• January 2, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Exploratorium

© Image by Amy Snyder, Exploratorium

2. Oakland Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© LESLIE/stock.adobe.com

3. Children’s Creativity Museum

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Children’s Creativity Museum

4. The Bay Area Discovery Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Bay Area Discovery Museum

5. Del Popolo

6. Children’s Fairyland

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Children’s Fairyland

7. Dynamo Donut and Coffee

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Dynamo Donut and Coffee

8. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© rent Hofacker/stock.adobe.com

9. Batter Bakery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

10. Flax Art and Design

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Flax Art and Design

11. California Academy of Sciences

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© California Academy of Sciences

12. Bi-Rite Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff

13. Bob's Donuts

14. Tacolicious

15. Pier 39 & Adventure Cat Sailing Charters

Tours in the Area
© Adventure Cat Sailing Charters

16. San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

17. Aquarium of the Bay

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Aquarium of the Bay

18. Musee Mecanique

19. San Francisco Botanical Garden

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Sundry Photography./stock.adobe.com

20. Cable Car Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Klaus Nowottnick/stock.adobe.com

21. Walt Disney Family Museum

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© pvl0707/stock.adobe.com

22. Golden Gate Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Plan a family weekend trip to San Francisco and explore interactive science exhibits, make your own art or record a music album. Take the kids catamaran sailing to enjoy incredible views of the San Francisco skyline, visit an aquarium, stop at the zoo, and have the best ice cream in town. Our list of best things to do with kids in the Bay Area includes ideas for both younger and older children. Most offer indoor and outdoor areas where you can interact with animals, play hide-and-seek, crawl through tunnels, and admire scenic city views.

Map:


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