Fun For All Ages
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Ready for some fun? The city of rollicking cable cars and kid-centric museums, tours and parks – and, of course, the world famous Fisherman’s Wharf with its endless amusements – has heaps of ways for kids of all ages to get wacky or get down to some serious exploration.
Many of the attractions highlighted in this itinerary are included in San Francisco CityPASS which includes pre-paid admission, saving you 44% or more off. And getting to all these attractions — not to mention Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and other notable sights — is easy with a Muni and Cable Car 3-Day Passport, also included in each CityPASS booklet. It’s like having red carpet, VIP access to all of San Francisco’s greatest hits. CityPASS is perfect for the first-time, next time and every time visitor.
Aquarium of the Bay
Wander through 300 feet of clear tunnels surrounded by sharks, eels and octopus at the Aquarium of the Bay’s underwater wonder world.
Cable Cars
Lines tend to be shorter in the morning so opt for a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf. Make sure you take a look right at Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world, for a breathtaking view of the Bay.
The Exploratorium is more than a museum - it's an ongoing exploration of science, art and human perception. Children and adults of all ages can touch and play their way through the more than 650 hands-on exhibits. Conveniently located on Pier 15 on the Embarcadero between the Ferry Building and PIER 39, the Exploratorium is easy to access on public transportation and on foot.
California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences, established in 1853 and re-opened in the current LEED-certified building in 2008, combines inventive architecture and eye opening exhibits to inspire visitors to explore and protect the natural world. A museum for the 21st century, the Academy includes an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and scientific research facilities under one roof — a living one at that.
Visit the California Academy of Sciences with a San Francisco CityPASS
Follow the sounds of barking sea lions to PIER 39, where you can sail the bay on one of PIER 39's many water attractions, discover 20,000 local sea creatures at Aquarium of the Bay and more. Enjoy free daily shows by local street performers and musicians or explore a variety of attractions exclusive to The PIER.
Oracle Park Tours
This behind-the-scenes tour of Oracle Park takes you to places only the players and staff go including the field, dugout, batting cage, press box, Suite Level and View Level! Families and people of all ages will enjoy this 90-minute excursion where one of baseball’s most historic franchises plays. Batter up!
The entry court of the de Young museum, its expansive lobby, café, museum store, sculpture gardens and 144-foot-high observation deck offering panoramic Bay Area views, are open to visitors free of charge. The museum is noted for its collections of American art from the 17th through 21st centuries, textile arts and costumes, contemporary art, and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa.
Sit back and enjoy the ride as you cruise through the city on an open-top bus and learn about San Francisco's unique history. You can hop-on and hop-off the bus to visit attractions before hopping back on-board to continue your journey. Photo by 305 Seahill/CC by
Located in a historic building in the Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum honors the remarkable life story of Walt Disney, who raised animation to an art and created an American legacy. Enjoy daily screenings of Disney classics, a scale model of Disneyland, and contemporary interactive exhibits.
Madame Tussauds
The world-famous Madame Tussauds wax figure museum lets guests get up close and personal with their favorite stars, including Bay Area icons like Steph Curry and Janis Joplin. It's a fun and interactive experience for everyone.
Who doesn't scream for ice cream? Head to this pink-filled attraction in Union Square to pay homage to your favorite dessert and find plenty of fun for kids of all ages, and the perfect fun selfie.
Ghirardelli Square
Pop in to Ghirardelli Square (pronounced Gear-ah-dell-e) to stock up some chocolate-covered snacks at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Choclate Shop. When it’s time for lunch; there are loads of opportunities for a classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl or a walk-away shrimp cocktail.
Offering views of the Pacific Ocean, the landmark Cliff House is a good spot to refuel before heading home for a warm bath and a bedtime story.
Yerba Buena Gardens and Metreon
If your return route puts you back downtown hop out and head down Third Street for a visit to Yerba Buena Gardens and Metreon. Dinner here is sure to please everyone, with eateries offering everything from juicy burgers and burritos to Japanese noodles and roasted chicken.
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