Ten Fun Family Things To Do In San Francisco

Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks ten fun family things to do in San Francisco, from museums and the zoo to cable car rides and trampoline parks.

A Family Having Fun at the San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco has a reputation as being a great romantic city break destination, and it certainly has its share of candlelit restaurants and views to set the hearts racing.

However, what is less well-known is that it is also a terrific family-friendly place. There's lots to appeal to kids young and old, including museums and science centers to boating lakes and a unique indoor trampoline park - well, it's much more than that but tat's the easiest way to describe it.

So let's take a look at some of those fun family things to do in San Francisco.

Ten Fun Family Things To Do In San Francisco

1. Exploratorium

San Francisco's Exploratorium

A hands-on science museum that delights kids and adults alike with interactive exhibits on physics, biology, and art. Located at Pier 15, it features a Tactile Dome, weather experiments, and a Bay Observatory. Perfect for curious minds!

Phone: (415) 528-4444
Address: Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
94111
Website: exploratorium.edu

2. San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

A Gorilla at San Francisco Zoo

Home to over 2,000 animals, including lions, penguins, and gorillas, this zoo offers a petting area, a historic carousel, and a playground. The Little Puffer Train is a hit with younger kids!

Phone: (415) 753-7080
Address: Sloat Blvd & Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132
Website: sfzoo.org

3. California Academy of Sciences

A Child Watching Fish at the California Academy of Sciences

A world-class museum featuring an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome under one living roof. Kids love the earthquake simulator, Claude the albino alligator, and the penguin feedings.

Phone: (415) 379-8000
Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
Website: calacademy.org

4. Pier 39 & Sea Lions

A Magic Show at Pier 39 in San Francisco

A bustling waterfront attraction with street performers, souvenir shops, and the famous sea lions basking on the docks. The Aquarium of the Bay and a two-story carousel add to the fun.

Phone: (415) 705-5500
Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: pier39.com

5. Golden Gate Park (Koret Playground & Blue Heron Lake)

Children's Playground in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park

The massive Golden Gate Park offers paddle boating on Blue Heron Lake, a vintage carousel, and the Koret Children’s Quarter playground with a concrete slide and climbing structures. Rent bikes or enjoy a picnic!

Phone: (415) 831-2700 (Rec & Parks Dept)
Address: Stanyan St & Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Website: sfrecpark.org

6. Children’s Creativity Museum

The Children's Creativity Museum in San Francisco

An interactive space where kids can build robots, make music, and star in their own animations. The outdoor carousel and Imagination Lab encourage creativity and play.

Phone: (415) 820-3320
Address: 221 Fourth St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: creativity.org

7. Cable Car Ride & Cable Car Museum

A Cable Car in San Francisco

Hop on a historic cable car for thrilling hills and scenic views. Visit the free Cable Car Museum to see the giant wheels that power the system—kids love the mechanical displays!

Phone: (415) 474-1887 (Museum)
Address: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Website: cablecarmuseum.org

8. Crissy Field & Palace of Fine Arts

Crissy Field in San Francisco

Fly kites, picnic, or stroll along the beach with Golden Gate Bridge views. Nearby, the Palace of Fine Arts offers stunning architecture and swans gliding on the lagoon.

Phone: (415) 561-4700 (Presidio Trust)
Address: 1199 East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129
Website: parksconservancy.org

9. Randall Museum

Children Playing at the Randall Museum in San Francisco

A free, hands-on museum with live animals, a model railroad, and a woodworking shop. The outdoor area features a picnic spot with panoramic city views.

Phone: (415) 554-9600
Address: 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114
Website: randallmuseum.org

10. The House of Air (Trampoline Park)

Little Boy Having Fun at the House of Air Trampoline Park in San Francisco

An exhilarating indoor trampoline park at Crissy Field with wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, and a dedicated kids' zone. Perfect for burning off energy with epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Phone: (415) 345-9675
Address: 926 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129 (Presidio)
Website: houseofair.com

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