San Francisco skyline [Image by David Mark from Pixabay]San Francisco is famous for its Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and the Financial District. However, those are mostly adult attractions, so how does this Californian city keep the kids happy and smiling? The city has incredible museums, like the Exploratorium and the Musée Mécanique and a well-laid-out zoo. San Francisco also has the House of Air, where the kids can bounce around to their hearts’ content and great playgrounds like the Presidio Tunnel Tops. Whether you want the kids to sit still, learn and concentrate, or release all that energy, the following are just a few of the top attractions for families in San Francisco.
Exploratorium, Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St, San Francisco
Fun and learning for the kids [Image @exploratorium/Instagram]The Exploratorium is truly an attraction for the whole family, as this stunning art and science museum attracts adults, kids and even toddlers alike. Here, the exhibits use light, sound and bubbles to full effect. Meanwhile, there are more than 500 exhibits, including science experiments, hands-on activities, and interactive games using sight, memory, touch and perception. All on its own, this amazing place could keep the kids happy for days.
Musée Mécanique, Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf
Musée Mécanique [Image @museemecaniquesf/Instagram]This fantastical museum was founded by Edward Galland Zelinsky, famed in San Francisco for his unparalleled collection of antique oddities. Among these are antique arcade machines, coin-operated mechanical musical instruments, bits of local history and so much more. In fact, kids of all ages will love this collection from the city’s amusement park history. Meanwhile, the museum has more than 300 items, including antique slot machines, coin-operated pianos and, a steam-powered motorcycle. Moreover, Musée Mécanique has a wide selection of vintage arcade games, all in perfect working order, and only around $.25 to $50 to play.
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
[Image @sanfranciscozoo/Instagram]Naturally, a visit to San Francisco with the family wouldn’t be without a trip to the local zoo. The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is located between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean and features 100 acres of amazing animals. Open every day of the year, the zoo is home to more than 2,000 endangered, exotic and rescued animals. Here, the kids will have fun and a little education by visiting the lions, giraffes, monkeys, chimpanzees, bears, gorillas and so much more.
House of Air, 926 Mason Street, San Francisco
House of Air, San Francisco [Image @houseofair/Instagram]If the kids have too much energy and are exhausting their parents, the House of Air is the perfect solution. This sprawling trampoline gym has dozens of trampolines, surrounded by cushioned walls where the kids can go wild and bounce to their hearts’ content. There’s also a trampoline dodgeball court with friendly pick-up games, as well as foam pits and a rock climbing wall. Meanwhile, the littler members of the family have a special mini trampoline area just for themselves.
Presidio Tunnel Tops, near Crissy Field
Presidio Tunnel Tops [Image @presidiosf/Instagram]This new federal parkland opened in 2022 after 30 years of planning and offers 14 acres of space for the kids to play. Meanwhile, Presidio Tunnel Tops also offers amazing views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the best attraction for the little ones is the Outpost playscape at the base of Tunnel Tops. Here, kids from toddlers to preteens can enjoy a nature-inspired playground split into three areas. In fact, the Woodlands, Coastal Bluff and Dunes each offer different options to keep the kids happy and entertained.
Take the whole family to San Francisco in 2023 to experience these and many more attractions, perfect for the kids.