Searching for Kid-Friendly Getaways? Where Can You Go for a Fun Weekend in San Francisco
San Francisco is always a good place to go – plenty of green space, tons of culture, never too hot, and relatively easy to get around, whether by public transportation, car or stroller.
The 4000-plus acres of green and recreational space in San Francisco make much of the city kid-friendly. From scenic parks to cultural hotspots, it offers a diverse array of experiences for little ones, tweens, and teens. Explore a variety of recommended spots in the city's lively neighborhoods, each offering the perfect activities for every family member. Here we go!
1. Best things to do in San Francisco with little kids, babies and toddlers
• SF's Presidio Tunnel Tops park
From the same design firm behind New York City's High Line, Tunnel Tops Park is not to be missed. Situated atop the Presidio Parkway Tunnels, it offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts up close. Explore different areas like the campfire spot, picnic areas, and a playground made from recycled materials. Plus, enjoy free events like Intertribal Dance Gatherings and ranger talks. And don't worry about food – there are food trucks every day. Afterward, check out the Walt Disney Family Museum just a couple of blocks away for more fun.
• The Children's Garden at SF Botanical Garden
The Children's Garden hosts Bean Sprouts Family Days multiple times a week, offering beekeeping, bug hunts, planting activities, and insect-themed arts and crafts — all for free! Don't miss exploring the CalAcademy, a beloved spot for kids in Golden Gate Park. Even little ones in strollers will be fascinated by the vibrant tropical fish swimming in the Steinhart Aquarium's floor-to-ceiling tanks. It's an immersive experience they won't forget!
• Have a weekend walk on the Great Highway
Ocean Beach is flanked by the Great Hwy and its parallel, the Upper Great Hwy, offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset drives by the ocean. During the pandemic, the city closed the Upper Great Hwy to cars, transforming it into a pedestrian-only coastal promenade. With less traffic, residents embraced walking, running, biking, and strolling along the wide, smooth roads. Post-pandemic, the community successfully advocated for the car-free initiative to continue through 2025, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of this scenic route.
• Have a family dance party at the Stern Grove Festival
The Stern Grove festival takes place every Sunday over 10 weeks during the summer. You can secure free tickets online starting a month before each show. Keep in mind, kids might not want to wait in line for the 2 pm concerts to snag the best grassy viewing spots on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Best things to do with kids
• Eat and play your way through Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is a must-visit spot, renowned as one of the largest outside of Asia. Just a couple of blocks northeast, you'll find Ross Alley adorned with vibrant public art and the iconic Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, serving up handmade treats for over 60 years. If there's a line, don't worry – it moves swiftly, granting you access to the open-plan factory where friendly workers craft golden, vanilla-scented cookies by hand. Snap some photos with the staff and enjoy generous free samples, with bonus cookies often thrown in with your purchase.
• Koret Children's Quarter
The original cement slides at Koret Children's Quarter in Golden Gate Park hold a special charm and historical importance. Built in 1888, they are among America's earliest playgrounds. Signage indicates that adults must be accompanied by minors, adding to their appeal. It's a chance for San Francisco natives to relive childhood memories and for the younger generation to create new ones with this classic Golden Gate Park experience. Kids will also enjoy riding the neighboring 1914 Herschell-Spillman carousel, making it a perfect day out for the whole family.
3. Best things to do with tweens and teens
• City Lights Book Sellers
Open until 10 pm, City Lights Bookstore boasts three floors filled with progressive literature, making it a haven for book lovers who can easily spend hours browsing its shelves. A creaky staircase leads to the poetry room, a serene space housing one of the nation's largest poetry collections, including copies of Allen Ginsberg's infamous "Howl." Visitors can also enjoy free readings either in-store or in nearby Jack Kerouac Alley, adding to the bookstore's vibrant literary atmosphere.
• Ride the ferry to Angel Island
Just a quick 30-minute ferry ride from the city, Angel Island offers stunning natural beauty and a unique glimpse into America's immigration history, particularly for early Chinese Americans in San Francisco. While it's a popular field trip destination for local elementary school students, tweens and teens can also enjoy the optional 1.5-mile hike up to the barracks (shuttle available with limited runs) and explore the Immigration Museum. It's an educational and scenic experience suitable for the whole family.