San Francisco is a playground for adults and children. From cable car rides to walks in Crissy Field, it's easy to amuse yourself and your kids without ever setting foot in a zoo or a museum.
But sometimes, you want a destination that will keep everyone occupied with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, or lots of animals. Here are some city favorites, and a few places just outside the realm of San Francisco.
1. Aquarium of the Bay
It's tough living in the shadow of Monterey Bay -- the queen of California aquariums. But the Aquarium of the Bay does a good job of showcasing sea life in San Francisco's waters.
The highlight is the "Under the Bay" exhibit, with a moving walkway that nudges you through clear tunnels of fish and other Bay residents. A side effect of the curved glass is a sense of wooziness that can do a number on your Fisherman's Wharf lunch. Still, the water tunnel is a fun detour if you're down at Pier 39.
Embarcadero at Beach Street
San Francisco, CA
Telephone: (888) SEA-DIVE
2. Sea Lions at Pier 39
You won't see hordes of sea lions all year round, but when they gather en masse at Pier 39, it's a favorite stopping point for visitors. The California sea lions who make Pier 39 their home, arrived after the Loma Prieta earthquake (1989). They are mostly males, which makes for kind of a pinniped frat house -- with my apologies to Panhellenic organizations for the metaphor.
The Marine Mammal Center (in Marin) maintains an information booth at Pier 39. Although the Center is closed for renovation, when it reopens, visitors can learn about marine mammals and rehabilitation efforts.
3. Exploratorium
© Ingrid Taylar
Marina
The Exploratorium (at the Palace of Fine Arts) has hundreds of exhibits to amuse and inspire -- some resident, some changing. People either love or fear the Tactile Dome. If you don't yet know the dome, it's worth a visit. (Minimum age recommendation is seven.) Visitors feel their way through the darkness of this exhibit, exploring more fully their sense of touch.
You can buy tickets online, in advance. Admission to the Tactile Dome tacks on an extra charge.
At the Palace of Fine Arts
3601 Lyon Street
Telephone (recording): (415) 561-0399
Map & Directions
4. Zeum
© Ingrid Taylar
Zeum will make a director or musician out of your little one. The interactive exhibits include: a music studio where kids can produce and take home their own music video; a claymation studio; and a digital workshop where kids can play around with desktop publishing and print up a piece of full-color art.
The music production studio is suitable for three-year-olds. Other exhibits suggest an age of five years or older.
221 Fourth Street (at Howard Street)
Telephone: (415) 820-3320
Map & Directions
5. San Francisco Zoo
Photo © Ingrid Taylar
Outer Sunset
The San Francisco Zoo gears many exhibits specifically toward children. Kids can help out at the Family Farm or learn more about family pets at the Companion Animal exhibits. Other diversions for kids include watching the meerkats and prairie dogs, or getting squeamish with creepy crawlers in the Insect Zoo. Lions, tigers and penguins have public feedings which are equally fun for adults and children.
1 Zoo Road
Telephone: (415) 753-7080
Map & Directions
In the East Bay, see the Oakland Zoo Website for visitor information.
6. California Academy of Sciences (CLOSED - Until Sep 2008)
Photo © Ingrid Taylar
The California Academy of Sciences temporary location in SoMa is now closed.
The Academy will reopen in its brand new Golden Gate Park facility on September 27, 2008.
Learn more about the new California Academy of Sciences at the Academy of Sciences website.
The Academy of Sciences is a wealth of natural science activity. The facility promises to be spectacular once the new building is completed in Golden Gate Park (the Academy's original home).
7. San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park
Fisherman's Wharf - Hyde Street Pier
The Maritime Museum is closed for renovation until 2009, but San Francisco Maritime Park and the surrounding waterfront areas are great spaces for a stroll that incorporates a bit of history. Depending on the mood you can simply enjoy the waterfront sites, or take a tour of the historic ships at the pier.
Maritime Park offers a variety of children's activities, including a monthly sing-a-long and crafts workshops. Check the park's event calendar for park activities.
The Visitor Center (corner of Jefferson and Hyde) will help orient you. While there, check out the beautiful First Order Fresnel lighthouse lens on display.
Hyde Street Pier
Hyde at Jefferson
Telephone: (415) 447-5000
Park Website
8. USS Pampanito Submarine Tour
Also in the Fisherman's Wharf area, kids and adults can tour an authentic WWII submarine. The USS Pampanito shows you exactly what it was like to be on one of these vessels -- crew bunks, torpedo room, decks and engine rooms.
Pier 45 (at Taylor)
(415) 775-1943
9. Randall Museum
Buena Vista Heights - Haight Ashbury
The Randall Museum, like the Lindsay Museum in Walnut Creek, has live animal exhibits. The animals at Randall cannot be released to the wild. They’re either injured or born into captivity. They serve as ambassadors, educating and promoting respect for our local wildlife.
The museum offers classes and workshops – both scheduled and drop-in. It’s also a great destination for field day outings.
199 Museum Way
Telephone: (415) 554-9600
Directions
10. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito)
© Ingrid Taylar
Sausalito
Not downtown but not too far away either, the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito wins accolades from parenting publications. The museum is an indoor-outdoor facility on 7.5 acres, with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The exhibits are geared toward toddlers and elementary school children.
Facilities include: Lookout Cove, where kids can scramble around on shipwrecks and observe tidal pools; Tot Spot for crawlers and early walkers; an art studio; Bay Hall (which simulates life under the Bay); and a theater.
557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 339-3900
