If you think planning a trip with your kids to San Francisco will be expensive, think again! This magical and iconic city along the bay is full of family-friendly activities and adventures, and the best part is that many of these activities don’t cost you a dime! From watching the playful sea lions at Pier 39, exploring the Golden Gate with views and epic playgrounds, and exploring the Golden City with kids under 18, it can be magical and affordable.
Play in Golden Gate Park
The Golden Gate Park is the city’s largest urban park and the country’s third most visited urban park. More than 1.5 miles of gardens, open green space, and parks that are perfect for letting your kids run off their energy and exploring through nature. Some of the gardens have an entrance fee, like the Japanese gardens and the Conservatory of Flowers; however, each has specific days and times with free entry!
- Location: 501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Days for Free Entry:
- The Botanical Gardens: Free daily admission from 7:30 am-9 am. Enter at the Main Gate only.
- Conservation of Flowers: Free day is the first Tuesday of each month.
- Japanese Tea Gardens: Free admission from 9 am-10 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week
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Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39
If you want to save some money on this trip, instead of visiting the aquarium at Pier 39, go to Pier 39’s waterfront and watch the playful and entertaining sea lions! It is like watching a sport! Especially when the dock workers come to kick them off of one pier and they all bark about until they “plop” themselves onto another dock. I can attest that kids of all ages (and even adults) find it extremely entertaining.
- Location: Waterfront at Pier 39
Explore Around Union Square
What started initially as a large sand dune, the city turned it into a public park in 1850. Named for the pro-Union rallies held there on the eve of the Civil War. Nowadays, there is always something happening in Union Square, including free walking tours, festive outdoor concerts, and lots of seasonal events!
- Location: Union Square Plaza – 333 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94123
- When to Visit: Open daily to the public
Shop and Eat in the Ferry Building
Located right along the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building is a must-visit for families with kids looking to enjoy good food, fresh air, stunning bay views, and (bonus points) bathrooms—all in one convenient spot. You can also visit the Ferry Building farmers market (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). With plenty of samples to snack on, outdoor seating, and room for strollers, this is the perfect stop in your travel itinerary when visiting San Francisco with kids.
- Location: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105
- When to Visit: Open daily 7 am – 8 pm
Experience History at Fort Point
Welcome to a slice of history! Fort Point is a Civil War-era base perched just under the Golden Gate Bridge, where your kids can play around the brick corridors and climb on cannon-lined rooftops. With interactive talks with park rangers and a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s a free and fun way to mix history with a bit of adventure.
- Location: 201 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
- When to Visit: Friday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Ride the Rails at San Francisco Railway Museum
San Francisco is one of the only places in the world where you can get an actual experience of riding a vintage rail system. If you decide to ride one of the historical trams, you can follow up on that experience by visiting the San Francisco Railway Museum. This museum features a full-sized replica of a San Francisco streetcar where your kids can learn how it felt to be at the controls.
- Location: 77 Steuart Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 – across from the Ferry building at the F-line Steuart Street shop.
- When to Visit: Open Wednesday-Saturday from 12 pm-5 pm
Listen to the Wave Oregon
When your kids have a lot of energy to burn off (trust me, I feel you), I have the perfect activity for you! Near the Little Marina Green Picnic Area, you’ll find the Wave Oregon tucked down along the waterline. Designed by Peter Richards and collaborated with master stone mason, George Gonzales in 1986. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge are also worth adding to your travel plans.
- Location: 83 Marina Green Drive San Francisco, CA 94123
- When to Visit: The Wave Organ sounds best at high tide. Check the tides.
Get Hands-On at the Randall Museum
Welcome to every kid’s dream, a museum where you can touch everything! The Randall Museum is the perfect blend of science, nature, and creativity, and with free admission, it is the best way to spend a day if the weather turns sour. With live California’s native animals, hands-on STEM exhibits, model trains, and an amazing indoor treehouse for toddlers. With a café located within the museum as well, it is the perfect foul weather, indoor activity to do with your kids in San Francisco.
- Location: 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114 (Corona Heights)
- When to Visit: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Have a Picnic at Sutro Baths
The Sutro Baths are moving away from the Golden Gate Bridge, over to the Western side of the city on the coast. These baths are circa 1896 public bathhouses that once held seven saltwater public pools, making it the largest indoor water public complex at the time. Today, you and your family can explore the rocky paths and the tide pools. With plenty of room for your kids to explore, you might want to think about packing a picnic, it is a perfect
Try your Artistry at Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco
This is a fun, lesser-known museum! Tucked away on the third floor of the
- Location: 750 Kearny St 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108
- When to Visit: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Getting Around San Francisco with Kids
Large cities like San Francisco have numerous means of transportation, even when you’re traveling with kids. Here is a short breakdown of the best forms of transportation when visiting San Francisco with kids:
Muni (Buses, Metro, and Cable Cars):
When your kids can experience transportation in true San Francisco fashion! Hopping on one of the legendary cable cars, the light rail, or one of the many city buses is the best way to get around downtown!
- Why it’s suitable for kids: Kids 5 and under ride on Muni for free, and older kids ride for reduced fares.
- Best for: Getting around downtown, including the Mission, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and everywhere in between.
- Travel Tip: Pick up a Clipper Pass or a Muni Passport to save yourself money and time.
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)`
If you are traveling longer distances, the BART will be your best “budget-friendly” bet. You can take the BART to the SFO airport, Oakland, and as far as the East Bay. It is a frequent, fast and stroller-friendly transit option.
- Why it’s suitable for kids: The times between trains are fast, so if you’re dealing with tired kids and you’re not staying in the downtown area, this is a great option to get back for nap time.
- Best for: Airport transportation and day trips beyond the city
- Travel Tip: Don’t rely on the BART if you’re hoping around downtown or shorter trips around San Francisco; use it primarily for longer distances.
Walking
There is SO much to see around San Francisco that if you don’t hoof it for part of your trip, you’re really going to be missing out. Plan some walking time during your trip. We carved out time to walk from the Ferry Building to Pier 39, and there is SO much to see and experience along the way – it is worth the effort.
- Why it’s suitable for kids: Because there is so much to see around the city, it helps keep kids distracted from the effort of walking and engaged with the world around them
- Best for: Exploring around more compact neighborhoods like Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, and North Beach
- Travel Tip: Good shoes! I cannot stress good shoes enough, it will make all the difference for everyone! Also, bring a stroller with good brakes; some hills can be pretty steep.
Ferries
Take a day to explore outside of San Francisco during your trip. Though the downtown area could keep you busy for a while, you would still be missing out.
- Why it’s great: Taking the ferry to Sausalito or Alcatraz is easy to arrange and a great way to see more of the Bay Area.
- Best for: Spectacular views of the city from the water without paying for a tour
- Travel Tip: Bring a jacket, not just for taking the ferry, but as a general rule of visiting San Francisco. The microclimate in the Bay Area can change rapidly from a cool morning to a cooking afternoon. Layers are your best friend.
San Francisco is an excellent example of a large city that can also be affordable for families when traveling. With its many walkable neighborhoods and parks, incredible scenic views, and endless kid-friendly stops, this city is a giant playground for kids of all ages.
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