San Francisco offers visitors a wide range of experiences, including diverse neighborhoods, historic landmarks, international cuisine and cultural institutions. But how do kids enjoy San Francisco? Let’s discover it!

While the Golden Gate City is mainly celebrated for iconic attractions like Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies, it also offers some perfect destinations for kids.

THE AQUARIUM OF THE BAY

The Aquarium of the Bay is located on Pier 39. Since 1996, the aquarium has been  home to more than 24,000 different marine animals, including sharks, river otters, sting rays, octopuses and many more species. Here, children have an opportunity to explore the marine world without having to swim to it. 

“There’s the big fish for the kids, the really little kids they get amazed by, as well as the adults that really want to come learn about our animal facts,” said Richard Arauz, a volunteer coordinator for the Aquarium of the Bay. 

According to Arauz, special discounts are also available for families, students, children and seniors. 

“We’re very focused on seeing to believing,” he said,  encouraging people to visit the aquarium and learn about marine life in the Bay Area.

THE MUSEE MECANIQUE

The Musée Mécanique features around 300 machines, according to Dan Zelinsky, a museum staff member and the son of Ed Zelinsky, who began the collection. 

It is now located in Pier 45, but “it all started in our basement at home.” Zelinsky said.

Zelinsky describes the visit to the museum as a new and interactive hands-on experience. 

“It’s like playing with mechanical machines instead of the newest technologies,” Zelinsky said. “And it’s really kind of fun to watch generations connect over a machine. It’s actually beautiful to see that.”

The photo booth and the skeeball game are considered the most popular among kids to Zelinsky. 

When we asked Zelinsky about the history behind one of his machines, he presented us with: “The Crybaby,” a machine whose recording was inspired by a late-night moment when the creator’s two-month-old son began crying. Instead of giving him a bottle, he handed him a microphone to capture the sound for his “crybaby” machine. Now, every time a visitor plays it, they hear a recording of his son crying. 

THE PET CEMETERY

According to Robert Thomson, Federal Preservation Officer of the Presidio Trust, the Pet Cemetery in the Presidio was established in 1952 by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Swing, who was the Commanding Officer when the Presidio was still an U.S. Army base. 

According to Thomson, the Pet Cemetery is now closed to new burials because it is full, and the soil is likely contaminated, making it unsafe to dig. 

All kinds of animals were buried there, including birds, iguanas and fish. 

“It was a space that was special to the families that lived here,” Thomson said. “It definitely is a space that carries the memories of a lot of people that many children today could relate to.” 

THE EXPLORATORIUM

The Exploratorium, a science, arts and technology museum that opened in 1969 in San Francisco, is located in Pier 15. It all started with Frank Oppenheimer. While teaching at a university, Oppenheimer created a “library of experiments” to let students learn through curiosity-driven exploration. 

Concerned about the public’s limited understanding of science, he used this approach to found the Exploratorium — a space where visitors could explore natural phenomena and build confidence in understanding the world. It now houses more than 650 hands-on exhibits. 

It is considered a great place to go with kids by Janny Hu, the Exploratorium’s communication director. 

“It’s like you choose your own adventure, they get the chance to explore what they’re curious about,” Hu said. 

Regarding upcoming events, Hu informed us about the summer show, Adventures and AI, which opens on June 12th. She says children will have the opportunity to engage with and explore artificial intelligence through interactive activities, like sorting pantries.

GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE STORE

Ghirardelli chocolate was created in San Francisco in 1852 by Domenico Ghirardelli. This chocolate is very famous among people, including kids. 

“Lots of families from other places, cities, or even countries come here to try the chocolate,” said Jennifer Alberto, a worker at Ghirardelli chocolate store.  

This store includes various types of chocolates and a pick-and-mix section, where you can pick whatever chocolate you want. 

“Since kids love chocolate, they get excited about all the options,” Alberto said. 

According to Alberto, kids prefer sweeter flavors such as caramel or double chocolate, while dark chocolate and more pure ones are normally popular among adults. She explains that they also offer special varieties of chocolates for holidays like Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween.

Alberto says sometimes Ghirardelli toys can help elderly people, too. 

“Sometimes elderly folks come in feeling down, and they might buy a plush toy. You know, even though it’s made for kids, it brings them joy too,” Alberto said. 

Kids can also enjoy Ghirardelli Experience, a store that teaches kids how to make hot fudge chocolate or create their own chocolate bars. 

“They can make whatever flavor they want — like white chocolate, and they can mix it however they want,” Alberto said.

From hands-on science at the Exploratorium to vintage games at Musée Mécanique, marine life at the Aquarium, sweet treats at Ghirardelli and even a historic Pet Cemetery, the city offers countless ways for children to explore, play and connect with the past and present. For families, this Golden Gate city is truly a playground of discovery.