable car and start exploring.
16. Ride a Cable Car
Where: Powell and Market Streets turnaround (plus stops along the lines)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Cost: $9 per ride; kids 4 and under ride free
Ages: All ages
Riding a cable car is a San Francisco must, and hanging on as it climbs the hills is pure fun. The Powell-Hyde line has the best views, ending near Ghirardelli Square with the bay spread out below.
Parent Tip: Lines at the Powell and Market turnaround can be long, so board a few stops up the line instead. Hold little ones tight and sit on the inside benches.
17. Cable Car Museum
Address: 1201 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This free museum is also the working powerhouse for the cable cars. Kids can watch the giant wheels turning the underground cables that pull every car in the city.
Parent Tip: It's on the Powell lines, so hop off, look around for 30 minutes, and catch the next car.
18. Lombard Street
Where: Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets
San Francisco, CA 94133
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The "crookedest street in the world" zigzags down a steep hill through eight hairpin turns lined with flowers. Watching the cars wind down is half the fun.
Parent Tip: Walk down the stairs along the sides instead of driving, and take photos from the bottom looking up. The Powell-Hyde cable car stops at the top.
19. Coit Tower
Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94133
Cost: Free to visit; the elevator to the top is $11 for non-resident adults (check the website for kids' prices)
Ages: All ages
This tall white tower on Telegraph Hill has colorful murals inside and 360-degree views from the top. You might even spot the wild parrots that live on the hill.
Parent Tip: Parking is tiny, so take the Muni 39 bus or walk up the stairs from North Beach for a workout with a view.
Address: Steiner and Hayes Streets
San Francisco, CA 94117
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This row of pastel Victorian houses is one of the most famous views in the city, especially for parents who grew up watching TV in the '90s. The park across the street has a playground and plenty of grass for a picnic.
Parent Tip: Come in the late afternoon for the best light on the houses, and bring a blanket for the lawn.
Where: Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street; the cookie factory is at 56 Ross Alley
San Francisco, CA 94108
Cost: Free to explore
Ages: All ages
Walk through the Dragon Gate and into one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, full of lanterns, bakeries and little shops. In tiny Ross Alley, kids can watch fortune cookies being folded by hand.
Parent Tip: Buy a bag of fresh cookies at the factory, which makes a fun souvenir. Hours can change, so check before you go.
Address: 221 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Hours: Museum open Wednesday to Sunday; carousel open Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Museum $20; carousel $5 ($3 with museum admission), free for 2 and under
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 10
This hands-on museum in Yerba Buena Gardens lets kids make stop-motion animation, build and tinker. The 1906 carousel next door has hand-carved animals and is one of the oldest in the area.
Parent Tip: Riders under 42 inches need a paying adult on the carousel. Yerba Buena Gardens has grass and a waterfall for running off energy afterward.
Address: Seward Street Mini Park, Seward Street near Douglass Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Cost: Free
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Two long, steep concrete slides run down a hillside in the Castro, and they're a local legend. It's a quick, free thrill that kids remember.
Parent Tip: Bring a piece of cardboard to sit on, and expect a line on sunny weekends. Check posted rules and hours at the park.
Things to Do in the Presidio and at the Golden Gate Bridge
The Presidio is a former Army post turned national park, with wide-open lawns, trails, beaches and the best bridge views in town.
Address: 210 Lincoln Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This park built on top of a highway tunnel has a nature play area made for kids, with logs to climb, sand to dig and a lookout with sweeping views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Parent Tip: Grab lunch from the food trucks on the Main Post lawn, which often run on weekends, and picnic with a view.
Where: Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, Golden Gate Bridge Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Free to walk or bike
Ages: All ages
Walking out onto the Golden Gate Bridge is a bucket-list moment for the whole family. You don't have to cross the whole thing; even walking to the first tower gives you jaw-dropping views of the city, Alcatraz and the ocean.
Parent Tip: It's windy and loud on the bridge, so bring jackets and hats. For the classic photo, drive across to Battery Spencer on the Marin side.
Address: 104 Montgomery Street, the Presidio
San Francisco, CA 94129
Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
Cost: $30 adults, $15 youth 6 to 17, free for 5 and under
Ages: Best for ages 7 and up
This museum tells Walt Disney's life story with early sketches, original animation, a model of Disneyland and lots of interactive displays. Disney fans of all ages will be in heaven.
