For those looking for free and cost-friendly, kid-friendly activities in San Francisco , fret not! I’ve got you covered with a delightful list of 11 Free Kid Activities in San Francisco for the Summer!
The San Francisco Bay area is a great place to have family fun and explore the city with your little ones. From visiting the stunning museums to having picnics in Golden Gate Park, there are plenty of free kid activities that won’t hurt your wallet.
I am a mom of three and I know how hard it can be to find affordable family trips, activities for those days when you need to get the kids out of the house, or even vacation planning without breaking the bank. Enjoy this list of 11 Free Kid Activities in San Francisco for the Summer and most of these items are great things to do in San Francisco with teens as well!
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11 Free Kid Activities in San Francisco for the Summer
1. Join in on the 2023 “Sundown Cinema” Film Night in the Park
During summer, you can catch a free outdoor movie screening with your kids. The park has a large grassy area, making it the perfect spot for a family-themed movie night. It’s the ideal way to enjoy the summer vibes while watching movies under the stars with the people you love!
Check the Movie Schedule, Park Locations & Dates HERE . All movies will begin shortly after sundown.
Last year was my first time experiencing the “Sundown Cinema” and it was amazing! Sitting under the stars with my family, watching a classic movie on a giant outdoor screen, it felt like a dream. I loved how vibrant the experience was – even in San Francisco’s chilly summer evenings. And this year, I’m excited to be returning for Moana on July 21st!Despite the chill, I wouldn’t miss out on this opportunity. After all, that’s what layering up is for, right? So don’t forget to grab your coat before you head out – you won’t regret it!
Price: FREE, You can purchase a reserved seat if needed.
Location: Movies are at different Parks on different days. Be sure to check the schedule.
2. Yerba Buena Gardens
Yerba Buena Gardens is the perfect spot for San Francisco explorers of all ages! Every spring and summer they offer FREE performances, including music, dance, theater, and more. It’s also a great place to take your family for some free activities – from puppet shows to outdoor movie screenings, there’s something fun for everyone. Plus, you can even reserve a seat in advance if you need it! With so much on offer, Yerba Buena Gardens can be an excellent way to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank.
Location: Yerba Buena Gardens 750 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94103
Museum Website : yerbabuenagardens.com
3. The Cable Car Museum
The Cable Car Museum in San Francisco is the perfect place to take your family for a fun, educational experience. Operating hours are from 10am-6pm daily and admission is FREE. Visitors can learn about the history of cable cars and how they revolutionized public transportation in San Francisco as far back as 1873. There are interactive exhibits, old-fashioned models, and historic photos to explore. Children can even climb onboard a real cable car to get a hands-on experience! Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something fun and unique to do with your family, the Cable Car Museum is the perfect destination for all ages!
Location: 1201 Mason Street San Francisco, CA Museum
Website : www.cablecarmuseum.org
4. Wells Fargo History Museum
The next item on the 11 Free Kid Activities in San Francisco for the Summer list is the Wells Fargo Museum. The Wells Fargo History Museum in San Francisco is the perfect destination for families interested in museums. Located at 1201 Mason Street, this museum is open 6 days a week from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Visitors can come and explore the history of the Wells Fargo company and its impact on the American West since 1852! Exhibits include artifacts, interactive displays, and historic photos that are sure to keep everyone entertained. If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your family, then head to the Wells Fargo History Museum!
Location : 420 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94104
5. Randall Museum
The Randall Museum offers an array of activities that are perfect for families. Admission is FREE and there is something for everyone, from a dinosaur fossil exhibit to a planetarium! The museum also features live animals like owls and snakes, as well as hands-on educational projects such as building sculptures from recycled materials. Visiting the museum is an engaging way to learn about science and wildlife in an exciting environment.
Location: 199 Museum Way San Francisco, CA 94114
Museum Website: randallmuseum.org
6. Music Concerts & Recitals
Spend a beautiful afternoon in Golden Gate Park listening to the free concerts by the Golden Gate Park Band. The band performs an exciting mix of marches, waltzes, polkas, and other classical numbers during their Sunday afternoon concerts from April to October. If you are looking for a unique musical experience, then don’t miss out on these wonderful FREE concerts!
Additionally, your family should also check out the FREE recitals at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. You can find a wide selection of recitals by talented students every Tuesday evening from September through May. Both locals and tourists alike have praised the Conservatory’s recitals for its excellent acoustics and breathtaking performances that are sure to make your family smile! Lets continue on this 11 Free Kid Activities in San Francisco for the Summer list….
7. Free Tours with the San Francisco City Guides
Did you know that the San Francisco City Guides offer families a wonderful opportunity to explore Chinatown and the Golden Gate Bridge for FREE? The expert guides provide families with insightful information about the area’s history and culture, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the bay. The tours last around two hours and are perfect for young children as well as adults. Each tour is unique and family-friendly, so you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
8. de Young & Asian Art Museum
The de Young Museum is a great place for families to explore! On Saturdays, for those looking for free indoor activities San Francisco, the museum offers free art classes for all ages. Kids 12 and under get in free every single day, so it’s an affordable option for families on any budget. The museum also has rotating special exhibits that are sure to excite everyone in the family. With so many interactive activities and unique art pieces, the De Young Museum is a must-visit spot for any family looking for a fun and educational experience.The Asian Art Museum is the ideal destination for families! Kids 12 and under get in completely FREE of charge, which makes it an incredibly budget-friendly option. The museum also offers exciting rotating special exhibits that will engage all members of the family. With so many interactive activities and unique art pieces from around the world, there’s something new to discover at every visit. The Asian Art Museum’s combination of exciting culture, priceless art, and affordability make it an unforgettable experience for any family seeking a memorable time out.
