San Francisco Stories: Things to do in San Francisco with a toddler

Bunny watching the ferries dock outside the Ferry Bldg. Farmer's Market.

The emails I get most often are from parents who are visiting San Francisco and want to know what to do with their kids. Most of these parents have children two-years-old or under, because as we all know, that age seems to be the hardest to keep "occupied." And when you are traveling it's even more about tiring the kids out for a nap so they will sleep in the unfamiliar hotel or motel room.

In the past I've just sent one-off emails to people but after yesterday's email from my new friend V.B. in Seattle, I thought, "Why not just do a post?"

In just about any city you can walk and explore things or stumble upon a park. San Francisco is great for that, too.  It's a fairly small city—about 7 x 7 miles—so you can walk and pass through many different neighborhoods. That's a great way to get to know the city. But sometimes you want a destination, so that is what I'm trying to provide here: a list of places to go (that are either free or cheap) where you can find snacks and a clean bathroom nearby.

When we moved from San Francisco to Portland, Bunny was two years old. Up until that point, I felt like I had exhausted every toddler activity in San Francisco. (Not really, but you know how it is.) Now that we are back and Wallie is two, we are re-discovering them again, and finding some new gems as well.

This list reflects the things that *I* like to do and is by no means comprehensive. (I like city hikes, not nature hikes and I avoid zoos whenever possible. Just don't like 'em.) San Francisco parents, please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments.

CITYMAMA'S FAVORITE TODDLER ACTIVITIES IN SAN FRANCISCO

Family friendly hotel:

• The Hotel Del Sol (cheery, and in a great location for walking and exploring.)

Guide to fun activities updated daily:

• Being Savvy: San Francisco (the best of San Francisco for kids ages 2-6)
• Go City Kids—San Francisco (more of a calendar site)

Stroller policies on public transport:

• Fold up before boarding all buses.
• Fold up before boaring cable cars and hand to the brakeman in the rear of the car. (Board in rear.)
• Can be left open on BART. (I think)
• Fold up before boarding MUNI.

Some parks that are newish, enclosed (very important with a toddler) with decent bathrooms:

• The toddler park in the shadow of AT&T park (where the Giants play). I don't know the name but it's located on the Embarcadero just steps north of the stadium. Look for the tall, red and silver buoy-esque sculpture. This is a great park for the 2yo set. It's small, clean and totally enclosed. You can walk to various cafes and restaurants from here, and it's about a 20 minute stroller walk to the Ferry Building Farmer's Market. (Continue north along the Embarcadero and you will run straight into it.)
• Helen Wills Park, corner of Larkin and Broadway. Located in Russian Hill, this park is the perfect place to stop after exploring the shops and restaurants of nearby Polk Street. If you catch it on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday morning you'll be able to participate in one of the excellent, free music classes or playgroups.
• Julius Kahn Park. Located in the Presidio. Not much within walking distance so it's definitely a destination park, but it's a nice, new park in a beautiful setting. It is very close to funky Clement Street (famous for it's Asian markets, dollar stores and bargain shops, legendary second-hand bookstore [Green Apple], and many cafes and restaurants.) Explore Clement Street and then take a dim sum picnic over to "JK" Park.
• Rochambeau Park. For us, the best of both worlds: and enclosed toddler park AND and enclosed park for older kids...and they are separate!  In a very residential part of San Francisco. Not much within walking distance but if you happen to be in the area, check out Rochambeau. In the Richmond District.
• Eureka Valley Playground. In the Castro, San Francisco's predominantly gay district. This park has just been newly renovated and is super-fun.  Easy to get to via MUNI and lots to see and do in the area. (My girls love the all the rainbow flags in the neighborhood, it makes it seem magical.)
• The Children's Playground in Golden Gate Park: recently renovated.

Other things to see/do for not too much money:

• The Ferry Building (mentioned above). This is and isn't a great place for kids. It's great because there is lots to see and do. It's not because it can be crowded and the stores are schmancy and not always welcoming of children. If you go, get take-out from one of the many restaurants (or just buy some fruit for a snack) and sit in the rear of the building along the water and watch the ferries come and go.
• Carousels: There's one in Yerba Buena Gardens near the Metreon (and the convention center), and one in Golden Gate Park.  (And, of course, those parks are worth checking out).
  
