Where can you find an albino alligator? What is the most crooked street in SF (hint: it’s not what you think!)?
If you’ve ever had a kid rattle off a million facts about seagulls, you know they are total sponges for any sort of trivia. These fun and weird facts about San Francisco will give the kids a little knowledge about the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s most famous ice cream sandwich, the iconic PIER 39 sea lions, and more. Share these over your next family dinner!
1. The average speed of a cable car is 9.5 mph. Better hold on tight!
2. Popular in Chinese cuisine, the fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco by the Japanese Hagiwara family at Golden Gate Park's Tea Garden. It's free to visit the Golden Gate Cookie Factory in SF but it will cost you 50 cents to take pictures!
3. The famous 1906 earthquake and the fire that followed destroyed much of San Francisco but Redwood trees helped salvage the city. Redwood trees take in a lot of water and have a low resin content. When the fire reached a building made of Redwood, it didn't burn as quickly because the resin is what makes wood flammable.
4. The sea lions moved into their home at PIER 39 after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. You can check them out via their webcam. How can you tell the difference between sea lions and seals? Sea lions have flaps for outer ears (while seals have none) and sea lions are far more vocal than their seal cousins.
5. The Golden Gate Bridge isn't really red (or golden for that matter). The official color is International Orange and it was not supposed to be the permanent color of the bridge. Suggestions of black and yellow stripes as well as candy cane red and white stripes were made by the U.S. military. But the architect Irving Morrow chose International Orange as it was able to be seen in the fog and contrasted nicely with the surrounding landscape.
6. Ghirardelli Chocolate was started by Domenico Ghirardelli in 1849 when he was selling chocolate and other goods to gold rush miners. He moved to San Francisco in 1852 to open his chocolate factory. Ghirardelli is the largest, continuously-operated chocolate producer in the U.S. There are three chocolate shops in Ghirardelli Square and you are always welcomed with a free piece of chocolate when you visit.
7. The San Francisco Municipal Railway has quite a collection of streetcars that run along Market Street. You can ride vintage streetcars from Portugal, England, Japan, Australia, Italy, and more!
Ameer Basheer via unsplash
8. Lombard Street is known as the most crooked street in San Francisco. It was designed in 1922 when it was determined that the street's 27% grade was too steep for cars and pedestrians. But did you know that there's another street in SF that should probably take the title for the most crooked street? Potrero Hill's Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd has even tighter curves than Lombard.
9. For an epic view of San Francisco and beyond, visitors often head to Twin Peaks. You can walk up the wooden stairs to the top of both peaks and see all the way to Marin. Did you know that the peaks have names? The north peak is "Eureka" and the south is "Noe."
10. Golden Gate Park stretches over 1,000 acres. It was designed by a 25-year-old civil engineer and the park's tallest monument is a 64-foot cross hidden somewhere behind Rainbow Falls, one of the park's two waterfalls.
Kate Loweth
11. While you are aware that Alcatraz holds a spot in history as the island prison to house Al Capone, do you know how Alcatraz got its name? The island of Alcatraz was first discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, who named it "La Isla de los Alcatraces," or the "Island of the Pelicans." It was later anglicized to "Alcatraz." It's actually believed that this name was meant for nearby Yerba Buena Island but maps of the day were less than accurate.
12. There used to be an aerial tram called the "Sky Tram" that passed over the Sutro Baths between the Cliff House and Point Lobos. It closed in 1965.
13. The iconic ice cream treat Its-Its were created in San Francisco. A scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies and dipped in chocolate, Its-Its come in many flavors and you can purchase them all at the Burlingame factory store.
14. Have you noticed that many San Francisco street names are stamped into the concrete (often with misspellings)? While it is largely believed that these came about after the 1906 earthquake to provide orientation when street signs were destroyed, the practice actually started in 1905 and street signs weren't common until the 1920s.
15. When the Bay Bridge opened in 1936, the toll was 65 cents.
16. Made popular by the opening credits of Full House, Alamo Square's Painted Ladies are Queen Anne Victorians designed to show off the wealth of the gold rush period with turrets, excessive windows, and decorated roof lines.
17. The most popular resident of the California Academy of Sciences is Claude, the albino alligator.
Now that spring is here we’ll bet baby animals are on your mind (ours too!). There’s no better place to find your favorite furry, feathered and scaly friends than at a nearby petting farm, zoo or animal sanctuary. So if your kiddos want to see, touch and possibly feed some of the cutest critters around, we’ve got just the spot. Here’s where to find your new animal besties.
