By Claire Taylor
Activities for Kids in San Francisco
Kids have it made in
San Francisco. Temperate San Francisco offers activities for children year-round that even Mom and Dad can stand. San Francisco is well suited for exploration, but because it so huge, it might be a good idea to plan ahead before flying in.
USS Pampanito Tour
Climb aboard and batten down the hatches of this authentic submarine, which last saw action during World War II. The sub was built in New Hampshire before serving time in many battles during the war. All confrontations occurred in the Pacific Ocean with the Japanese, and much attention is given to this. Many photographs document the journey of this Balao class fleet sub from start to finish, and navigating through the narrow alleys makes for an interesting study of what life was like as a sailor during such times. Special events and activities targeted to kids abound.
USS Pampanito Tour
Pier 45 at Taylor Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 775-1943
Aquarium of the Bay
San Francisco has a good aquarium that sits right in the middle of Fisherman's Wharf, a tourist stronghold. The Aquarium of the Bay offers children the opportunity to interact with, and observe, friends of the sea without having to swim in the bay's frigid waters. The "Under the Bay" exhibit is the perfect place to experience this. The exhibit is a long underground glass tube with a conveyor belt that ships visitors along so they can gaze at the sea life undisturbed. Also of note are the shark feedings, giant Pacific octopus exhibit, jellyfish exhibit and cool bay lab, an interactive exhibit with live animals.
Aquarium of the Bay
The Embarcadero and beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
(888) SEA-DIVE
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a beautifully designed green space with much room for youngsters to frolic. A trip here has the added benefit of giving the parents a bit of peace. One of the city's best playgrounds, the Koret Children's Corner is located on the southeast side of the park, not far from Kezar Drive. There are many ponds in which young fishers can cast a line, biking and skating paths, the California Academy of Sciences, an arboretum and botanical gardens, and good areas to picnic and barbecue. The park sits right on the ocean and offers some beautiful scenery.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
(415) 751-2766
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 750-7145
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 661-1316
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Neco Garnica
