Weekend in San Francisco
This weekend itinerary for San Francisco families combines iconic kid-friendly attractions with delightful free activities, ensuring a balanced and budget-conscious experience. We've focused on interactive learning, outdoor play, and unique San Francisco charm, creating lasting memories for children aged 3-12.
Friday Evening - Creative Family Fun
Friday, November 14Children's Creativity Museum
Engage your children's imaginations at the Children's Creativity Museum, an interactive art and technology museum.
Kids can enjoy hands-on exhibits like the Animation Studio, Cloud Buster, and a variety of creative workshops designed for young minds. It's a fantastic indoor option for an early evening activity.
Perfect for ages 2-12. Kids will love the freedom to create, build, and explore. Restrooms are available throughout the museum, and it is stroller-accessible. Plan for 1.5 - 2 hours of engaging play.
Limited street parking is available; several paid parking garages are nearby (e.g., Moscone Center Garage). Public transit via Muni light rail and buses is convenient, with stroller-friendly routes.
Early Dinner & Playground
Enjoy a relaxed, kid-friendly dinner at Super Duper Burgers, known for its delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes made with high-quality ingredients.
Afterward, if energy permits, visit a nearby playground like the Yerba Buena Children's Garden Playground for a quick run-around before winding down for the evening.
Super Duper offers kids' meals and outdoor seating, making it convenient for families. The playground is suitable for various ages with climbing structures and slides, ideal for burning off any remaining energy. Restrooms are available at Metreon. Early dinner ensures kids can get to bed on time.
Located within easy walking distance of the Children's Creativity Museum. Public parking garages available in the SoMa area. Public transit is readily accessible.
Saturday - Golden Gate Park Adventure
Saturday, November 15California Academy of Sciences
Dive into a world of wonder at the California Academy of Sciences.
Explore the four-story rainforest, immerse yourselves in the planetarium show, marvel at the vast aquarium, and discover interactive exhibits in the natural history museum. It's an educational and exciting experience for all ages.
This attraction is a highlight for kids aged 3-12, offering diverse engaging exhibits. Restrooms are plentiful, and the entire facility is stroller-accessible. Plan for 3-4 hours to experience everything. Consider arriving early to beat the crowds.
Paid parking is available in the Music Concourse Garage beneath the museum. Public transit via Muni (N Judah, 5 Fulton) offers direct access to Golden Gate Park. Consider ride-sharing for convenience with small children.
Picnic & Playground Fun
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in Golden Gate Park.
Grab sandwiches, salads, or snacks from a local deli on your way, or find food trucks often stationed near the park's attractions. Afterward, let the kids burn off energy at the Koret Children's Quarter and Carousel, a classic San Francisco playground experience with swings, slides, and climbing structures, along with a historic carousel.
The playground is ideal for all ages within the target range, with specific areas for younger and older children. Public restrooms are available nearby. The carousel is an extra paid activity that kids often love. It's a great spot for budget-friendly dining with space for kids to run.
Easily walkable from the California Academy of Sciences. Parking in the Music Concourse Garage or street parking (if available) can serve both attractions.
Japanese Tea Garden Visit
Stroll through the serene and beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. Kids will enjoy exploring the pagodas, stepping stones, koi ponds, and the iconic Drum Bridge. It's a peaceful contrast to the morning's activity and offers lovely photo opportunities.
Best for kids who can appreciate a quieter walk; engaging for ages 5 and up. Strollers are generally fine on the main paths, but some areas might have steps. Restrooms are available. Plan for about 1-1.5 hours.
Located very close to the California Academy of Sciences and Koret Children's Quarter, making it easily walkable.
Pizza Night & Dessert
Enjoy a classic family favorite for dinner: pizza!
Little Star Pizza is a popular spot known for its delicious deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas, perfect for satisfying hungry kids and parents alike. Afterward, treat everyone to some ice cream or a pastry.
Family-friendly atmosphere with a diverse menu to please everyone. High chairs are available. It's a great way to wind down the day after a busy Saturday. Save room for dessert at a nearby spot.
A short drive or Muni bus ride from Golden Gate Park. Street parking can be challenging; consider ride-sharing or public transit.
Sunday - Relaxed Explorations
Sunday, November 16Ferry Building Farmers Market
Start your Sunday at the iconic Ferry Building Marketplace and its outdoor Farmers Market.
While the full market is on Saturdays, a smaller, vibrant market is still active on Sundays. Enjoy browsing local produce, artisan foods, and prepared dishes. Kids will love the bustling atmosphere and perhaps a delicious pastry or fresh fruit.
A relaxed pace for Sunday morning, suitable for all ages. Kids can enjoy trying samples and picking out a treat. Public restrooms are available inside the Ferry Building. Plenty of space for strollers. You can easily grab breakfast or brunch from various vendors.
Paid parking garages are available nearby (e.g., Embarcadero Center Parking). Public transit via Muni (F Line streetcar, various buses) and BART is excellent and stroller-friendly.
Exploratorium Discoveries
Head to the Exploratorium, a renowned interactive science museum where curiosity is king!
With hundreds of hands-on exhibits, kids can explore scientific phenomena in a fun and engaging way. Highlights include the Tinkering Studio, Tactile Dome (reservations recommended), and various exhibits on light, sound, and human perception.
Ideal for children aged 3-12, but engaging for all ages. So many interactive exhibits mean kids won't get bored. Restrooms are readily available, and the museum is completely stroller-accessible. Plan for 2-3 hours of exploration.
Located a short walk along the Embarcadero from the Ferry Building. Public parking lots and garages are available nearby. Public transit (Muni F Line, various buses) is convenient.
Crissy Field Play & Views
Wrap up your weekend with some outdoor play and breathtaking views at Crissy Field.
Let the kids run free on the vast lawn or at the beach, collect shells, and enjoy the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The Crissy Field East Beach is particularly popular for families.
A fantastic free option for kids to get some fresh air and open space. There are accessible walking paths, and restrooms are available. Great photo opportunities with the bridge in the background. Good for all ages, including toddlers in strollers. A perfect wind-down before heading home.
Easily accessible by car with multiple parking lots along Mason Street. Public transit options are available via Muni bus routes that serve the Presidio. It's a short drive or bus ride from the Embarcadero.
This weekend itinerary for San Francisco can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.