Find Your Barnyard Favorites at the Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle families know Woodland Park Zoo is the place to go to see animals. If you’re looking for a great local petting farm, there’s no better spot to find them than here. Starting May 1, the Family Farm Contact Area will open for the season. Part of the Temperate Forest area, it’s where kids of all ages can see cows, donkeys, chickens, goats, sheep and pigs around the barnyard habitat. They can also enter the petting area and interact with gentle sheep and goats to add a hands-on element to your zoo outing.
Head south to find an array of animal experiences, including a year-round petting zoo, when you visit Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma. Just beyond the outdoor playground is where you’ll find the friendly goats, who are all about being fed by hand. Bring quarters so you can get a fistful of pellets. Then it’s up to your wannabe farmers to entice the goats to take a bite (don’t worry, they’re eager eaters who aren’t hard to please). If you’re lucky, you’ll time your visit with one of the zookeeper’s daily Close Encounter chats so your kids can learn more about their new furry best friend. Once the goats have had their fill, or you’ve run out of quarters, head to the Pacific Seas Aquarium where kids can dip their hands into the icy cold water of the Tidal Touch Zone and make contact with seastars, urchins, anemones and cucumbers.
Insider tip: Put May 7 on your spring calendar, because that’s when the zoo’s budgie feeding experience reopens. Trust us, there’s nothing cuter than giggling toddlers feeding these friendly birds.
Bellevue’s favorite urban farm is a family hot spot on a warm spring day. And although parents think the picnic-able fields and wide stroller-friendly paths are the big draw, the kids know it’s all about the animals. Easy-to-follow signs keep the kids learning as they make the rounds on the farm’s self-guided tour around the barns and pens. This is where they can check out chickens, stare down pigs and baa with the best of them. The park is free to wander, and you can find the animals in their pastures from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., year-round, rain or shine. Our favorite part? When your little animal lover needs a change of scenery, head to the playground for some sliding, swinging and jumping before hitting the road.
Fill the picnic basket and pack the kite for a trip to Farrel-McWhirter Park, because you’ll find more than your farm animal faves at this city park in Redmond. It’s a great spot to spend a lazy afternoon when the spring sun is nudging your family outside. The wide-open field is a toddler’s dream. They can keep going and going while you easily keep an eye on them from your peaceful picnic blanket. Then, there are the easily hikeable trails that run through the lush forest on the property. And that’s all before your tiny tot hits the barns to see a favorite barnyard friend. They’re all there—goats, sheep, chickens, bunnies, pigs, ducks, ponies, a cow and donkey—eager for attention from their youngest fans.
Insider tip: Farrel-McWhirter’s family programming has a little something for everyone—crafts, pony rides and even farm storytime. Sign up early, as these popular programs fill up fast.
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
19545 N.E. Redmond Rd. Redmond, WA 98053 425-556-2300 Online:redmond.gov
Introduce your little animal lovers to goats, sheep, peacocks, ducks and geese and bring home farm-fresh veggies for dinner at the same time when you visit this farm in Snohomish. The animals are on display out back, and although they are fenced in, they’re quite friendly, so expect some fence time when you visit. Make your way up during business hours to spend time with these furry friends.
If your kiddos have a soft spot for rescue animals, barnyard dance your way to Second Chance Ranch. Here, kids can pet and snuggle with friendly goats and adorable bunnies, or wander over to meet Amelia, the darling blind calf in her bright red barn. With four acres to roam and dozens of animals to interact with, you and the kids will have lots to do during your two-hour visit. The farm is open by reservation only, so grab a slot as soon as you can. And if you want, you can bring cut carrots, sliced apples and lettuce snacks for your new farm friends. The Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is completely volunteer driven, and 100% of its donations are used to care for and feed the animals.
Good to know: If summer camp is on your radar, SAS still has a few weeks that are open. It’s a great way for kids to be outside, learn about animals and help care for them too. This is the animal sanctuary’s number one fundraiser of the year.
Insider tip: SAS is moving. Plan to visit them at their new location (16515 S.E. May Valley Rd. in Renton) mid-May; they’ll be open at the old location through May 1. The new property will be decked to the nines in a Wild West theme. It’s the closest kids can get to visiting Frontierland at Disneyland without boarding a plane.
