Bay Area families have gotten pretty creative with homeschool and stay-at-home activities. And while we’re all trying to keep our chin up, we’re not gonna lie: there are things we are starting to really, really miss. Here are 13 things we’re looking forward to being able to do again.

Wendy C via Yelp

Stand in line to get a Malted Vanilla ice cream at BiRite Creamery. Or maybe Mint Chip...or Salted Caramel. Make that all of the above. 

Amber Guetebier

Visit Yerba Buena gardens for a dash behind the waterfall at the MLK memorial before hitting the LeRoy King Carousel and riding it no less than twenty times. 

Francine B via Yelp

Spend the afternoon listening to the constant din of a hundred happy children at the Koret Children's Playground, and zipping down the Cement Slide with the reckless abandon of a five-year-old. 

John D. via Yelp

Roam the crowded streets of Chinatown on a Saturday afternoon, letting the kids go in and out of stores seeking treasures like rice-paper fans and embroidered Mary Jane slippers. 

RADAR Productions

Go to a library story time at our favorite neighborhood library, but especially Drag Queen Story Hour.

Chantal Lamers

Ride the Little Puffer at the SF Zoo more than once while the peacocks scream and the monkeys cackle, after posing for pictures at all the IG-worthy spots. 

Kayla Phaneuf via Unsplash

Wait patiently while someone else makes you a pour-over coffee. Like really, really patiently. 

Robin Eagan

Not cooking at home, but instead hitting up Off the Grid anywhere, but especially the Presidio Picnic, where we can all eat exactly what we want (hello inside-out samosa! hello mini donuts!) and dance to live music while we're doing it. 

Ahmed Syed via Unsplash

Get mopped at 826 Valencia after bartering for lard, followed by admiring the beautiful murals throughout the Mission. Followed by a visit to Dolores Park to enjoy the view, the playground and the weather, with ALL those other people. 

Kate Loweth

Drink out of a toilet at the Exploratorium. 

Trinity Kubassek via Pexels

Watch our kids make spontaneous friendships at a public gathering. Any public gathering. 

Maria P via Yelp

Head to the Saturday Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building for the best peaches in the universe, which don't really transport, so you have to eat them right there by the Bay. 

Kathryn Whitney courtesy California Academy of Sciences

Take the kids to Golden Gate Park to see the jellyfish at the Cal Academy, followed by eating french fries at the deYoung's cafe, followed by a run through the SF Botanical Garden. Not necessarily in that order. 

—Amber Guetebier

featured image: Robin Eagen

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