12 Fun Activities to Do with Kids in the San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is a playground for families—full of adventure, discovery, and those magical moments that make childhood shine (and parenting feel a little easier). From toddlers who can’t sit still or tweens craving something new, there’s no shortage of fun within reach. From redwood hikes to hands-on science museums, cable car rides to beach picnics, this list of 12 kid-friendly activities in the Bay Area will help you make the most of your weekends, school breaks, and spontaneous sunny days.

(And always check out our Events page for timely and often free recommendations in the Bay Area and beyond!)

1. Explore the Wonders at California Academy of Sciences (Golden Gate Park)

An aquarium, rainforest dome, planetarium, and penguins—all in one place! This San Francisco classic makes science feel magical for every age. Located in Golden Gate Park, the multi-level science museum ensures kids are mesmerised and parents can relax. Check out other attractions in Golden Gate Park for efficient fun (more on that below).

Great for rainy or foggy Bay Area days (more common than not) and all ages.

Tips:

Buy timed-entry tickets in advance.
Visit early for calmer crowds and easier parking, especially with toddlers.
Dress in layers—the park can be chilly even in July.
There’s an on-site café with kid-friendly options and plenty of picnic spots nearby if you want to bring your own meal!

2. Hands-On Fun at Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito)

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, this museum is tailor-made for younger children (ages 6 months to 8 years). It includes immersive experiences that spark creativity, foster curiosity, and encourage meaningful connections between kids, families, and the world around them! Think tree-house launch zones, “maker labs,” and hands-on art studios.

Also, a great option for residents during school holidays, as they offer camps and toddler classes!

Tips:

Arrive right when it opens—parking fills fast.
Combine with a beach picnic or waterfront stroll post-visit.
For toddlers, check out the dedicated Tot Spot (less sensory overload).

3. Ride a Cable Car + Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

The iconic San Francisco cable car ride is an experience in itself, providing scenic thrills for little ones, and it ends at Fisherman’s Wharf, which offers sea-lion spotting, waterfront dining, and arcade fun for the whole family. Be sure to grab clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, a classic SF meal.

Good for a half-day outing when you want city + kid time!

Tips:

Buy a Clipper Card or cable car day pass to skip lines.
The Powell–Hyde line has the best city and bay views.
Bring a light jacket—the bay breeze gets real!

4. Golden Gate Park: Playgrounds, Gardens & Open Space

Golden Gate Park is a free, family favorite. It offers multiple playgrounds, gardens, open lawns, and the Koret Children’s Quarter, a huge playground with a historic carousel. A great no-cost morning or afternoon for all ages.

We recommend having a backup indoor option in case fog, rain, or wind hits. Luckily, there are many museums and other attractions around!

Tips:

Bring a blanket or mat for lounging while kids play.
Scooters and bikes are okay—kids can cruise safely on the paths.
Pair it with a visit to the Botanical Gardens or Stow Lake boat rentals.

5. Curiosity Comes Alive at the Exploratorium (Pier 15)

This hands-on science museum is like a playground for curious minds. Located at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero, kids (and adults) can explore sound, light, physics, and art through interactive experiments.

Especially fun for curious kids (ages 5–12) who love to touch, push, and observe.

Tips:

Plan for at least 2 hours—time flies here.
Check out their tips for families visiting.
The outdoor “fog bridge” is a favorite photo spot!

6. Breathe Easy in the East Bay Regional Parks

Just outside the core city, the East Bay (Oakland/Berkeley) offers fantastic nature escapes. Their open spaces are perfect for unplugged adventures. Try César Chávez Park for kite-flying or Sunol Wilderness for gentle hikes.

Ideal for less-structured, unplugged family days.

Tips:

Be sure to account for paid parking in many areas to avoid tickets.
Pack snacks and water; not every park has concessions.
Bring binoculars—many trails have great bird-watching.

7. Ferry Ride to Sausalito + Ice Cream Stop

Hop a ferry from the Ferry Building or Pier 41 to Sausalito for a quick seaside adventure. The boat ride is pure fun and entertainment, and Sausalito’s waterfront is full of family-friendly cafés and ice-cream shops.

Plan on spending around 1.5–2 hours there before heading back.

Tips:

Kids love standing on the deck to spot Alcatraz and sea birds.
Bring hats and windbreakers.
Book ferry tickets in advance if going on a weekend.

8. Create & Imagine at the Children’s Creativity Museum (Yerba Buena)

In the heart of downtown SF, this museum encourages kids to invent, animate, and explore their artistic side. Ideal for elementary-age children (4-10 years old) who want to make something rather than just look. Highlights include an Animation Studio where kids make stop-motion films, a Music Lab with microphones and mixing stations, and a virtual Community Garden that all visitors can add to.

Tips:

Check out what else the museum recommends in Yerba Buena.
Plan for 1–2 hours— the museum is relatively small but full of activities.

9. Bikes, Rides & Treats in the South Bay

From roller coasters at California’s Great America (good for older kids) to bike paths around Campbell Park, the South Bay has plenty for active families. After rides, stop for pizza or ice cream in downtown Campbell or Mountain View.

Great for a full-day outing!

Tips:

Check out the BMX track at Pleasanton for adventurous kids.
Many South Bay trails are stroller-friendly.

10. Weekend Festivals & Pop-Up Events

The Bay Area calendar overflows with family festivals depending on the time of year—music, maker fairs, street markets, and cultural events. It keeps things fresh when you’re looking for something spontaneous! A quick Google search if you’re visiting usually does the trick, and for residents, there are more long-term online calendars available.

Tips:

Follow local calendars like MomBrains.
Bring folding chairs, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles in the summertime. Layers and blankets are a good idea no matter the time of year.
Check if events allow outside food; festival food lines can be long and overly expensive.

11. Wander the Redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument (Mill Valley)

Peaceful boardwalk trails wind beneath 1,000-year-old trees—a memorable experience for kids and adults alike that exemplifies just how teeny we are in the grand scheme of nature. This park is a great addition to break up indoor visits or to get out of the busyness of the city for a few hours.

Sasquatch, anyone?

Tips:

Reserve parking or shuttle tickets before your visit—they’re required.
Bring a baby carrier for younger kids (strollers fit only on main paths).
There’s a café and gift shop, but limited cell service—download maps first so you don’t get turned around.

12. All-Day Adventure at Tilden Park (Berkeley Hills)

A true East Bay classic! Tilden Park offers a seemingly endless list of things to do. Ride the steam trains, tour the Botanic Gardens, visit the Little Farm (bring lettuce for the goats), and spin on the historic carousel.

Tips:

Bring cash for rides ($3–$4 each).
Pack swimsuits for Lake Anza in summer.
Free admission; fees apply only for rides and parking at some lots.

Final Thoughts

The Bay Area is one of those rare regions where every day or weekend can feel new. There’s something to spark joy for every age—and plenty of coffee stops for parents along the way.

Whether you’re planning a full day out or just a few hours between naps, these destinations keep the whole family happy (and tired in the best way).

Grab the diaper bag, throw in a sweater, and go make memories around the bay—you’ve got 12 great options to start with.