If visiting the state’s largest animal sanctuary is on your list, Pasado’s Safe Haven is the place to go. For over 25 years, the folks here have been working to end animal cruelty by investigating animal cruelty crimes, providing animal sanctuary and advocating for animal protections. Sanctuary Tours are the way families can interact with the more than 200 rescued animals that live on the property. Learn lots about the friendly pigs, goats, sheep, cows, donkeys, llamas, dogs, alpacas, ducks and chickens during your visit, led by a knowledgeable trained guide. Plan to spend a little over two hours on the farm.
This rustic rehome sanctuary opened in November of 2019, and it’s been charming visitors ever since. Bring your wild ones for a chance to visit a working farm where the animals you’ll meet are some of the friendliest around. Kids will enjoy following the goats, pigs, donkeys and mini horses around in the field. And if they’re feeling brave, they can see if the alpacas and chickens are hungry. Psst…they may even eat out of your hand. When you visit, please wear clothing you won’t mind getting dirty, especially in springtime when things can get muddy. And you can feel good knowing that your experience cost goes right back to the animals, as farm visits help Brooke keep the animals healthy and cared for.
Insider tip: Take home a dozen farm fresh eggs after you visit. Just remember to ask Brooke ahead of time so she can set some aside for you (if the chickens are laying).
Good to know: Got a little animal lover? Consider hosting a summer birthday party on the farm ($150/hr.). Kids will get as much animal time as they can handle, and you’ve got all the picnic table space you need to set out cake, decorations and presents for a simple and sweet celebration.
Hours: By reservation; usually Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $25/person
If you ask us the motto at this farm should be come for the pony rides, stay to visit the animals. Farm visits at Fancy Farm are relatively new (it opened in 2020) and everything you'd expect when visiting a working farm that's also a non-profit rescue. It all starts at the gate where parents fill out paperwork and the kids get to play with chicks and ducks. Then it's time to head down to the barn where you'll meet the menagerie of goats, pigs, horses, ducks, chickens, quail, emu and of course the farm dogs and barn cats. Families are free to explore on their own, but don't worry the farmers are always within ear shot to answer questions or help with the animals. Grain is available if goat feeding tops your list, and there are helpful cards placed along the fence that teach kids about the farm animals.
Insider tip: Planning a birthday party ($150) at the Fancy Farm is super easy. Kids can ride ponies, interact with the animals and be totally free range on the play space.
Good to know: The Fancy Farm also runs a forest school program that's 100% outdoor and nature-based.
Hours: By appointment only Cost: $10/person; $20/family
Make a date to spend time with a slew of slithery, scaly friends at the Reptile Zoo in Monroe. This rescue facility is dedicated to taking in mistreated animals and giving them a stellar experience as long as they hang around—and that’s saying a lot since some of their rescues can live over 150 years. Plan to visit with 17-year old Basker, the albino alligator; Pete and Re-Pete, the two-headed turtle; and a host of other reptilian faves like snakes, iguanas and tortoises. If you visit during open hours, you’ll get to see all the scaly creatures and pet the tortoise too. But if you're dying to get your hands on a snake or other crawly creature, visit during Close Encounters hours ($3 extra).
Insider tip:Feeding happen on Friday nights. If you want to watch snakes, lizards and alligators eat, call to reserve a spot.
22715 State Route 2 Monroe, WA 360-805-5300 Online:thereptilezoo.org
Indoor Petting Zoos & Other Places to Find Crazy Cool Animals
Vashon Llamas
For a smaller farm experience, ferry over to Vashon and meet the friendly llamas at this family-owned farm. The herd and has been together for nearly 20 years, and the six remaining animals are used to being around kids and families. Owner Kelly loves teaching people about llamas almost as much as she loves introducing people to them. She takes the time to explain llama habits and important safety procedures before leading families into the field where they can pet and feed the small herd. After the animal interaction, it's time to see how llama wool is spun. The whole experience takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. We're big fans of the farm's Parent/Child camp ($50/pair) where a parent and child get llama time for about an hour, and then learn to weave for the next hour. Top it off with farm chores before you head home.
Insider tip: Make your reservation with Kelly a 3-4 days before your trip to make sure you get the spot you want. And if you're able, visit on the weekday when it's not quite as busy.
Hours: By appointment only Cost: $15/Family
26607 Wax Orchard Rd. S.W. Vashon, WA 206-794-1252 Online:vashonllamas.com
Debbie Dolittle’s Petting Zoo
The spring rain won’t spoil your fun at Debbie Dolittle’s indoor petting zoo in Tacoma. The animals here are clean, dry and enjoy interacting with visitors. While Debbie’s place features many farm animals, they also specialize in baby and miniature pets and exotics and work to provide an educational opportunity for kids of all ages. The unexpected flipside to this animal experience is the attached. If your crew tires of animal antics, head over to the Zoocade where you’ll find the flashing lights and ringing bells of a very active family fun center.
