It will feature thousands of house-madegingerbread bricks and gallons of royal icing adorned by hundreds of pounds of candy. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, 199 Museum WaySan Francisco, CA 94114(415) 554-9600Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Does the activity provide learning opportunities to children? A local landmark, San Francisco Public Library is an institution with a very modern feel to it. These are some indoor playcentre with a large number of reviews in San Francisco, CA. There is no shortage of entertainment for little animal lovers. Top 11 San Francisco Family Activities | San Francisco Travel The Golden State Warriors basketball team plays their home games at the Chase Center in the Mission Bay District from October to April each year. If you wear sturdy pants and get a piece of cardboard, the slides will turn into wonderland. Grace Cathedral is a Catholic Cathedral located on California street in San Francisco. Theres also an old playground at the foot of the hill which is perfect if you want a view. Theres an amazing carousel which was originally built in 1914 and has over 50 animal figures on it. Whether you want to play or get a photoshoot done, this is a great place for the whole family. A post shared by SF Urban Adventure Club (@adventuring_andy) on Feb 18, 2017 at 7:57am PST. Indoor activities in San Francisco include visiting our top museums, exploring some of our best attractions, and heading to a concert. Parents can relax in the lobby with complimentary WiFi, and kids can grab a snack while the playhouse is cleaned, inspected, and sanitized (a feature we love). Little Oceanauts 105 Indoor Playcentre Venues & Event Spaces Kids Activities Ingleside Terraces "Clean, fun indoor play structure! Its a green space with benches and tables that makes it a lovely picnic spot. Located in a converted airplane hanger, families can take advantage of open trampoline jump time, trampoline dodgeball, and even sometimes catch Olympians training on the trampolines. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco, Point Lobos AveSan Francisco, CA 94121Visit WebsiteOpen in Google Maps. So choose your timing wisely. Our guide includes the best stops for young kids, including fun playgrounds, museums, and, most importantly, where to get the best coffee. >> Take a look at this season's SF Opera schedule. The out-and-back hike is a total of 2.9 miles, but you can always turn around any time. We love that there is a separate section for babies and toddlers with age-appropriate structures and soft foam floors for little bodies. These are some highly rated indoor kids activities in San Francisco, CA: PlanetBravo Techno-tainment Camp - Berkeley (5/5). If you enjoy live theater, San Francisco has lots of options for you. The grounds nearby have a meadow, a lagoon and sitting areas too for when you need to catch your breath. Is this activity suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, or young children? 5411 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94121, 5628 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94121, 1096 S Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110, 4938 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94555, 6538 Patterson Pass Rd. You will find it in the Telegraph Hill district near North Beach. Image courtesy of SF Fire Engine Tours. 4411 Cabrillo StreetSan Francisco, CA 94121(415) 894-2685Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Fun Factor: This measures the level of excitement, engagement, and enjoyment that the activity offers. The collection is impressive with easy and flexible renting rules. Head indoors to sample some of the best local wines from Napa, Sonoma, and other Northern California wine regions. And you can also enjoy the peaceful environment as you visit the giant sequoias. "My daughter went to a birthday party at Ninja Republic and she came home full of excitement. The kids can chase the waves and splash around for as long as they want. I ask myself these important questions when rating the activitys educational value. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Main Children's Center from 12 - 1 pm, Monday through Friday. Pro tip: After the park, stroll down Cortland Avenue for fun bakeries and kid-friendly restaurants like Bernal Star. It's packed full of hands-on exhibits that let you discover for yourself how things work. Pier 39 is a magnificent family-oriented shopping center and tourist hotspot that opened its doors to the public in October 1978 atop a bayfront pier. Adults are free, so you only need to pay for little ones. Read more about each of the top museums or click on the link at the bottom for a full list of SF museums. Its a great place to go to if you are moving around with a baby. Bonus for parents: there's a full-service restaurant and bar upstairs, so adults can enjoy a beverage while the family plays. Affordability: This assesses the value of money provided by the activity. Older kids will love this wacky indoor miniature golf course, featuring 14 holes of putt putt with many designed to look like iconic San Francisco locations. Discover the nine best arts and crafts fairs in SF, the perfect places to find unique pieces of jewelry, artwork for the home, furniture, and more. If you visit during January, chances are you'll get to attend some hilarious performances at the SF Sketchfest. Does it teach them