By Sarah Valek
Streetcars give you a fine tour of several San Francisco neighborhoods
Hilly
San Francisco offers plenty of world-class activities for kids and is home to two things any kid loves: sea life and streetcars. There are many scenic areas for walking in San Francisco, including the Embarcadero and Ocean
beach. Whatever you do and wherever you go, don't forget to show your kids the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Gaze at Sea Lions
Tourists love Pier 39 for its restaurants, shopping, street performers and wild sea lions. During winter months, you can expect to see up to 900 sea lions perched along the pier. If your kids want to learn more, they can speak to representatives at the Marine Mammal Center's kiosk. And, if your kids want an up-close view of sharks, they can visit the on-site Aquarium of the Bay.
Pier 39
Beach Street and the Embarcadero
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 981-7437
pier39.com
Enjoy a Day at the Park
The immense Golden Gate Park is full of things to do. Your kids can ride a paddle boat, marvel at the park's collection of carnivorous plants, climb the Steel Drum Bridge in the lush Japanese Tea Garden, stroll through the rain forest at the Conservatory of Flowers or play in one of the city's biggest playgrounds. The park is closed to cars on Sundays, making it the perfect day to go inline skating or biking.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California 94109
(415) 409-6588
parks.sfgov.org
Experience Life as a Seafarer
Visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park to explore historic ships, learn about the city's maritime history and sing a sea shanty. You can even go on an afternoon sail aboard the 1891 National Landmark scow schooner "Alma." The park offers fine views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Visitor Center
499 Jefferson St.
San Francisco, California 94123
(415) 447-5000
nps.gov/safr
Eat Local Food
Have your pick of San Francisco food favorites at Fisherman's Wharf. If you can brave the tourist crowds, your children will get a kick out of the Haunted Gold Mine, wax museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Musee Mechanique features antique arcade machines and hand-cranked games.
Fisherman's Wharf
The Embarcadero and Taylor Street
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 674-7503
fishermanswharf.org
Get Scientific
Learn science the fun way with the many hands-on exhibits at the Exploratorium. Kids will love feeling their way through the dark in the Tactile Dome. Learn about earthquakes, how people see and hear, and the science of baseball. Whatever your age, the Exploratorium promises to spark your curiosity. Call ahead to learn about upcoming events.
Exploratorium
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, California 94123
(415) 563-7337
exploratorium.edu
Resources
About the Author:
Sarah Valek has been a writer since 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in writing and art from Ithaca College. Valek's work has appeared in ModernMom.com, "Mommies Magazine" and "Natural Moms Talk Radio."
Photo Credits:
streets of san francisco 3 image by dbvirago from
Fotolia.com