Good to know: If cuddling with otters, feeding penguins and hanging with sloths sounds like something your wild bunch would enjoy, check out the Animal Encounters you can book with Debbie Dolittle’s. There’s a two-person minimum, and kids must be at least 5 to participate.
Hop on over to this beyond-the-everyday farm in Arlington. Dedicated to educating the public about some of Australia’s amazingly original animals, this petting farm tips the scales on usual finds. During the 40-minute guided tour, kiddos can interact with and sometimes feed kangaroos, pygmy goats, wallabies, wallaroos, llamas, lemurs, alpacas and more during the 40 minute visit. Be sure to bring your camera to this one. There are plenty of post-worthy photo ops your won’t want to miss.
One of the newest petting farm experiences around, Enchanted Farms recently opened to visitors. Alpacas are the focus here, but families can also interact with goats, bunnies, ducks and puppies when they visit. Dress in your farm best because you'll get to do all the things at this working farm. Learn, pet and feed—it's the petting farm trifecta. If you've got older kiddos consider adding on an alpaca walking experience ($25/family). Kids get to halter an animal, walk it around the pasture and pose for pictures too.
Insider tip: Two things to look forward to at this farm? Birthday parties that are in the works now, and babies lambs arriving in June.
Good to know: A port-a-potty is available at this farm.
Not quite ready to travel but looking to get away this fall? Why not explore one of the world’s greatest cities right here in our own backyard? San Francisco’s gates are open and waiting for your family and we will give you all the reasons to play tourist so read on and get ready to pack the bags!
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information and doing our best to keep all of our stories and calendar current. Please double check hours and venue status before you head out due to last minute changes and cancellations. Stay safe!
Golden Gate Bridge
Christine Lai
Discover San Francisco's iconic bridge by foot or on bike. Enjoy majestic, sweeping views of the Bay, marvel at the engineering feat that merged Marin with San Francisco and decide for yourself if the bridge's whistling sounds are eerie or romantic.
Presidio
Christine Lai
This former military base turned national park has something for everyone: bird watching, kite flying, beaches, picnicking, hiking and beaches plus some of the city’s most scenic views. Presidio is the perfect location to spend your day—let us help you explore the very best that Presidio has to offer!
Immersive art is all the rage these days and the Asian Art Museum’s teamLab: Continuity and Ocean Sketch exhibits is an interactive, digital experience that will immerse the kids right into the art! Find out how our kids blended right into the exhibits and why it's the perfect museum to take kids to in this review.
Russian honey cake? Kouign amann? One of each, please! As a food-loving city, it should come as no surprise that San Francisco locals have affinities towards certain desserts...find out which ones here and then decide which ones (yes, plural!) you will try!
A national monument at the mouth of the Golden Gate, Land's End is a rocky, wind-swept shoreline offering hiking trails with unparalleled views of the Bay. Start at Land's End Eagle Point, make sure to stop at the artistic Labyrinth and end at the Sutro Bath ruins. During winter months, whales are often spotted migrating in nearby waters so keep an eye out for those spouts!
There's only so much sightseeing to be had with kids but with over 100 playgrounds within the 46.9 square miles that the city sits on, there are plenty of options to give tiny sight-seers a break. Our top picks for San Francisco playgrounds means you will find one no matter where you are in the city!
Ghirardelli Square
Christine Lai
Ghirardelli Chocolate company was founded here in 1852 and is the country's oldest, continuously operating chocolate producer. With shops, restaurants, mini-golf and arcade, this is a must-see for not just anyone with a sweet tooth (we challenge you to finish one of their massive sundaes!).
Kids will love walking down the steep, zig zag street known as America's crookedest street! With eight hairpin turns down one block, this street will delight your littles to no end. Insider’s tip: the Powell-Hyde cable car line stops at the top of Lombard street so get off, walk down Lombard, then walk to the Powell-Mason line a few short blocks north or walk back up Lombard.
between Richardson Ave./Broderick St. and Van Ness Ave
San Francisco Zoo
Marianne Hale, SF Zoo
Steps away from the Pacific Ocean on the West side of the city, the zoo is often overlooked but another fantastic option for kids. A snow leopard, black rhino and polar bears will delight pint-sized travelers- read all about our visit to the zoo for a roaring good time!
