SF Fun-tastic Family Escapades

Looking for kid-friendly culture? I got you! Outdoor space to play? There's plenty of it.

Get ready to turn San Francisco into your family's ultimate playground! Whether your kiddos are tiny tots or fearless teens, this city has a buffet of fun that’ll have everyone saying “San Fran-tastic!” Here are a few family-friendly activities I recommend:

Fort Funston

When was the last time you watched the sunset with your family? I remember when I worked at Charles Drew Elementary During our 5th grade camping trip at Fort Fuston it was the first time my students went camping. I remember sitting down with one of my students and watching the sunset, I asked him if he had seen a sunset before and he said no Mr. Mike not in person, just on the internet.

Fort Funston, located along the stunning coastline of San Francisco, is a fantastic destination for a family outdoor adventure. This scenic spot offers miles of sandy beaches and picturesque cliffs, making it a perfect playground for children to explore nature. The gentle trails are ideal for hiking while the coastal views provide a breathtaking backdrop.

Here is the address: Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132

Presidio Tunnel Tops

Tunnel Tops is the ultimate playground paradise for Bay Area families! If you've got kids (or are just a big kid yourself), this place has something for everyone. Here’s the lowdown on the fun:



Tunnel Tops' Outpost play space is the Bay Area's biggest playground, stretching over a whopping two acres! Imagine a land where fallen trees and colossal boulders become your playground pals, perfectly capturing the wild vibes of the Presidio. Little adventurers, ages 2 to 12, can unleash their energy here every day. From April to October, the fun runs from 9:30 am to 6 pm, and from November to March, it's 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Come on down and let the good times roll!

Directly beneath the Cliff Walk, you'll find a nature-inspired playground called the Outpost. The playground equipment was created from organic materials like wood and stone. Tunnels made from giant trees and rope swings and slides descending from boulders invite children to strengthen their connection to nature as they play. At the adjacent Field Station, microscopes, maps and hands-on activities provide curious kiddos the chance to play scientist and learn more about the history, flora and fauna of the Presidio. 

I've also added this location as one of my top 10 favorite family session locations in San Francisco, CA. It's truly a great spot for kids to be adventurous with a beautiful backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Here is the address: 210 Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94129

Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers - Academy of Sciences

Now this option is gonna be a little bit pricier but it's well worth it for the experience. Want to score some epic cool points with the kiddos? Just take them to this awesome place where you’ll find an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, rain forest, and 40,000 live animals all chillin' under one roof. Guaranteed to get those wooooows rollin’!

Get ready for an epic pajama party at the museum for the family & your little adventurer! Kids in pajamas gawking at jellyfish in the aquarium Dive into the ocean’s abyss, swing through the rainforests, and zoom into space with your very own private planetarium show.

The Academy has already opened up its schedule for sleepovers for 2025, and they do book up pretty fast! here is the link if you are interested in booking: https://www.calacademy.org/penguinspajamas-sleepovers.

pitstop: Mitchell's Ice Cream

Time for a sweet treat pitstop! Gather the family and head to Mitchell's an award-winning ice cream in San Francisco that is the creme de la creme! handmade daily this is one of the city's iconic ice cream shops. Whether you’re in the mood for classic scoops, funky flavors, or towering sundaes, Mitchell's has something to delight every taste bud. Watch the kids' eyes light up as they pick their favorite toppings and enjoy their frozen delights. It's the perfect way to recharge before diving back into your San Fran adventure!

Here is the address: 688 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110