Things To Do In San Francisco With Tweens
Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, searching for treasure at Ocean Beach, navigating Chinatown--San Francisco is a great place to explore through the eyes of a tween. Listed below are a few recommendations for your next trip back to the City By The Bay. Age appropriate and fun to visit (or revisit), our list encompasses a variety of activities that we all wished we had experienced by the time we turned 13.
Set aside a day to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco's most iconic landmark delights residents and visitors of all ages. Connecting San Francisco to Marin County, the bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the U.S. You're never too young or too old to appreciate a great view of the City By The Bay. Your tween can brag to all their friends about how they got to walk across the magnificent structure, just don't forget to bring a camera for photographic evidence! The east sidewalk is open to pedestrians and cyclists 365 days a year at no charge (check website for hours of operation).
Take the family on a morning stroll to look for sand dollars on Ocean Beach! There's no better time to find shells and other fascinating items from the sea then in the early hours. After your tween is satisfied with their collection, take a brunch break at one of the seaside restaurants.
Bring your tween to an Admission Free Concert at Stern Grove. This annual summer music festival features an exciting line up each year, covering a range of musical genres over a ten week stretch (usually between the months of June and August). Past performers have included the San Francisco Symphony, Caravan Palace, Rogue Wave and They Might Be Giants. The Festival takes place at Stern Grove Park, located at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard. Check website for schedule updates.
For the more adventurous family with tweens, check out Fort Funston. In some places at Fort Funston, the dunes reach heights of more than 200 feet. Views of the Pacific are nothing short of amazing, and chances are you'll see a number of hang gliders during your hike (especially if you plan your visit between March and October). Learn more about this daring sport at several of the nearby hang gliding shops and instructors. Fort Funston is located on Skyline Boulevard. For more information, call 415-561-4323.
"Something sweet and fun will happen during your travels," reads your fortune. If you have an interest in the Chinese culture, or simply can't get enough of those tasty fortune cookies, then you must check out Chinatown and the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. It's hard to miss this Chinatown gem at 56 Ross Alley. Supplying fortune cookies to Chinatown and around the world since 1962, this place is a fortune cooking-making machine! The sweet vanilla aroma will lure you in, and from there you and your tween can find out every detail about what goes into making a fortune cookie. Free daily entry!