lessons in science and history? On November 30, the Fairmont San Franciscos gingerbread house will take shape inside the hotels lobby. A post shared by Randall Museum (@randallmuseum) on Sep 21, 2017 at 3:09pm PDT. Children will love the interactive wet sand play sculpture and climbing equipment, while adults can relax to views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais. Its located on the west coast of SF and borders the Pacific Ocean. This famous attraction was featured in many TV shows, like Mission: Impossible and the Game of Thrones. If you are running out of places with toddler activities, this is a good pit stop. We especially like the Kids Corner for little ones that need an outlet to run and play. Take a break from touring by enjoying some much-needed time in nature at Twin Peaks, encompassing at least 34 acres. These are two hills providing breathtaking views of downtown San Francisco. One of the best nighttime indoor activities in San Francisco is attending a live music concert at one of the many intimate or large venues in SF. Energetic kids (up to 12 years old)who like to run and jump will love the play zone. Another one of my favorites is heading to a Golden State Warriors or San Jose Sharks sporting event. Check out the full calendar of shows in the area, as well as links to discounted tickets. The hike is along 2.9 miles but it is a beginners quest. San Francisco, CA 94114(415) 831-2700Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. >> Find out more about the flower exhibits and how to get here. Moscone Center is a large convention center in San Francisco. Party and protest mix as LGBTQ pride parades roll from coast to coast If you are familiar with the Play-Well Program, a LEGO-inspired program for K-8, then you'll want to check out the Marin Activity Center. With a plethora of attractions, it might be challenging to choose where to go first. Attend San Francisco's beer festivals to discover the variety of excellent craft brews they have to offer, sample delights from the city's best food trucks, and spend the afternoon chatting away with the creative souls behind these treats. Adults love the Castro for its stylish shops, popular bars, and bustling restaurants, but there's plenty to do for families too. This popular downtown museum has recently made its debut after an extensive three-year makeover, which expanded it to twice its original size. Pack a picnic and wait till the sun sets, the view is pretty spectacular. In the Civic Center district, you can also attend fantastic shows by the SF Symphony all year round. While you will spend some time outside on the ferry (covered seating is also available) and walking from the shore up to the main prison building, most of the tour of Alcatraz is indoors. No matter the weather outside, an indoor play space is a great destination to keep your kids occupied in a clean and safe environment. The tower is accessible by elevator and you'll get amazing 360-degree views of the city. Its an experience your entire family will cherish for a long time to come. There's also a rope swing at the top of the hill and a dog park for Fido. Located in Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite and Giant Sequoias are fantastic family attractions. The walk down to the beach is steep, so this one is better for the older kiddos. Take a San Francisco Big Bus Tour and get to know the city better. Theres nothing like this anywhere nearby. The remodel will feature a brand new STEM lab, an enlarged ceramics studio, and a sculptural tree that will house raptors in its branches. A post shared by California Academy of Sciences (@calacademy) on Mar 7, 2019 at 9:07am PST. It was renovated recently to include more entertainment options that appeal to the new generation (and their parents). 10. >> Find tickets for your visit to the SF MOMA. There is also a relaxing area for adults and nursing moms. San Francisco CityPASS. Let's start by sharing our top things to do when you visit. Best Pizza in Tracy, CA: 11 Top Pizzerias! Specializing in upscale and high end products, it houses many designer shops and boutiques. Aquarium of the Bay The Aquarium of the Bay is a popular option for those visiting San Francisco with kids. In the heart of Golden Gate Park, Stow Lake is a gorgeous spot to rent rowboats, electric boats, and pedal boats that seat up to 6 people. A post shared by Be Positive (@positive_wang) on Jul 16, 2016 at 9:43am PDT. Accessibility: This measures how accessible the activity is for families. With play cars, hippity hops, and plenty of balls to throw and catch, kids love this place. Presidio Tunnel Tops. Head to the Embaracdero and experience this ode to all things science. A post shared by Olivia Peek (@oliviapeek) on Feb 26, 2017 at 7:55pm PST. Theres exotic shops, food markets, small museums and even temples here. 100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored, This mini golf course is a hole-in-one. They became champions once again in 2022. function TN_SetWidgetOptions(){TN_Widget.newWindow=true;TN_Widget.trackingLink='https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5430986-10793961?sid=warriors&url=';TN_Widget.CreateCustomUrl=function(row){return"https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5430986-10793961?sid=warriors&url="+escape('http://www.ticketnetwork.com/p/'+row[6]+"");};}, >> Full schedule of home games and tips to see a game. Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids - Tripadvisor One of the best indoor activities in San Francisco is visiting our wonderful museums. Most of these fairs feature local artists, so you'll know you're bringing home something special from San Francisco. You can visit and learn more about these murals for free or pay $10 to ride the elevator up to the top for 360-degree views. Its a popular choice among those who like picnics. For the little ones, theres a rope swing and a dog park for our canine buddies. What are people saying about indoor kids activities in San Francisco, CA? I use these questions to evaluate the affordability of every attraction. There are many reasons to avoid the tourist-afflicted Fisherman's Wharf, but one spot we can recommend is the San Francisco National Maritime Park. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley Sausalito Area, an IHG Hotel, The EmbarcaderoSan Francisco, CA 94133(415) 705-5500 Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, 3601 Lyon StSan Francisco, CA 94123(415) 886-1374Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. All performances take place in the elegant War Memorial Opera House in the Civic Center district. RELATED: "I'm Bored, What Should I Do?" With a collection that exceeds 124,000 works of art, visitors will be amazed and inspired by the artistic beauty around them. Visit its gift shop to buy themed souvenirs like t-shirts, jackets, tote bags, books, collectible dolls, mugs, stationary, and more. All (673) Food & Drink (244) Entertainment & Shows (164) Museums & Galleries (103) Amusement (56) Sights & Landmarks (46) Shopping (27) Instruction (12) Sports & Fitness (10) Services (8) Tours (3) Subcategories All (673) Winery/Vineyard (201) Theaters (67) Movie Theaters (62) History Museums (33) Bowling (24) Art Gallery (19) 2. Don't miss the Lookout Cove, a 2.5-acre outdoor area with tide pools, gravel pits, fishing boats, shipwrecks, caves, and spider web installations. Search for fairy houses all over the Bay. Located in the Golden State Park, this museum offers both regular and special exhibits, as well as educational programs for learning. And consider the limitations of each attraction so that you will be prepared. This new park in the Mission debuted in 2017 as the In Chan Kaajal Parkmeaning My Little Town in Mayan. The cliffs are steep and they meet the shoreline making for a perfect landscape to take in. Take a peaceful stroll through the area as you take in its awe-striking beauty while snapping many pictures. These include the Highland Tropics, Lowland Tropics, Aquatic Plants, Potted Plants, and the Dahlia Garden. Parades in New York, Chicago and San Francisco are among events roughly 400 Pride organizations across the U.S. are holding this year, many focused on the rights of transgender people. But there's also a great children's book section, especially if you're inclined to introduce your children to books that specialize in social justice and activism. This is truly a can't-miss museum whose diversity of Asian art you won't find elsewhere. Before or after your stroll, you can also watch a highly entertaining live show, like a ballet, a concert, a choir showcase, concerts, and other kid-friendly productions. 35500 Dumbarton Ct. Newark. What did people search for similar to indoor kids activities in San Francisco, CA? 17 Best Indoor Play Spaces in the Bay Area for Kids 680 Point Lobos AveSan Francisco, CA 94121Visit WebsiteOpen in Google Maps. 3. Indoor and outdoor party ideas for San Francisco Kids Dozens of large and small venues are found in between the Civic Center and Union Square districts. Note that socks are required in order to play and are available at the front desk if you forget. On the city's westernmost side, adjacent to Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach is a getaway with 3.5 miles of white beaches next to two giant windmills that are sure to fascinate the littles. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Yotel San Francisco, Related: California with Kids Fun Things to Do, 1 Telegraph Hill BlvdSan Francisco, CA 94133(415) 249-0995Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. A post shared by Sema Yrsn (@sema_yorusun) on Dec 10, 2016 at 8:30am PST. It is also located in the Golden Gate Park. They give you a peek into life in California during the Depression. >> This year's full calendar of wine tasting events. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont San Francisco, 1201 Mason StSan Francisco, CA 94108(415) 474-1887Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Located in the Presidio, the Letterman Digital and New Media Arts Center is home to Lucas Film. Professional judges select winners for over 100 categories from thousands of entries, then give the public a chance to taste what they deem to be the best wines in the country. Don't feel like leaving the house but still need to occupy the kids? Books can also be rented online. These questions are important whenever I rate the activitys fun factor. Find opportunities for the family to volunteer together this summer. If the kids need a break, they can check out the arcade for some skeeballor grab some snacks at the cafe. You'll find this fantastic museum on Piers 15 and 17 along the Embarcadero (about half a mile north of the Ferry Building). Except, the undertow can get dangerous so no swimming please. Kids can also play on the four-level play structure