Ferry Building Marketplace

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

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 is also a premeir marketplace for specialty food producers, restaurants, cafes, and food-related shopping.

Pick up a snack or picnic lunch and then consider taking a ferry ride to Sausalito.

Mastrelli's Delicatessen

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

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.

Yank Sing Dim Sum

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

Yank Sing is the best place in the city for a Dim Sum breakfast or lunch (you can also pick up a picnic lunch). Everything is 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.

Sit in the covered atrium where your kids will enjoy the huge water fountain (water falls from the ceiling to the floor) and the space to get up and stretch.

Street Car - F line

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

Take one of San Francisco's historic streetcars from the Ferry Building to Pier 39. Transfers are issued when you board and are good for about 90 minutes, during which you can ride in any direction (perfect for hopping on and off at different attractions. If your kids love streetcars as much as mine do, visit to the streetcar museum too.

Pier 39

Address pier 39, san francisco, 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

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 highlight, however, is the sea lion population, which swells to 900 during winter months and is almost all elsewhere during the summer.

Shanghai 1930

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

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 style.