Maritime National Historic Park
If you have a kid who couldn't get enough of Pirates of the Caribbean, take them to the Maritime National Historic Park. This park's entire function is to bring the Age of Sail in the 1800's to life. There are six historic vessels for them to explore, and there are plenty of fun to be had for kids of all ages. visit website
San Francisco's Exploratorium
The Exploratorium has been a favorite of kids all over the world since 1969, and you will find that it is a great place to take your children. Your kids can experience the science behind electricity, sound, light, motion and energy first hand. There is even a play area for very small children. visit website
USS Hornet
Do you have a child who loves the idea of planes and someday flying them? The USS Hornet is a decommissioned aircraft carrier, and you can take your kids all over the ship. Be in shape, because there are lots of stares, but you can see practically every part of this important piece of American history. visit website
Aquarium of the Bay
When you go to visit a city, you really should take the time to learn about the life of the city itself, especially when that life may be under the water. Check out the sharks, the crabs and everything else that makes the San Francisco Bay area an amazing natural wonder. visit website
California Academy of Sciences
Open every day of the year, you will find that this is another plae wher eyou can take kids to let them check out the amazing animals. There are plenty of great fish to check out, and penguins are always charming. Ever since Little Nemo, clown fish are quite popular, and don't miss on the great fish, reptiles, and insects. visit website
Oakland Zoo
When you want your kids to see more animals, make sure that you check out the Oakland Zoo. There are African Savannah areas as well as Rainforst areas. Make sure that you don't miss the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children's Zoo, where children are encouraged to run and play and explore the way that they like best. visit website
The Adventure Playground
When you want your kids to have a great time, and you just don't care how messy their clothes get, consider the Adventure play ground. This is essentially a place of dead pianos, boats, and other hideouts that will delight your adventurous kids. They can build and saw and even paint to their hearts content. visit website
Alcatraz
As long as your kids are ages six and up, you can take them Alcatraz. Buy tickets early on to avoid standing in line. From the pier, you can check out the sea lions and the seagulls and once you are there, children who love history and similar things will have a blast. visit website
Golden Gate Park
There are several days' worth of activities at Golden Gate Park, and if you are looking to entertain your children, you will find that there are plenty of things that you can do here. Rent pedal boats at Stow Lake or look at the radio controlled boats on Spreckels Lake. visit website
Children's Fairyland
For kids who love the idea of being princesses and dragons and knights, there's Children's Fairyland. This ten acre park on Oakland's Lake Merritt is a great place to let kids explore and learn all about fairy tales. With lots of whimsical storybook sets and gentle rides, this is a great place for young children and children who love stories. visit website
