Alcatraz Island National Park

Address Alcatraz, CA Map, Ferry Alcatraz Cruises (the only way to get to the island) leave from Pier 33, just south of Fisherman's Wharf. The F line streetcar stops at Pier 33., Tickets Advance purchase highly recommended up to 60 days in advance from Alcatraz Cruises. There is no entrance fee for the park itself., Schedule Ferries depart every 30 minutes beginning at 9am Website

Even if your kids are too young to understand what a jail is, a trip to Alcatraz can be interesting and fun. Most kids enjoy the ferry ride on San Francisco Bay and the flowers and birds on the island. Daytime tours are self-guided and you can go at whatever ...

Cable Car Ride

Address 99 Powell St, San Francisco, CA Map, Tickets From a conductor or at the turnaround, Cost Adult & Youth (ages 5-17): $3.00 each way; Under 4 Free Website

The cable cars are worth riding, at least once (and parents with toddlers will probably ride them over and over). Of the three routes, Powell-Hyde (to Aquatic Park) and Powell-Mason (to Fisherman's Wharf) are the most scenic, and the easiest to catch from downtown.

Children's Carousel

Address 4th and Howard, San Francisco Map, Hours Daily 11am-6pm, Cost $3 for 2 rides Website

Take a ride on this beautiful, hand carved, 1906 Carousel. The carousel was beautifully restored by the City of San Francisco in 1988.

Children's Garden (Playground) at Yerba Buena

Address 701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA Map, Website

The Children's Garden, on the rooftop at Yerba Buena Gardens is among the most innovative urban playgrounds in the world. The play circle includes a sand circle, a play stream where children interact with the flow of water, a xylophone and 25 foot tube slide. There's also a ...

De Young Art Museum (Fine Arts Museum)

Address 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco Map, Tel 415.750.3600, Cost Adults $10; Ages 13–17 $6; 12 & under Free. Special exhibition surcharges may apply., Hours Tu-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm; Fri until 8:45 p.m., Tickets Reserve Online to beat the lines. Service fee charged., CityPass Included in City Pass Tickets Website

The de Young museum of Fine Arts has made a special effort to make art fun for families visiting with kids. There are special family tours on weekends, drop in art classes on Saturdays, and the opportunity to visit a working artists studio inside the museum. The collection itself is ...

Exploratorium

Address 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 Map, Tel (415) 561-0399, Hours Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, Cost Adult (18-64) $14.00; Ages 13-17 $11.00; Ages 4-12: $9.00; 3 and under: Free, MUNI #30, #43, #28 and #29, CityPass The Exploratorium is one of the seven museums included in the Website

This hands-on museum, just for kids, revolutionized the way that children's museums and science museums are set up around the world. Housed within the walls of San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium has of hundreds of science, art, and human perception exhibits. While school age children ...

Ferry Building Marketplace

Address Ferry Bldg, San Francisco, CA Map, Tel (415) 693-0996, Hours M-F 10-6; Sat 9-6; Sun 11-5 Website

The ferry building marketplace is the center of a transit hub that connects all of San Francisco's neighborhoods and the surrounding bay communities. It was completely renovated and reopened in 2003 as a marketplace for specialty food producers, restaurants. cafes, and food-related shopping.

Ghiradelli Square / Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory

Address 900 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA Map, Tel 415.775.5500, Hours Sun-Thurs, 9am–11pm; Fri–Sat, 9am–Midnight, Location West side of Fisherman's Wharf and one block west of the Cable Car turnaround at Beach and Hyde Streets. Website

Ghiradelli square has just been recently re-vamped with new shops and restaurants. The hi-light still remains the tour of the original Ghiradelli factory where you can see chocolate being made on the original equipment. There is also an ice cream fountain specializing in hot fudge sundaes.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company

Address 56 Ross Alley, (at Jackson St), San Francisco, CA 94108 Map, Tel (415) 781-3956, Hours Mon-Sun 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Website

If you (or your kids) have ever wondered how fortune cookies are made, this is the perfect place to find out. I can remember being fascinated by the "assembly line" during my own childhood visits. The fact that it has been a tourist destination for a generation doesn't take ...

Golden Gate Park Carousel

Address 320 Bowling Green Drive, San Francisco Map, Tel (415) 831-2770., Cost Adults $1.50, Ages 6-12 $.50, Ages 5 and under free if accompanied by a paying adult., Hours Change seasonally, call for details. Currently Fri-Sun 10am-4:30pm Website

There's been a carousel in Golden Gate Park since 1888, and as you might expect, this one is beautiful.

