Toddlers seem to have endless energy and curiosity, and San Francisco's hands-on museums, cable cars and parks will keep them--and their parents--entertained. San Francisco's unpredictable weather makes it important for parents to have both indoor and activities ready; San Francisco has plenty of both. From outdoor fun at the zoo to indoor museums with toddler play areas, San Francisco has a place to suit every family's interests.
Hands-On Museums
San Francisco has several museums with hands-on exhibits for children. Parents Connect recommends Randall Museum's Riding the Rails exhibit, a full-scale caboose that toddlers can climb while playing conductor. Randall Museum also has an area just for toddlers called the Tree House Toddler Exploration Zone.
Other fun museums for tots include Zeum Children's Museum with a Zig-a-Zag tunnel, puppet theater, and toddler area with soft blocks. The Bay Area Discovery Museum's Tot Spot has costumes and learning activities, such as a tunnel and waterfall for crawling, a stream for splashing, and costumes to play dress-up.
Randall Museum
199 Museum Way
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-554-9600
randallmuseum.org
Animal Fun
For toddlers who love animals, San Francisco has places to engage them. In addition to animals to keep them entertained, the San Francisco Zoo also has a carousel and steam train for tots to ride. If they like the ocean, the Aquarium of the Bay will educate them about sea animals. On the way out, toddlers can visit the the Touch the Bay exhibit, where they can pet land and sea animals and get involved in hands-on experiments.
San Francisco Zoo
San Francisco, CA 94116
415-753-7080
sfzoo.org
Cable Cars
San Francisco is famous for its cable cars, and toddlers will enjoy riding them as much as parents. Driving up and down the hills and pointing out scenery will keep kids entertained. If families alight at Mason Street, they can walk three blocks to the Cable Car Museum, an Editor's pick for kids at Disney Family website. Jose Godoy at the Cable Car Museum says the museum features cable car mechanisms in action. Toddlers and adults alike will marvel at the rotating gears and other machinery.
Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-474-1887
cablecarmuseum.org
Playtime in the Park
Toddlers who love walks and stroller rides will enjoy a trip around Golden Gate Park. While the grown-ups may especially enjoy the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden, toddlers will love stops at the park's carousel and playground to play. During the walk, parents can point out windmills and buffalo grazing in the buffalo paddock. When toddlers lose steam toward the end of the trip, a stop at Stow Lake to watch the paddle boats or a picnic in the grass is the perfect way to finish the day.
Dining Out
Many San Francisco restaurants and cafes have children's menus and coloring sheets for them. Toddlers will love dining at the Rainforest Cafe, where visitors eat in a make-believe rainforest. The kids' menu includes Jurassic Chicken Tidbits and Python Pasta.
For days when toddlers are too noisy or tired to sit quietly in a restaurant, Mel's Drive-In lets families enjoy meals in the privacy and comfort of their cars. The menu marks healthy food choices, such as low fat yogurt shakes, vegetarian meals and low-calorie options. Tots and parents can even enjoy a few French fries--Mel's cooks its French fries in canola oil that is cholesterol-free.
Rainforest Cafe
145 Jefferson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-440-5610
rainforestcafe.com
Member Comments