San Francisco Kids Attractions

California is a great place for families and children, and San Francisco is one its most child-friendly cities. Not only is there great weather, but there's also a plethora of fantastic attractions and activities to keep the little ones busy.

When the sun is out, visit world-renowned landmark Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy the sights, or even take an electric bike tour over the bridge. Not your typical theme park, the Gilroy Gardens are great for a picnic or a stroll and there is loads of space for kids to run around and let off some steam. There are also breathtaking views from the Panoramic Wheel and there are even a few rides for the younger ones to enjoy, but don't forget the hats and sunscreen. Fisherman's Wharf is also a great day out and be sure to head to Pier 39 where there is plenty for kids to see and do.

When the weather is bad and children's outdoor activities in San Francisco are not an option, head out to some of the exciting museums such as the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, or for something more educational, the Randall Museum is a great place to learn about animals and science.

Golden Gate Bridge

The rust-coloured towers, graceful suspension and supportive cables of the Golden Gate Bridge make this famous symbol of San Francisco the most photographed bridge in the world, and visible from almost any high point in the city, although it is often shrouded in rolling...  see full details

Fisherman's Wharf

Some people love the bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf, while others make a conscious effort to steer well clear of it. But for better or worse it is massively popular, attracting more visitors than any other city sight, with Pier 39 the commercial tourist epicentre....  see full details

Golden Gate Park

Of the many open green spaces in San Francisco, Golden Gate Park is the biggest and the loveliest stretching from The Haight to the Pacific Ocean, featuring gardens, lakes, numerous sporting facilities, and museums. On Sundays the main drive is closed to traffic and...  see full details

Cable Cars

One of San Francisco’s most endearing attractions is its network of 130-year-old cable cars, the only mobile National Historic Landmark in the country, and the world’s only surviving system of cable cars. Many cities adopted the system, but all have since been replaced by...  see full details

Exploratorium

Located inside the Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium is known as the museum of science, art and human perception, and is a leader in the movement to promote museums as educational centres. Named San Francisco's best museum, the Exploratorium is a fun, quirky...  see full details

Aquarium of the Bay

The Aquarium of the Bay features 300 feet (91m) of crystal clear acrylic tunnels through which over 20,000 aquatic animals can be viewed. The aquarium offers visitors the opportunity to come face-to-face with the Bay's largest predator, the sevengill shark, as well as touch...  see full details

Alamo Square

Anyone who has ever seen an episode of the 90s sitcom 'Full House' will know what Alamo Square looks like. It is a residential neighbourhood and park in San Francisco, frequented by tourists, neighbours and dog-owners. The park features a playground as well as...  see full details

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum

Visitors at the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum can be mystified and thrilled at the rare, the bizarre and the totally unexplained in the many interactive and state-of-the-art exhibitions throughout the museum. Children will be gob-smacked and this is a must for families...  see full details

Boardwalk Casino Arcade

Located in the Santa Cruz district, the Boardwalk Casino Arcade is a fantastic amusement park full of state-of-the-art video games and other great arcade games to entertain just about every child of every age. ...  see full details

Oakland Zoo

Boasting a plethora of over 300 wonderful animals, the Oakland Zoo is a must for animal lovers and children. Highlights include a children's park, picnic area, wildlife theatre, carousel and a miniature railway. The children's zoo allows kids the opportunity to get close to...  see full details

Randall Museum

The Randall Museum, also known as the Science and Nature Museum, provides plenty of enjoyable and exciting learning opportunities and experiences for children of all ages. The museum also features animals, such as birds, mice and snakes and children can even get to handle...  see full details

Children's Fairyland

This ten-acre entertainment park on the shores of Lake Merritt features carousel rides, puppet shows and displays of other fairy-tale characters from well-loved stories where stories come to life. Children of all ages will love a trip to Children's Fairyland where they can let...  see full details