San Francisco is an urban paradise when it comes to family-friendly activities. Toddlers can take in the sights, enjoy the great outdoors and maybe learn something, too.
The spirit of family fun is contagious in San Francisco, “everyone’s favorite city.” Excitement sparks from the city’s rich history and in the colorful neighborhoods and lively waterfront, making this a great destination with pre-schoolers. Every season comes with a bounty of sights, sounds and things to do. Streets are alive with entertainment and calendars are filled with captivating shows and exhibits for all ages.
A visit to San Francisco would not be complete without crossing the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. Explore the bridge by foot, car, bicycle, tour bus, fire engine tour, or soar over it via a helicopter or seaplane. Get your cameras ready as you trek down Lombard Street, the “crookedest street in the world.” Ride all three of the hilly city’s cable car lines, the Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason and the California Street line.
For a touch of magic, wonder and surprise in the kingdom of sweets, watch chocolate makers at work and sample their wares at Ghiradelli Square. Take a leisurely stroll through Chinatown and let the kids munch the goods at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory on Ross Alley. On Grant Avenue, browse the Chinese food stores and souvenir shops and introduce everyone to dim sum at lunch in a picturesque Chinatown restaurant.
Celebrated Attractions Especially for Families
Hang out at the San Francisco Zoo, home to over 250 species of animals, including koalas, tigers, and black rhinoceros. Other special habitats include the Jones Family Gorilla Reserve, Penguin Island, African wart hogs, and an Insect Zoo. A highlight of the zoo is the Doelger Primate Discovery Center with interactive exhibits.
There’s something for everyone at Pier 39. The Pier’s two levels boast numerous attractions including the frolicking California sea lions. For an adventure everyone will be sure to remember, visit the Aquarium of the Bay. Walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels that focuses on the aquatic life and ecosystems of the Bay and its surrounding waters, and get to see an amazing variety of tide pool animals.
Golden Gate National Park encompasses 60 miles of coastline providing plenty of room to play, especially for the outdoor enthusiasts in the family. In Golden Gate Park, a large urban recreation area often compared to New York’s Central Park, there are basketball courts, lawn bowling, an archery field, baseball fields and seven miles of bicycle paths that lead past meadows, lakes, and rose gardens. Especially appealing to the adults, meandering paths lead to the Japanese Tea Garden with fishponds and quiet places to stroll.
San Francisco Museums for Little Ones
Newly located in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences (415/379-8000) is the only museum in the world to house an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and 4-story rainforest under one roof.
Art lovers will appreciate the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum (415/750-3600)across from the Golden Gate park plaza. The city’s largest permanent art museum contains among its treasures an American art collection from colonial times to the present. Make sure to stroll the Gardens of Enchantment and take in the magnificent view from the top of the tower.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum (415/339-3900) is a one of a kind indoor and outdoor facility at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s the only children’s museum in the nation to be located in a national park. A new temporary exhibit entitled “Living in Space” allows kids to explore living, working, and playing in space through hands-on exhibits.
If you’re feeling playful, then the hands-on Exploratorium Museum (415/EX-PLORE) is the place to be. It’s like a mad scientist’s penny arcade, a scientific funhouse and an experimental lab, all rolled into one. With hundreds of hands-on exhibits, all you need is curiosity. The Mind Collection lets you hear like a deer does when you try on alternate ears, or listen like a snake, with your teeth and jawbones. While wandering through the rest of the museum you can touch a tornado and shape a glowing electrical current, as well as take a sensory journey in total darkness in the Tactile Dome.
For the budding performers and future Academy Award winners, Zeum (415/820-3320) a multi media museum, teaches kids how to use art and technology to be creative in animation, sound and video production, live performances and visual art.
Cartoon Art Museum (415/CAR-TOON) is a cool little place specializing in the art of comics and cartoons in all their forms. The museum houses over 6,000 original pieces that include animation, comic strips and comic books. Fun for all!
