Big Basin State Park

Fun Things for Families To Do In San Francisco

The city of San Francisco is a destination with a myriad of activities for families with kids of all ages. Here's a short list of attractions we really enjoyed when we visited:

1. Exploratorium

Situated on the Embarcadero on Pier 15 in San Francisco, the Exploratorium offers hundreds of exhibits to visitors. The best part is that you are invited to touch and manipulate them! Filled with hands on fun for all ages, the science museum boasts activities which focus on geography, arts, ecology, photography, astronomy, biology, and countless more subjects of interest.

2. California Academy of Sciences

Based in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is a destination like no other and a must-see San Francisco museum. It’s the only place on Earth to house an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof. Guests of all ages are welcomed to explore the wonder of life on earth.

From the splashing penguins in African Hall to the wildflowers on the roof, the building is bursting with life. A four-story living rainforest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem showcase Earth’s biodiversity, while immersive planetarium shows offer a new perspective on the planet we call home.

Rain ponchos are highly recommended to protect visitors from the mist on the lower deck during the spring and summer seasons. During other times of the year the lower deck is closed as it ices up. The upper deck, however is well protected and remains open year round. The entire experience takes about 30-45 minutes.

3. Muir Woods

Muir Woods National Monument is a scenic, forested park featuring giant redwood trees, long hiking trails, a visitor center & more. Muir Woods is a unit of the National Park Service on the Pacific coast of southwestern Marin County, California, 12 miles north of San Francisco. Linger at the beautiful wayside signs throughout the park and learn about redwood ecology and cultural history of Muir Woods. Families with children enjoy participating in the Junior Ranger or Redwood Discovery. Got a few more hours to explore afterwards? Continue over to Stinson beach along HWY 1 to add beach to your day trip.

4. Coit Tower

View the beautiful city of San Francisco with a birds eye view! Built in 1933, the Coit Tower offers stunning 360 degree views of San Francisco and the surrounding bay area. Ride the elevator to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Bay! Half the fun is getting there - take some time and hike up through the stairs and gardens of Telegraph Hill and see if you can catch a glimpse of the famous wild parrots that live there amidst the beautiful foliage.

5. Japanese Tea Garden

The oldest Japanese Garden in the United States can be found within San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Created for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition as part of the fair's Japanese Village exhibit these gardens are home to 5 acres of beautifully kept plants and trees of a variety of species. There is a pagoda, a Zen Garden and more to be explored in this relaxing space; and of course a real tea house where you can drink traditional Japanese tea and sample genuine Japanese refreshments.

6. Fisherman's Wharf and Ghiradelli Square

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is located on the Niagara Parkway only about a 10 minute drive from the Falls. Families can take a self-guided walking tour through the conservatory which features over 2000 colorful butterflies floating freely in the tropical setting. Plan to visit the butterflies for about an hour. There are also horse and carriages that provide relaxing rides through the Botanical Gardens.

7. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, once home to the maximum security prison during the early 20th century, is now a member of the National Park Service and a beautiful destination for all those interested in history. Located just outside San Francisco Bay and accessible by boat, Alcatraz Island offers access to the interior of the former prison and breathtaking views.

All of the tours allow you to wander around inside the prison. You'll be able to walk the halls where Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly did their time, and see the solitary cells where the Birdman of Alcatraz sat out most of his sentence.

Alcatraz prison tours leave about every 30 minutes from Pier 33, daily from 8:45 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. The return boats leave Alcatraz every 30 minutes; the last one leaves Alcatraz at 6:30 p.m. and you can take any of the boats back (slightly shorter hours in winter).

8. Aquarium of The Bay

If your kids like ocean life, a visit to the Aquarium by the Bay will be a big hit. The Aquarium is located on the picturesque shores of the San Francisco Bay. The aquarium is home to nearly 20,000 animals, many of which are native to the waters just outside the facility. After your visit, you can walk along the wharf to see seals in their natural habitat, and then grab something good to eat at the nearby Pier 39.

9. Big Basin State Park

Established in 1902, the Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest State Park. It is also home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco. Aside from the Redwoods there are a large number of other tree species that can be seen and appreciated such as conifer, oaks and chaparral. The park has a surprising number of waterfalls, a wide variety of environments (from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes), many animals (deer, raccoons, bobcats) and lots of bird life—including Steller’s jays, egrets, herons and California woodpeckers. This is a truly spectacular day trip.