Baby & Me: See
Experience the city through the eyes of a kid—borrow one if need be. These child-friendly places offer up all sorts of good times.
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park
415-379-8000
calacademy.org
The recently renovated Academy of Sciences has more to offer families than ever before. With more than 40,000 animals under one roof, including giant octopuses, Amazonian piranhas, Borneo fruit bats and tortoises, kids will have plenty to see and learn. Catch the African penguin feeding every day at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and step inside the Academy’s living four-story rainforest. Parents and children aged 2-5 are invited to the Early Explorer’s Cove for story time Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m., while members also are welcome Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m.
Aquarium of the Bay
Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf
415-623-5300
aquariumofthebay.org
With exhibitions focused on local aquatic animals and distinctive ecosystems, the Aquarium of the Bay emphasizes conservation, research and education. In addition to hosting nearly 600,000 visitors every year, the aquarium provides free classes and tours to more than 15,000 Bay Area school children annually. The aquarium also offers sleepovers, scout day programs and birthday parties for groups. Parents can also take advantage of AquaTots, a free-with-admission session that takes place the second Friday of every month and teaches kids aged 2-5 about the animals in the SF Bay and surrounding waters.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum
Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Rd.
Sausalito
415-339-3900
baykidsmuseum.org
Welcoming more than 315,000 visitors every year, Sausalito’s Bay Area Discovery Museum emphasizes creativity through play, and encourages kids ages 6 months to 8 years to participate in hands-on art, science and environmental exhibitions. The museum also features performances, special events, cultural festivals and ongoing educational curricula. Family classes for 2- and 3-year-olds and their caregivers are now offered as well, allowing children to develop social skills and engage in open-ended creative play. Explore the wilds of Fort Baker in October’s Outdoor Learning series, and let the little ones participate in November’s Treasure Hunt camp.
Cartoon Art Museum
655 Mission St.
415-CAR-TOON (415-227-8666)
cartoonart.org
The only museum in the western United States dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of cartoon art in all its forms, Mission Street’s Cartoon Art Museum houses approximately 6,000 original pieces in its permanent collection. Families can take in exhibits like Once Upon a Dream: The Art of Sleeping Beauty, an exploration of the Disney film, and Spain Rodriguez: Rebel in Ink, a retrospective of the local artist’s 40-plus years as a comic book artist. The museum also offers Saturday afternoon cartooning classes for kids aged 8–14 for $5.
Crissy Field and Crissy Field Center
603 Mason St.
415-561-7690
crissyfield.org
Housed in an historic and sustainable renovated building, the Crissy Field Center’s facilities include a media lab, resource library, arts workshop, science lab, gathering room and teaching kitchen in addition to a café and bookstore. Families can relax and enjoy the views of the Golden Gate or take part in one of the many programs and workshops. Fantastic Fridays provide sensory activities and games that engage parents and toddlers with nature. Children in grades one through eight can take part in the center’s day camps that provide outdoor investigation, field outings and hands-on projects.
Conservatory of Flowers
100 John F. Kennedy Dr., Golden Gate Park
415-831-2090
conservatoryofflowers.org
One of the most photographed landmarks in San Francisco, the Conservatory of Flowers has been a Golden Gate Park staple for more than a century. After an eight-year hiatus for a $25 million restoration, the Conservatory reopened in 2003 with four permanent galleries of aquatic plants, highland tropics, lowland tropics and potted plants. The ever-changing special exhibits gallery features fun displays like Edible Expeditions, and kids can get an up-close and in-person look at ecology, botany and history.
Exploratorium
3601 Lyon St.
415-EXP-LORE (415-397-5673)
exploratorium.edu
Since 1969, the Exploratorium has been home to hundreds of science, art and human perception exhibits. In addition to the museum’s regular highlights such as the Tactile Dome and the Traits of Life collection, the Exploratorium is preparing a full schedule for the holidays, including the Dec. 19 screening of A Child’s Christmas in Wales, the 1963 film that presents the story, written and narrated by poet Dylan Thomas, of his boyhood. Other upcoming, family-friendly Exploratorium events include the highly recommended electrical jousting show, “Electrifying Science with Dr. MegaVolt,” Nov. 5, and the Holiday Animation Film Festival, Dec. 26–30.
Morrison Planetarium
55 Music Concourse Dr.
California Academy of Sciences Golden Gate Park
415-379-8000
calacademy.org/academy/exhibits/planetarium
The largest all-digital planetarium in the world, Morrison Planetarium features a 90-foot diameter dome with a projection screen tilted at a 30 degree angle, creating an experience more like flying than watching a movie. Older kids will be fascinated by the planetarium’s new show, Journey to the Stars, which lets viewers travel through time and space to experience the lives and deaths of stars. There are only a few showings per day, so plan to arrive early and get a (free) ticket as soon as you arrive.
Musée Méchanique
Pier 45, Shed A
415-346-2000
museemechaniquesf.org
Originally part of San Francisco’s historic Playland at the Beach, the Musee Mechanique is one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of mechanically operated musical instruments and antique arcade machines. Once housed in the lower level of the Cliff House, the Musée Méchanique now resides at Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf. Parents and grandparents can reminisce while giving kids a glimpse at vintage games. The infamous “Laffing Sal,” built in the early 1930s, is still a must-see.
