Things to Do with Kids in San Francisco — 100 Family-Friendly Places

The Bay Area's biggest and most adventurous playground spanning two acres at Presidio Tunnel Tops. Explore a giant fallen tree, scale the Woodland Wall, play in water features inspired by historic water channels, and enjoy panoramic Golden Gate Bridge views.

Fully accessible playground in Dolores Park with age-designated areas for older and younger children. Features modern play structures, inclusive design elements, and stunning city views from the hilltop location.

Koret Children's Quarter in Golden Gate Park is the oldest public children's playground in the US, recently renovated with modern play structures, a concrete slide built into the hill, climbing walls, and a beautiful carousel. Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park near the California Academy of Sciences.

A premier climbing gym in the Presidio with 25,000 sq ft of climbing terrain and 40-foot walls, plus yoga studios and fitness areas. Youth programs include after-school classes, seasonal camps, and competitive teams designed to build strength, confidence, and teamwork.

A hands-on museum in Yerba Buena Gardens where kids create animations, music videos, and art projects using technology. Features a historic carousel and rotating exhibits that blend art with tech.

A legendary 23,000 sq ft climbing gym in San Francisco's Mission District with a 50-foot lead wall, 2,000 sq ft of bouldering, and 160+ routes. Kids 12 and under climb free with a membership. Offers youth programs, private lessons, camps, and clubs.

Unique roller skating rink set inside a converted church in the Fillmore District. Offers classes, parties, open skating sessions, and a truly one-of-a-kind San Francisco experience.

An iconic indoor trampoline park in a converted airplane hangar at Crissy Field in the Presidio, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Features 42 conjoined trampolines, basketball courts, a dodgeball arena, and The Fort — a special trampoline space for ages 3-6.

San Francisco's last true old-school bowling alley with 12 lanes, bumpers for kids 8 and under, lightweight balls, and ramps. Features an outdoor patio with Bay views, a great bar and grill, and All You Can Eat Pizza Sundays. Open every day of the year.

A hidden gem playground atop the Moscone Center with a sandy play area, creative climbing structures, and beautiful garden surroundings. Steps away from the Children's Creativity Museum and ice skating rink. Perfect urban playground.

A quirky indoor mini golf club at South Van Ness and 22nd Street with creatively themed holes, a full bar, and a restaurant. Kids under 13 welcome with an adult before 8pm. Offers special kids birthday party packages.

An ocean-themed indoor playground and party venue at 1917 Ocean Ave in SF for children ages 0-12. Features a 3-story play structure with three slides, two ball pits, a trampoline, and a swing, plus a separate area for tots under 2.

Stylish bowling venue in a converted warehouse in the Mission District. All-ages until 6pm with a full restaurant serving elevated comfort food and craft cocktails. Great for weekend family outings.

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is home to the Fisher Family Children's Zoo, featuring a nature trail, insect zoo, barn, and playground. The 100-acre zoo near Ocean Beach houses gorillas, grizzly bears, penguins, a classic carousel, and over 2,000 animals.

An indoor 18-hole miniature golf experience at Ghirardelli Square with holes celebrating San Francisco landmarks. Also features a fully loaded arcade and boba shop. A creative, rainy-day-proof activity near Fisherman's Wharf.

A premier indoor playground and party place in the Inner Richmond neighborhood at 5411 Geary Blvd. Designed for children to socialize, learn, and play with emphasis on physical exercise, mental stimulation, and collaborative activities.

SF's largest arcade at Stonestown Galleria featuring Japanese arcade games, claw machines, rhythm games, bowling, billiards, karaoke, and a kids play area. Authentic Japanese snacks available.

San Francisco's only outdoor mini golf course in the Mission Bay neighborhood, featuring an 18-hole course in Parklab Gardens. A fun, family-friendly outdoor activity in a vibrant, up-and-coming part of the city, near UCSF and Chase Center.

Upscale bowling and entertainment venue with 12 stylish lanes welcoming guests of all ages and skill levels. Features a full bar and dining menu in a chic modern atmosphere.

