Fun Things to do with Kids in San Francisco
The city on the Bay is known for being a top destination for old and young travelers alike. Whether you’re stopping in for a day trip or spending a week, San Francisco has plenty of activities to keep kids happy and busy. Have a wild child on your hands? Check out California’s Great America theme park for rollercoasters and water parks. For the animal lover, the famous San Francisco Zoo is home to 1,000 exotic animals and the Aquarium of the Bay will take you on an unforgettable underwater journey. Check out the list below for some of the best attractions in the area!
The Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport offers exclusive deals for some of the below attractions and many city tours. Click the button below to see the available discount attraction tickets.
Things to Do
Area Attractions and Entertainment
GoKart Racer
Experience Burlingame’s exciting indoor go-kart racing venue. Race wheel to wheel on high-caliber racing machines that reach speeds of 35 mph. Rev your engines on three European-designed road courses with hairpins, high-speed sweeping turns, and elevation changes. The 70,000 sq. ft. facility features three tracks, a viewing lounge, cafe, arcade, and billiards. Go-karts are designed for real racing action, so the facility supplies your racing suit, helmet, and instructions. Driving schools and leagues are also offered.
Website: www.gokartracer.com
Address: 1541 Adrian Road, Burlingame, CA 94010
Exploratorium
Touch and tinker with hundreds of playful interactive exhibits of science, technology, art, nature, and human perception on Pier 15 at the Exploratorium. Six main galleries fill the grounds allowing visitors to experiment in everything from social behavior to light to what makes a clock tick. The Exploratorium is a wonderful place to chase your curiosity and learn while having fun.
Website: www.exploratorium.edu
Address: Pier 15, San Francisco, CA 94111
iFly SF Bay
Experience the extreme excitement of indoor skydiving at iFly SF Bay, a vertical wind tunnel where anyone can learn to fly. One of the most exciting family activities in the Bay Area, indoor skydiving is challenging enough for adults, safe for kids, and exciting for teens. Enjoy the thrill of a lifetime on the Bay.
Website: www.iflysfbay
Address: 31310 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City, CA 94587
San Francisco Zoo
features 1,000 exotic and endangered animals. Explore African Savanna and Grizzy Gulch, home to two large grizzly bears. Meet the animals of the Children’s Zoo and New Zoo as you cruise on the Little Puffer Miniature Steam Train. Your family will enjoy exhibits, such as Gorilla Preserve, Penguin Island, Koala Crossing, Australian WalkAbout and much more during your visit to the San Francisco Zoo.
Website: www.sfzoo.org
Address: 2945 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132
Magowans Infinite Mirror Maze
Located on Pier 39 on the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze is a colorful & exciting experience for the whole family! Wander through the twists and turns of the mirrored halls for as long as it takes until you eventually find your way out. This psychedelic time is free for kids aged 5 & younger.
Website: www.magowansinfinitemirrormaze.com
Address: Building 0-11 at Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133
California's Great America
For adventure lovers, California’s Great America is the place for you! Go for a whirl on thrill rides like the spinning Delirium or classic wooden coaster the Grizzly. Swing high, overlooking the park on the Celebration Swings or make a splash at Boomerang Bay. With dining options and live entertainment to top it off, this well-known park will be a family favorite.
Website: www.cagreatamerica.com
Address: 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Walt Disney Family Museum
Discover the man behind Mickey Mouse! The Walt Disney Family Museum displays early drawings, animations, music and more allowing visitors to peek inside the mind of Walt Disney himself. Visit the 40,000 square-foot museum for galleries, a learning center, and a theater showing the Disney classics throughout the week.
Website: www.waltdisney.org
Address: 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129
Crissy Field
A former military field, Crissy Field now offers some of the best views of San Francisco for visitors. Step out and enjoy fresh air as you bike, jog, or walk along the trails. Bring a packed lunch or grab a snack from the Beach Hut Cafe and settle in at a picnic table. Kids can spend hours running around Crissy Field playing games, discovering nature, or riding bikes, so be sure to put this on your list of places to visit!
Website: www.presidio.gov
Address: 610 Old Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94129
Golden Gate Park Carousel
We know visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is on your list, so make your little one happy and jump on the Golden Gate Park Carousel while you’re there. Originally built in 1914 and repaired in 1977, the famed carousel will whisk you off on a magical ride with horses, dragons, tigers, and plenty other characters!
Website: www.golden-gate-park.com
Address: 320 Bowling Green Drive, San Francisco, CA 94122
Aquarium of the Bay
A cool family attraction on Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay is a unique entertainment and educational experience. Get close to 20,000 amazing marine animals as you walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels. See the sevengill sharks, the Bay’s largest predator, or touch leopard sharks, skates, rays, and sea stars. The four elements to your underwater journey – Discover the Bay, Under the Bay, Touch the Bay and Save the Bay – create magical experiences that show us the conservation of San Francisco Bay.
Website: www.aquariumofthebay.org
Address: 2 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
