The Aquarium is an educational, family-friendly environment full of intriguing ocean-life exhibits, including clear underwater tunnels, sharks, urchins and gigantic aquariums full of fish. Before--or after--the aquarium, stroll along Pier 39 to take in the uber-touristy and often crowded atmosphere. There's an abundance of shopping, dining, and views of the iconic San Francisco cityscape. No visit is complete without stopping to watch and listen to the sea lions that congregate to sun themselves and bark loudly off the side of the pier.
The Exploratorium, inside the Palace of Fine Arts, is home to over 600 science, art, and perception exhibits. Kids of all ages will learn and be entertained. Truly engaging, the exhibits are experience-based and encourage everyone to join in.
Ferry rides around the bay are an unforgettable way to see the city. Cruises through the bay and ferries to Sausalito, Tiburon, or Angel Island are just long enough to provide a taste of the cool ocean air and a picturesque view of the city without making little ones too restless. Nighttime ferries offer a particularly beautiful view of the lighted cityscape. If you're up for some unique history, take a ferry tour to Alcatraz Island to learn about the isolated prison.
Golden Gate Park is actually bigger than New York's famous Central Park, and with so much to do, you can come back again and again. The Park houses acres of green space and fields for kids to run around, playgrounds, a beautiful carousel, as well as a tree-dotted walkway around Stowe Lake with views of waterfalls. The California Academy of Sciences is also located in the park, with an extensive science and nature museum, planetarium, and a live rain forest exhibit. The Japanese Tea Garden has koi ponds and traditional Japanese decor. And the DeYoung Museum is a perfect place for art lovers, and it also hosts evening programs throughout the year specifically for families. These are only some of the park's charms, and there is truly something for everyone to enjoy in this urban oasis.
If the family likes sea food, there's nothing like grabbing a bite to eat on Fisherman's Wharf. Temperatures tend to be on the cool side in the city, even in the summer, so a steaming bowl of freshly-made clam chowder from one of the fish stands usually does the trick. It can be a crowded walk, but there's plenty to see as street performers dance, mime, sing, and scare your way along the wharf. Trinkets and souvenirs are everywhere, so this is a good place to buy souvenirs.
Northern California's largest zoo offers acres of animal experience. The African Exhibit is particularly engaging. Big cats, primates, tropical birds, and many more species enchant the animal lovers in the family. For little ones, there are a few food and souvenir shops are available within the grounds.
Get transported to China as you wander through the pedestrian-friendly streets of Chinatown, browsing through shops and getting off the beaten path. Cool traditional Chinese toys amuse the kids, while painted paper lanterns and the city's best dim sum are on hand.