Koret Children’s Quarter Playground

Address 320 Bowling Green Drive, San Francisco, CA 94199 Map, Directions Follow the signs to the Carousel. You'll find the Koret Children's Quarter behind the Sharon Building

This huge playground, reopened in 2007 after extensive renovation, is a child's dream. Besides the usual climbing structures, there's a lounge swing, a sand area and "river" (to make wet sand), huge concrete slides, and a huge rope tower for climbing.

Pier 39

Address pier 39, san francisco Map, Hours Change seasonally, check website for details, Cost Free to visit, activities are at extra charge, Streetcar F line, Discounts Show your AAA card at the welcome center for a coupon book Website

Pier 39 is super touristy, but it's also super fun for kids. There are live shows, a carousel, a bungee trampoline (kids must weigh at least 30lbs), shopping, and a small aquarium. If the weather is good, you can also take a ferry tour or rent a kayak. The ...

SFMOMA (Museum of Modern Art)

Address 151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 Map, Tel 415.357.4000, Hours Mon-Tues 11am-5:45pm; Wed CLOSED; Thurs 11am-8:45pm; Fri–Sun 11am-5:45pm, Cost Adults $12.50; Students $7.00; 12 and under Free, Strollers Available to borrow from coat check Website

The modern art in SFMOMA can be very fun for kids. Some of the installations are quite wild, and it's fun to get the kids imagination's going by asking them to describe what they see. We also like the "mesh" bridge on the top floor. Make sure to ...

Street Car - F line

Address 77 Steuart Street, San Francisco CA 94105 Map, Tel (415) 974-1948, Cost Adult $1.50; Ages 5-17 50¢; Under 5 Free, Museum Wed-Sun 10:00am to 6:00pm Website

While everyone knows about San Francisco's hill-climbing Cable Cars, most are not as familiar with its historic streetcar system. The electric rail vehicles serve Market street and the waterfront… a perfect route for tourists. Cars were taken from historic streetcar lines around the world, refurbished, and put into use ...

Union Square Park

Address union square, san francisco, ca Map, Tel (415) 477-2610, Website

Union Square Park, located in the heart of San Francisco's shopping district. The square often features live music and other fun events during the summer, and there is also a cafe and free wi-fi. A half-price tickets booth is located at the edge of the park.

Yerba Buena Gardens

Address 750 Mission St San Francisco, CA 94103-3113 Map, Hours 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Parking Yerba Buena Garage, Fifth and Mission Website

Yerba Buena Gardens covers two square city blocks bounded by Mission, Folsom, Third and Fourth Streets. There is a 2-1/2 acre grassy meadow, a huge waterfall (dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr) and lots of public art.

Zeum

Address 221 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 Map, Tel 415.820.3320, Hours Wed-Fri 1pm - 5pm; Weekends 11am - 5pm, Cost Adults $8; Ages 3–18 $6; Age 2 & under Free Website

Zeum is a hands on multimedia museum. Kids can make their own claymation, music videos, soundtracks and digital art. This is best for school age kids and older, but 3-5 year olds will get something out of it too.

Four Seasons San Francisco

Address 757 Market Street, San Francisco, California, U.S.A. 94103 Map, Tel 415-633-3000, Website

If money is no object, the Four Seasons San Francisco is our top choice for family travel. Rooms are the largest in the city, and as you would expect, every comfort has been thought of. For families with small children, childproofed rooms are available as are cribs and rollaway beds ...

The Orchard Hotel

Address 665 Bush Street, San Francisco, California 94108 Map, Tel 1-888-717-2881, Website

This boutique hotel is well located, close to Union Square. Rooms are larger than average for San Francisco, and well appointed. Prices are very reasonable for this neighborhood, and include free DSL access.

A 16

Address 2355 Chestnut Street, San Francisco Map, Parking Street parking only, allow extra time, Lunch Wed-Fri 11:30-2:30, Dinner Sun-Thurs 5-10; Fri-Sat 5-11, Reservations Essential Website

A 16, one of the highest rated pizza and pasta restaurants in San Francisco is meant to appeal to adults, but works great for traveling families. Wood fired pizza and house-made pastas are interesting (and delicious) enough for grown-ups, and easily adaptable to kids palates. The house-cured meats are not ...

Cafe Madeline

Address 43 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA Map, Tel (415) 362-1713, Hours Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm

This small coffee shop serves freshly made salads and sandwiches, but their real strength is the tempting pastries. The quick counter service makes this a great place to pick up lunch with kids, but be forewarned that it can get very busy during lunchtime.

