Fun Things to Do with Kids in San Francisco
Whatever the weather is doing, San Francisco has options. We track 80 places to take kids across the area, including museums & educational attractions (34), historic sites (8) and nature & gardens (8).
Find kid-friendly places to play, learn and explore in and around San Francisco. Browse by category below, or jump to a few popular spots families visit.
Indoor activities for kids in San Francisco
When it rains, or when it is simply too cold to be outside for long, there are 45 indoor places to choose from. Museums and indoor playgrounds are the usual answer, and both work at short notice.
Free things to do with kids in San Francisco
A good share of what is on this page costs nothing. 27 of the places we list are free to visit, which makes a short trip perfectly reasonable when attention spans are short.
Best places by age in San Francisco
Splash pads, wading pools and indoor play areas suit toddlers, because they are shallow, close by and easy to leave early. Older children get more out of the hands-on museums and the bigger play structures.
Browse by category in San Francisco
Popular places in San Francisco
Asian Art Museum in San Francisco houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world. Families can explore diverse Asian art exhibits and take…
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Iconic moving landmark; Powell-Hyde Powell-Mason California lines; kids love riding; $8/adult
Mission Playground Splash Pad is a splash pad located at Valencia Street and 19th Street in San Francisco, California, managed by the San Francisco Recreation and…
Children's Creativity Museum is a museum in San Francisco, California that offers hands-on art, design, and innovation experiences for kids of all ages. The museum…
Concrete hillside slides; beloved SF tradition; bring cardboard; playground adjacent; Mission District
Children's Creativity Museum in San Francisco offers hands-on art, design, and innovation experiences for kids of all ages. The museum builds creative confidence…
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Leroy King Carousel is located within Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, California, where families can ride a historic carousel alongside other attractions…
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Common questions
What are the best things to do with kids in San Francisco?
We list 80 kid-friendly places in San Francisco, led by museums & educational attractions (34) and historic sites (8). Every listing shows hours, prices and what other parents thought.
What can you do with kids in San Francisco for free?
27 of the places we list in San Francisco are free to visit, including playgrounds, splash pads and several outdoor spaces.
Where can you take kids in San Francisco when it is raining?
There are 45 indoor places in San Francisco, including museums, indoor playgrounds and family entertainment centers.