Parent Tip: It's only open Thursday through Sunday, so plan around that. Park in the Main Post lot or on Montgomery Street, and pair it with Tunnel Tops next door.
Day Trips From San Francisco With Kids
Some of the best family adventures are just a ferry ride or a short drive away. Each of these easily fills a morning or a whole day.
Departs: San Francisco Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
Cost: About $8.50 for adults with a Clipper card, with discounts for youth (check the website for current fares)
Ages: All ages
The ferry ride across the bay to Sausalito comes with views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the skyline. Sausalito itself is a charming little waterfront town with ice cream shops and houseboats.
Parent Tip: Sit on the outside deck for the best views, and bring jackets, because it's windy on the water.
Address: 557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
Cost: About $25 per person; free parking
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 10
Set at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, this museum is all about hands-on play, with a huge outdoor play area, a mini Golden Gate Bridge to climb and spaces made just for toddlers.
Parent Tip: Bring a change of clothes for the water play areas, and plan a picnic on the lawn with bridge views.
Address: 1 Muir Woods Road
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Cost: $15 for ages 16 and up, free under 16; parking reservations are $10
Ages: All ages
Walking among the giant redwoods at Muir Woods is pure magic, and the main trail is flat and boardwalked, so it works with strollers.
Parent Tip: Parking or shuttle reservations are required, so book ahead. Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and the best chance to hear birds.
Address: 886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: $65 adults, $50 youth 5 to 17, free for 4 and under
Ages: All ages
One of the best aquariums in the world is about two hours south of the city. Kids can watch sea otters play, stare up at the towering kelp forest and get lost in the glowing jellyfish galleries.
Parent Tip: Check feeding times for the sea otters and penguins when you arrive. Monterey is also an easy stop on the drive home to LA.
Address: 1 Centennial Drive
Berkeley, CA 94720
Cost: About $27 per person (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 3 to 12
Perched in the Berkeley hills, this science center has hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and a huge outdoor plaza with a life-size whale sculpture and a view over the whole bay.
Parent Tip: Go on a clear day so you can enjoy the view from the plaza, and pack a picnic.
Address: 10000 Skyline Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619
Cost: $24 adults, $19 youth
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Space-loving kids can explore hands-on exhibits, watch a planetarium show and look through real telescopes in the Oakland hills.
Parent Tip: Check the schedule for free telescope viewing nights, which are a big hit with older kids.
Address: 1 Jelly Belly Lane
Fairfield, CA 94533
Cost: About $8 adults and $4 kids for tours (check the website for current options)
Ages: All ages
See how jelly beans are made, then taste weird and wonderful flavors in the shop. It's a sweet stop on the drive to or from Sacramento or Napa.
Parent Tip: Tour times fill up on weekends, so book ahead, and set a candy budget before you walk into the shop.
Holiday Fun in San Francisco (2026)
San Francisco sparkles in winter, with an ice rink in Union Square, zoo lights and holiday shows. Here are the dates for 2026.
Dates: Nov. 6, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays until Dec. 16)
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: About $30 adults and $21 kids 2 to 11 (separate from daytime admission; check the website)
Ages: All ages
The zoo glows after dark with light displays shaped like animals, holiday music and festive treats.
Parent Tip: Dress very warmly, since nights by the ocean get cold, and buy tickets online for your preferred date.
Address: Union Square, 333 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Dates: Nov. 4, 2026 to Jan. 18, 2027
Cost: $22, or $17 for kids 8 and under, skates included
Ages: All ages
Ice skating under the giant Christmas tree in Union Square, surrounded by holiday windows and twinkling lights, is a classic San Francisco tradition.
Parent Tip: Sessions start every 90 minutes, so buy tickets ahead for weekends. Afterward, walk over to see the holiday windows.
Address: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dates: December 2026 (check the website for show dates and prices)
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
America's first full-length Nutcracker premiered in San Francisco, and the city's version is still dazzling, with a growing Christmas tree and Victorian San Francisco setting.
Parent Tip: Matinees are easier for little ones, and booster seats are often available. Book early for the best seats.
Address: 1001 Fairgrounds Drive
Vallejo, CA 94589
Dates: Select dates, Nov. 27, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
Ages: All ages
The park turns into a holiday wonderland with lights, holiday treats and seasonal shows, plus rides and animal encounters.
