What’s up parents and guardians of SF (or visitors!), we’ve heard you: you’re in need of some ideas of things to do in San Francisco with kids that the whole family will want to do. Well, you’re in luck.
Whether you’re hanging out with your own kids, showing off your cool aunt or uncle skills, or showing around some friends’ kids from another city or country, it’s not easy to come up with engaging or interesting ideas on the fly.
In fact, without the right resources, you might find the prospect of planning a day out more daunting than delightful.
But worry no more. We've pooled our knowledge, sought advice, and drawn from our own experiences to craft a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in San Francisco with kids—no matter their age.
Fear not, grown-ups—below you’ll find a treasure trove of recommended places, activities, and adventures. Read on to discover them!
And just so you know, nobody pays us to be listed here. They’re just our recommendations to you, so you can find the best things to do in San Francisco. No affiliate links, just personal opinions!
Best Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids
Go on a Quest to Find a Secret Garden Together
First up on our list of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids, a quest.
Kids big and small light up when you talk about adventures, and for some of us grown-ups, that’s true of us as well.
Self-guided scavenger hunts like these are an awesome way to do some sightseeing in a nonconventional way.
You’ll still see major landmarks along the way, but you’ll also get to see a bunch of cooler hidden gems that even locals haven’t noticed before, and the best part is: you’ve got to work together to find them!
Basically, you get sent a bunch of puzzles, riddles and clues on WhatsApp that you have to solve before getting directions to move on in the game.
Spoiler alert: The Garden in the Sky route finishes at a stunning secret garden hidden among the rooftops, but all three routes uncover interesting and quirky aspects of San Francisco’s history and culture.
Practical information: Tickets cost $20 per person. All you need is WhatsApp, data access, comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing! You can start and stop the game whenever it’s convenient for you and recommend rest stops are included along the way.
Indulge Their Curiosity at Exploratorium
If you’ve spent a bit of time digging around for ideas of things to do in San Francisco with kids, you’ll have seen this one crop up all the time – and for good reason.
The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts with hundreds of hands-on exhibits. It's designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages through exploration and discovery and it really is a fantastic place to explore with curious young minds in tow.
It’s worth adding that this isn’t the cheapest thing to do in SF, but I’d recommend that you do it at least once.
Practical information: Located at Pier 15, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets are $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for youth (ages 4-12). Advance booking is recommended and can be done via their website.
Get The Most Out of Chinatown on a Scavenger Hunt
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without visiting our iconic Chinatown. Ask anybody around here, and we’ll tell you like it is: our Chinatown is unmatched.
The thing is though, visiting without any kind of plan in mind is fine as adults - you can wander around, sit down to grab a bite to eat and slowly make your way around. But when you’ve got kids with you, it’s a great idea to have some kind of structure in place to help you navigate.
And luckily, I’ve got just the thing for you: giving the Shattered Earth scavenger hunt a try. This interactive game makes exploring this vibrant neighborhood an educational and fun experience, uncovering historical facts and hidden treasures.
This route also unveils a lot about Chinese-American history and the aftermath of one of the USA’s most devastating earthquakes, so it’s a novel way to introduce kids to local history.
Practical information: Tickets cost $20 per person. Suitable for older children and adults, flexible start and stop times and recommended rest stops included.
Take on The Lands’ End Hike Together
I know, I know, it’s another walking idea. But San Francisco is one of the most walkable cities in the country, and while you’re here, it’d be remiss of me not to tell you where to get some awesome views!
For families that love the great outdoors, the Lands’ End Hike is a must. I’d recommend starting from the west, so you can enjoy the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge while winding through rugged coastline and historic sites.
Practical information: Trail is open from sunrise to sunset, free of charge. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen!
Explore San Fran on an Urban Adventure Game and Get The Kids To Document Their Day on a Reel or TikTok
For parents, guardians, or family members in charge of tweens, teens, or a member of the TikTok generation, check out these urban adventure games.
If you’ve been on the receiving end of the endless battle about trying to reduce screen time, you’re not alone. But there is a way to find a compromise: doing an activity that lets the digital generation flex their creative skills while also learning about their surroundings.
Urban adventures like these involve solving puzzles, riddles and doing challenges as a team that take you around scenic spots and cool hidden gems in an SF neighborhood. At the same time, let the youngins capture your day out together in a vlog or a reel.
Expect to see plenty of historical landmarks, vibrant street art, and eclectic neighborhoods, and enjoy reliving the memories through your kids’ digital creations. Ta-dah– everyone’s happy!
Practical information: Urban adventure games are self-guided, so start and stop whenever you’re ready. Tickets cost $20 per person. There’s a lot of walking involved so wear comfortable clothing and shoes!
Fun Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids
Climb Coit Tower Together
If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco with kids that never run out of energy, take ‘em to the Tower!
I should give you fair warning that the elevator isn’t known for its reliable service, so if your kids are still in strollers, very young, or you or someone else has mobility issues, then this isn’t for you. There are 13 flights of steps to walk up, so be prepared!
If you’re up for it though, I’d definitely recommend taking a trip up. No matter what age you are, it’s hard not to be wowed from the view at the top, and there are murals from the 1930s decorating the interior walls so the journey up is as interesting as what awaits you!
Practical information: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Tickets for the elevator to the top are $10 for adults and $3 for children (but, as I say, it might be having mechanical issues so be prepared for that).
Take The Kids Along to a Ping Pong Bar
Looking for activities that get you and the kids off your butts and moving? Head to Spin.
