San Francisco
There are some epic San Francisco places and activities that are great for East Bay families and totally worth the trek. We’ve rounded up some favorite playgrounds, parks, beaches (all free!) plus tons of other activities for families visiting San Francisco.
Best Kid-Friendly San Francisco Places
Upcoming Events for Families in San Francisco
Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Kids Festival @ Golden Gate Park Bandshell, San FranciscoSunday, September 13, 2026
12:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Blankets & Blockbusters: The Lion King @ Thrive City, San Francisco1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Opera in the Park @ Golden Gate Park – Robin Williams Meadow, San Francisco
Monday, September 14, 2026
7:30 am – 9:00 am: Free Admission Hours @ San Francisco Botanical Garden, San FranciscoThursday, September 17, 2026
7:30 am – 9:00 am: Free Admission Hours @ San Francisco Botanical Garden, San FranciscoSaturday, September 19, 2026
9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Touch a Truck SF 2026 @ Stonestown Galleria, San FranciscoMore Family-Friendly SF Stuff to Know
Book Now: Matilda with Danny DeVito at San Francisco Symphony
Hosted live by director, Danny DeVito, experience the magical concert-and-film experience with a live orchestra performing the score!
Parents’ Guide to East Bay Gardens
Explore family-friendly East Bay Gardens for outdoor fun: admire flowers, follow butterflies, enjoy nature, & get inspired!
East Bay Outdoor Movie Round-Up
If your kids can stay up well past 9pm, there are a few outdoor movies you can see for FREE. Most start around 8:15-8:45ish. BYO ...
Sleep at the Cal Academy of Sciences with Penguins+Pajamas
Sleep at Cal Academy of Sciences with Penguins+Pajamas. It is memorable for kids and parents with after-hours exploration, movies, and a sleeping bag on the ...
Book Now: Cool Bay Area Sleepovers You Can Do With Your Child
Lucky kids can try any of these amazing Bay Area sleepovers with you, the super cool parent: museums, amusement parks, and aircraft carrier!
Family Fun: Off The Grid Treasure Island
Free admission. Free ferry rides with RSVP. Family-friendly fun and food with a view Saturdays April 11 through May 16.
Ticket Alert: Teen Night at San Francisco Symphony
Symphony music made for teens, open to all. Enjoy a night out that hits different.
SF Park Profile: Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground
In the heart of SF Chinatown is an amazing 2-level park with climbing structures, room for tots and bigger kids, giant metal slide, and sports ...
Field trip to Peek-a-Boo Factory in Livermore
A big thank you to the Peek-a-Boo Factory for inviting us to check out their playspace. Our unbiased views are included in this post. My ...
Golden Gate Park, Koret Children’s Playground and Carousel
Koret Playground at Golden Gate Park has a mix of nostalgic features I loved as a child (cement slide, carousel) plus newer playground structures.