San Francisco's ultimate indoor playground theme park at 1650 Polk St, near Russian Hill. A colorful, exciting play space with multi-level structures, slides, and climbing elements designed for younger children.

Small neighborhood splash pad and playground in the Mission District. Free water play area perfect for toddlers and young children. Part of a mini park with seating for parents.

A spectacular 1.3-mile coastal trail with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, mysterious Sutro Baths ruins, and hidden shipwrecks visible at low tide. The Visitor Center has restrooms, maps, and a cafe for families to refuel.

A gorgeous waterfront promenade with stunning Golden Gate Bridge views, a sandy beach, marsh, and the majestic Palace of Fine Arts. Kids love flying kites, feeding ducks at the Palace lagoon, and playing on the beach. Free!

Golden Gate Park's JFK Drive is permanently car-free, creating a safe, flat cycling path through the park. Families can ride past the de Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, and to the beach. Bike rentals available at park entrances.

A stunning mile-long sandy beach with iconic Golden Gate Bridge views. Families can enjoy picnic areas with grills, explore tidepools, and build sandcastles. The south end is family-friendly with picnic tables and restrooms tucked in a cypress grove.

San Francisco Botanical Garden's Children's Garden is a hands-on outdoor 'yes space' inside Golden Gate Park where kids can dig, water plants, pick, and build. The 55-acre garden holds over 8,000 plants from around the world. SF residents with ID visit free; general daily free admission before 9am.

A dramatic Civil War-era fort nestled directly under the Golden Gate Bridge, offering the most unique and up-close bridge view. Kids can explore cannon rooms, spiral staircases, and officer quarters. Free ranger-led tours on weekends.

The Presidio's oldest footpath dating to the 18th century, passing through restored native grasslands and SF's only freshwater stream. Connects to Julius Kahn playground at the hilltop.

Exciting whale watching tours departing from Fisherman's Wharf, passing under the Golden Gate Bridge into the Pacific Ocean. Spot humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, and sea lions depending on season. A thrilling Bay Area adventure for older kids.

Golden Gate Park's largest lake with pedal boat, rowboat, and electric boat rentals. Kids love spotting turtles sunning on logs, crossing bridges to Strawberry Hill island, and discovering the hidden Huntington Falls waterfall. The Blue Heron Boathouse cafe serves snacks and lunch.

San Francisco's most iconic viewpoint with 360-degree panoramic views from Bay Bridge to Golden Gate Bridge. Kids enjoy the short hike up wooden stairs to the summit and the coin-operated telescopes. Open 5am-midnight daily and completely free.

A hidden gem cove between Baker Beach and Lands End, perfect for a sandy introduction for little beachcombers. At low tide, you can find starfish, anemones, and mussels on the rocky cliffs. Views of the Marin Headlands and Golden Gate Bridge.

Horseback rides directly on San Francisco's beaches near Fort Funston. Guided beach rides, pony rides for young children, and riding lessons. One of the only places in San Francisco proper to ride horses on the beach.

A 50-acre waterfront park at Aquatic Park Cove celebrating Pacific maritime heritage. The free Maritime Museum in the Art Deco Bathhouse Building has sea-faring exhibits and murals. The free Visitor Center features interactive waterfront history exhibits. Junior Ranger booklets for kids. Views of Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge.

A man-made island in the middle of San Francisco Bay with arguably the best panoramic views of the SF skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Bay Bridge. Gated playgrounds, paved waterfront paths, Clipper Cove Beach for wading, bocce ball courts, and giant Jenga. Accessible by a scenic ferry from the SF Ferry Building.

San Francisco's longest beach stretching 3.5 miles along the western edge of the city. Great for bonfires in designated fire pits, flying kites, and watching surfers. Dog-friendly sections make it fun for the whole family.

An internationally recognized professional theater training program by American Conservatory Theater for grades 3-12. Classes in acting, musical theater, physical comedy, and ensemble performance at their Union Square campus.