Parent Tip: Check the calendar for operating days and hours before you drive out, and arrive before dark to see the lights come on.
Where to Stay in San Francisco With Kids
The best area depends on your plans. Fisherman's Wharf is the easiest base with kids, Nob Hill and Union Square put you on the cable car lines, and the Presidio and Sausalito feel calmer, with room to run.
Every hotel name below links to live rates so you can compare prices for your dates.
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
Address: 495 Jefferson Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Best for: Families who want to walk everywhere
This nautical-themed hotel sits inside a historic brick cannery building right on the waterfront, steps from Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square.
Parent Tip: Ask for a bay-view room so kids can watch the boats and the cable cars at the Hyde Street turnaround.
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
Address: 250 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Best for: Families who want a playful vibe
Hotel Zephyr has a fun, nautical style and an outdoor courtyard with games, and Pier 39's sea lions are a short walk away.
Parent Tip: The courtyard games are a lifesaver for burning off energy before bed.
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
Address: 425 North Point Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Best for: A comfy boutique base near the cable cars
This boutique hotel is a short walk from the Powell-Mason cable car, the Wharf and North Beach.
Parent Tip: You're close enough to In-N-Out and Boudin for easy kid dinners.
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
Address: 2700 Jones Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Best for: Walking to the Wharf and North Beach
The Alton is a stylish Kimpton just a few blocks from the waterfront, with easy access to the cable cars.
Parent Tip: Kimpton hotels often host a free evening social hour, so ask at check-in.
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
Address: 555 North Point Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Best for: Families who want a pool
This Wharf hotel has a heated outdoor pool, which is rare in San Francisco and a big win with kids.
Parent Tip: Check pool hours when you arrive, and pack swimsuits even in winter.
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Address: 950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Best for: A grand hotel right on the cable car lines
This historic Nob Hill landmark has city views and two cable car lines right outside, and its holiday decorations are a San Francisco tradition.
Parent Tip: In December, stop by the lobby to see the famous holiday gingerbread display.
Neighborhood: Financial District
Address: 2 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Best for: An elegant base with an indoor pool
The historic Palace Hotel has a stunning glass-domed Garden Court and an indoor pool under a skylight. It's close to Union Square, the Ferry Building and Yerba Buena Gardens.
Parent Tip: Swim in the morning before sightseeing, then walk to the Children's Creativity Museum.
Neighborhood: The Presidio
Address: 105 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94129
Best for: Space to run and Golden Gate Bridge views
This hotel sits on the Presidio's Main Post, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Walt Disney Family Museum and Tunnel Tops right next door.
Parent Tip: It's quieter than the Wharf, so it's great for early bedtimes. Plan on driving or using rideshares to reach the rest of the city.
Neighborhood: Fort Baker, Sausalito
Address: 601 Murray Circle
Sausalito, CA 94965
Best for: A resort stay under the Golden Gate Bridge
This lodge in historic Fort Baker sits right below the Golden Gate Bridge, with lawns, bay views and the Bay Area Discovery Museum just up the road.
Parent Tip: Pair it with a morning at the Bay Area Discovery Museum and a ferry ride into the city.
Where to Eat in San Francisco With Kids
San Francisco is a food city, and there's plenty that kids love, from sourdough bread bowls to burritos and giant sundaes.
Address: 160 Jefferson Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What to order for kids: Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, or a sourdough pizza
Boudin has been baking sourdough in San Francisco since 1849, and kids love watching the bakers shape bread through the big windows, including loaves shaped like turtles and teddy bears.
Parent Tip: Breakfast is served until 11 a.m., and a turtle-shaped loaf makes a fun snack for the road.
Address: 1570 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Reservations: No reservations; join the waitlist on Yelp
What to order for kids: A classic margherita or cheese pizza
This award-winning North Beach pizzeria serves many styles of pizza, from Neapolitan to New York, and it's a fun, lively spot for families.
Parent Tip: Get on the Yelp waitlist before you walk over to skip a long wait.
Address: 721 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
What to order for kids: A mini burger and fries
This local favorite serves juicy burgers, garlic fries and creamy shakes, and it's quick and casual.
Parent Tip: Expect a line at lunch, so go a little early or late.
Address: 2889 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
What to order for kids: A simple quesadilla or a carne asada taco
La Taqueria makes one of the most famous burritos in San Francisco, and it's worth the trip to the Mission. The burritos here come without rice, the old-school way.
