San Francisco · United States · Things to do
5 things to do in San Francisco with kids
The five best family things to do in San Francisco are crossing the Golden Gate Bridge on foot or by bike, riding a cable car, seeing the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, taking the ferry out to Alcatraz, and watching the fog pour over the bay at dusk. Most sit close together, and only Alcatraz needs booking well ahead.
What to do, in order
- 1
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
The bridge is about 1.7 miles end to end, and both walkers and cyclists can cross it. Most families walk a section and turn back rather than doing the full span, which still gives the view of the bay and the city skyline. It is windy and cold even on a sunny day, so bring layers. Fog often sits on the span in the morning and lifts by midday. For a longer outing, rent bikes near Fisherman's Wharf, ride across to Sausalito and take the ferry back.
- 2
Ride a cable car
San Francisco's cable cars are the last manually operated system of their kind in the world, and the ride is an attraction in itself. Three lines run: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason and California. Powell-Hyde has the steepest hills and the best bay views, so it is the one most families want. The queue at the Powell Street turnaround can be long, so walk a few blocks up the line and board there. Children like the outside seats, but everyone needs to hold on.
- 3
See the Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses facing Alamo Square Park, with the downtown skyline behind them. Children can run on the lawn while adults take photographs from the top of the slope. The houses are private homes, so view them from the park and stay off the steps. It is a short stop of about half an hour, which makes it a good fit between bigger outings. Pair it with a walk through Hayes Valley or the Haight, both close by.
- 4
Sail out to Alcatraz
Alcatraz was a federal prison until 1963 and is now a national park site, reached by ferry from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf. Tickets include the boat and sell out days or weeks ahead in summer, so book through the official site before you travel. The audio tour of the cellhouse is included and many children enjoy it. Allow about three hours in total. The crossing is cold and the walk up to the cellhouse is steep, so wear warm layers and good shoes.
- 5
Watch the fog roll in
The fog, which locals nickname Karl, is part of the city. It is thickest in summer, when warm inland air pulls cool ocean air through the Golden Gate, and it often arrives late in the afternoon or evening. Good places to watch are Battery Spencer on the Marin side of the bridge, Twin Peaks, and the beaches along the Pacific side. Check the forecast first, since a clear evening gives sunset colour instead. Carry a jacket in any month.
Plan it
- Best time
- September and October are usually the warmest and clearest months, with the least fog. May and June are mild. July and August are the foggiest and often the coolest, and winter brings rain from about November to March.
- How long
- Three to four days covers all five with room for the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. Book Alcatraz first and build the other days around that slot.
- Getting around
- Muni buses, streetcars and cable cars reach the main sights, and BART links the airport to downtown. The hills are steep, so comfortable shoes and a stroller with reliable brakes matter more than a car.
Good to know
- Never leave anything visible in a parked car. Break-ins are a known problem at viewpoints and car parks.
- Fisherman's Wharf is the busiest part of the waterfront. The Ferry Building marketplace is a calmer place to eat lunch.
- Pack layers even in summer. The temperature drops quickly near the water and in the evening.
Frequently asked
Is San Francisco good for a family trip? +
Yes, for families who like to walk and ride transport. The main sights are compact, many are outdoors, and the cable cars and ferries entertain children by themselves. The hills, cool weather and some street problems near downtown are the main things to plan around.
How many days do you need in San Francisco with kids? +
Three to four days is a comfortable first visit. That fits the bridge, a cable car ride, Alcatraz, the Painted Ladies and one slower day in Golden Gate Park or the Presidio, without spending the whole trip on hills.
Is Alcatraz worth it with children? +
Usually yes for children of about eight and up, who tend to enjoy the audio tour and the boat. Younger children may struggle with the steep climb and the long cellhouse tour. Book ahead, as tickets sell out in summer.
Why is San Francisco so cold in summer? +
Warm air rising inland pulls cool, foggy air in from the Pacific through the Golden Gate, which keeps the city coolest in July and August. September and October are usually the warmest months. Bring a jacket whenever you go.
