San Francisco is full of fun things to do with kids. The city is known for catering to families with lots of local parks and mentally stimulating programs. Another bonus is that many of the programs are free to participate in. Whether you live in the city by the bay or are just visiting, kid-friendly activities create tons of memories and provide exercise, culture and learning.
Outdoor Fun
Kids have an inborn fascination with nature, and you can encourage this healthy connection with the outdoors by spending time in the many local, state and national parks in the area. Parks provide the perfect opportunity to get in some hiking, cycling, rock-climbing, sailing or kayaking. You can pack a healthy lunch and snacks to make sure everyone has plenty of energy to burn. Some of the parks around San Francisco include Angel Island State Park and San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, where your kids can become Junior Rangers, and you can go sailing on the Alma schooner. The San Francisco Bay Trail spans across the eastern side of the peninsula and is a favorite for cyclists.
Museums
The range of museums in San Francisco is extensive. The Exploratorium is full of scientific exhibits that are presented in a way that intrigues the minds of people of all ages. The Morrison Planetarium boasts the largest all-digital dome in the world and also has traditional star shows and other educational and entertaining programs. The Kimball Natural History Museum has exhibits that are centered around the evolution of life on Earth and the impact human beings have had on our planet. You can see specimens from the Galapagos Islands and interactive displays of how climate change is affecting California. Both the Morrison Planetarium and the Kimball Natural History Museum are located at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.
Arts and Culture
At the San Francisco Children's Art Center, kids are empowered and taught to express their creative side. Children can also learn about Jewish culture and history at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. The de Young Art Museum has an impressive collection of fine art from all over the world and in many different styles. At the Asian Art Museum your children can experience both Asian art and cultural programs geared towards families like the Lunar New Year dance and music celebration. At the Spring Family Festival, kids can learn things such as why animals such as pigs are so important in the afterlife.
Festivals
The city of San Francisco hosts numerous festivals every year that are a combination of fun and learning. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a two-weekend event that takes place every April in Japantown and features Japanese music, dancing, martial arts and crafts. In June at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festivals, families can enjoy a variety of activities, cultural events and performances with contemporary and traditional dancing and music. The Yerba Buena Garden Festival's mission is to celebrate the diverse cultural and artistic contributions of the people that make up the region.
Where to Eat
If you ask any locals where the best place to take your kids to eat is, you're likely to hear the response, "The Rainforest Café." The restaurant claims it's "part restaurant, part adventure." Full of waterfalls, plant life from the rain forest and robotic bugs and animals, it's a feast for children's eyes. The extensive menu has plenty of exotic entrees, tropical beverages and healthful options to choose from.
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