From learning and cultural experiences to outdoor exploration, San Francisco offers a wide array of activities for children. Special events and exhibits encourage curiosity and exploration of the natural world, and many activities can be enjoyed with the entire family. Whether you're a visitor or a native, a little planning creates fun for children and saves time and money for you.
Interactive Learning
Interactive learning experiences give children a chance to ask questions about the natural world and discover some answers. Housed in the Presidio, the Exploratorium offers science, art, and human perception exhibits exploring how things work. From there, head over to Golden Gate Park and stop in the California Academy of Sciences to catch insects with a virtual butterfly net or count the teeth on an albino alligator.
Sports and Recreation
Take a swim in a public pool or grab a picnic basket and sit out in one of the many parks overlooking San Francisco's famous views. Golden Gate Park is more than 1,000 acres of lush greenery and offers playgrounds, a carousel, botanical gardens and a bison paddock. The Department of Parks and Recreation keeps most facilities open year-round, and access to parks is free while public pools charge a nominal fee.
Eat
Restaurants line the San Francsico coast offering fresh seafood and famous clam chowder in bread bowls. Inland, each neighborhood boasts an eclectic mix of cuisines from around the world. The picky eater can choose from traditional American fair to more exotic choices such as Burmese cuisine and everything in between. Some restaurants provide special menus for children.
Outdoor Adventures
During baseball season, head over to AT&T Park to catch a San Francisco Giants game. Take a bike ride down to see the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf and catch a show at the Pier--where one day it's magic and card tricks and another is fire-juggling. The San Francisco Zoo is home to more than 250 animal species and includes special exhibits such as a lemur forest and penguin island.
Considerations
Some activities are seasonal, and other special events may require advanced ticket purchase. Check local events sites and newspapers for information because outdoor festivals and fairs occur throughout the year and museums offer discounted and free days during different times.
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