Great Spots for Kids in San Francisco

We recently made a trip out to San Francisco to visit friends.  EC was kind enough to show us around and recommend some great places to take the kids.

Golden Gate Bridge

It's an exciting trip for the kids to cross this fantastic bridge through the fog.  We got out and walked across part of the bridge.  It was freezing cold and windy, but really worth it.

Golden Gate Park

This gigantic park has so much to offer.  First, we went to visit the Japanese Tea Garden, where the kids got to climb over the Drum Bridge and see the beautiful Buddhist Pagoda.  We even sat down and had tea at the Tea House.  After lunch at the De Young Museum, we visited the Conservatory of Flowers, with its lovely plants and butterfly exhibit.  Later, we went back to ride the Carousel and play in the huge Children's Playground.

Fisherman's Wharf

Here, we got to see the Musee Mechanique, kind of an old-time arcade, where you can put in a quarter and get a palm reading, arm wrestle a mechanical arm, or watch puppets dance.  At Pier 39, we got to see the California sea lions, had a great dinner at the Crabhouse (they have a kids' menu), rode the 2-tier San Francisco Carousel, and played at the games arcade.  The Aquarium of the Bay is small, but fabulous.  We walked under a tunnel of ocean creatures and saw starfish, anenomes, all kinds of fish, sharks, and sting rays.  We even got to touch the starfish, leopard sharks, and bat rays.  What an amazing experience! 

Exploratorium

This science museum is a very hands-on, interactive, huge place.  We couldn't manage to see all of the exhibits.  The kids could spend an hour in just one corner of the museum.  They got to play with magnets and sand and lights.  There's even a toddler area with books, toys, and a puppet theater. 

Ghirardelli Square

We got free samples of chocolate upon entering the Ghirardelli store.  Yum!  There are all kinds of chocolate to buy here. 

Lombard Street

This is called the crookedest street in the world.  Your car makes several hairpin turns while driving down a steep hill.  It's decorated nicely with beautiful flowers.

Chinatown

We had wonderful Dim Sum at City View, then walked all around Chinatown looking for knick-knacks and souvenirs.  We played in the playground for a while, too.

Sausalito

This town is a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge.  You can walk along the waterfront, and there are lots of shops and art galleries to browse.  We got some postcards and souvenirs at the toy store.

Muir Woods

You can see the wonderful redwood trees here that are over 500 years old.  It's so beautiful and peaceful--an amazing place to take the kids for a walk.  The Forest Ranger gave us an activity book for the kids with lots of interesting information.

San Mateo Japanese Tea Garden

This suburb has an amazing Japanese Garden.  You'll see a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond, and bamboo grove.  The Koi Feedings are at 11 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday, during Spring and Summer.  Don't miss seeing these beautiful fish! 

There are a few places that EC recommended that we didn't get a chance to see:

The Habitot Children's Museum

This children's museum is dedicated to little ones ages 0-6 years.  They can explore a rocket, grocery store and cafe, river ramp, and art studio.

Gilroy Gardens

This is a family theme park with over 20 rides, 6 majestic gardens, and a splash park.  Don't miss the Rock Maze.

Coyote Point Museum and Park

You will find a Discovery Lab, Aviary, and honeybee exhibit here.  They also show river otter feedings and fox feedings.

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