San Francisco Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in San Francisco
This itinerary focuses on mixing free parks and community events with popular children's attractions. Activities are grouped geographically to minimize travel time. Please check official websites for any last-minute schedule changes or specific event details closer to your visit.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Koret Children's Quarter
Explore one of America's first public playgrounds, featuring a massive concrete slide (bring cardboard for extra speed!
), a large rope climbing structure, and creative wave sculptures. The historic Herschell-Spillman Carousel, built in 1914, is also available for rides.
Ideal for children aged 3-12. The playground itself is free. The carousel has a small fee. Restrooms are available. Plan for 1.5-2 hours of play.
Located in Golden Gate Park. Parking is available at a lot east of Bowling Green Drive, but spots can fill quickly. Public bus routes also serve the park's southeastern corner. Stroller-friendly paths.
Ferry Building Stroll
Wander through the iconic Ferry Building Marketplace, a historic landmark offering a diverse array of gourmet food vendors, artisanal shops, and stunning evening views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Enjoy dinner from one of the many family-friendly eateries.
Suitable for all ages. Provides ample choices for dinner (e.g., pizzas, sandwiches, sweets). Outdoor seating with bay views. Restrooms available. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Easily accessible by MUNI, BART (Embarcadero Station), and the historic F-line streetcars which stop directly in front. Several parking garages are available nearby.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Aquarium of the Bay
Immerse yourselves in the aquatic world of the San Francisco Bay and nearby waters.
The aquarium features over 20,000 marine animals, including various sharks, rays, and giant octopuses, housed in fascinating interactive exhibits and walk-through glass tunnels. Kids can also experience touching some local bay animals.
Highly engaging for children aged 3-12. The entire facility is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Plan for 2-3 hours. Last entry is at 4:30 PM.
Located at the entrance of Pier 39. Accessible via Cable Car (Powell-Mason line) or F-line streetcar. Public parking garages are available at Pier 39.
Pier 39 & Sea Lions
After exploring the aquarium, enjoy lunch at one of the many casual restaurants on Pier 39.
Then, take a short stroll to K-Dock to marvel at the famous colony of California sea lions basking in the sun.
Fun for all ages. Plenty of dining choices, from quick bites to sit-down meals. Viewing the sea lions is a free and popular activity. Duration: 1-1.5 hours, including lunch.
Directly adjacent to the Aquarium of the Bay, making it an easy walk.
Summer Resource Fair
Attend the 2026 San Francisco Summer Resource Fair in Golden Gate Park.
This free community event connects children and families with information on summer programs, camps, and services for kids in grades K-8. Expect various booths, activities, and resources.
A great opportunity to discover local summer activities. Suitable for families with children, especially K-8. This event runs from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, so arriving at 2:30 PM may mean catching the end of activities or exploring remaining booths. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Located within or near Golden Gate Park. Public transportation is recommended, or find parking in the surrounding park areas.
California Academy of Sciences
Conclude your day at the California Academy of Sciences, the world's only institution housing an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one living roof.
Explore diverse exhibits from global ecosystems to prehistoric life.
Engaging for all ages, but especially 3-12. Planetarium shows may not be suitable for children under 7, and no children under 4 are permitted. Open until 5:00 PM. This timing is for a brief final exploration as it's near closing. Restrooms and cafes available.
Located in Golden Gate Park, a short walk or shuttle from other park attractions. Public transit available to the park. Parking garage available underneath the museum (paid).
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Children's Creativity Museum
Ignite imagination at this hands-on, multimedia art and technology museum.
Kids can create stop-motion animation, experiment with robotics, design digital art, and engage in various craft projects.
Designed for children aged 2-12. Expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring the interactive studios. Restrooms available.
Located in Yerba Buena Gardens, easily accessible by public transportation (MUNI, BART). Moscone parking garage is a nearby option.
Yerba Buena Gardens Play
Step outside the museum into the beautiful Yerba Buena Gardens.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch (picnic or nearby cafe) and let the kids burn off energy at the award-winning Children's Garden playground, which features unique climbing structures and a delightful waterfall.
Perfect for all ages, with specific areas for younger and older children. There's also a historic carousel nearby (small fee). Plenty of green space for relaxation. Duration: 2-2.5 hours, including lunch.
Directly adjacent to the Children's Creativity Museum, an easy walk.
Main Library Kids' Zone
Enjoy a quiet and relaxed end to the weekend at the San Francisco Public Library's Main Branch, exploring the dedicated children's section.
Browse books, enjoy comfortable seating, and participate in any impromptu activities or story times that might be available.
Suitable for all ages. Provides a calm environment for winding down. Restrooms available. Duration: 1 hour, concluding the itinerary by 5:00 PM.
Centrally located, a moderate walk from Yerba Buena Gardens or short public transit ride. Public parking garages available in the Civic Center area.
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