Top 10 Things To Do in San Francisco with family

April 6, 2021 Lists San Francisco Things to do

Finding activities that are fun for everyone isn’t always easy. Here is a list of the Top 10 Things To Do in San Francisco with family.

1. California Academy of Sciences

NOW OPEN – all guests, including members, must reserve timed-entry tickets in advance.

Come nose-to-beak with penguins and parrots, watch sharks and sting rays cruise beneath your feet. Feel the spray of the California coast or fly to Mars from the safety of your planetarium seat. Take a virtual safari in African Hall, or climb into the canopy of a living rainforest. The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park truly is fun for the whole family.

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:30am–5:00pm, Sunday: 11:00am–5:00pm

2. Exploratorium

The Exploratorium at Pier 15 on The Embarcadero is the most experimental museum in the world. Touch and tinker with more than 600 interactive exhibits. Embrace the wild wonder at the intersection of science and art. The Exploratorium is a learning laboratory for all ages, and the best place to truly immerse yourself in innovative culture

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday – 10:00am–5:00pm

3. Open Top Double Decker Bus Tour

RUNNING DAILY – social distancing seating is set up on the bus, and all guests are required to wear a mask

See the sights of San Francisco from the top of an open top Double Decker Bus. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf and more while listening to fun and informative commentary. Hop on and off at many stops around the city and explore further on foot.

Hours: Monday–Sunday – 9:00am–7:00pm

Buy Tickets Here

4. Aquarium of The Bay

NOW OPEN – all guests must reserve timed-entry tickets in advance.

Visit the Aquarium of The Bay on Pier 39 and discover what lies beneath the waves of the San Francisco Bay. Walk through clear glass tunnels filled with thousands of aquatic species. Explore the mesmerizing Moon Jellies and Sea Nettles. Touch rays, sharks and sea stars in the touch pools that re-create Northern California’s shoreline.

Hours: Monday–Sunday – 10:00am–7:00pm.

Buy Tickets Here

5. San Francisco Zoo

NOW OPEN – advance reservations are required


Located south of the Sunset District close to the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Zoo is a great family day out. It is home to over 2000 animals, many of which are endangered and rescued. Ride the Little Puffer Miniature Steam Train or go round and round on the Carousel or take part in the Scavenger Hunt. The San Francisco Zoo is an entertaining and stimulating experience for all.

Hours: Monday–Sunday – 10:00am–5:00pm

Buy Tickets Here

6. Muir Woods, Tallest Red Wood Trees in the World

CURRENTLY RUNNING FRIDAY through SUNDAY – you need to book in advance, and masks are required on the bus

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Get into nature and hug a tree. The Muir Woods National Monument is located north of San Francisco but its close enough for a fun family day trip. Walk through the giant coastal redwood trees on one of the many trails from completely flat to elevated into the trees. Kids aged 5-12 can get a Junior Ranger badge or certificate and learn what park rangers do to help protect Muir Woods.

Hours: Monday–Sunday – 8:00am–5:00pm (Seasonal Variations Apply)

Buy Tickets Here

7. San Francisco Bay Cruise

Sail around the San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge on the 1 hour Bay Cruise. Get up close with Alcatraz, experience views of the Pacific Ocean, Baker Beach, Seacliff and Marin County. Listen to the commentary as you sail past the San Francisco Waterfront and relive the history of this amazing city.

Hours: Monday–Sunday – Departure times vary.

8. Musee Mecanique

The Musée Mécanique is a unique arcade at Pier 45, filled with antique musical instruments, arcade games and posted stories covering some of San Francisco’s history. This privately owned collection of 200 coin operated exhibits are all in full working order and playable. Take a trip down memory lane with hand cranked music boxes to modern video arcade games.

Hours: Monday–Sunday – 10:00am-8:00pm

Admission is FREE

9. 7D Experience

Located on Pier 39, the 7D experience is a 3D interactive virtual roller coaster and laser-blasting thrill ride. Pick up your laser blaster and blast your way through the ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ or the futuristic Wild West against marauding Robots. Follow a small boy through his seafaring adventures fighting menacing pirates, rescue your space crew from an alien onslaught, or save yourself from an old haunted gold mine. Compete against your family and your other fellow riders to be the top gun slinger in the West.

Hours: Monday–Sunday – 10:00am–9:00pm

 10. Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum lets you experience the remarkable life and legacy of the legendary Walt Disney. The 40,000 square foot museum founded by Walt’s daughter Diane Disney Miller features ten interactive galleries, listening stations and more. Get an insight into the mind of the creative genius that brought the world Mickey Mouse and inspired the world of animation today.

Hours: Monday–Sunday – 10:00am–6:00pm

Buy Tickets Here

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