Finding holiday activities for kids in San Francisco isn't difficult, especially if you are parenting active little ones who love to get moving and explore everything the City by the Bay has to offer during the Christmas season. From ice skating to amusement parks, there is plenty to experience in the Bay area with your kids.
Ice Dreams
Kids love to ice skate, and whether they are pros or strapping on a pair of blades for the first time, San Francisco is a great location to indulge this popular winter pastime. The Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink is outdoor, allowing children the chance to gaze at the city lights while enjoying their skating. Nearby Palo Alto's Winter Lodge is another option. It's been around since the 1950s, and the outdoor rink is one of the most heralded in the United States.
Winter Wonderlands
Much of San Francisco transforms into a whimsical winter wonderland during the holidays, and some places are so magical feeling you'll forget there isn't any snow on the ground. Fairyland, the Oakland amusement park that inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland, transforms into Fairy Winterland and the admission is very affordable. Also, an exhilarating stroll through Union Square is ideal. Check out the tree in the center of the plaza, as well as the well-dressed windows in the stores. This brisk walk will get you moving when it's cold outside, and you'll find plenty of things to admire.
Animal Adventures
Each year the San Francisco Zoo hosts a month-long Reindeer Romp, where you can visit full-grown reindeer all dolled up for the holidays. Children will also enjoy exploring the other exhibits during the Christmas season, and playing in the included playground. You can also check out Zoolights, admiring all the decorations on the zoo itself as you walk, run and play all around the property.
Museum Exploration
The Bay Area Discovery Museum allows kids to experience cultural festivals, including the Kwanzaa Celebration which usually takes place right around Christmas. Kids can also explore outer space living, ocean-themed exploration, and art studios that will allow them to create and get moving when they otherwise would be sitting still at a typical museum. From Christmas-themed crafts to special shows and events, the holidays are aglow at the Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Favorite Traditions
If you are a local to the San Francisco area, or even if you are in town visiting, you can create free and fun activities for your kids right in the heart of the city. Consider going Christmas caroling, until everyone has walked and spread cheer to their hearts' content. This will get kids away from Christmas movies and TV and get them moving. You can also get your children involved in a Christmas camp out, where they can sleep in the living room near the Christmas tree for a change of pace. A benevolent tradition such as buying toys for tots or serving at a soup kitchen is another great, active way to get the whole family involved. Finally, take the kids on a Christmas morning bike ride. It doesn't get unreasonably cold in the city as long as you bundle up and getting outdoors to enjoy the quiet of Christmas morning is a treat.
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