Have you recently moved to the Bay Area? Are you looking for fun family activities in the Bay Area? When you first make a move, it can be daunting to find new places to take the kids that are both fun and family friendly. Lucky for you, San Francisco’s beautiful scenery, diverse environment and entertaining atmosphere is the perfect place to call home or visit for a family vacation. There is a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy and have a blast in the magical city of San Francisco!
1. Take The Kids Outside For Some Family Fun in the Sun
Children who grow up spending time outdoors are healthier as adults, and lucky for you San Francisco’s warm weather and sandy beaches are the perfect place to visit for some sun.
- PIER 39
Looking for a one-stop-shop for all types of family fun? PIER 39 is the place to visit for adventurous rides, fresh and delicious seafood dishes, a video arcade, San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay, and so much more. Entertain the little ones with fun street performances by jugglers, magicians, and comedians then head on down to the Museum of 3D Illusions, grab a caricature of the whole family, or jump on the enormous trampoline. All types of family fun can be found at PIER 39, so you can’t miss the “Disneyland of San Francisco.”
- Golden Gate Park
This urban park with 1,017 acres is full of all sorts of active, fun family activities including bike riding or skateboarding through a stunning natural retreat. Visit the Gardens to explore the beautiful horticulture, spend the afternoon playing on one of the many playgrounds, or grab a blanket to have a yummy picnic in the park. With so many outdoor activities to do, your children will fall in love with the outdoors and you can get a fun retreat from the usual. Golden Gate Park is safe with social distancing, and you can even go boating with your family throughout the lake.
- San Francisco Zoo
Bring the animal lovers in your life to the San Francisco Zoo and watch your little ones fall in love with the lions, giraffes, and gorillas in the 100-acre zoo. With more than 1,000 creatures and 250 species, you can ensure you will find all types of fauna and a fun learning experience for everyone in the family. Explore the playground or take a ride on the Little Puffer Steam Train with the kids. From the African Savana, Insect Zoo, and Penguin Island, you will find an expansive diversity of animals from which you can learn and explore with your family.
2. Explore San Francisco’s Family Friendly Museums
Let your creativity soar and enjoy some of the Bay Area’s best museums from science and engineering, to fun movie-related moments, and hands-on activities.
- Children’s Creativity Museum
Perfect for children ages 2-12, the Children’s Creativity Museum helps young children explore the creative world around them and encourages them to use their critical thinking through having fun. Your children will love this kid-friendly discovery museum full of workshops and hands-on activities including robot coding, making music, and an animation studio. You can even plan birthday parties or private event rentals for family and friends.
- The Walt Disney Family Museum
Before heading to Walt Disney Land, visit the incredible Walt Disney Family Museum for a unique behind-the-scenes look at your favorite Disney films. The fun, interactive museum is the perfect place to take the Disney lovers in your life to watch films in the Fantasia-themed theater and learn about all things Disney. With kid-friendly activities all week long, special exhibits, and games in every corner, your whole family will love this magical spot in the heart of San Francisco.
- Bay Area Discovery Museum
Inspire creativity in your children with hands-on activities at the Bay Area Discovery Museum including exhibits year-round, an outdoor playground in the Lookout Cove, and a waterpark called the Tot Spot. Creativity and exploration is the most important activity at this family-friendly museum, so you can’t miss this stellar spot the next time you are in San Francisco.
3. Historic San Francisco Must-Visit Places
San Francisco holds historic gems
- Chinatown
Did you know that San Francisco holds the oldest Chinatown in the United States? Come immerse yourself in this Asian community full of incredible sights and sounds, especially the authentic Chinese food. As soon as you step under the Chinatown Gate, get ready to explore the tourist shopping centers and stroll under the red lanterns surrounded by Chinese architecture as genuine as those in Beijing. With Chinese herbal shops, tea tasting, and the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, there is more than enough fun for the entire family.
- Golden Gate Bridge
When you think of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge might be the first visual that pops into your mind. The one-mile-wide bridge over the gleaming waters of the Pacific Ocean is the perfect place to watch the sunset with your family as the sun dances over the water. Come at nighttime with the family to enjoy the sensory experience of lights, sounds, and fun. You can walk, bike, dance, and even shop at this world-renowned bridge that brings in visitors from all around the world.
- Fisherman’s Warf
Although Fisherman’s Warf is known to be one of the most touristy areas of San Francisco, this is still an amazing spot to visit with your family even if you’re a local. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are craving a delicious seafood bowl, want to check out the aquarium bay, and retail shop for chocolate at Ghidardelli Square. The kids will love the water park and enjoying splashing around all day, then stopping by to see some sea lions at Pier 39. Fisherman’s Warf may a tourist destination, but don’t dismiss this fun historic destination in the Bay Area.
Families travel from around the world to visit the wonderful Bay Area, so come visit the best outdoor parks, historic destinations, and family-friendly museums in California. Come explore this dynamic, diverse, and family-oriented city of San Francisco for an incredible time for everyone, no matter the age. Check out these unique spots and plan for the best family time you’ve ever had!