with a lava-themed ball pit, trampolines, and impressive wave slides. Beach StSan Francisco, CA 94123(415) 447-5000Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Stow Lake is in the heart of Golden Gate Park and you can rent any kind of boat and take it for a ride. Additionally, the nearby Giant Sequoia groves offer an opportunity to witness some of the worlds largest and oldest living trees. LGBTQ+ Pride Month reaches its grand crescendo on city streets from New The boathouse also has a kid-friendly cafe and serves alcohol. The California Academy of Sciences is San Francisco's premier science museum, containing a planetarium, four-story rainforest, aquarium, and natural history museum all under one (living) roof. Kids can enjoy a playhouse, a two-story play structure with tunnels, slides, and swings, a LEGO wall, and fun crafts and activities. During the month of December, you can also watch their special holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. >> Several great wine tasting rooms in SF. It is about 16 miles from SFO and is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. They're an old-fashioned mode of transportation kept alive by the public's enthusiasm for the experience. They are also closed on Thursdays. >> More on this year's Chronicle Wine Tasting. Active play is the goal of this Daly City indoor playground, with ocean-themed play structures that kids can climb, jump, swing, and crawl through. Its got a collection of pieces that are perfect if you want to introduce your kids to social justice and activism. It is highly underrated but is one of the citys oldest parks. As one of the largest museums of natural history in the world, the California Academy of Sciences has something for everyone and is well-located in Golden Gate Park. Children will love the interactive wet sand play sculpture and climbing equipment, while adults can relax to views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais. You enter through Dragon Gate and start experiencing 24 blocks of pure entertainment. Play Haven 254 Laguna Honda Blvd, San Francisco, CA Book "Play with purpose" is the mantra of this indoor learn and play center. Here are over 100 places to go! The shows are offered at different venues all over town. Bring some mom friends along for a breakfast playdate. Weve got you covered, over here. 1504 Pershing DrSan Francisco, CA 94129(415) 561-4323Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. However, entry and accommodations can be expensive, especially for travelers on a tight budget. Best indoor kids activities near me in San Francisco, CA - Yelp 415-557-4400. This indoor playground in Castro Valley has all the slides, tunnels, swings, and climbing structures for kids to burn off that energy, but what sets this place apart are the programs and activities. >> Check out photos and more of the Aquarium of the Bay. Other activities for the little kids (or big ones) include Aquarium of the Bay , Players Sports Grill & Arcade , Museum of 3D Illusions , Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze, the San Francisco Carousel, a classic caricature stand, and Frequent Flyers (think bungee cords + giant trampoline). Explore the facility with a self-paced audio tour and take the ferry back whenever you're ready. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Photo courtesy of House of Air. When you start to get a little hungry, head towards Cortland Avenue where you will find a delicious array of bakeries and kid-friendly restaurants. The ratings and insights show that these fun things to do in San Francisco with kids are unique and offer memorable experiences. Not only will you get valuable info on the city's favorite means of transportation, but also kids can see the cable wheels and working models in action. This spectacular museum was a Balao-class submarine launched in 1943. The kids squealed with delight as playful dolphins surfaced near our boat. You now get to enjoy 10 floors of artwork, including four permanent exhibits and over a dozen temporary ones. In addition to the options above, you will find additional indoor activities in San Francisco through the link below. Let me tell you about our family hike at Yosemite. New Indoor Pickleball Courts Set to Open at the Palace of Fine - SFist The city has several historic theaters that are works of art in themselves. While mainly a party space, an open jump is offered with a 15-kid capacity, and registration is required to secure a session (you can even book a private open play if you have a group of kids needed to get out and do something active). The San Francisco Bay Cruise was an unforgettable highlight of our family trip. If you take the elevator, you can head to the observation tower and get a stunning view of the city. We also loved riding on the segways during our Golden Gate Park Segway Tour, and we were able to explore much of the park. Babies and toddlers (zero to three years old)can play safely in an area with age-appropriate structures. While that's usually easy to do 99% of the time, there are those days, as rare as they are, when the weather just isn't on the same page. While the kids slide, climb and run on beautifully designed structures that you'll want to incorporate into your home, you can indulge in delicious pastries, premium coffee, and some quiet time. City Lights Bookstore This is a former harbor defense station from the early 1900s so theres also a pinch of history here. What did people search for similar to indoor activities for kids in San Francisco, CA? The giant undersea-themed indoor playground has the whole family in mind. Visit the warrior masks upstairs, explore the sculpture garden outside, and take the elevator to the museum's free observation tower for views of the city. And while there's plenty of activities if rain forces your family insidelike the de Young Museum and the Exploratoriumthe city really shines when the clouds clear and you can play outside. A cultural landmark, along with live performances, this building is used for special events including private receptions and dinners. This national park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area of California. 