What to do in San Francisco with kids?

[carj]

My husband will be attending a conference in June in San Francisco. We tagged along to this conference last year and had a blast. (Only then it was in Orlando!!)

At first I thought that he would just go on his own and we wouldn't tag along because I think of San Francisco as a more grown-up destination. Now I am kind of toying with the idea of going. If I did, we would take our children who will be 8 and 5 when we go.

Would San Francisco be a fun trip for kids? Also, I am not too sure that I want to rent 2 cars so I am wondering if there is a family friendly resort in the area.

I already checked and Disneyland is too far to realistically attempt on this trip.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[SLK1]

We went to San Francisco about two years ago with our three kids at the time - ages 12, 10, and 5. We had a BLAST. We did one of the bus tours, which was really phenomenal (and we weren't quite sure what to expect, but it was great), and saw all the main sites that way. We also rode the cable cars, went to Golden State Park, drove over the Golden Gate Bridge, drove the Crookest Street, and the list goes on and on. You can also go to Familyfun.com and check out what they say about it - they usually have pretty good recommendations. It's a wonderful city and I suggest you go!

 

[carj]

I appreciate your input!

 

[kaleighmariesmom]

there is a great zoo in San Fran... if your kids like animals. We loved it. The tours are good. There is one if you look onlone a trolley that takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge. We lived there for a few years and this was one of the best tours. I know you can find it online and buy tickets. You get it near Pier 39.

 

[mechteach]

Our kids love SF (and so do we)! June is a beautiful time of the year to go as well. Given your kids' ages, I *highly* recommend the Exploratorium. Your kids would also probably like the Aquarium of the Bay and a bay cruise or trip to Alcatraz island (if you do Alcatraz, you might not want to go on a tour of the prison, as it could be a bit scary for them). You might want to look into the SF Citypass, which also includes public transportation passes (for cable cars, too), depending on how long you will be there.

Depending on how adventurous your kids are with food, there are lots of fun options for that as well. You can get great dim sum (the kids might like helping choose the little plates), enormous burritos in the mission district, and lovely fresh fish. There are also fun farmers' markets that pop up around the city during the summer, and a lot of times these include great local producers (of cheese, etc.) from north of SF.

 

[MinnieMouse73]

My DD was 5 when we went to San Francisco for a day trip last year (we were staying with friends in San Jose) - she loved it, and has asked several times recently when we can go back.

We just did the main 'touristy' things - Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge.

 

[KimD]

I would definitely bring them along. In addition to all the thing people have already listed we have one of the neatest places to visit that JUST reopened in Golden Gate park. Go to: www.CalAcademy.org and check that out.

It's the California Academy of Sciences. I have such wonderful memories going there as a child and they just spent years redoing it and it just reopened a month or two ago. They have a living roof! I simply can't wait to bring the kids (we haven't made time to go yet) but you could easily spend a couple of days there and definitely not get bored!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[KitKat_Tink]

The Exploratorim is so fun!

And by then there is supposed to be a disney museum too.

So those might be options.

China town is fun but your kids might be a little young for that...

Theres a wax museum by one of the piers and A ripleys believe it or not one...

There is really SO much to do...

 

[makthompson]

I didnt see it mentioned but there is also Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Ghiardelli Square. The zoo is fabulous. they have wax museums, ripley's believe it or not. acts on the street in Pier 39, lots of shopping

 

[carj]

It sounds like there is plenty to do! Now, my next question!

Where should we stay so that we can conveniently get to the most activities and attractions? Is there a family resort that would be entertaining for the kids? My husband will have a rental car, am I going to need one too? He will be at the conference from 8am-6 or 8 pm depending on the day.

Could I get by with public transportation? (We live in the suburbs in Texas and have zero experience with public transportation.) Disney was easy because I was confident in their transportation, having used it before. I am a little reluctant to get stuck in a strange city headed on a bus to nowhere!
I just have a intense need to plan ahead so that I can figure out what to do!

Thank you all again for your suggestions!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I really don't know of any family-type resorts in San Francisco. There are a variety of hotels ranging from upscale to downright dumps. You'll want to stay in a safe area as well. Where is your DH staying for his conference? Your best bet will probably be to stay wherever he is and go from there.

Personally, I hate driving in San Francisco unless I know exactly where I'm going. My DH is OK with it so I always let him drive when we go there. We live about 50 miles away so we like to drive in for shows and his annual company holiday party.

What you could do is plan your destination for the day and ask the hotel concierge the best way to get there. The Muni (bus system) is pretty extensive and there are also the cable cars. Cabs are also very plentiful all over the city. You could always take a cab back to the hotel if you get turned around. However, at the most of the tourist places, someone should be able to direct you back to your hotel.