An experience that is unique to San Francisco is a cable car ride! Many find that the Powell-Hyde line is the most exciting trip and we agree. This route will take you past Union Square, Nob Hill, Lombard Street, the Cable Car Museum and Coit Tower all while offering views of Alcatraz Island (on a clear day). Give little legs a break and let the cable cars do the steep climbing!
Take a trip to the island—Alcatraz Island, that is! One of the most notorious penitentiaries in the country housing the likes of Al Capone, Alcatraz island is chock full of history and can be reached by ferry leaving from Pier 33. You’ll want to book your tickets in advance as they do sell out. Check out our Alcatraz and Angel Island guide for the full scoop.
Tickets: $41/adults and kids 12 and up; $25/kids 5-11; kids under 5 are free. A family pack (which includes two adult and two child tickets) is $119.60. Online: alcatrazcruises.com
Fisherman’s Wharf
Christine Lai
One of the busiest and most visited spots in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf can scream “tourist trap” but you will navigate the crowds confidently with our expert guide in your back pocket. Kids will also love Pier 39 with its sea lions, carousels and doughnuts—read all about our trip to Pier 39 here.
The third most visited park in the country, Golden Gate Park has bisons, windmills, a giant playground, carousel, gardens, lakes, museums and so much more—it would take over a week to see it all! Find out how to make the most of your visit with our guide to 20 cheap and free things to do at Golden Gate Park.
A highlight within Golden Gate Park is the Cal Academy of Sciences where families can discover an aquarium, planetarium, rain forest AND natural history museum. African penguins to a butterfly canopy to the albino alligator Claude are just a few of the animals that await your family! For an insider’s look at Cal Academy, make sure to check out our guide here.
Located at the cultural heart of San Francisco, Yerba Buena Gardens offers free concerts and festivals May through October that gathers locals and tourists alike. Located next door is the Yerba Buena Center for Arts, the Children’s Creativity Musuem, a 100+ year old carousel, bowling alley, ice skating rink and a lovely playground. With plenty of options for food nearby, you can easily spend a whole day here!
As one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the world and the first of its kind on the West Coast, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a great place to introduce the mini Picassos to modern art. Kids 18 and younger are always free and free general admission is offered every first Thursday of the month from 4-8p.m.
When it comes time to tuck in young travelers after a long day of sight-seeing, our recommendation is for the Westin St. Francis at Union Square. The trustees of the Charles Crocker estate envisioned San Francisco as the “Paris of the West” and opened what was then the St. Francis hotel in March of 1904. Just a stone’s throw away from Union Square, the hotel is situated ideally within walking distance to Yerba Buena, SFMOMA, Chinatown and the financial district. Additionally, the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines have a stop across the street for easy transportation to popular spots such as the Ferry building (via transfer to the California Ave line) and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Westin St. Francis
Upon stepping into the sweeping lobby, guests are greeted by a distinctive master clock, the first of its kind in the Western U.S. With over 1,254 rooms and suites, the hotel is one of the city’s largest and offers a plethora of lodging accommodations with either a city, bay, or Union square view. The traditional guest room promises a classic and comfortable stay while families who opt for suites such as the spacious Golden Gate one bedroom penthouse suite will enjoy unparalleled views from the luxury of a living room and separate dining area.
Westin St Francis
After a refreshing night of sleep, Cafe Rito is a great option for grab ‘n go breakfast for coffee, pastries and avocado toast or a breakfast sandwich. For sit down service, the Oak Room restaurant offers a delightful breakfast buffet while another delectable choice is the breakfast buffet at B55 Craft House and Kitchen at the Marriott Marquis—be sure to try San Francisco’s meanest made-to-order omelette. With little legs rested and bellies filled and readied for another day of exploring, the Westin St. Francis is the perfect choice for family-friendly lodging to complete your staycation.
—Christine Lai
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Marriott International, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
It’s always the perfect time of year to plan a weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area. With the beach, the mountains and wine country all just a short drive from each other, you are bound to pack a ton of adventure into your next family vacation. Book your hotel and leave the planning to us as we researched the best options for every interest. Read on and get inspired!
Where is your adventure going to take you today? Choose your destination and check out all of the iconic Bay Area hot spots while you're there.
Downtown SF Fisherman's Wharf is the place to be if you want to play tourist for the day in the City by the Bay. Make this your hub for the day's adventures. Walk along the water and follow your ears to find the world-famous Pier 39 sea lions. Swing by the sea lion center to learn more about these creatures and why they made their way to Pier 39 after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. No visit to Pier 39 is complete without a ride on the San Francisco Carousel. See if you can spot the local landmarks carved into its design. For additional recs of what to do when you visit Pier 39, click here.
