3 of 15

Write now Article Tools

San Francisco is a city that welcomes all ages-including the little ones. Fortunately, there are so many things you can do with your children. Here are some ideas.

1) The Golden Gate Park-No San Francisco vacation would be complete without a trip to Golden Gate Park. There are so many wonderful things to do and see in this park, but here are my top selections for kids:

*The Koret Children's Quarter (formerly known as "The Children's Playground)-Kids can go on for hours exploring the newly renovated playground and its animal sculptures, climbing walls, and tree house village.

Steps away from the Children's Quarter is the famous Golden Gate Park carousel. For $1.50, you can take your child for a ride on an old-fashioned carousel.

There are other great things to do in the park, like visiting the Japanese Tea Garden or renting boats from the Strawberry Hill boathouse.

2) San Francisco Zoo-Just south of Golden Gate Park is the San Francisco Zoo. Take the kids here to watch the giraffes, visit the petting zoo, or say hello to the polar bears. Note: city residents get a discount, so be sure to mention it!

3) The Exploratorium-If you're on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge, you've got to stop and visit the Exploratorium which is a hands-on science museum that will blow your kid's socks off.

4) The Metreon-For older kids, or kids that just need their gadget-fix, visit the Metreon on Fourth street. The Metreon features an IMAX theatre, a Sony Style store, a Playstation store, and a gaming arcade. Special exhibitions are hosted on the fourth floor.

5) Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39-If you need to go to one place that has it all, well the Fisherman's Wharf is it. You can take the kids on a cruise around the bay or to Alcatraz; or, stay land-bound and enjoy the shopping at Pier 39, take a ride on the carousel, or take a walk through the Wax Museum or Ripley's Believe it Or Not.

Learn more about this author, Emma Salom.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about San Francisco, CA: Family activities in the city?
We want to hear your view. Write now!