57. Rockin' Jump takes exercise to new heights and encourageskids (and adults) to jump, dive into soft foam pools, and try flips and summersaults. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Kabuki, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, Related: Free Things to Do in San Francisco, CA, 261 Columbus AveSan Francisco, CA 94133(415) 362-8193Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. I have thoroughly studied each place and conversed with residents and fellow travelers to provide accurate insights for my review. 27 Best Places to Visit in California Unique & Fun Places to Go! I consider these factors when evaluating the accessibility of every activity. read more, "Great customer service ! A post shared by Joelle (@nicertremaine) on Mar 8, 2015 at 1:16pm PDT. The atmosphere is peaceful and quiet. While parents sip coffee and catch up on work, kids can explore their creativity and imagination. The alfresco space measures 31,850 square feet and features a sprawling lawn, an outdoor stage and performance space, an adult fitness equipment area, a childrens play area, and an interactive water plaza to help keep you cool whenever San Francisco has an unusual heat wave. These include fantastic stand-up acts by local celebrities and international visitors on the stage at Cobb's Comedy Club and the Punch Line. The SF Opera performs at the War Memorial Opera House, the same venue as the SF Ballet, but from June to July and September to December. A post shared by Bay Area Discovery Museum (@bayareadiscoverymuseum) on May 6, 2018 at 2:52pm PDT. 2. All "indoor activities for kids" results in San Francisco, California, "We attended a 5-6 year old birthday party at Imagination Playhouse and my daughter had a blast! Contact Me | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Site Map | Advertising Disclaimer. There is even a drop-off play for up to four hours, perfect for parents who need to run a few child-free errands. The Plex in San Jose has endless things to do, making it an easy favorite for South Bay parents, with bocce ball, open skate, drop-in volleyball, cornhole, and even an arcade. Bring a piece of cardboard and wear sturdy pants. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa, Related: Best Family Hotels in San Francisco, Pier 41San Francisco, CA 94133(415) 885-9866Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Took my daughter in to make her slime and she was super excited. Kids get to clock in with punch cards, put on work aprons, and learn traditional joinery techniques to create gorgeous pieces of art. & Friends, Explore San Francisco's New Presidio Tunnel Tops with Kids, "I'm Bored, What Should I Do?" When visiting San Francisco, a trip to Yosemite National Park and the nearby Giant Sequoias is an absolute must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You will find a large collection of historic cable cars. Steep cliffs meet the shoreline for picture-perfect scenery, and dogs and older kids alike will have fun chasing the waves (warning: the undertow is dangerous, however, so we don't recommend swimming). It'sperfect for little ones who need to burn some energy, soak up that Vitamin D, and be out in nature instead of in front of a screen. This is a fantastic choice if youre wondering what to do in San Francisco with kids. They play classical music from a wide range of composers. Apart from riding the elevator, you should also be on the lookout for murals at the base of the tower. Take plenty of pictures with your youngsters while enjoying endless 360-degree views of San Francisco. My husband found this place and thought it would be cool to check out. Even the gentle sway of the cruise, like a lullaby, added to the charm of our adventure. Up to 51% Off Yacht Cruise at San Francisco Nightlife. 10 Bernal Heights BlvdSan Francisco, CA 94110Visit WebsiteOpen in Google Maps. Plus you can turn around any time and enjoy a lovely day out in the open. I have researched each attraction and personally visited them to do thorough reviews that can help travelers like you. Learn more. Look no further than the Golden Gate Park Tour. This is a two-story gingerbread house in a hotel lobby. The large, 3,000 sq. A post shared by Julianna Medeiros (@laser_jules) on Aug 8, 2014 at 4:08pm PDT. Stunning natural beauty and stunning landscapes, Expensive entrance fees and accommodations, Limited time to explore the bay or specific attractions, A memorable and thrilling way to explore the park. The three new pickleball courts, which have been in the works for six months according to SFGate, are opening on July 11 in one of the high-ceilinged warehouse spaces at the Palace of Fine Arts .