Burn off some energy at Bay Area family fun spots
Enjoyable and Affordable Activities for Families in San Francisco This Summer:
When it's time for the kiddos to unleash their energy in the warm weather, it's splash pads like Cannery Park in Hayward and 24th and York Mini Park in San Francisco that draw us in.
Enjoy music, concerts, and more in the great outdoors
With countless parks sprawled across the Bay Area, summer evenings are perfect for catching concerts, chilling out with delicious food truck eats, and setting up camp on the lawn. Get there early to score the best spot!
Beach Hobnobbing
Despite the chilly Bay Area fog, the beaches are still a great spot for building sandcastles, sea glass hunting, and shell collecting.
Adventure Anew
New explorations await at all-abilities parks such as Magical Bridge in Palo Alto or Redwood City, and the ever-popular Dolores Park in San Francisco. Keep an eye out for free kids' activities and classes at Magical Bridge Playground.
Tips & Tricks:- For more information on visiting Golden Gate Park with the little ones, check out our comprehensive guide [Related: Visiting Golden Gate Park with Kids: Everything You Need To Know][0]
Keep the party going with Sunday Streets SF
For an evening of family fun, dancing, live music, food trucks, and engaging community activities, blocked streets offer the perfect setting for a celebration of community spirit. Locations change weekly throughout San Francisco.
Outdoor Hiking & Trails
Whether you're a regular hiker or new to the trail, the Bay Area has a list of family-friendly trails to keep the whole gang moving. For more ideas on family outdoor adventures, [check out our favorites here][1]
Tide Pool Discoveries
Venture out to Moss Beach's Fitzgerald Marine Reserve at low tide to spot vibrant sea urchins, starfish, and other marine life up close. Don't forget to prepare in advance!
Cycle around Bay Area Landmarks
Whether you cross the Golden Gate Bridge or explore some of the less busy bike trails, cycling offers an unforgettable chance to see the Bay Area from a whole new perspective.
Give back at Beach Clean-ups
Join in on a beach cleanup and help teach the kiddos about the importance of helping the planet. Grab a bag and some gloves, and let's get to work!
Free Museum Admission Days
Experience the magic of the SFMOMA, OMCA, Asian Art Museum, and Bay Area Discovery Museum for free on select days.
Picnic Perfection
A family picnic on the beach is a simple yet delightful activity on a warm day, listening to the ocean waves crash in the background as the kids play in the sand.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Nothing beats a traditional summer fireworks show, and luckily, there are plentiful free options throughout the Bay Area to enjoy with the family. Check out our calendar to discover your closest location!
Free Listening Parties at Stern Grove Festival
Catch an impressive lineup of summer music, with activities for the little ones, making it a fun and enjoyable evening for the whole family.
Sea Lion Sightings
Let the adorable sea lions serve as a focal point for your visit to Fisherman's Wharf, popular among both tourists and locals of all ages.
Berry Picking
Strawberry season is here, and that means it's time for family-friendly berry picking adventures at farms around the Bay Area – perfect for kick-starting your pie-making experience!
Marine Life Learning
Join the Marine Science Sundays at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito to learn about marine life, conservation efforts, and more.
Exploring Tilden Regional Park
Your kiddos will love roaming and playing in the spacious Tilden Regional Park, which offers a carousel, animal interaction zones, and stunning views.
Beach Camping
Pack a tent and supplies for a peaceful night under the stars by the ocean. With countless beach camping options, there's something for everyone.
National Park Excursions
Take a trip to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Lassen Volcanic National Park and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty. Enjoy fee-free days and discounted entry for fourth-graders.
Exploring Presidio Tunnel Tops
This unique playground, nestled between picturesque views of the Bay, hosts recurring events like Park Ranger Campfire Talks, Amateur Astronomers' Star Parties, and fun-filled special events for the whole family.
Visiting Local Farms
Children will love visiting working farms like Tilden Little Farm in Berkeley and Hidden Villa in Los Altos, where they can walk the grounds and get a behind-the-scenes look at farm life.
Hiking to Kirby Cove
This scenic 1.8-mile hike offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline. Take it during sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Day at Golden Gate Park
You could easily spend an entire day at iconic Golden Gate Park, with countless activities to keep you entertained.
Exciting Bike Park Adventures
Bring the bikes and helmets to San Francisco's half-acre bike park. It features a Pump Zone with dirt mounds and turns, a skills trail, and a spot for little ones to practice.
Free City Walking Tours
Embrace your inner tourist and learn something new by taking a family-friendly walking tour of San Francisco with SF City Guides. It's suitable for kids of all ages and abilities.
