San Francisco is a popular destination for family vacations, partly due to the wide array of attractions that appeal to both children and adults. Entertaining the youngest of your family can seem challenging no matter what the destination, but San Francisco has no shortage of activities that will keep your toddler going.
Whether it lives under the sea or roams about on land, every toddler, and many adults, are captivated by the animals that share this planet, and San Francisco gives families many opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.
The San Francisco Zoo, near Golden Gate Park, and Aquarium of the Bay in Fisherman's Wharf, both are excellent, and are the obvious choices here, but there are a couple of more charming options that cannot be seen anywhere else in the United States.
The first of these is the sea lions that have taken residence at Pier 39 of Fisherman's Wharf. These are true, wild native California sea lions enjoying life in their natural habitat.
The other thing to watch for while in the north end of the city are the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill. These only-in-San Francisco birds are the descendants of pets that escaped, found each other, and mated. They are now a large colony, and while sighting them is great fun, the hunt to find them can be an adventure to your children in itself.
The city of San Francisco is littered with museums. Many of them are suitable for small children, and some of them are even built with children in mind. Favorites of young children include the Cable Car Museum, The Exploratorium, The National Maritime Historical Park, and the Randall Museum.
At the Cable Car Museum you and your children will see the belly of the famous cable car system with its huge gears and pulleys. Kids of all ages are fascinated by this expansive site.
When you are looking for something more hands-on, take a trip to the Exploratorium, which has been acclaimed as one of the best science center museums in the country. This science center is packed full of hands-on demonstrations that your little one can get involved in.
The star at the National Maritime Historical Park are the three old sea vessels that visitors can climb aboard and explore.
The Randall Museum was built with toddlers in mind. This museum teaches little ones cultural and environmental lessons.
Chances are there are dozens of sites and landmarks around this famous city that the adults already have on their itineraries for themselves. Most of these sites, while not aimed at small children, include activities that toddlers will love, too.
Alcatraz Island is a wonderful example of this. The tour is really meant for adults and older children, but small kids fall in love with the ferry ride to the island, and enjoy seeing the creepy old prison.
Another site that no family misses while visiting is the Golden Gate Bridge. While in the area don't forget to stop by the Golden Gate State Park next door to the famous landmark. There are many activities to keep your children occupied, from large playgrounds to feeding fish, to taking a boat ride.
Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf are also great places to take your toddler. They will find the busy atmosphere and bright colors enchanting, and will enjoy shopping for a souvenir.
