5 Fun Family Activities in San Francisco

Once the epicenter of counterculture, San Francisco is now a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship. But what does this mean for families looking for fun activities?

At Camp Galileo, based right next door in Oakland, we have the inside scoop on San Francisco’s best family-friendly adventures. From exploring lush parks to walking through history together, San Francisco is full of enriching and exciting activities for all ages. Here are five family things to do in San Francisco.

#1 Interactive Museums: Engaging Young Minds in Learning

When you and the little ones need a break from all the running around, visiting a museum sounds like just the right idea. The problem is, you can’t expect a child to passively observe exhibits and remain captivated. That’s where interactive museums come in—and San Francisco just so happens to have quite a few.

One standout is the Children’s Creativity Museum, located in the heart of San Francisco. This innovative museum is dedicated to nurturing creativity and critical thinking in children through hands-on, interactive exhibits. From animation studios where kids can create their own short films to the Music Studio where they can compose their own songs, the museum offers a variety of engaging activities designed to inspire young minds. The Innovation Lab encourages kids to solve real-world problems through creative thinking and collaboration, making the Children’s Creativity Museum a must-visit for families looking to combine fun and learning.

#2 Cultural Experiences: Family Fun with a Historical Twist

San Francisco has a rich history, but you might not want to hike with the kids up steep hills to Haight-Ashbury. Here’s something they’re guaranteed to love: Expose them to the unique and vibrant culture of the city’s Chinatown, where they can visit a traditional kite shop, sample exotic fruits and stroll through alleys painted with colorful murals.

San Francisco’s cable cars are world-famous and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to ride them before leaving the city. Your kids will love the experience too, especially if you choose one of the more scenic routes. After you’re done gliding up and down the city’s steep hills, take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, where your whole family can learn about its fascinating past.

#3 Unique Attractions: Discovering San Francisco’s Hidden Gems

Once you’re done exploring San Francisco’s vast open spaces and landmarks, treat yourself and the family to a personalized tour of the city’s hidden gems. You can start with the Filbert Steps, a steep wooden staircase that weaves past 18th-century homes and gorgeous gardens. (Bonus points for inventing a game of make-believe in which the kids become kings and queens for the day.)

The independent and beautifully decorated City Lights bookstore is also worth visiting, especially if you’ve got curious minds and bookworms in your pack. Let the little ones explore the children’s section as you browse through City Lights’ eclectic collection and grab a flight-home read for yourself. Afterward, you can pay a visit to the elegant Boudin Bakery Cafe and treat the whole family to something sweet.

#4 Creating Art from Natural Objects: A Fun Science Experiment

This science experiment encourages children to create temporary art using natural materials they can find all over San Francisco’s parks. The project emphasizes using elements like rocks, sticks, leaves, and bark found in nature, without picking anything from live plants or removing materials from their natural location. The steps include:

Gathering natural materials like rocks, sticks, leaves, and bark.
Constructing art from these materials without using any permanent, man-made adhesives or attachments.
Taking a picture of the art with a camera or mentally.
Allowing the weather to naturally dismantle the art.

This fun experiment teaches children about the impermanent nature of some art forms and the natural processes that can alter their creations over time, much like the work of Andy Goldsworthy, who documents his temporary art made from natural materials.

#5 Outdoor Adventures: Exploring San Francisco’s Green Spaces

San Francisco boasts 483 parks. You are guaranteed to be no less than 10 minutes away from one no matter where you find yourself in this sprawling city—which is great news if you plan on visiting with your kids.

Though your options are essentially limitless, some green spaces should hover at the top of your list.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a must-see, with its wildlife sanctuaries and 100 miles of trails. The same can be said of Presidio Heights, another fantastic destination for families with children, with plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas. There’s also the famous Golden Gate Park, with playgrounds, bike paths, beautiful little lakes and botanical gardens.

If Your Kids Like San Francisco, They’ll Love Camp Galileo
San Francisco is a city of glorious contradictory beauty that lives and breathes innovation. For young and impressionable minds, it is a truly magical place where adventures are inevitable.

Camp Galileo embodies the same spirit, blending fun with exciting projects that open campers’ minds. At Camp Galileo, we mold our curriculum around three main pillars designed to engage and inspire campers K-8th grade:

Innovator’s Studio – where campers build their own awesome to take home.
Idea Lab – campers collaborate with a partner on fun design challenges.
Outdoor Adventure – in this rotation, campers head outdoors for team building challenges and games.

Our acclaimed program combines creativity, STEAM exploration, collaboration and play to inspire kids to be innovator’s who envision and create a better world. We cultivate kids’ confidence, resilience and ability to think outside the box and roll it into a unforgettably fun summer camp.

Enroll your child at Camp Galileo for adventures they’ll never forget.

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