Creative Fun at Adventure Playground
This unique outdoor playground in Berkeley lets kids build and decorate their own play structures with saws, hammers, nails, and paint. It's best suited for older kids.
Becoming a Junior Ranger
Kids can become Junior Rangers at NPS national historic sites like Fort Point, Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz Island. Read the booklet, take an oath, and earn a badge!
Fairy House Hunting
Take the little Tinker Bells on a fairy house hunt around the Bay Area, where you'll find hidden fairy houses in unexpected locations.
Historic Adventures
Head over to the Marin Headlands and check out the Battery Yates and Battery Cavallo for a free history lesson.
Ferry Building Discoveries
Visit the varied and abundant farmers market, shop for local goods, and grab a bite at one of the popular San Francisco eateries while soaking in the stunning Bay views.
Habitot Mobile Museum
Catering to families with young children, the Habitot Mobile Museum offers free interactive, STEM-focused activities and play. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance, as it fills up quickly.
Farmers Market Fun
Support local farmers and visit one of the many farmers markets around the Bay Area to experience the taste of fresh summer berries, tomatoes, squashes, and more.
Visit a Garden
Drop by the Japanese Tea Garden for free on select mornings or a Second Saturday at Gamble Garden in Palo Alto.
Al Fresco Music & Art
Enjoy a concert al fresco at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, where anyone can take a turn at the piano in the middle of nature.
One-Ring Outdoor Circus
Circus Bella's one-ring outdoor circus offers free shows throughout San Francisco and Oakland, perfect for entertaining the entire family.
Cool Off at Swimming Holes
Discover hidden, less-crowded swimming holes dotted along the coast for an exciting and refreshing family adventure.
Family Date Night at Off the Grid
Enjoy a meal at food truck hotspots such as Fort Mason Center, where families can dine al fresco and soak in the San Francisco atmosphere.
Learning at the Randall Museum
Head to this science, nature, and art center that offers free admission and special programs like Afternoon Art and Saturday Science for kids.
Fortune Cookie Making
Visit one of the oldest shops in Chinatown to see fortune cookies being made right in front of your eyes, followed by a taste of tradition.
Stargazing at Chabot Space & Science Center
Experience free telescope viewings at the Chabot Space & Science Center, where astronomers help guide you through the night sky and explain the wonders above.
Family Fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
From playing on the beach, surfing, and catching waves, to quintessential summer films on the beach, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has something for everyone!
Salesforce Park Time
The public rooftop open park is home to a beautiful garden and children's play area, with weekly family-oriented events like family storytime, Toddler Tuesday, and Friday Funday.
Golden Gate Bandshell Concerts
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a free concert at the Golden Gate Bandshell, boasting rotating genres like singer/songwriter, reggae, jazz, rock, and R&B. Pack a picnic dinner and spend a delightful evening with the family.
Relaxing at Yerba Buena Gardens
Spacious Yerba Buena Gardens offers something for everyone during the summer months, with entertaining activities and their celebrated annual festival.
Day Trips Await
Jump in the car for a short drive and discover exciting family-friendly destinations throughout the Bay Area.
Family Nature Walks
Join a free nature walk in small groups and learn about the natural world from experts, best suited for kids aged 6-12. Locations are available in Los Altos and Palo Alto.
Balmy Alley Murals
Discover vibrant street art in the heart of the Mission district, with constantly evolving murals showcasing a multitude of artistic styles.
Public Library Adventures
In addition to books, the library offers events and activities for all age groups, making it an excellent source of free entertainment and learning opportunities.
Neighborhood Slides
Slide down historic slides in the Castro and Bernal Heights neighborhoods, creating memorable moments with the whole family—just don't forget the cardboard!
[0]: Relative link to "Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide"[1]: Relative link to "Our Favorite Family-friendly Trails"[2]: Relative link to "Yosemite: Plan a Fun, Kid-Friendly Getaway to California's Favorite National Park"[3]: Relative link "The Stunning Redwood Sky Walk: Take Your Family to the Treetops"[4]: Relative link to "30 Fun Things To Do in Santa Cruz with Kids"[5]: Relative link to "Ultimate Summer Bucket List: 100 Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids"
- Incorporate various activities into your family's lifestyle, such as free outdoor concerts, bike park adventures, and nature walks at home-and-garden spots like the Japanese Tea Garden or Gamble Garden.
- Discover free things to do with your kiddos within the home-and-garden genre, like fairy house hunts, attending programs at the Habitot Mobile Museum, or visiting local farms where they can experience farm life.