Chenery Park Restaurant

Address 683 Chenery Street, San Francisco, CA Map, Tel 415.337.8537, Hours Tues-Thurs: 5:30-9:15; Fri-Sat 5:30-9:45; Sun 5:30-8:45 Website

This excellent neighborhood restaurant was one of the first in the city to institute a special kids night. On Tuesday nights, there is a special kids menu, and the atmosphere is more relaxed, giving parents a chance to relax and enjoy the delicious grown-up food.

Citizen Cupcake

Address 2 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108 Map, Tel (415) 399-1565, Hours Sun-Thurs 10am-9pm; Fri & Sat 10am-10pm, Location 3rd Floor of Virgin Megastore Website

In addition to the gourmet cupcakes and pastries that the name would lead you to expect, Citizen Cupcake also features gourmet sandwiches and salads. This is a great place for a light bite to eat and a fabulous dessert. It also has wonderful views of San Francisco's busy streets.

Crepe O Chocolat

Address 75 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA 94108 Map, Tel (415) 362-0255, Menu Crepe O Chocolat Menu

In addition to the obvious sweets, this restaurant serves delicious sandwiches and salads that are made right in front of you. Counter service means that you will be served quickly, and that you can easily order takeaway for a picnic. Expect interesting combinations like goat cheese, figs and a plum ...

Giorgio's Pizza

Address 151 Clement St., San Francisco Map, Tel (415) 668 -1266, Hours Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Website

Luella

Address 1896 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA Map, Tel (415)674-4343, Hours Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:00pm; Sun 5pm-9pm, Reservations Strongly recommended; can be booked online Website

Luella is a decidedly grown up neighborhood restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. On Sunday nights, though, kids are welcomed with open arms. The owners (who have their own elementary-school aged son) have created a simple Kids Menu with fresh, homey choices. Grownups feast on menu items like scallop and black truffle ...

Mastrelli's Delicatessen

Address Ferry Bldg, San Francisco, CA Map, Tel (415) 397-3354, Hours Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 8:30am-6pm; Sun Closed Website

This excellent deli is a perfect place to pick up sandwiches and drinks for a picnic or to take with you on a ferry ride. Ingredients are of excellent quality, and everything is super fresh. There is also a limited selection of side dishes, chips, and other accompaniments.

Park Chow

Address 1240 9th Ave, San Francisco CA 94122 Map, Tel 415.65.9912, Hours Sun-Thu 8am-10pm; Fri-Sat 8am-11pm, Streetcar N Judah Streetcar drops you half a block away at 9th and Irving, Locations There are also locations in San Francisco's Castro District and Lafayette Website

Steps away from Golden Gate Park's museums, Chow serves comfort foods that reflect San Francisco's traditions. The menu reflects San Francisco's Italian and Asian communities, and features fresh, organic, healthy ingredients. Expect to find dishes like Spaghetti and Meatballs alongside Smiling Noodles of Chicken and Prawns.

Shanghai 1930

Address 133 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105 Map, Tel (415) 896-5600, Website

Shanghai 1930 is an elegant Chinese restaurant serving upscale Chinese food near the Ferry Market Building. We highly recommend "fish on a vine" and the claypot chicken. For picky eaters, the Chow Mein noodles can be prepared with chicken or vegetarian. High-chairs are available and the restaurant accommodates children with ...

Yank Sing Dim Sum

Address 101 Spear Street, San Francisco Map, Tel 415.781.1111, Hours Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; Sat, Sun, Hol 10am-4pm Website

For the best dim sum in the city, head to Yank Sing. Everything is super fresh and delicious, and your kids will enjoy the opportunity to order by pointing. For fussy eaters, order some noodles, fresh fruit and one of the excellent custard pastry. Adults should make sure to get ...

Japanese Weekend

Address 500 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA Map, Tel (415) 989-6667, Website

Japanese Weekend sells comfortable, great looking maternity clothing. I bought a few great items here during my own pregnancy and was delighted with they way they fit and lasted.

Kidrobot

Address 1512 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 Map, Tel (415) 487-9000, Hours Sun-Thurs 11:00am-7:00pm; Fri & Sat 11:00am-8:00pm Website

If your kids are crazy for robots, action figures, or cool japanese design, Kidrobot is the place to go. Kidrobot creates and sells limited edition toys, clothing, mini-figures, artwork & book that appeal to kids and adults alike.