A world-class museum in Golden Gate Park housing an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest dome, and natural history museum all under one living roof. The Steinhart Aquarium and Claude the albino alligator are perennial kid favorites.

The oldest continuously operating chess club in the United States, founded in 1854. Offers youth classes, school break camps, after-school programs at 16+ schools, and the annual Scholastic Chess Championship in the park.

Located at Fort Mason Center, SFCAC offers art classes for children ages 22 months to 10 years in collage, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, clay, and photography. A nurturing creative space for little artists.

A nonprofit music school at Fort Mason Center since 1971 offering guitar, piano, voice, ukulele, bass, drums, and more for all ages. The Little Bears program welcomes children from 4 months to 5 years with songs, stories, and instruments.

Kids cooking classes and camps at Ghirardelli Square with vibrant monthly themes making healthy cooking fun. Weeklong and single-day camps for ages 4-10, after-school classes, and field trips throughout the Bay Area.

The world-famous hands-on science museum on Pier 15 with over 650 interactive exhibits. Kids can play with light, sound, living things, and weather. The Tactile Dome (total darkness experience) is unforgettable for older kids.

Founded in 1942, the oldest fencing club in San Francisco. Children's programs in foil, sabre, and epee for all experience levels. SF Youth Fencing sabre program for young children operates here. Located in the Mission District.

San Francisco's premier rock climbing gym offering youth camps, after-school clubs, and competitive Team Touchstone training. Kids learn belaying, knot craft, climbing technique, and bouldering in a safe indoor environment.

Gold award-winning martial arts school teaching Kenpo Karate for kids ages 3 and up. Locations in San Francisco and Millbrae with professional instructors focused on discipline, confidence, and physical fitness.

A nonprofit martial arts school in SF's Mission District offering Tae Kwon Do-influenced classes. Pre-K classes for ages 4-5 and kids classes for ages 6-9, three times a week. Affordable community-focused martial arts training.

The Fisher Children's Center on the 2nd floor of SF's Main Library offers baby rhyme time, toddler tales, family story times, and a play-to-learn interactive space with children's literature, DVDs, and computers.

One of the few theaters in the country offering acting classes for children as young as 3. Located at Fort Mason, YPT teaches story structure, character development, and improvisation through after-school classes, camps, and productions.

AcroSports is a nonprofit gymnastics and circus-arts center in San Francisco's Inner Sunset neighborhood, offering classes in aerial arts, breakdancing, and parkour for children from 18 months through adult. Structured programs build physical confidence and creativity at every age.

A nonprofit offering free chess classes and tournaments for youth in the SF Bay Area since 2003. Partnering with public libraries, school districts, and nonprofits to make chess accessible for all children regardless of background.

Marina District martial arts school teaching children, teenagers, and adults the fundamentals of martial arts. Programs for all ages and levels of experience in a welcoming neighborhood studio setting.

The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco offers swim lessons for all abilities, from first-timers to proficient swimmers. Group swim lessons with certified instructors in a welcoming, community-oriented environment.

Youth tennis lessons for ages 4-16 in San Francisco parks with scholarships available for low-income families. Uses USTA QuickStart program with child-appropriate equipment. Free and discounted lessons for SF residents.

Survival-based swim program teaching children as young as 3 months. Multiple Bay Area locations in heated pools at partner facilities including 24 Hour Fitness and hotels. Focus on water safety first, then stroke development.

YMCA swim lessons for ages 6 months through adults at multiple SF locations including Chinatown and Embarcadero. Certified YMCA-trained instructors offer group, private, and semi-private lessons with financial assistance available.

A free family museum in Corona Heights with live animals, art studios, a woodworking shop, and science exhibits. The rooftop terrace has stunning city views. One of SF's best-kept secrets for families on a budget.

Charming French bistro in Cole Valley famous for brunch with a heated garden patio. Wednesday is Kid's Night with coloring books, crayons, and free mac & cheese or ice cream for the kids. A neighborhood gem.