• Take a cable car ride up Hyde Street. Get off at Lombard Street and walk down.
• Go to the main library kids' section and browse through the books.
• Stroll through Chinatown and North Beach. Try to go in the morning (esp. Chinatown) when it's not as crowded. (Nice, new Chinatown park at the corner of Pacific and Powell)
  
• Walk through uber-trendy Hayes Valley (very funky shops) and stop at the new play area on Octavia and Oak.
• Go to the beach (bring warm clothes, just in case).
• Check out Japantown, especially the toy stores and Kinokuniya bookstore's kid section. Lots of open space to run around in the "plaza" area. We go here when it's raining.

Museums (kid-friendly):

• Bay Area Discovery Museum
• Steinhart Aquarium (temporary location as of this posting check website, near Moscone Center)
• Randall Museum (children's natural history museum)
   

Museums (go as long as your kid can stand it and leave when the dirty looks start):

• SF MoMA
• Asian Art Museum (Highly recommend, it's small and do-able with a toddler.  There is a playground across the street in the Civic Center)
• The DeYoung (in Golden Gate Park)

Have fun! And please, DO call it Frisco!*

*It pisses off the locals and I kinda like to be a shit-disturber like that.

Comments

[Phc]

I think even a toddler could enjoy the Exploratorium. But I don't really know... a must-see for older kids, though!

[pixie sticks]

I know, it's soooo predictable but Frisco makes me physically wince. My kids love to go inside AT&T park. It's open to play on the ginormous ugly coke bottle slides and mini ballpark batting cage and trolley, etc. on non-game days. There's a gorgeous view of the ballpark and the Bay Bridge. You enter from the gate at the back of the stadium. Good, free fun! and lovely photo-ops.

[Marivi]

Our toddler *loves* rockin' to the gospel music at Glide Memorial Church on Sunday mornings. Best time to go with a toddler is 9 a.m. (There is always a long line to get into the 11 a.m. service.)

This is a very welcoming (and very San Francisco) community that puts service (as in helping people in need) above dogma or creed. All religions are welcome (atheists, too).

European tourists come in droves.

[kat]

Granted, I don't have kids yet but what I remember loving as a kid was...Crissy Field and Fort Point. Lombard street for walking up and down despite my parents getting tired. The Japanese Tea Garden, Stow lake - all in GG park.

[CityMama]

Phc, I took my 3rd graders to the Exploratorium once and many exhibits were just slightly above them. Not sure if a toddler would enjoy it but the grounds are certainly delightful.

Pixie, wow I didn't know that! I've often been in the toddler park wondering what the kids were doing in the the stadium and how they got in there. I'll have to check it out! Thanks for that tip!

Great suggestions--keep 'em coming!

[Gena]

Ben and I used to go to the Botanical Gardens in GG Park all the time. Park Chow (and sushi and ramen. . . )is right across the street.

[Patti]

A vote for Emmy's Spaghetti Shack in Bernal/Outer Mission, for dinner with kids--they have a kids' menu and coloring supplies, friendly staff, and live music or a DJ later in the evenings.

The sunset view from the lounge at Empress Of China on Grant is not to be missed, and there are fishtanks in the windows, too. They'll be happy to serve up Shirley Temples along with foofy cocktails, although they only serve appetizers outside the main restaurant. If you're lucky you'll catch a glimpse of a Chinese wedding taking place in the ballroom on the floor below. This is my number-one place to wind up a downtown day before grabbing dinner and heading home.

[shazz]

Not exactly a destination for toddlers, but if you find yourself shopping downtown and need some respite, the new Westfield mall has a great 'family lounge'. Toys and books for toddlers, a large flatscreen tv with childrens programming, and comfy couches for mom and dad. Also there are several changing stations and private nursing rooms. It is on the bottom floor in the food court.

[lia]

What about the SF Zoo? We were just there today...so much fun now that it has had some work.

[Natalie]

Here's what I would add:

Parks:
Vicente playground, Vicente @ 28th

Museums:
California Academy of Sciences, Howard @ 5th (fabulous aquarium, they feed the penguins 2wce a day, awesome baby/toddler play area with water table)

Aquarium by the Bay in Fisherman's Wharf. Wade through the tourists to walk through an underwater aquarium where the fish swim all around and above you. Rocks, rocks, rocks.

[mommymd]

Love the blog. Do you think it's possible to live in San Francisco with a toddler and NO car? Or is this too much of a hassle?