There are kid friendly vacations locations throughout the United States and beyond. One of our family's favorite family vacations was to San Francisco, California. We spent a week there, and visited many places…. This article lists our favorite kid friendly San Francisco family vacation attractions…



The San Francisco Cable Car

Riding the San Francisco Cable Car throughout downtown was a thrill. There are three cable car lines that run through the downtown area. The most exciting ride of the lines, in my opinion, was the Powell-Hyde Line from Powell Market to the Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square.

The cable car are a part of the San Francisco MUNI system, purchasing a one day pass allowed us to ride the cable cars, the electric trains, and the MUNI buses throughout the city. So, if you plan to spend the day in the city, the cable cars can be a very cost-effective attraction.

The Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point

Fort Point is a National Park Fort seated at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, and offers a great history lesson as a part of your family vacation. There is a majestic view of the golden gate bridge looking north - and you are actually close enough to touch the bridge. Fort Point offers a great spot for the "family vacation" photograph with the bridge in the background.

There are tours available from downtown San Francisco to bicycle the golden gate bridge, and I spoke with several families who were doing just that. The ride was not especially taxing, and the views offered are amazing.

Tourists are a allowed to walk across the golden gate bridge, but let me warn you, it is very breezy.

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods is a National Monument and is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Muir Woods is located in Marin County, 12 miles north of San Francisco. It is a National Monument that protects 554 acres of Coast Redwood. It is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. There are picnic areas close to the woods.

Alcatraz Island

The ferry ride to the Island was a mere 10 minutes, and the views from it were amazing. We could see the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city of San Francisco through the haze.

The Nation Park Rangers met us at the dock, and were full of information about various escape attempts and additional history of the Island. The Alcatraz Island tour included an audio tour of the cell house, which was a great plus in our books.

There is plenty of room to move around and leisurely tour. The attraction offers families with children the opportunity to stretch out and even to run a little.

Major League Baseball

If you happen to visit San Francisco during baseball season, be sure to check into the San Francisco Giants, or the Oakland Athletics baseball schedules. A T & T Park, where the Giants play is an amazing stadium…. It is always cool though, so be sure to dress warmly. The park is very easy to get to via Cal train and any of the inner city transit options. McAfee Coliseum, where the Oakland A's play is a much roomier stadium, and offers a much more laid back atmosphere. We took in a game at both locations, and thoroughly enjoyed both events.

San Francisco offers many kid friendly vacation options. These are just a few of our favorites.