Beloved neighborhood Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, and antipasti. Kids eat free on Wednesdays at the Richmond and Sunset locations. Four locations across SF neighborhoods.

Authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen in San Francisco's Japantown. The rich, milky broth is slow-cooked for over 20 hours. Located in Japan Center, making it easy to combine with shopping and cultural exploration.

Beloved neighborhood bakery that was serving cupcakes before they were trendy. Famous for the Most-est cupcake and a charming window display with trains that kids love to watch. A Noe Valley institution.

A popular SF burger spot using all-natural, organic ingredients. Known for juicy burgers, garlic fries, and organic milkshakes. Highchairs available and a relaxed family vibe. Several locations across the city.

A legendary dim sum institution in SF's Financial District with over 100 rotating dishes served from traditional pushcarts. Kids love watching the carts roll by and picking their favorites. Two locations downtown.

Modern dim sum by day, in-table hot pot by night from the Koi Palace family. Huge space in the Outer Richmond makes it easy to navigate with strollers. Creative dim sum and exciting hot pot experience for families.

Award-winning Michelin Bib Gourmand Thai restaurant in the Mission with bold, colorful dishes and huge portions perfect for family-style sharing. Adventurous flavors with traditional and modern Thai offerings.

The legendary chocolate factory turned shopping square on Fisherman's Wharf. Free chocolate samples, massive hot fudge sundaes, and a beautiful waterfront setting. Kids love the chocolate viewing and the cable car square.

Made-to-order ice cream churned in 90 seconds using liquid nitrogen right before your eyes. Kids are mesmerized by the vapor clouds billowing from the machine. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative flavors.

Adorable bakery selling freshly made cakes, cupcakes, and cookies every day. When little and big mouths demand cake, SusieCakes delivers with classic American flavors and vintage-inspired charm.

Classic Inner Richmond pizzeria where kids get dough to play with while waiting for their food. Checkered tablecloths, thin-crust pizza, and a family atmosphere where children often outnumber adults.

The San Francisco outpost of the fun revolving sushi chain. Watch sushi plates glide by on the conveyor belt and collect plates to earn capsule toy prizes. An interactive dining adventure for the whole family.

Family-run Tuscan-style Italian restaurant in Presidio Heights with a beautiful garden patio where kids can roam and explore nature. California-inspired Italian cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Modern dim sum restaurant at Ghirardelli Square from the Koi Palace family. Instagram-worthy dumplings including xiao long bao, abalone shumai, and lobster dumplings. Great views and tourist-friendly location.

San Francisco's go-to outdoor food truck park in Mission Bay spanning two blocks. Over 200 rotating food trucks offer pizza, tacos, noodles, poke and more. Huge grassy area with picnic tables for kids to run around.

Pioneering SF boba tea shop known for high-quality loose-leaf tea brewed in-house. No artificial ingredients. Great for older kids who want to try artisanal bubble tea. Multiple SF locations.

Iconic chain restaurant on the 8th floor of the Macy's building at Union Square with over 250 menu items and 30+ cheesecake varieties. The massive menu has something every kid will love. Rooftop patio overlooks Union Square.

Family-owned Korean restaurant in the Richmond District with homemade kimchi and banchan made daily by the owner's mother. Generous portions and lunch bento boxes ideal for kids.

Family-welcoming brewpub in the Outer Sunset with seasonal comfort food and house-brewed beers. The louder volume level means nobody notices kids being kids.

Classic Italian-American neighborhood restaurant in the Marina serving pizza, pasta, and parmigiana since forever. Old-school San Francisco charm with generous portions and a menu that appeals to all ages.

Casual brewpub behind Beach Chalet with a big grassy backyard area perfect for kids to run around. Close to Ocean Beach with live music on weekends. Stroller-friendly and relaxed family atmosphere.

Spacious Excelsior neighborhood spot with fresas con crema, waffles, and air hockey to keep kids entertained. Open layout gives children room to move around. Great casual family stop.

A classic 1950s-style diner with neon signs, jukeboxes, and retro decor. Kids love the burgers, milkshakes, and the fun atmosphere. High chairs available. Multiple SF locations including the iconic Geary Street spot.

A beloved community bookstore and cafe in the Outer Sunset with a fantastic children's section and a charming indoor treehouse that kids adore. Curated book collections alongside quality coffee make this a perfect family stop.

San Francisco's iconic farmers market at the historic Ferry Building, featuring artisanal foods, cooking demos, and Foodwise education programs for kids. The stunning waterfront setting and gourmet food stalls make every visit special.

A beloved Noe Valley institution offering art supplies, crafts, toys, puzzles, and fun gifts. This legacy store has been a neighborhood favorite for decades, perfect for creative kids and craft enthusiasts of all ages.

A massive outdoor gear store in a historic Army building near Crissy Field. Features a full kids' section with gear for camping, biking, skiing, swimming, and more. Offers family-friendly rental programs and community events.

A charming San Francisco toy store on Clement Street offering modern toys for old-school fun. TANTRUM carries unique toys, party supplies, craft kits, puzzles, costumes, and cards that spark creativity and imaginative play.

Potrero Hill's beloved neighborhood bookstore since 1991, featuring a great selection of multilingual kids' books, games, and toys alongside staff-curated adult titles. A welcoming community gathering spot for families.

A charming Hayes Valley boutique since 2004, specializing in organic Japanese cotton clothing for babies, kids, and adults. Carries hard-to-find Japanese brands with adorable kids' clothes, including Godzilla-shaped toddler socks.

The Bay Area's premier art supply destination, located at the beautiful Fort Mason Center. Carries items for all ages including fun kids' art kits, craft supplies, sketchbooks, and creative gifts. A paradise for young artists.

A Japanese stationery paradise in SF Japantown offering 30 years of curated Japanese imports. Kids love the unique pens, cute character notebooks, stickers, quirky erasers, and kawaii accessories imported directly from Japan.

A natural and organic children's boutique on Union Street specializing in non-toxic baby products. Carries organic cotton clothing, safe toys, natural skincare, and eco-friendly nursery items from carefully vetted brands.

Named SF's Best Family-Oriented Farmers Market, this Sunday market features kids' activities, free monthly craft projects with the Museum of Craft and Design, fresh produce, prepared foods, and a spacious community area.

An authorized Sanrio and Tokidoki seller in SF Japantown carrying the cutest and newest kawaii products. Features Hello Kitty merchandise, Sonny Angel collectibles, Smiski figurines, and adorable Japanese character goods.

A major art supply chain store on Market Street carrying everything from kids' first crayons to professional-grade materials. Wide selection of children's art kits, craft supplies, sketchbooks, markers, and creative project materials.

An interactive experience at Pier 39 where kids stuff, dress, and personalize their own stuffed animals. Choose from bears, bunnies, and character friends, then customize with outfits, scents, sounds, and accessories.

San Francisco's favorite children's consignment shop with locations on Cortland Ave and Irving St. Buy and sell gently used kids' clothing, toys, baby gear, and maternity clothes at great prices. A sustainable shopping choice for families.

SF's premier board game and toy store with a huge selection of family games, strategy games, puzzles, and unique toys. Knowledgeable staff can recommend age-appropriate games. Has gaming tables to try before you buy.

A family-owned Haight Street institution for over 50 years, selling fabrics, art supplies, costume accessories, and craft materials. Kids love the faux fur, face paint, masks, and costume-making supplies. A DIY costume paradise.

The nation's oldest creative reuse center, founded in 1976. An ever-changing treasure trove of affordable art and craft materials including paper, fabric, wood, beads, and unique oddities. Perfect for creative projects on a budget.

Japan's famous bookstore chain in SF's Japantown with an amazing selection of Japanese children's books, manga, stationery, and cute character goods. Upstairs has toys, plushies, and Studio Ghibli merchandise kids adore.