San Francisco in March with Kids
Jan 14, 2011, 7:27 am
#1
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San Francisco in March with Kids
We'll be in San Francisco for a couple of days in March with two kids, 2 and 4 years old. What kinds of family-friendly activities and restaurants would you recommend for us in those two days? I appreciate any help you can offer.
Jan 14, 2011, 12:03 pm
#2
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budget, where you're staying etc?
That would be very helpful in offering suggestions. Will you have a car?
At 2 and 4, my guess is building in naptimes will be more crucial than anything you'll see or do.
At 2 and 4, my guess is building in naptimes will be more crucial than anything you'll see or do.
Jan 14, 2011, 12:16 pm
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If you have a car, I highly recommend http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/
Your kids will have a blast at the museum; you'll drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy some of the best vistas in the Bay Area. After wearing the kids out, you can go on a very scenic drive in the Marin Headlands. They'll fall asleep while you delight in the scenery so gorgeous it is often used in TV commercials.
http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/cafe/ (nice view for lunch, eh?)
Your kids will have a blast at the museum; you'll drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy some of the best vistas in the Bay Area. After wearing the kids out, you can go on a very scenic drive in the Marin Headlands. They'll fall asleep while you delight in the scenery so gorgeous it is often used in TV commercials.
http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/cafe/ (nice view for lunch, eh?)
Jan 14, 2011, 12:36 pm
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I won't have a car until the day we leave San Francisco. I may consider the bay kids museum on that day, though, thanks!
The 4 year old doesn't nap, but we'll work in a nap for the 2 year old.
I know my question is vague, but I'm just looking for kind of a brainstorming thing. I know what I want to do, but my wants aren't necessarily great ideas for the kids. We are looking for inexpensive attractions, though.
For dining, obviously we want family-friendly options, but we really like to avoid tourist traps.
The 4 year old doesn't nap, but we'll work in a nap for the 2 year old.
I know my question is vague, but I'm just looking for kind of a brainstorming thing. I know what I want to do, but my wants aren't necessarily great ideas for the kids. We are looking for inexpensive attractions, though.
For dining, obviously we want family-friendly options, but we really like to avoid tourist traps.
Jan 14, 2011, 10:47 pm
#5
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Jan 15, 2011, 12:03 am
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Then stay away from Fisherman's Wharf. Nothing but cheesy tourist traps there, with a few exceptions. One is... http://www.aquariumofthebay.org/ That's actually pretty cool. And if you'd like to visit a real WWII U.S. submarine: http://www.maritime.org/pamphome.htm
Re restaurants, what do you mean by "family friendly?" Every restaurant I've been to in SF welcomes kids with open arms, and we often see families eating with kids late at night at places like Nopa and Zuni. I'd recommend both of those places, but be sure to reserve in advance.
Jan 15, 2011, 7:18 am
#7
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for family friendly
I'd venture out of downtown into the neighborhoods....Cole Valley, Inner Sunset - easy access via N Judah streetcar from downtown. There are inexpensive crepe places, (Crepes on Cole) bistro-bars,(Kezar) burger restos (Darla's) , Pizza (Bambino's) and all welcome children.
Plus it's close to GG Park if you want to take a walk and the weather is nice..also to the De Young Museum.
PLUS easy return to downtown for naps etc.
Plus it's close to GG Park if you want to take a walk and the weather is nice..also to the De Young Museum.
PLUS easy return to downtown for naps etc.
Jan 15, 2011, 3:26 pm
#8
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When my young niece visited, she really enjoyed seeing the GG bridge and Coit Tower. Also, she likes animals, so she liked the zoo and the sea lions at Pier 39. She had fun having dim sum, getting some snacks from the crab stands, and eating dessert at Ghirardelli Square.
Jan 15, 2011, 10:13 pm
#9
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I'd venture out of downtown into the neighborhoods....Cole Valley, Inner Sunset - easy access via N Judah streetcar from downtown. There are inexpensive crepe places, (Crepes on Cole) bistro-bars,(Kezar) burger restos (Darla's) , Pizza (Bambino's) and all welcome children.
Plus it's close to GG Park if you want to take a walk and the weather is nice..also to the De Young Museum.
PLUS easy return to downtown for naps etc.
Plus it's close to GG Park if you want to take a walk and the weather is nice..also to the De Young Museum.
PLUS easy return to downtown for naps etc.
Another idea: what about the Academy of Sciences in the Park? I'm ashamed to say that I have yet to go, but I've heard great things.
Jan 16, 2011, 12:20 am
#10
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Last year after Bay to Breakers, I spent more time riding the N Judah from Ocean Beach to Embarcadero than I spent running from the bay to the breakers. I'm not exaggerating. Muni is certainly in the running for the most poorly managed public transit system in the nation. Exceptions: cable cars and the trolleys, which seem like they're run by a different transit system.
Jan 16, 2011, 1:51 am
#11
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Not sure where you'll be staying but a couple places I thought of:
Exploratorium
http://www.exploratorium.edu/
Zeum (4th and Mission)
http://www.zeum.org/
The Zeum Carousel Ride (4th and Howard)
http://www.zeum.org/visitor/zeumCarousel.html
Cable Car ride
Showing them and driving down the crooked street -- Lombard Street
And as rjque's mentioned -- Academy of Sciences in GG Park. Yes!
Have fun!
Exploratorium
http://www.exploratorium.edu/
Zeum (4th and Mission)
http://www.zeum.org/
The Zeum Carousel Ride (4th and Howard)
http://www.zeum.org/visitor/zeumCarousel.html
Cable Car ride
Showing them and driving down the crooked street -- Lombard Street
And as rjque's mentioned -- Academy of Sciences in GG Park. Yes!
Have fun!
Jan 16, 2011, 11:07 am
#12
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the inner sunset/cole valley
during the day, unless weather is horrible, is at most a 30 min ride to Union Sq. I've been doing it for over 20 years and I now all about delays etc.
Going to the park itself might preclude a nap but coming out for lunch wouldn't.
Going to the park itself might preclude a nap but coming out for lunch wouldn't.
Jan 16, 2011, 11:19 am
#13
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The California Academy of Sciences is an excellent place to visit with children. Adults will find plenty to interest them, too. The OP's 2-year-old probably won't get much out of it, but at least admission is free for kids that young.
Jan 16, 2011, 11:48 am
#14
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Jan 16, 2011, 1:44 pm
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Good question. They came back at the beginning of the Summer last year, but on this web cam they appear to be gone again:
http://www.pier39.com/Information/webcamnew.htm
http://www.pier39.com/Information/webcamnew.htm