Randall Museum
199 Museum Way
415-554-9600
randallmuseum.org
Housing an ever-changing array of science, art and interactive exhibits, the Randall Museum focuses on the cultures and environment of the Bay Area. The museum features a full-size replica of an earthquake refugee shack, a variety of native California wild animals and a wide variety of programs, classes and workshops. Plan a birthday party at the museum and the staff will lead guests through an art project and provide an animal talk. The museum also offers week-long sleepaway camps for kids ages 10–12 with hands-on science, art, technology and nature study.
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San Francisco Botanical Garden Featuring 55 acres of landscaped gardens and open space, the San Francisco Botanical Garden offers visitors 7,500 varieties of plants from around the world to admire. Free storytime in the library, held on the first and third Sundays of every month, is perfect for kids ages 4–8, and the Garden’s education programs include docent-led walks, children and family activities, a children’s garden summer program and year-round gardening and ecology activities. |
San Francisco Center for the Book
300 De Haro St.
415-565-0545
sfcb.org
Through workshops, exhibitions and public events, the San Francisco Center for the Book promotes knowledge of traditional book arts and exploration of experimental book forms for all ages. SFCB features a variety of programs in their print studio and bindery weekdays and evenings. Weekend Family Days offer easy-to-make book projects for kids aged 4–12 and family members. Students will learn to use ordinary, readily available materials to re-create the fun at home.
San Francisco Fire Department Museum
655 Presidio Ave.
415-558-3546
guardiansofthecity.org/sffd
Laurel Heights’ Fire Department Museum offers free admission and stores plenty of vintage artifacts and fascinating pieces of history. Families can get an up-close look at helmets, hydrants and trucks dating back to the early 1800s. Sponsored by the San Francisco Fire Department Historical Society and run entirely by volunteers, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday, but visitors are encouraged to call ahead to verify open hours.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park & USS Pampanito
Hyde Street Pier, Fisherman’s Wharf
415-561-6662
maritime.org
Get on board several of San Francisco’s historic ships at the Hyde Street Pier, where the 1886 square-rigger Balclutha stands proudly with all her rigging, along with schooners and tugboats. On Saturdays through November, you can even go on a three-hour cruise around the Bay on the 1891 schooner Alma (no age restrictions, reservations recommended). Then check out a more modern seacraft, the World War II submarine located nearby at Pier 45.
San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Rd.
415-753-7080
sfzoo.org
Northern California’s oldest and largest zoological park, the San Francisco Zoo aims to connect people with wildlife to inspire caring for nature and conservation. Exhibits like the Australian Walkabout and Jones Family Gorilla Preserve draw 925,000 people a year, making it one of the most visited recreational and cultural attractions in the Bay Area. Toddlers through 12-year-olds can take part in the zoo’s various educational programs, participating in activities such as wildlife crafts and games, keeper talks, zoo tours, close-up animal encounters and a Junior Keeper Club for kids interested in animal careers. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities for teens, and a Zoo playgroup for children under 5.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St.
415-474-1887
cablecarmuseum.org
Learn about one of San Francisco’s iconic staples at Mason Street’s Cable Car Museum. See the collection of grips, track, cable, brake mechanisms, tools and detailed models, plus a large display of historic photographs. The museum houses three antique cable cars from the 1870s, and the store offers a variety of memorabilia, books, clothing, cards and even genuine cable car bells.
The Walt Disney Family Museum
104 Montgomery St., The Presidio
415-345-6800
disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum
Disney fans of all ages will get a kick out of the exhibits, activities and classes at the Presidio’s Walt Disney Family Museum. In addition to workshops and performances dedicated to the iconic animation, the museum offers hands-on after-school, weekend and summer programs for kids to explore film and art. The museum store features a continually changing lineup of books and trinkets and the café operated by Wolfgang Puck Catering, includes healthy, organic items, plus many kid-friendly selections.
Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf
145 Jefferson St.
800-439-4305
waxmuseum.com
More than 250 internationally known personalities are on display at Fisherman Wharf’s Wax Museum, and the whole family can check out replicas of everyone from Britney Spears to Bill Clinton. The museum is located in the center of SF’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf, so families can enjoy a visit during a day of sightseeing.
Zeum
221 Fourth St.
415-820-3320
zeum.org
Perfect for a rainy day, Zeum offers a hands-on, multimedia arts and technology experience for kids ages 6–12 in the heart of downtown San Francisco, in Yerba Buena Gardens. Encouraging the “3 C’s of 21st Century literacy—creativity, collaboration and communication,” Zeum aims to inspire new ideas and innovative solutions for kids and families. The museum focuses on animation, video production, sound production, performance and visual arts, giving kids the chance to make music videos, compose soundtracks and more. There’s enough to do here to take up a full day. Events like the annual Camp Zeum Film Festival showcase youth media projects to the entire family.
