Family ยท Hub guide
San Francisco family vacation guide
Kid-friendly things to do in San Francisco, from sea lions and cable cars to hands-on museums and parks, with tips on getting around and where families should stay.
Family trip at a glance
- Top pick for kids California Academy of Sciences
- Free fun Sea lions at Pier 39, Crissy Field, playgrounds
- Hands-on museum Exploratorium on Pier 15
- Under 19 Ride regular Muni service free
- Good base Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square
- Plan for Cool, windy afternoons. Pack layers for the kids
In this guide
San Francisco is an easy city to visit with kids. The sea lions at Pier 39 are free to watch, and the big science museums are built for hands-on learning. The city is compact, so you can mix a big attraction with park time in the same day.
The biggest challenges are the hills and the cool weather. Plan short walking routes, use transit and pack a warm layer for everyone. Start with the San Francisco visitors guide for the basics.
Top things to do with kids
California Academy of Sciences
An aquarium, a planetarium, a four-story rainforest and a living roof, all in Golden Gate Park.
Pier 39 and the sea lions
Watch the sea lions on the floating docks, then ride the carousel. The sea lions are free to see.
Cable cars
Kids love hanging on as the car climbs the hills. Children 4 and under ride free.
Golden Gate Park
Playgrounds, lakes for paddle boats, the bison paddock and the Japanese Tea Garden.
Museums for kids
The Exploratorium, on Pier 15 along the Embarcadero, is a science museum full of hands-on exhibits for all ages. The California Academy of Sciences combines an aquarium, a natural history museum and a planetarium under one roof. Musรฉe Mรฉcanique at Fisherman’s Wharf has antique arcade machines you can still play for coins, and entry is free. See our museum guide and free museum days to plan your visits.
Parks and outdoor time
- Crissy Field has a flat path, a calm bay beach and views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Presidio Tunnel Tops has a big nature play area and lawns.
- Golden Gate Park has playgrounds, Stow Lake with boat rentals and the car-free JFK Drive for bikes and scooters.
- Yerba Buena Gardens downtown has lawns and a children’s area near the carousel.
Alcatraz with kids
Older kids often love the Alcatraz tour, especially the audio tour inside the cellhouse. The walk from the dock up to the cellhouse is steep. Book tickets well ahead, since tours sell out, especially in summer and on holidays.
Getting around with kids
Youth 18 and under ride regular Muni buses, trains and streetcars free. Cable cars are not included, though children 4 and under ride cable cars free. Strollers are allowed on Muni and BART, but cable cars are crowded, so a carrier is easier. Our getting around guide has more on fares.
Where families should stay
Fisherman’s Wharf puts you close to Pier 39, the sea lions and the Alcatraz ferry, and hotels there are often larger. Union Square is more central for transit and food. See where to stay in San Francisco for the pros and cons of each area.
Plan indoor backups. A foggy or rainy afternoon is a good time for the Exploratorium or the Academy of Sciences. See our rainy day ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Is San Francisco good for a family vacation?
Yes. The city has hands-on museums, free waterfront sights, big parks and cable cars, all within a small area.
What is the best museum in San Francisco for kids?
The California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium are the top picks for children.
Do kids ride Muni free in San Francisco?
Yes. Youth 18 and under ride regular Muni service free. Cable cars still charge a fare above age 4.
Is Alcatraz OK for kids?
Most school-age children enjoy it. The walk up from the dock is steep, and some exhibits describe prison life in detail.
More guides
- San Francisco attractions
- Pier 39 guide
- Best museums in San Francisco
- Free things to do in San Francisco
- Rainy day things to do
- Outdoor activities in San Francisco
Photo credits
Featured image: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Pier 39 and the sea lions: Oren Rozen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Cable cars: Christian Mehlfรผhrer, User:Chmehl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; Golden Gate Park: Kefr4000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Parks and outdoor time: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.