Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Kick off your weekend at the iconic, free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park.

This beloved music festival features multiple stages with a variety of bluegrass, country, and rock artists. Find a spot on the grass, enjoy the atmosphere, and let the kids dance along to the music. It’s a wonderful way to experience San Francisco’s vibrant culture in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

Perfect for all ages, kids will enjoy the open space to run and the lively music. Bring a blanket, snacks, and perhaps ear protection for sensitive ears. Restrooms and food vendors are available throughout the park during the festival. Stroller accessible on paved paths.

Family Dinner Treat

Enjoy an early dinner at Spark Social SF, a vibrant outdoor food truck park with plenty of kid-friendly options.

The rotating selection of food trucks offers diverse cuisines, and there's ample communal seating, including unique double-decker bus seating, allowing for a fun, casual family meal.

Kids will love choosing their own meals from different trucks and the lively, open-air atmosphere. Plenty of space for them to move around (supervised, of course). Restrooms available on-site. Good for ages 3-12.

Aquarium Exploration

Dive into the aquatic wonders of San Francisco Bay at the Aquarium of the Bay.

Explore three distinct aquatic areas, walk through 300-foot clear tunnels surrounded by thousands of local sea creatures, and enjoy interactive exhibits. Kids can get up close to jellyfish, sharks, and river otters, and even touch a stingray!

Highly engaging for ages 3-12, with plenty of hands-on exhibits. Allow 2-3 hours. Restrooms and stroller access are excellent. Small children will be mesmerized by the tunnel aquariums.

Pier 39 Lunch & Play

After the aquarium, grab a casual lunch at Pier 39, offering various kid-friendly eateries.

Afterward, head to the iconic Sea Lion Center to watch the noisy and entertaining sea lions basking in the sun. It's a free and engaging spectacle that kids always love. Finish with an ice cream treat from Ghirardelli Square nearby.

Kids will be thrilled by the sea lions and the general bustling atmosphere of Pier 39. Many restaurants offer kids' menus. Restrooms available throughout Pier 39. Stroller-friendly. The walk to Ghirardelli Square adds a nice treat.

Presidio Playground Fun

Head to Presidio Tunnel Tops for an afternoon of outdoor play at the incredible Outpost Playground.

This newly opened national park space features a massive, accessible playscape with unique structures for various ages, offering stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.

Perfect for energetic kids aged 3-12. The playground is designed with natural materials and offers plenty of climbing, sliding, and exploration. Adjacent picnic pods are available (can be reserved) and open lawns provide space to run. Modern restrooms and stroller accessibility. Allow 2-3 hours.

Star Party Viewing

Experience the wonder of the night sky at the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers Star Party, held at the Presidio Tunnel Tops.

Join fellow stargazers and use telescopes provided by the astronomers to view planets, stars, and other celestial objects. This is a truly unique and educational free event.

A magical experience for school-aged children (ages 6+) interested in science and space. Younger children might enjoy parts but could lose interest. Dress warmly as it gets cold by the Bay after sunset. Restrooms available. Event duration is typically 3 hours.

Harvest Festival

Spend your Sunday morning at the Treasure Island Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch.

This fantastic free event offers a pumpkin patch, hay bale pyramid, bounce houses, a petting zoo, live music, and family-friendly activities, all with stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.

Ideal for all ages, especially 3-12. Kids will love the petting zoo and bounce houses. Food and beverages are available for purchase from vendors. Restrooms on site. Stroller accessible.

Ferry Building & Fleet Week

After the harvest festival, head back to the mainland for a leisurely afternoon at the Ferry Building Marketplace.

On this Sunday, the HEAD WEST Marketplace will be active, featuring local brands and artisans. You can browse unique goods, grab a coffee or treat, and then step outside to experience the start of San Francisco Fleet Week. While the Blue Angels perform later in the week, Sunday marks the beginning with the Parade of Ships and general festive atmosphere along the waterfront, often with military vessels to view.

Kids can enjoy exploring the market for treats, watching the Bay activity, and getting a glimpse of the Fleet Week ships. Great for a relaxed family stroll. Restrooms and stroller access are excellent. The area offers great photo opportunities with Bay Bridge views.

Golden Gate Playground

Wind down the weekend with some active play at the Koret Children's Playground in Golden Gate Park.

This expansive and historic playground features modern play structures for various ages, a large sandpit, and the famous concrete slides (bring cardboard for extra speed!). A nearby carousel offers an extra dose of fun.

Perfect for kids to burn off any remaining energy before heading home. There are separate areas for younger and older children. Restrooms are available. The historic carousel is a separate, paid attraction. Good wind-down activity for all ages 3-12.