Parent Tip: There's almost always a line, but it moves. Try the free salsas on the tables.
Address: 1999 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.; closed Mondays
What to order for kids: A scoop in a fresh waffle cone
This old-fashioned Russian Hill ice cream shop has been scooping since 1948, right on the Powell-Hyde cable car line.
Parent Tip: Hop off the cable car for a scoop, but skip Mondays, when it's closed.
Address: 3692 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hours: Daily, noon to 9 p.m.
What to order for kids: A scoop of salted caramel or chocolate
Bi-Rite's small-batch ice cream is a San Francisco favorite, just a block from Dolores Park.
Parent Tip: Take your cones to Dolores Park, which has a big playground and city views.
Address: 439 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What to order for kids: The famous Swedish pancakes (18 little pancakes to a plate)
This classic diner near Union Square has been serving its tiny Swedish pancakes since 1938, and kids love counting them.
Parent Tip: You can book a table online, which is a big help on weekends.
Address: 1701 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What to order for kids: French toast or pancakes
This cozy North Beach brunch spot is famous for its homey breakfasts, and Washington Square park across the street is perfect for running around.
Parent Tip: Weekend lines can be long, so go early on a weekday.
Address: 333 Jefferson Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
What to order for kids: A hamburger and fries
Sometimes kids just want what they know, and this Wharf location is a reliable, budget-friendly dinner.
Parent Tip: It's dine-in only (no drive-thru) and open late, which helps after an evening at the Wharf.
Address: Pier 39, second level
San Francisco, CA 94133
Reservations: Book on Yelp up to 90 days ahead; most tables are walk-in
What to order for kids: Fish and chips or clam chowder
This Pier 39 seafood restaurant has big windows with views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Parent Tip: Window tables can't be reserved, so arrive early. Dine-in guests get one hour free in the Pier 39 garage, so ask for validation.
A Sample 3-Day San Francisco Itinerary for Families
Short on time? Here's how we'd string the highlights together on a first trip, grouped by area so you spend more time playing and less time in traffic.
Day 1 (The waterfront): The sea lions at Pier 39, lunch at Boudin, the Musée Mécanique, a sundae at Ghirardelli Square, and a cable car ride up Hyde Street.
Day 2 (Alcatraz and the Embarcadero): An early ferry to Alcatraz, lunch at the Ferry Building, then the afternoon at the Exploratorium.
Day 3 (Golden Gate Park and the bridge): The California Academy of Sciences, a boat ride on Stow Lake, then a walk on the Golden Gate Bridge and sunset at Presidio Tunnel Tops.
With more time: Add Muir Woods and Sausalito, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium on your drive home.
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Takeaway
San Francisco with kids is full of iconic adventures, from cable cars and sea lions to the Golden Gate Bridge. Stay near the waterfront, skip the car in the city, and plan one big activity a day.
Book Alcatraz early, pack layers for the fog, and save time for the free favorites, like Pier 39, Tunnel Tops and the bison in Golden Gate Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco good for kids?
Yes. San Francisco is packed with kid favorites, like cable cars, the sea lions at Pier 39, the Exploratorium, the California Academy of Sciences and Alcatraz. Many great activities are free, including walking the Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio Tunnel Tops and the Cable Car Museum.
How many days do you need in San Francisco with kids?
Plan for three to four days to see the waterfront, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge without rushing. Add a day for each day trip, like Muir Woods and Sausalito or the Monterey Bay Aquarium down the coast.
What is the best area to stay in San Francisco with kids?
Fisherman's Wharf is the easiest area to stay with kids, with the sea lions, the Alcatraz ferry and cable cars nearby. Nob Hill and Union Square are great for the cable car lines, and the Presidio is quieter with more open space.
What is free to do in San Francisco with kids?
Free favorites include the sea lions at Pier 39, walking the Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio Tunnel Tops, the Cable Car Museum, the bison in Golden Gate Park, Lands End, the Seward Street Slides and the de Young's observation tower, with sweeping views of the park.
What is the best time of year to visit San Francisco with kids?
September and October are usually the warmest and sunniest months. Summer is often foggy and cool, so pack jackets. Winter brings holiday lights and the Union Square ice rink, with fewer crowds but some rainy days, so pack rain jackets too.
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