San Francisco · San Mateo County, CA
Family things to do in San Francisco
Scout analyzed 155 San Francisco places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
155
Matches
29
Typical spend
$150
Typical visit
1.8 hr
Complete outings
Family Day at California Academy of Sciences
Fuel up early near the park before dedicating the midday hours to the living roof, planetarium, and Steinhart Aquarium. Walk over for casual Italian seafood and chowder in the Inner Richmond, then unwind with a gentle stroll around the Japanese Tea Garden pavilions.
Creative Family Day in Yerba Buena
Spend a full day fostering your children's creativity at the Children's Creativity Museum, where they can make music videos and animate films. Enjoy a casual lunch, then unwind with a stroll through the public art and green spaces of Yerba Buena Gardens.
Wild Fun at San Francisco Zoo
Embark on a full day of adventure at the San Francisco Zoo, perfect for families to discover animals and enjoy kid-friendly rides. Refuel with a casual lunch nearby, then cap off the day with a sweet ice cream treat.
Family Fun Day at Aquarium of the Bay
Dive into a day of discovery at the Aquarium of the Bay, where your family can get up close with local marine life. Afterward, enjoy a casual meal with bay views, and wrap up with a classic carnival ride for some extra fun.
Family Fun at Exploratorium & Pier
Start your family adventure with hands-on science and wonder at the Exploratorium, where kids can dive into interactive exhibits. Afterward, grab a casual lunch with a view at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, a family-friendly spot right on the wharf. End your outing with a whimsical ride on the San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39, a classic treat for all.
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Lincoln Park
Lands End Lookout
Waterfront hiking through wildflowers, with shipwreck views & access to the Sutro Baths ruins.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco Botanical Garden
55 acres of serene gardens showcasing diverse plants from around the world & a magnolia collection.
Mission District
The Valencia Room
The Valencia Room is a two-story night club with a bar downstairs and dancing upstairs to DJs or live bands. Expect to spend 2-4 hours and $50-100 per person on drinks and cover for a night out.
Central Waterfront
The Midway
Pacific Heights
Lafayette Park
Puppies & picnickers pack this hilltop park, which includes a playground & tennis courts.
Fisherman's Wharf
PIER 39
Bustling bayside pier featuring scenic views, sea lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment.
Russian Hill
Ina Coolbrith Park
This pint-sized, unassuming tract features a steep path & views of the city & bay.
Western Addition
The Fillmore
Famed '60s counterculture music venue draws crowds for indie & major label acts (capacity: 1,199).
Yerba Buena
111 Minna Gallery and Event Space
SoMa gallery for up-and-coming artists that morphs into an after-hours venue for parties & events.
Alamo Square
Alamo Square Park
Green space with a playground, tennis court & views of the city's iconic painted Victorian houses.
Golden Gate Park
California Academy of Sciences
Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium & scientists conducting a variety of research.
Buena Vista
Buena Vista Park
Verdant, 36-acre park featuring trails, live oak groves, San Francisco city vistas & more.
Mid-Market
International Art Museum of America
Nonprofit gallery showing works including paintings & sculptures created by world-class artists.
Outdoors
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Coastal urban park with historic sites & activities from bicycling to hiking to water sports.
Corona Heights
Corona Heights Park
Bustling, hilly park featuring hiking trails & sweeping, scenic city vistas.
Russian Hill
Francisco Park
Small park at the top of Russian Hill (& former gravesite of Russian sailors) offering city views.
Lincoln Park
Legion of Honor
4,000 years of ancient & European art in a beaux arts building overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
Yerba Buena
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Contemporary & modern paintings, installations, photographs, media & more in a sleek space.
Presidio of San Francisco
Crissy Field
Grass field & sandy beach offering trails, a restored marsh & picturesque views of the Golden Gate.
Dogpatch
Museum of Craft and Design
Gallery showcasing a variety of contemporary craft & design work with monthly events & a gift shop.
Pacific Heights
Alta Plaza Park
Park with a playground, tennis courts & a grand staircase that leads to panoramic views of the city.
Yerba Buena
Children's Creativity Museum
A place for kids to explore arts & technology by making music videos, animating short films & more.
Northern Waterfront
Exploratorium
Hundreds of interactive, educational exhibits & activities illustrating scientific principles.
Central Waterfront
Crane Cove Park
Reclaimed area in a former shipyard, with a small beach for water sports & views of passing boats.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 155 analyzed San Francisco places fit family.
- 62% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 42% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Adventurous, Quiet, Educational.
Book ahead
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Make it a night out
Staying over in San Francisco?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across San Francisco — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
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