San Francisco, CA
Fun Things to Do with Kids in San Francisco
Whatever the weather is doing, San Francisco has options. We track 115 places to take kids across the area, including museums and educational attractions (33), arcades (13) and family entertainment centers (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.
Last updated 22 September 2026. Hours and prices come from each business.
Indoor activities for kids in San Francisco
When it rains, or when it is simply too cold to be outside for long, there are 49 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. 24 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
13 categories, 115 places. Counts change as businesses add listings.
Popular places in San Francisco
8 of 115, ordered by distance from San Francisco.
Asian Art Museum
Accepts NARMAsian 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…
Church of 8 Wheels
Indie Darling
Tenderloin Museum
Accepts Time TravelersAccepts NARMTenderloin Museum tells the story of San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, from its post-earthquake rebuilding through its history as a center of immigrant…
Cable Cars of San Francisco
Iconic moving landmark; Powell-Hyde Powell-Mason California lines; kids love riding; $8/adult
Mission Bowling Club
Mission Bowling Club is a boutique bowling alley and restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District where families can reserve a lane for a casual outing. Kids of…
Ocean Aquarium
Mission Playground Splash Pad
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…
Nearby cities
The closest other places we cover.
Common questions
What are the best things to do with kids in San Francisco?
We list 115 kid-friendly places in San Francisco, led by museums and educational attractions (33) and arcades (13). Every listing shows hours, prices and what other parents thought.
What can you do with kids in San Francisco for free?
24 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 49 indoor places in San Francisco, including museums, indoor playgrounds and family entertainment centers.