What can families do in San Francisco with kids?

Family-friendly activities in San Francisco include zoos, parks, museums, splash pads, and family restaurants. See our full list with ages and indoor/outdoor tags.

What are free things to do in San Francisco with kids?

Free family activities in San Francisco include public parks, library programs, splash pads, and free museum days. Many community events are also free.

What can toddlers do in San Francisco?

Splash pads, playgrounds, and library story-time work best for toddlers in San Francisco. Keep visits short with backup activities ready.

What can teens do in San Francisco?

Outdoor adventure (kayaking, biking, climbing), arts venues, and food tours work well for teens in San Francisco. Let them help plan.

What are rainy day activities in San Francisco?

Rainy-day options in San Francisco include museums, public library children programs, indoor play centers, bowling alleys, and movie theaters.

San Francisco with Kids — Family Activities Guide

Whether you're visiting San Francisco with kids or a local parent looking for the next weekend adventure, The San Francisco has compiled the most family-friendly activities, attractions, and tips. Organized by age range and indoor/outdoor — and we mark the free options.

Parent tip: Evergreen Park is the local hub for kids. Nature Discovery Center is small but great for nature-curious preschoolers.

Top family activities

Nature Discovery Center

Cost: $5-7 Time: 1-2 hours

2-10 Indoor Outdoor

Hands-on nature museum + 5-acre nature preserve. Live animals, interactive exhibits, summer camps. Local favorite.

Evergreen Park

Cost: Free entry; pool fees Time: 2-4 hours

All ages Outdoor FREE

San Francisco's flagship park. Playground, pool (summer), picnic areas, tennis courts. Community feel.

San Francisco Town Square

Cost: Free Time: 1-2 hours

All ages Outdoor FREE

Civic center with seasonal festivals (Easter Egg Hunt, July 4th fireworks). Library is on-site.

Loftin Park

Cost: Free Time: 1-2 hours

2-10 Outdoor FREE

Neighborhood park with playground and walking paths. Quieter alternative to Evergreen.

San Francisco Bay Area Museum District (5 min)

Cost: Variable Time: 3-6 hours

All ages Indoor

19 museums minutes from San Francisco. Children's Museum, HMNS, Health Museum, Art Cars Museum. Plan multiple visits.

San Francisco Library children's programs

Cost: Free Time: 1 hour

0-12 Indoor FREE

Weekly toddler story-time, preschool programs, summer reading challenges. Quiet escape from San Francisco Bay Area heat.

Best for different ages

Toddlers (1-3)

Look for splash pads, playgrounds, and short-attention-span venues. The local library often has free story-time programs for toddlers — check the schedule.

Preschoolers (3-5)

Children's museums, zoos, and farms work best at this age. Keep visits to 2-3 hours and have a backup activity ready.

Elementary (6-10)

Science museums, nature trails, and creative venues hit the sweet spot. This is when kids start absorbing local history and culture.

Tweens & Teens (11+)

Outdoor adventure (kayaking, biking, climbing), arts venues, and food tours work well. Let them help plan the day.

Rainy day activities

Local museums
Public library children's program
Indoor play centers
Bowling alleys
Movie theaters
Recreation center

Free things to do

Public parks and playgrounds
Public library programs
Community pool (residents discount)
Walking trails
Free museum days (check schedule)
Farmers' markets

Family-friendly restaurants

Many San Francisco restaurants welcome kids — look for those with kids menus, outdoor patios (for active toddlers), and play areas. Brunch spots are often more family-friendly than dinner-only places.