Is there anything fun to do with kids in and around San Francisco?

Question

My cousin and I would like to take a vacation to SF,wine country and possibly Yomsemite or another destination with a 4 1/2 yr old. Is this even possible?

Answer 1

Hi, I live in San Francisco, and there’s much to do in the Bay Area. First of all, check out the following website for ideas: http://www.gokid.org/

Ghirardelli is fun. There’s a square to run around, and the child can enjoy the machine that stirs chocolate when you stop in for an ice cream in the shop there. The ocean walk nearby is restful and relaxing, so the kid can run around while you enjoy the beautiful scenery.

I tend to steer clear of places like Pier 39, but it might have some things that interest a young ‘un.

Golden Gate Park is wonderful for walks and atmosphere. The Academy of Sciences is nice, though not as wonderful as usual in its temporary location.

There’s a Fodor’s Guide, “Around San Francisco With Kids,” and Frommer’s has one too. Even though I’ve lived here for just about all of my son’s 16 years, I’ve referred to guides like these for our own entertainment or for guests.

By the way, I take offence at some of these posts. Sure, gay people live here (and most of them are respectable people), and not everyone is doing nude yoga and smoking marijuana in the streets. We’re hard-working people, and our son goes to a terrific Catholic high school. It’s racially very mixed here, but everyone gets along surprisingly well. You’ll enjoy the place. Just remember, driving can sometimes be frustrating, as some streets suddenly become one-way avenues.

Everything is expensive---we’re used to it. However, we have more inexpensive restaurants than almost anywhere else I’ve been----one can always grab a cheap meal.

If you can swing it, I would also take a boat ride out on the bay. These rides can be grabbed down near Pier 39, at the Blue & Gold Fleet. Beautiful tour, and you might even go underneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

Welcome to San Francisco, and enjoy!

Answer 2

What about the Exploritorium? It's near the wharf/Pier 39, and it is so muc fun for children, even adults. I have been going there since I was little and have memories of that place vividly. Guess thats why I love going to San Francisco so much!

There is an aquarium at the pier as well, although not as good as Monterey. Still neat though!

Have fun! :) The Bay Area/Napa Valley is just wonderful!

Answer 3

I've been to Southern San Francisco. They have the San Francisco Zoo, and Pier 39 with lots of cool stuff....and lots of parks and beaches. They also have Disneyland in CA but that's like eight hours away from San Francisco.

Answer 4

I am going to move in San Francisco on december, all i ever heard is that is the city of love :), so you shouldn't have any problems with your kid

Answer 5

Fisherman's Wharf has lots to do, and Yosimite is a blast. DO NOT GO TO ALCRATRAZ with a youngster - it bores even the adults. Oh - go to Ghiradhelli Square and visit the chocolate shoppe.

Answer 6

No check the kind of population they have do you think san francisco its rated G?

Answer 7

China town, Pier 39. The rock (Alcatraz) tour.

Answer 8

It's fun to go to the Mo' section of town and gawk at the flamers .

Go to Clos Pegasas fo the wine.

BOSCO

Answer 9

Montaray Bay aquarium it is alot of fun! I want to take my kids there next year :) have fun!

Answer 10

san fracisco sucks...i don't know if there is anything for kids there. i think pier 39 had some seals and a carosel or something...but if i had kids i wouldn't take them anywhere full of f@gs, hippies, vegans, pot, and nude yoga. if you don't watch yourself, your kid is going to grow up and totally suck.