When you are traveling with the family and you are expecting a long layover at the San Francisco Airport, there are a number of great kid-friendly things to do nearby. Keep the kids from driving you crazy while waiting for your next flight!
Although the San Francisco International Airport is the second busiest airport in the San Francisco Bay Area, the best things to keep the gang smiling are in downtown San Francisco, only 13 miles away.
Before heading into San Francisco to scope out kid-friendly activities, drop your bags at a near San Francisco Airport luggage storage locker. Don’t worry about your bags while out having a great time with the kids!
Aquarium of the Bay
Located at Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay is the perfect place to visit when you have kids in tow. The aquarium is set up where kids can learn about various aquatic creatures while they explore and have fun.
Watch the jellyfish as they swim through the tank and stroll through the tunnels where fish seem to swim all around you. The Pacific octopus is especially interesting to see. Check out the hands-on lab and touch a baby shark, starfish, and stingray.
Golden Gate Park
With so much to see and do, you could spend the entire day at Golden Gate Park with the family. Walk around Stow Lake and watch the wildlife, especially the turtles and ducks, or rent a pedal boat and head out on the lake.
While here, visit Strawberry Hill the small island in the middle of Stow Lake. You can even climb to the top of the hill for great views of the park. Visit the Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden.
Take the kids over to Bison Paddock to see the large bison roaming around. Grab a meal at the Beach Chalet and then spend some time at Ocean Beach. There are also several playgrounds for kids to explore.
California Academy of Sciences
Bring your kids to check out the most visited museum in San Francisco; it is filled with fantastic exhibits that are fun for both children and adults. The California Academy of Sciences is also home to the Morrison Planetarium.
Stroll through a rain forest that reaches four stories high and watch as the butterflies flit throughout the rain forest. Visit the Steinhart Aquarium while here, it is a great alternative if you cannot visit the Aquarium of the Bay.
Your kids will love the earthquake simulation where they will learn what to do in the event of an earthquake and how to stay safe. Get there early and grab tickets so you can check out some of the shows that are offered.
Exploratorium
Your kids will learn so much when they visit the Exploratorium, an educational museum filled with hands-on exhibits that will grab their attention and keep them wanting to learn more and more. Find out what causes an earthquake or how electricity works.
Learn about weather patterns across the globe and step into the tornado exhibit to feel the pressure and winds of a tornado. Your kids will not want to leave this amazing museum with all its fascinating and fun exhibits!
Cable Cars and Museum
Take a ride on one of the iconic San Francisco cable cars and then visit the museum dedicated to this historic mode of transportation. The cable cars roll up and down the steepest hills in the city and are a great way to see more of the city.
There are three cable car lines that still operate: one on California Street and two that go between Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. The Cable Car Museum is free to explore and gives a detailed history of the cable car and its importance to the city.
USS Pampanito
Step aboard a real submarine that was used during World War II. The USS Pampanito is permanently docked in Fisherman’s Wharf at Pier 45. This floating museum saw six missions during World War II before it was retired and modified to create a museum.
As you explore the sub you will learn what it felt like to work and actually live aboard a submarine. From the main console to the sailors’ quarters you will get to explore all the nooks and crannies of this magnificent vessel.
Children’s Creativity Museum
There really is no better place to spend a long layover while waiting for your next flight than at the Children’s Creativity Museum. Kids age five and older will love the Animation Studio while younger kids will have a blast in the Imagination Lab and Music Studio.
The first floor is where you will see a lot of younger tykes playing with large building blocks and kinetic sand. There is a story room and craft room where young kids can use their imaginations to make amazing creations.
The second floor is geared more toward older children who can participate in the mystery box challenge and learn about coding. They can take part in the Animation Studio where they create clay figures and bring them to life using animation.
Mission Dolores Park
With almost 16 acres of green space, Mission Dolores Park is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco and offers great activities for kids to get out, stretch their legs, and use up all that pent-up energy they have from traveling.
The park has a basketball court, a multi-use court, several tennis courts, and a wonderful playground. If you are lucky you may even get to watch some street performers. Bring snacks and relax in the shade while the kids play.
When traveling with kids it can be a challenge to keep them entertained. If you are passing through San Francisco Airport and have a long layover, rent a car or call a cab and hit some of the kid-friendly attractions nearby.
Your kids will be able to get out, run, and play while learning about San Francisco, science, art, and culture. Whether you hit one or all of the sights, your kids will have a blast!