Location: de Young 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco, CA 94118
Location: Asian Art Museum 200 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102
Museum Websites : Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
9. Healthy Parks, Healthy People Interpretive walks
Healthy Parks, Healthy People Interpretive walks are a great way for active families to spend quality time together and explore nature in an informative environment. Every first Saturday of the month at 10am at Stow lake’s Boathouse, families can learn more about the natural wonders of the area with a guided interpretive walk. The interpretive walk is designed to be engaging and fun for everyone! Participants will learn about the local habitat, wildlife, vegetation, and other interesting facts while feeling energized surrounded by nature.
Location: 50 Stow Lake Dr. San Francisco, CA 94118
10. The Contemporary Jewish Museum
The Contemporary Jewish Museum is the perfect place for families to have fun and explore Jewish culture and history. Admission is always FREE for kids 18 and under, and adults are welcome for a discounted price of only $12. There are rotating interactive exhibits that allow kids to learn about Jewish art, music, cinema, and literature in an engaging way. It’s also a great opportunity to take part in hands-on activities like weaving and sculpting with clay.
Location: 736 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103
11. Golden Gate Park
The last item on the 11 Free Kid Activities in San Francisco for the Summer list is the Golden Gate Park. The Golden Gate Park is a great place to take the family for a day of fun and exploration on a budget. Start with a stroll through the California Academy of Sciences, a museum and research facility with FREE admission. Then, check out Japanese Tea Garden, which offers FREE admission the first Tuesday of every month, or just grab something to eat at the historic Beach Chalet restaurant overlooking Ocean Beach. You can also explore the park’s meadows and groves, discover art installations throughout its grounds, visit its bison paddock, or wander its many trails and paths. With so much to do here, Golden Gate Park is sure to have something that will delight any family!
Location: McLaren Lodge-Golden Gate Park 501 Stanyan Street San Francisco, CA 94117
Bonus List
This bonus list contains San Francisco kids activities that are not entirely free but are affordable. They came close to making the 11 Free Kid Activities in San Francisco for the Summer list!
1. Outside the Exploratorium
Although visiting the Exploratorium costs $$, The FREE outside exhibits are where the real fun begins! The outdoor area includes an array of interactive experiences for kids (and adults!) such as making music with giant bells or exploring unique patterns on an oversized light table. As for inside the Exploratorium, If you have little ones under the age of 3, they’ll get in FREE! Holders of an EBT card can also get free access to the museum, and teachers who are interested can also get one free ticket a year. Not only does this make a day trip to the Exploratorium affordable for everyone, but it also makes it accessible to those who might not otherwise have been able to experience it. 2. Knothole GangThe Knotlhole Gang is a great resource for families looking to experience the San Francisco Giants at a game. With tickets starting at just $20, kids under 14 get in FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket. Fans can also participate in an interactive pre-game parade that takes place on the field before each home game and enjoy family-friendly activities such as face painting and balloon animals. It’s an exciting atmosphere for kids of all ages, made even better by watching the exciting action of a Giants game.
3. San Francisco Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo is a perfect destination for families looking to explore the wild side of the city. With over 1,000 exotic animals and a plethora of activities like animal encounters, live performances, and educational programs, it’s an exciting experience for people of all ages. And the best part? Admission is always Free for kids under 3! Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the grounds or participating in one of their many interactive experiences, the SF Zoo is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
Free Walking Tours
The San Francisco Zoo offers free walking tours that make exploring the grounds fun and educational for the whole family. There’s their Wild About SF Zoo Tour, where visitors can learn about animal behavior and conservation efforts at the Zoo. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, which educates kids on the wonders of nature with interactive experiences. Another great option is the Early Childhood Learning Tours for children aged 3 to 7, which teach them important lessons in an entertaining way. These tours are all free of charge and offered year-round!
Free Parks in San Francisco
Northern California & San Francisco in particular is full of free parks that are perfect for families. Dolores Park is a great spot, with its beautiful views of the bay and plenty of green grass space to relax. Yerba Buena Gardens offer a quiet retreat in the heart of the city, with gardens, water features, and sculptures that your family will love exploring. The Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco’s most beloved outdoor settings – it includes multiple meadows, lakes, and trails for you to explore all day long. Alamo Square Park is also a great option, with its stunning views of the city skyline and dog-friendly spaces. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, there is a free park in San Francisco that will make your family happy!
FAQs About San Francisco
Q: What parks are best for families to explore in San Francisco?
A: Families have many options when looking for a great outdoor experience in San Francisco. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is one of the city’s most beloved outdoor settings – it includes multiple meadows, lakes, and trails for you to explore all day long. Alamo Square Park is also a great option, with its stunning views of the city skyline and dog-friendly spaces. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, there is a free park in San Francisco that will make your family happy!
Q: What kid-friendly activities can we do in San Francisco?
A: There are plenty of activities that kids can enjoy while visiting San Francisco. The Exploratorium is an interactive science museum that offers fun and educational experiences to visitors of all ages. Younger children may also enjoy visiting the Conservatory of Flowers or the Children’s Creativity Museum. An outing to Fisherman’s Wharf or Golden Gate Park can also be very entertaining for families with kids.
Q: Are there any nearby beaches that we can go to?
A: Yes! If you’re looking for a beach day adventure, head over to Ocean Beach or Baker Beach. Both are located on the western edge of San Francisco Bay and provide stunning views of the ocean and plenty of sand to play in!
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No matter the age, San Francisco has something for everyone. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this 11 Free Kid Activities in San Francisco for the Summer list. Though it may be hard to find the time for family conversation these days, exploring San Francisco together is an ideal way to make lasting memories and open up meaningful conversations. Check out our article titled 17 Fun Kid things to do in San Francisco Bay Area to learn more about how Northern California can help families with meaningful connections – then don’t forget to leave a comment letting us know which activities your family enjoys most!