If you’ve never been before (Spin has sister venues up and down the country), this is the place where everyone, young and old, get to unleash their competitive spirit with a game of ping pong.
It’s a neat, chilled-out place to hang out and, in my experience, it doesn’t take long for sibling rivalries to take hold! Luckily, ping pong is a very inclusive sport and it’s not all about being the best; in my case, it’s all about maintaining the return streak!
Practical information: Family hours end at 9:00 PM. Prices vary by the hour; check SPiN’s website for current rates.
Grab Donuts at Bob’s
Looking for things to do in San Francisco with kids that will put a smile on everyone’s faces? I’ve got an easy solution.
For non-locals, Bob’s is pretty much a San Francisco institution. A head’s up to say that the donuts here are huge - we’re talking almost the size of my head kinda size - but honestly, they are soooo good.
There are a few locations around the city, so it’s an easy extra and fun activity to slip into your sightseeing or plans.
Practical information: Open 24/7, making it the perfect spot for an early morning or late-night treat. Check out their website for the menu and special offers.
Visit The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Are you even in San Francisco if someone doesn’t tell you that fortune cookies were invented here?
Yeah, we’re quite proud of our achievements and we’re not afraid to shout about it. The story behind everyone’s favorite freebie from a Chinese takeout started right here and yes, that means it’s now a tourist attraction – but a fun one.
The lines can be long but it does move pretty fast. You get to sample cookies, write your own messages to put inside and if you want, you can take a tour to see how the cookies are made. It’s a really fun and quite unique way to spend your time so if that’s your kind of thing, add it to your list!
Practical information: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Free admission; nominal fee for personalized fortune cookies. More details available here.
Take a Bike Ride at Golden Gate Park
Ok, you might have tired legs after all that sightseeing, shopping or tower climbing. But hopefully not tired enough for a bike ride!
Exploring Golden Gate Park on two wheels is a great activity that can make something like sightseeing - not every kid’s cup of tea - more exciting. I mean, everything’s more exciting on wheels, right?
If you’re a local, it also might never have occurred to you to give this a try. Yes, it’s popular with everyone (tourists and locals alike) but let’s be real for a sec, the Golden Gate Park is one of our many jewels in the crown of SF.
Bike rentals are readily available, so just hop on and start pedaling!
Practical information: Bike rental shops are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Prices vary.
Let The Good Times Roll at Church of 8 Wheels
Bet you didn’t expect hanging out at church to be on this list, huh?
If you’re looking for unique things to do with kids in San Francisco, it doesn’t get much more “different” than this. Set in a church that’s over 120 years old, the 8 Wheels Church is now more famous for being a super cool roller disco than a place of worship.
Needless to say, the venue is beautiful on the inside (I can’t get enough of those stained-glass windows) and I just love all their puns (they call patrons “holy rollers”, and there’s a lot about the “rolligion” of skating!).
Everyone will be moving and grooving in no time, and it’s super reasonably priced too. My verdict? Fun, funky and fantastically freeing!
Practical information: Open Friday to Sunday with varying hours. Admission for kids is $10 (adults pay $10) and skate rental is $5 for all ages. Visit their Instagram for the latest events.
Say Hello to The Sea Lions at Pier 39
Aw, you just can’t come to SF without saying hello to everyone’s favorite Bay residents.
If you’re a tourist, you just have to stop by Pier 39 to say hello to our charming sea lions that lounge on the docks. If you’re a local, in my experience, it never gets old seeing them. They’re just so goofy!
As locals we probably take it for granted how awesome it is that we have the opportunity to observe wildlife this close up right in the heart of our city, and it’s something really special to share with little ones.
Practical information: Accessible all day, every day at no cost. Arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best view. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t provoke the animals.
Swing By The Disney Family Museum
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in San Francisco that involve the little ones’ favorite characters, this is where you’ll find it.
Regardless of whether you’re a parent or not, you’re probably already super familiar with Disney’s many movies and their respective storylines – these movies transcend generations and have become core memories for many of us over the years.
But what do you know about Walt Disney himself?
Get a peek behind the scenes and explore galleries filled with artifacts and interactive exhibits that tell the story of Disney’s legacy. Oh, and Star Wars fans – don’t forget to make a stop at the nearby Yoda Fountain for a quirky photo op!
Practical information: Open Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children. More information at The Disney Family Museum and the Yoda Fountain.
Treat Yourselves at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
Last but definitely not least on our list of things to do in San Francisco with kids, an SF classic.
If you haven’t heard of Ghiradelli before, prepare to have your minds blown. Ghiradelli is San Francisco’s undisputed chocolatier icon, and it’s no coincidence that most kids absolutely adore it.
We’re talking decadent sundaes (these are huge so unless you’re very, very hungry I recommend going for the mini sundaes!), hot chocolate (so rich and creamy it reminds me of the chocolate river from the 1970s Wonka movie).
I’d recommend you order your sundaes as takeout and sit by the fountain or walk down toward the water if the weather’s nice.
Practical information: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Prices vary; visit their website for more details on menus and special chocolate events.
Find More Things to Do in San Francisco with CityDays
Whatever your interests are, there’s always something new for you to discover and do in San Francisco.
In fact, you don’t have to go out of your way at all to find them - you just have to know where to look.
Discover San Fran’s secret sites and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our San Francisco scavenger hunts, exploration games or urban adventure games!
Are you looking for corporate scavenger hunts? Read more about our San Francisco team-building activities and contact us for more details.