Free Things To Do In San Francisco With Toddlers
There's nothing better than a free ride! Luckily, parents with toddlers can get around San Francisco without dropping a dime. From free museum days to parks, beaches and other natural attractions, there's plenty to do with your kids that come at little-to-no cost. Here are a few of our favorite free activities to check out with your toddlers the next time you find yourself in the City by the Bay.
Visit Pier 39. Take the kids to the city's number one rated attraction. Providing guests with picture-perfect views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and the San Francisco skyline, Pier 39 is the place to go if you want to take in the sights for free! There's always some family-oriented fun in the air at the pier, and children will get a kick out of seeing the talented street performers and playful sea lions who have made the space their own. Pier 39 hosts a variety of free events throughout the year, including Tulipmania (featuring more than 39,000 tulips planted throughout the pier's grounds)in February. Be sure to check the schedule so your family can prepare for what's in store for them. The area also features an array of shopping, entertainment and dining options (all at an additional cost). For discounts on some of the paid attractions, check out the Free Pier 39 Fun Pack available online. Located just two blocks east of Fisherman's Wharf at Beach Street and The Embarcadero. For more information, call 415-705-5500.
Roam around Golden Gate Park. It will certainly take your family more than one day to experience everything Golden Gate Park has to offer, but that just means several days of free (or very inexpensive) fun. Covering over 1013 acres of land, Golden Gate Park is the largest public park in the city. Special attractions include the Strybing Arboretum, the Japanese Tea Garden and the Buffalo Paddock. The park is home to two museums, but show up at the right time (usually the first Tuesday of the month) and you can get in at discounted rates or even free admission! Visit the park's Koret Children's Quarter, featuring a merry-go-round and brand new playground for hours of endless fun and playtime.
Check out the Children's Garden and Zeum Carousel at Yerba Buena. This public space features more than 100,000 square feet of green grass, beautiful plants and flowing streams, designed for children to play, discover and learn more about nature. The garden's main attraction is the beautifully hand-crafted Zeum Carousel, which was built in 1906. The fully-restored carousel runs daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and admission is $3 for 2 rides. Admission into the Play Circle is completely free. Children will love the playground's sand pit, working xylophone and 25 foot tube slide. Visit during the summer and experience one of the many free concerts and performances scheduled at the Children's Garden. Located at 3rd, 4th, Mission and Folsom Streets.
Take in the sights at Crissy Field. This 100-acre shoreline park and restored marshland along the Bay is a popular spot for picnicking families. The space offers some of the most scenic views you can get in San Francisco, featuring front row seats to the Golden Gate Bridge. Get your feet wet in the Pacific Ocean, fire up the grill, and prepare for a fun, free family outing that everyone from toddler to adult can appreciate.
Explore the Bay Area Discovery Museum's Lookout Cove with your curious kids. This outdoor museum features 2.5 acres of interactive exploration for all ages. Check out the Fishing Boat (fondly named Bonnie) and pretend to set sail on an exciting sea voyage. Hike the scenic Lookout Trail and witness incredible views of the Bay and Bridge. Investigate the Shipwreck for pieces of debris and ancient artifacts. Your kids won't want to leave this place. The museum offers free admission for families every first Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Children under 1 are admitted for free daily. Located at 557 McReynolds Road. For more information, call 415-339-3900.