Key Takeaways:
- San Francisco has many family-friendly spots, such as Golden Gate Park, Crissy Field, the San Francisco Zoo, the Aquarium of the Bay, and more.
- PIER 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf is a great central location to start, take a break, or end your tour of the City by the Bay. It offers a mix of family-friendly things to do in San Francisco, including street entertainment, waterfront dining, boat exploration, and unique shopping experiences.
- Plan for success by balancing activities for different ages and managing costs through family passes, discounts, and exploring the city’s many free or affordable activities.
San Francisco has something for every family. With its copious cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and educational experiences, entertaining everyone, kids included, is easy!
Here are some of our top recommendations for family activities in San Francisco, from waterfront attractions to parks, museums, and more.
PIER 39
PIER 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf is a whole experience by itself. This bustling waterfront spot is full of activities perfect for the whole family. It’s a great way to experience Fisherman’s Wharf’s maritime culture.
Entertainment
The lively atmosphere of PIER 39 makes it the perfect place to take family in San Francisco.
Street performers engage families with magic, music, and acrobatics. The pier is also famous for being a place sea lions call home, and visitors of all ages love to watch them.
There is a heart monument for kids on the pier that you’ll want to take family photos with, too!
Adventure
Boat tours from PIER 39 are hard to beat for family-friendly things to do in San Francisco.
The tours take you under the Golden Gate Bridge, whale watching in the Bay, and more. There are plenty of activities on the pier for the whole family, too. From the Aquarium of the Bay to the rides, PIER 39 is sure to entertain.
Dining
Having a meal together is a must-do family activity in San Francisco, and those looking to try classic local dishes and fresh seafood will love PIER 39. It’s full of kid-friendly restaurants with a range of price points, all serving quality dishes. You have to try Eagle Cafe, Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, or Wipeout Bar & Grill.
Shopping
PIER 39 is a treasure trove for shoppers, with its unique shops and boutiques. It’s perfect for finding souvenirs, artisanal crafts, and kids’ toys. Families can enjoy browsing shops together and finding keepsakes that will remind them of their San Francisco adventure.
Important Factors for Families
PIER 39 offers a diverse array of family activities in San Francisco for locals and visitors alike. And the best part is, it’s convenient and safe.
- It’s accessible: There are elevators and escalators at the beginning, middle, and end of the pier. There are also clean restrooms and ample parking in the parking garage across the street. The pier is also easy to find with public transportation, as the F-line cable car is right out front.
- Safety: Families need not worry about safety when at PIER 39. The pier has security guards patrolling the area to ensure a happy and safe experience for all guests.
More Places to Take Family in San Francisco
There are many more family activities in San Francisco beyond Fisherman’s Wharf. Here are a few more destinations to consider for your next outing.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a must-visit landmark in San Francisco. It’s full of activities for all ages. From the California Academy of Sciences, which has a planetarium, aquarium, and a natural history museum, to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the park is an exciting stop for families.
The San Francisco Botanical Garden spans more than 55 acres and is home to over 8,000 species of plants from all over the world. It also offers educational programs for children. Golden Gate Park has a free shuttle to make it easier to get around the vast space.
Crissy Field
Crissy Field is another favorite activity for families in San Francisco. The park offers beautiful views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, along with plenty of open spaces to picnic, fly kites, and enjoy the outdoors.
It’s a simple way to spend quality time together without having to plan a packed itinerary. For people looking for outdoor family-friendly things to do in San Francisco, Crissy Field is an easy choice.
San Francisco Zoo and Gardens
The San Francisco Zoo and Gardens is open 365 days a year and has more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals on its 100 acres.
The zoo also offers kid-friendly attractions like the historic 1921 Dentzel carousel and Little Puffer miniature steam train. Check their calendar for animal feedings and other family activities that San Francisco visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Tips for Planning Family Activities in San Francisco
Parents have a lot to consider when deciding on which activities would be good for all. From entertainment to safety, there are many important components to putting together an outing that works for everyone.
Here are a few tips to ensure everyone has a great time.
1. Include a Variety and Range of Interests
Adults and children enjoy very different things, so it’s always best to find activities that keep everyone engaged.
Fortunately, SF has plenty of attractions that make this easier. At the Exploratorium, for example, children can interact with hundreds of hands-on exhibits while adults enjoy learning the science behind them.
The California Academy of Sciences offers another good mix of family-friendly things to do in San Francisco, with an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one roof.
2. Make Sure It’s Accessible for All
Grandparents, physically challenged family members, and children of different ages all have different needs, so consider accessibility before you go.
Is there parking nearby? Is everyone in the family comfortable walking the required distance to the venue? For toddlers and babies, are there stroller-friendly paths? The less hassle, the more enjoyable the activity will be.
Transportation is another part of the example. PIER 39, for example, is served by the historic F-line cable car, making it a very accessible San Francisco activity for the whole family.
3. Plan for Breaks
Everyone needs a break now and then, but family outings often come with a few extra stops. Potty breaks, snack breaks, and rest breaks are necessary parts of the day.
Consider what facilities are available at your destination when choosing between places to take family in San Francisco. And, if you’re planning a full day, build breaks into the itinerary rather than trying to fit in one attraction after another.
4. Learning is Fun-damental
Who says learning can’t be fun? Every moment can be an opportunity to learn something new. The best family activities in San Francisco sneak in learning in entertaining ways.
When kids (and adults) learn something new while also having fun, the experience becomes even more memorable. For example, the Aquarium of the Bay gives visitors an up-close look at marine life native to the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters. That’s a visit the whole family will remember.
5. Safety First
Safety is non-negotiable, especially when choosing activities for children. Places with clear safety measures like security, lifeguards at pools, and staff trained in first aid will give you peace of mind.
It’s also worth considering the layout of the space itself. Is there a busy road nearby? Is it easy for a young child to wander away from the family? Taking a few minutes to think about these details will help everyone relax and enjoy themselves.
6. Cost Matters
Finally, the costs of Family activities in San Francisco can add up quickly when you’re paying for four or more people, so pick attractions that offer good value without compromising on the experience.
Shop around for family passes, discounts for children or seniors, and free activities for younger kids. It’s about making the most of the day without breaking the bank.
The good thing about this city is that many options tick these boxes. From museums and parks to scenic outdoor spaces, there are family-friendly things to do in San Francisco for virtually every age, interest, and budget!
Eagle Cafe: Perfect for Families
Eagle Cafe is located at the entrance of PIER 39, making it a convenient starting or stopping point for families touring San Francisco.
Our historic waterfront eatery has roots tracing back to 1928 and offers a menu with something for different tastes, including a kids’ menu. We serve breakfast and lunch, so you can stop in for a meal before heading out to explore PIER 39.
After all, exploring the city works up an appetite, and a good meal is part of any great family day!