Don't leave San Francisco without a ride on a cable car! The cable car turntable at Beach and Hyde near Ghirardelli Square will get you on the Powell/Hyde line. This will take you up Hyde Street to Lombard where you can hop off and explore the most crooked street in the city. Pedestrians can walk down the stairs on the side of the street to get the full view. When you are done exploring Lombard Street, get back on the cable car and continue to Powell and California. Walk a few blocks, and you will be in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown. Grab some dim sum and then head to the Willie "Woo Woo" Wong Playground to give the kids time to run and climb.
End your night with a walk to Ghirardelli Square to try one of the city's most iconic desserts. Grab a sundae at the chocolate factory that has been in business since 1852.
Pssst...Hoping to stay downtown? Check into the Park Central Hotel San Francisco, which is offering a great family package. The package includes grab and go breakfasts for two adults (kids 12 and under eat free) and up to four complimentary bike rentals from Blazing Saddles.
Wine Country Just because the kids are along for the ride doesn't mean that wine country should be crossed off your list. There are tons of family-friendly wineries that offer tastings for the adults and grassy areas for kids to run around. The gondola at Sterling Vineyards is an adventure for all ages, or visit the farm animals at wineries like Frog's Leap and Preston Farm and Winery.
Got a little train lover in your crew? Kids will love visiting TrainTown in Sonoma and riding the quarter-scale railroad.
East Bay To hit the iconic spots in the East Bay, all you need to do is pick a neighborhood and go explore. For a sweet hike, book it to the Ice Cream Trail (yep, you read that right!) in the Tri-Valley region. Simply download your passport and hit up one of the participating ice cream shops. Get a stamp at each and if you get five stamps and mail your passport in, $5 will be donated to Valley Humane Society!
If you're looking for an interactive museum experience, beeline it to Oakland Museum of California, or OMCA for short. Their rotating exhibits bring together art, history and natural sciences. Psst...for our full list of the best kid-friendly museums in the East Bay click here. To get the wiggles out, visit Frog Park in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood. This local hot spot was built by over 1,300 volunteers and features a creek, playground and areas perfect for imaginative play—all set amongst towering redwood trees.
The quirky town of Berkeley is often on visitors' must-visit lists and, good news, it offers lots of activities for kids. Check out UC Berkeley and get a bird's-eye view of the happenings below when you visit the Campanile, or bell tower, in the middle of campus. A long elevator ride followed by 38 steps to the top (no strollers allowed) gets you to the epic view. The UC Botanical Garden is a gorgeous spot to spend the day out in nature.
One of the most lively spots in Berkeley is Fourth Street where you can shop, nosh and make art all in one afternoon. Our faves for your Berkeley visit: lemon ricotta pancakes at Bette's Oceanview Diner and a cup of hand-crafted tea from Teance.
Silicon Valley Go back in time to see what life was like in Silicon Valley before all of the tech giants took over. At Moffett Federal Airfield you'll be amazed to see the massive size of Hangar 1, built during the Depression to house blimps. Stop by the Moffett Field Museum to see artifacts from the property's use as a naval air station and a collection of vintage air craft outside. Nearby NASA Ames Research Center also welcomes visitors to tour its visitor center and learn about the research center's involvement in space discovery.
Stay: No matter which part of the Bay Area you choose to stay for the night, we recommend a Marriott International hotel. They offer over 40 properties and 15 brands to choose from just in the Bay Area, which means there is an experience for everyone. Click here to learn more.
Day Two: Get Outdoors
One of the major things that draws visitors (and residents) to the Bay Area is its gorgeous landscape. You can get big city, ocean waves, redwood forests, mountains and the San Francisco Bay, all within a few hours drive of the city center. Pick your spot and get ready to breathe the fresh air!
San Francisco Even if you had a full week to explore only Golden Gate Park you still would be left with items on your agenda. This 1,017-acre park right in the middle of the city will make you feel like you are worlds away from the hustle, bustle and traffic of the big city. You can travel to Japan when you visit the historical Japanese Tea Gardens and then head to the Netherlands when you swing by the tulip garden and windmill located on the western section of the park. Kids will love the recently-renovated Koret Children's Quarter (a massive playground with carousel) and also spotting the bison in the paddock.
