San Francisco with kids

Pier 39, opened in 1978, sits on the waterfront and offers more than just shops and restaurants; it's a lively home for sea lions who've taken over K-Dock since 1989. The pier's two-level entertainment includes the Aquarium of the Bay and swift carousel rides amid salty breezes.

Worth knowing. Check out the sea lions at Pier 39 during low tide for a more intimate viewing experience with fewer crowds.

Retail Stores: 10am – 9pm Full-Service Restaurants: 11am – 10pm Fast Food Eateries: 10am – 9pm Attractions: 10am – 9pm

Golden Gate Park, crafted from sand dunes in the 1870s, stretches three miles and now holds treasures like the bison paddock and a replica of a Dutch windmill. Its 1,017 acres include the Japanese Tea Garden and rhododendron dell, ensuring that serene nature thrives next to buzzing city life.

Worth knowing. Check out the hidden Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park for a peaceful escape from the crowds.

24 hours

The Exploratorium at San Francisco's Pier 15 features over 600 hands-on exhibits blending science and art, fostering curiosity and exploration.

Worth knowing. Visit on a Thursday evening during After Dark events for a unique, adult-only experience with cocktails.

Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Spanning 100 acres, the San Francisco Zoo is home to over 2,000 exotic and endangered animals. A standout feature is the Lipman Family Lemur Forest, the largest outdoor lemur habitat in the country. Suitable for families, and the zoo is best visited in the morning to see animals at their most active.

Worth knowing. The penguin feeding at 3:30 PM is less crowded than the morning session.

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Aquarium of the Bay offers a unique underwater experience featuring over 20,000 marine animals from the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters. A highlight is the 300-foot crystal-clear tunnel where sevengill sharks swim overhead. A visit is especially rewarding for families, ideally in the late afternoon when the crowds lessen.

Worth knowing. The touch pools on the second floor allow for hands-on interaction with sea stars and rays.

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM