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Fun Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids

Posted in City Guides on April 26, 2022

Moving across country with your family to the cultural center of California and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the USA is a great decision to make, especially for your children. There are many fun and interesting things to do in San Francisco with kids, both outdoors and indoors. Your child will have a great time and learn a lot due to high cultural diversity.

Whether You Want to Visit a Museum or a Park, There Are Plenty of Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids

To begin with, it doesn’t really matter if you are moving to this town alone or with a family. It is certainly considered to be one of the best cities for millennials, but also for people who are moving with children. The unique blend of European, Asian, and American cultures and magnificent natural surroundings have given this place numerous attractions that both children and adults will equally enjoy. You certainly won’t regret booking cross-country movers and the necessary packing services needed for a safe move of your possessions to California.

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Golden Gate Park Is One of the Main Family Attractions in SF

One of the largest green spaces in SF, Golden Gate Park is one of the most popular places. One of the main aspects that people consider when moving to a new place is whether there will be nature where one can escape from the urban area, especially when moving with pets and children. This park is certainly one of the best examples of such natural retreats.

The park is huge, and within its area, there are a lot of sites and activities that both children and adults can enjoy, like museums, playgrounds, gardens, and restaurants. And what makes it even greater is that it is located within the town’s limits. Entering the area during the day is free, but places like museums will require an entrance fee.

The Most Renowned Museum in San Francisco Is Located in Golden Gate Park

Out of all the fun things to do in San Francisco with kids, you got to visit the California Academy of Sciences and its natural history museum. This institution boasts one of the largest collections of flora and fauna, with over 46 million specimens. The exhibition comprises four main parts: Kimball Natural History, Morrison Planetarium, Rainforests of the World, and Steinhart Aquarium.

There Are Many Other Fun Things To Do With Kids in San Francisco When Visiting This Wonderful Place

There are numerous other wonderful places to visit within the location, and you truly won’t run out of activities after moving cross-country. Let us name a few most popular attractions:

  • Japanese Tea Garden – One of the most interesting things to do with kids in San Francisco is to visit this beautiful garden. The garden is completely arranged in accordance with Japanese tradition and style. It consists of numerous paths, ponds, and structures reminiscent of ancient Buddhist architecture. The main attraction is certainly the tea house, where families can enjoy traditional Japanese tea and snacks. All in all, visiting this place will relieve any anxiety about moving out.
  • The Conservatory of Flowers – This institution consists of a greenhouse and a botanical garden. It is renowned for its collection of tropical and rare plant species. The collection consists of four main parts: Potted Plants Gallery (extremely rare plants,) Lowlands Gallery (South American flora,) Highlands Gallery (Central American flora,) and Aquatics Gallery (flora of the Amazon river). All in all, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids.
  • Stow Lake – There is no better way to cure depression after moving than to spend a day at the lakeside with your children. Stow Lake is a beautiful place to spend time outdoors. You could rent a pedal boat or stroll along the beautiful promenade. Your children can also enjoy the sights of many species of turtles that inhabit this place. Certainly, it is a great place to relax after dealing with numerous long-distance moving tasks.

These are the most frequently recommended locations in this wonderful place, but there are many more. You’ll definitely need a lot of time to explore everything, and your kids won’t have any problems making friends in the new town as this place is the most popular location for families to spend time together.

Lombard Street Is One of the Main Hallmarks of This Wonderful City

Certainly, the unique and lovely architecture is a sufficient reason to move to this city. One of the most recognizable architectural characteristics are steep and winding streets, Lombard Street being one of the most famous. Although it is possible to drive, it is best to experience the street by walking. Once the summit is reached, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

Take a Cable Car From Union Square – Your Children Will Enjoy It

While researching before moving to this big city, you’ve certainly seen the famous cable cars of SF. Although only three lines are currently operational, it is a unique experience only SF can offer. Two lines connect Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, while the third runs along California Street. You’ll be able to see many beautiful sights like the historic Fairmont Hotel. A cable car running up a steep street is certainly one of the most iconic scenes from this beautiful city.

Cable cars on a street
Steep streets and cable cars are the two most famous landmarks of wonderful Golden Gate City

Explore the SF Bay by Taking a Cruise

One of the best ways to spend a day in SF is to take a cruise around the bay. What makes this cruise so special is the fact that you’ll pass twice under the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Therefore, you can imagine what kind of photographs can be taken. In addition, the cruise provides some lovely views of the city’s skyline.

Bay Area Discovery Museum Is a Great Location for Children

It is a unique cultural institution made especially for children. It is located 4 miles away from SF, so an additional benefit of visiting this place is that you’ll have to cross the city’s iconic bridge. The institution is divided into six different departments: Art Studios, Bay Hall, Discovery Hall, Lookout Cove, Tot Spot, and Fab Lab. Exhibitions are interactive, and a child has to engage different sets of skills in each department. While going through the building, you’ll have a view of the bridge at all times.

Picture of the famous SF bridge
A cruise can be a perfect way to spend a day with your children and enjoy the sights of the famous bridge

Pier 39 Offers Many Child-Friendly Activities

When relocating to another place with your loved ones, one of the aspects that influence the decision on where to live is the availability of child-friendly activities. Pier 39, a historic waterfront, is one of those places, where children can spend a whole day engaged in various activities. There are many restaurants, roller coasters, and carousels. The Mirror Maze is especially popular.

What makes this place even better is the fact that the colony of California sea lions lives here. You can sit down with your children and watch these majestic creatures sunbathe on the quay or watch their elegant dives into the water. Having the opportunity to view such unique scenes is one of the main benefits of moving to this wonderful town.

Aquarium of the Bay Is Located on Pier 39

One of the places not to forget to visit when you move to SF and find yourself in Pier 39 is to visit the famous Aquarium of the Bay. It is located in the very center of this historic waterfront and offers a wonderful experience for all ages, but children will certainly enjoy it the most. You’ll be able to see the extraordinary aquatic life of the Pacific Ocean while walking through the long aquarium tunnels. A particularly interesting thing for children is the so-called hands-on lab where it is possible to pet a starfish or a baby shark.

Photo of quay
Pier 39 is one of the main attractions of SF

Letterman Digital and New Media Arts Center Is a Must for All Star Wars Fans

This institution is Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm’s, and LucasArts’ marketing headquarters. First of all, when entering the premises, you’ll be greeted by a life-size sculpture of Yoda. People can view various memorabilia from the films, try on different costumes, and fence with lightsabers. The surroundings are also beautiful, and visitors can enjoy picnics and take a breather.

Picture of a Star Wars character Boba Fett
You can dress up as one of your favourite Star Wars characters

The Beautiful Nature of Muir Woods Is Worth Visiting

Moving during coronavirus can be highly stressful, and if your children find comfort in natural environments, definitely go to see Muir Woods. Known for towering Coastal Redwood trees, Muir Woods has areas arranged for both casual visitors and people who are looking for hikes into the deep wilderness. The best part is that it is only 16 miles away from the city. Note that adults have to pay an admittance fee, but children up to the age of 15 do not.

There Are Also Many Beautiful Beaches in the Vicinity of SF

If you are looking for beaches when moving to a new state, California certainly has a lot of beautiful ones to offer. The most popular ones near SF are Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, and Crissy Field Beach, but there are many more. Truly, there is no better way to spend time with children than to sunbathe and build sandcastles. What is more, the oceanic view and air will help a lot with the adjustment insomnia once the cross-country moving services have unloaded everything. Here is a lovely video where you can find more about Baker Beach.

Don’t Miss Visiting SF’s Chinatown

Once you’re done unpacking after the move, it will be hard to decide where to go first, but Chinatown should be at the top of your list. SF’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the USA and has one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, view authentic Chinese architecture, and enjoy the best available Chinese cuisine with your children.

Picture of Chinatown
SF's Chinatown has a rich history and tradition

Your Children Will Enjoy the SF’s Zoo

SF’s zoo is one of the best zoos in California, and it is a great thing to spend a day with your children here. There are many rare animals like polar bears and snow leopards that your children will most definitely enjoy seeing. Moreover, the zoo has a lovely area where you can rest, drink a coffee, or dine.

This Beautiful Town Has a Lot to Offer to Our Youngest Population

If you are moving out for the first time with your children, we understand that it is tough to make a decision. Above all, it is of the utmost importance to find a place that will suit your children before booking reliable long-distance movers. As you have been able to read, SF has a lot of beautiful places to offer where toddlers and teenagers can engage in many different activities. Definitely have in mind the possibility of relocating to SF if you still haven’t organized your move.

Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking.

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