Pssst...Don't forget the Park Central Hotel San Francisco's newest deal, which is offering a great family package. The package includes grab and go breakfasts for two adults (kids 12 and under eat free) and up to four complimentary bike rentals from Blazing Saddles.
Wine Country If your weekend home base is in wine country, you are right in the middle of some of the most gorgeous land in all of California. Beyond the miles and miles of picturesque vineyards, you can spend a day exploring other unique features of the area like Calistoga's Petrified Forest. Be a witness to redwood trees that once grew in abundance here and were turned to stone 3.4 million years ago by a local volcano. Just down the road from the petrified forest you can find another geological marvel—Old Faithful Geyser of Calistoga. Learn about why the geyser erupts at regular intervals and is a good predictor of earthquakes. Another curious find on the same property as the geyser are the Tennessee fainting goats. Find out why they "faint" when you meet them up close.
East Bay One of our favorite things about Northern California is its generally temperate year-round weather. Hiking and biking in the fall and winter? Yes and yes! Grab your bikes, trikes and helmets, and head to Danville or Pleasanton/Dublin. Each locale offers a self-guided biking tour. Experience historic sites and stop for lunch along the way.
A day at Berkeley's Tilden Park is not one that the kids will soon forget. This larger-than-life spot has more opportunities for adventure than you could imagine. Start off by visiting Tilden's Little Farm. This working farm and petting zoo is home to cows, goats, sheep, chickens, geese, rabbits, pigs and more—and it’s totally free to visit. After meeting all the animals take a ride on the steam train and merry-go-round (both open only on the weekends).
For kid-friendly eats, we love Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe in Emeryville. Here you'll find diner menu options and tables decorated with vintage toys.
Silicon Valley If your Bay Area visit just isn't complete without a beach day, head to Half Moon Bay. After the morning fog burns off, you can spend your day splashing in the waves and flying your kites at one of the many beaches along Highway 1. Half Moon Bay is home to the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve where you can find some of the area's best tide pools (check for the timing of low tide before you visit). Spend some time exploring the quaint downtown and the many farms in this area.
Day Three: Make It a Museum Day
Kate Loweth
With literally hundreds of museums and science centers making the Bay Area their home, you can learn about everything under the sun from textiles to cable cars to model trains to earthquakes. You can find all of the ones that offer free days here, or check out some of our faves below. (Note for out-of-town visitors: If you are a member of your own local children's museum, check to see if they offer reciprocal memberships to these Bay Area museums. Many will offer free or heavy-discounted admission to other network museums.)
San Francisco Located right on the SF Bay at Pier 15, the Exploratorium is a mecca of hands-on exhibits that promises to teach you something. With six galleries to choose from, you'll be able to learn about everything from human behavior to weather. Another great spot for scientific discovery is the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Part aquarium, part planetarium and part natural history museum, the Cal Academy will have you seeing the world around you in all new ways. Make some time to swing by and visit Clyde, the Academy's resident albino alligator.
Wine Country Charlie Brown and Snoopy fans flock to the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa to learn all about the famous comic strip.
East Bay If art is your jam, head to the East Bay and explore one of the many kid-friendly museums. Arts and culture abound in the Tri-Valley area. Dublin's Heritage Park & Museums is a 10-acre park offering up preserved buildings from the 1850s. There are two museums on site, which are free during during regular hours. Don't forget to pack a picnic!
Wee ones will especially enjoy a visit to Habitot, a children's museum in Berkeley that promotes imaginative play through art, pretend play and more. MOCHA (Museum of Children's Arts) provides an environment where families can create, share and connect through art.
Silicon Valley It's a no brainer that Silicon Valley is full of STEM-focused museums that are perfect for kids of all ages. The Intel Museum will give you a glimpse inside an ultra-clean, highly automated silicon chip factory and teach you how technologies give us new ways to work, learn, play and communicate. Downtown San Jose is home to the Tech Museum of Innovation and the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, both great spots for scientific learning. For more STEM-learning opportunities, check out this post.
Stay: After so much exploring you'll want a welcoming and comfortable place to return to. We recommend one of the many family-friendly Marriott International hotels located in the Bay Area. Many offer on-site restaurants, kid-friendly pools, double beds and cribs to make your stay enjoyable for everyone. Click here to learn more.
With Marriott Bonvoy™, members can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check-in and the ability to earn and redeem points at Marriott’s thousands of hotels. Not a Marriott Bonvoy member? Join for free when you book! Save up to 20% on your trip to San Francisco here!
