Skip to content
San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Francisco Botanical Garden

ExploreSan Francisco, San Francisco4.6/5

About This Place

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.

Info

Age Range

0-2, 2-5, 5-8, 8-12

Venue Type

Outdoor

Price Level

$

Best Time

Spring for blooms; any morning for free admission

Parking

Street parking on Martin Luther King Jr Drive. Golden Gate Park garages nearby.

Tips

Free admission daily 7:30-9am and all day on 2nd Tuesday of each month. SF residents free with ID. Children's Garden tools available at welcome station. During the holiday season, Lightscape turns the garden into a mile-long evening trail of lights, light sculptures, and music (separate ticket)

Stroller FriendlyChanging StationDining On Site--Reservation Needed--

Tags

holidaygardenbotanicalchildren-gardennatureeducational
Official Website

Trail Day Checklist

Handpicked for this kind of outing — including a few things families usually wish they'd packed.

Owala FreeSip Kids Stainless Steel Water Bottle 16 oz Trail On

Owala FreeSip Kids Stainless Steel Water Bottle 16 oz Trail On

View on Amazon

Luwint Waterproof Kids Leg Boot Gaiters - Hiking Hunting Climbing Gear for 6-12 Yrs Old Girls Boys (Blue)

Luwint Waterproof Kids Leg Boot Gaiters - Hiking Hunting Climbing Gear for 6-12 Yrs Old Girls Boys (Blue)

View on Amazon

Kids Hiking Poles, Kids Walking Stick, Lightweight Aluminum Adjustable

Kids Hiking Poles, Kids Walking Stick, Lightweight Aluminum Adjustable

View on Amazon

OLDLEY 20oz Kids Water Bottle With Straw, Insulated Leakproof School Bottle

OLDLEY 20oz Kids Water Bottle With Straw, Insulated Leakproof School Bottle

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, kidsbayarea.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability shown are as of the last update and may change.

Location

1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122(415) 661-1316Get Directions

Similar Places

Elkhorn Slough Safari

Elkhorn Slough Safari

explore
Moss Landing4.8

A family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through Elkhorn Slough wetlands featuring playful sea otters, curious seals, and dozens of bird species. A trained naturalist narrates, and complimentary binoculars and refreshments are provided.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$$
field-tripboat-tourwildlifesea-otterswetlandsnature
Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove Campground

explore
Sausalito4.8

An incredibly scenic campground with just 5 sites directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. A small beach offers stunning bridge views. Most sought-after camping near SF.

5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
campinggolden-gate-bridgebeachscenicunique

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths

explore
San Francisco4.8

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.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoorfree
hikingscenicgolden-gate-bridgeruinscoastal
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

explore
Monterey4.8

One of the world's best aquariums with breathtaking exhibits including a massive kelp forest, sea otter exhibit, and Open Sea tank. The Splash Zone area is designed specifically for toddlers with touchpools and interactive play.

All AgesIndoor$$$
aquariumoceanottersday-tripworld-class