Did you know that San Francisco is home to an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum, all under one “living” roof? Right in the heart of Golden Gate Park is the California Academy of Sciences and it is full of animals, art, science and more—all waiting for your visit. Peruse our guide to getting the most out of your Cal Academy visit and plan your day there ASAP!
Getting Started
You can literally spend the whole day exploring the Cal Academy so plan to get there early. There is a below-ground parking lot located on Fulton Street and 10th Avenue that is your best bet if you are arriving by car. It does fill up so an early arrival is better. If you arrive by public transportation, foot or bicycle, you’ll save $3 on the admission price. Check out all the info here on what buses and streetcars are the best way to arrive.
Weekends and school holidays are the busiest days at the Cal Academy. Weekdays are often full of school field trips but those usually wrap up by early afternoon. Save some time and buy your tickets in advance online and you’ll be able to skip the big line.
photo: California Academy of Sciences
Morrison Planetarium
When you arrive at the Cal Academy, make a beeline to the planetarium ticket desk (located next to the souvenir shop) and grab your tickets to the show you want to see. The current show, Expedition Reef, will take you on an undersea adventure to learn about the delicate coral reef ecosystem and what we need to do to keep these reefs alive. With over 25% of marine life on Earth supported by coral reefs, there is much to be done to combat the threats of global warming, over-fishing and habitat destruction. Ideal for ages seven and up, planetarium shows are included in your admission price.
Osher Rainforest
Right in the middle of all the Cal Academy action is the Osher Rainforest. You enter this four-story rainforest on the ground floor and follow your way up through the canopy as you view free-flying birds, giant butterflies and loads of tropical flora. Your only way to exit is at the top where you take an elevator down to the aquarium level and exit the exhibit.
It can get a bit hot inside the rainforest so plan to dress in layers. If you arrive early in the day, plan to get in line for the rainforest after you snag your planetarium tickets as the lines do get long throughout the day (as limited numbers of people are allowed in at one time).
Steinhart Aquarium
When you exit the rainforest exhibit you will find yourself in the middle of the Steinhart Aquarium. Here you can see over 400,000 animals that represent more than 900 different species. At 25-feet deep and holding 212,000 gallons of water, the Philippine Coral Reef tank is one of the deepest exhibits of live corals in the world, housing a broad range of marine life. Check the daily schedule to make your way to this tank for the daily coral reef dive where a diver with an underwater microphone answers all your reef-related questions.
Kids will love checking out the starfish and sea urchins in the Discovery Tidepool touch tank and also watching the sea dragons glide through the water. Before you exit the exhibit, make sure you spot Claude, the albino alligator, who lives among snapping turtles and koi fish in the Swamp.
Kimball Natural History Museum
From the moment you enter the doors and are greeted by the towering T. Rex skeleton, you are in a world of wonder at the Cal Academy. The Kimball Natural History Museum includes immersive exhibits where you can learn about animal diversity, Head to the Tusher African Hall to visit with the resident penguins (check the calendar to be front and center for daily penguin feedings) and see dioramas of African landscape.
You will be mesmerized when you stop at the Foucault Pendulum, a concrete example of the Earth’s rotation. The Color of Life exhibit is a fun place to learn about animal behavior (make sure to find the corner where you can join in the animal mating dance).
photo: California Academy of Sciences
The Details
The California Academy of Sciences host the family-favorite Penguins+Pajamas Sleepover throughout the year. Kids ages 5 and up plus their parents can roll out their sleeping bags in the aquarium or one of the other exhibits and spend the night at the Academy. You can also book a behind-the-scenes tour to get the inside scoop on the exhibits and also view off-exhibit areas like the animal food prep kitchen. Private animal-encounter tours are also available with various themes.
Looking for a spot to host your next birthday party? The Academy will plan a birthday bash for your little scientist and you don’t have to do any of the work.
The Academy Cafe offers lots of options for on-site dining. Or, you are welcome to bring your own food for dining in the outdoor areas or in the indoor piazza.
photo: Tim Williamson
Parents looking for a night out on the town sans kids will enjoy the Academy’s Thursday night NightLife events where you can enjoy music, cocktails and creatures with special programming each week.
California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Dr.
San Francisco, CA
Admission: $35.95/adults, $25.95/kids 4-11, $30.95/youth 12-17, kids 3 and under are free Family membership: $249/two adults and children/grandchildren Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Opens an hour early for members Online: calacademy.org
What’s your kid’s favorite area at the California Academy of Sciences? Share it below!