Wells Fargo History Museum (415/396-2619) offers educational exhibits on California Gold Rush history including an original stagecoach built in the 1860s, displays of real gold and sample mining tools. A wide range of interactive exhibits and activities for both adults and children include: trivia treasure hunts, working telegraphy, audio tour option and more.
Guided San Francisco Tours
The Red and White Fleet San Francisco Cruises (415/673-2900) committed to environmental sustainability, are legendary for their premiere sailings highlighting San Francisco’s landmarks and history. The new San Francisco Explorer Cruise focuses on architecture, natural history and Native American culture. There are 14 daily departure times starting at 10am. Boarding is from Pier 43 ½ on Fisherman’s Wharf .
Ride the Ducks (877/887-8225) the ever-popular amphibious tour, is new to San Francisco. The 90-minute sightseeing tour includes about 60 minutes on land and 30 minutes in the water. Sights along the route include: Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Ghiradelli Square, Union Square, AT&T Ballpark and of course, spectaculars views of the City by the Bay. Everyone gets a complimentary yellow-billed duck whistle, the famous Wacky Quakers ™, to quack at pedestrians on this engaging tour. Ticketing and boarding is at Fisherman’s Wharf at the corner of Jefferson and Taylor streets, or at Union Square on Geary Street.
GoCarTours (800/91-GO-CAR) offers the first ever GPS-Guided Storytelling Cars for an incredible way to tour San Francisco. GoCars are easy to drive and fun. As you drive, it tells you where and when to turn, along with stories that bring the city to life. See the places tour buses are not allowed to go and only locals know about.
Discount Passes
CityPass is perfect for both first time and repeat visitors. The San Francisco booklet contains a Muni Passport valid for seven consecutive days on all Muni system vehicles, including historic streetcars and world-famous cable cars. In addition there are discount tickets to many of the city’s signature attractions. For information on cost and how to obtain CityPass phone 888/330-5008.
The Go San Francisco Card helps you enhance your visit to the “City by the Bay.” Your card includes admission to 50 included attractions, transportation around the city, and day tours for one low price that helps you save up to 40% off of regular admission prices.
For more information on San Francisco visit the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau or call them at 415/391-2000.
Photos by Mel Greenberg
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I love how you focus on the actual trip. You have a very distinctive style. This was funny and entertaining.
this looks interesting! I will be in San Diego come November to attend the convention of the National Association of Realtors. I will include this beach to my "must see" . Im pretty excited to see this place.
what a beautiful place i want to visit the beautiful beach with beautiful people.
lucky you our beaches are under control of mulla
Hi, by baby is nearly 4 weeks old and i have started back at work but on nights, i have been getting txt's and phone calls off my partner all night saying that our baby has non stop crying since i left for work today. We think it is down to that he knows that i am not there and is crying out for me. Could anyone be able to give me some advise on how my partner could settle him pleas.
thank you Daddy I
i need to get there
To Victor: That is because we want this island paradise all to our SELFISH, SELFISH, SEELLLFIIISSHHHH SELVES!
psssshhh! that's nothing… with BORACAY Island and AMANPULO Island
Actor Tom Cruise, Supermodel Naomi Campbell, Actor Robert de Niro, Supermodel Claudia Schiffer, Singer Mariah Carey, Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, Singer Diana Ross, etc. already had a vacation here at AMANPULO ISLAND. Others go to dirty and crowded resorts, Exclusivity at its finest!
Check out my site for some great pictures and my own experiences/reviews of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, The Great Smoky Mountains, etc! Its <a href="http://somewhereinthemountains.blogspot.com/">here</a>
Good news for those of us who are more interested in substance over gimmicks. As a youngish grandparent, looking forward to introducing my grandson to the joys of cruising, on Crystal and others.
Thanks
wow that is lovely. perfect for a road trip. i miss those pair now
Very good and thanks for sharing this informative post.
hi i can recive uur magazine every monthe pleaz i wait bye
hhhmmm…i wonder why does the Boracay beach in Philippines not in the list..
Here is all the letter needs to say:
(Date)
I (parent's name), authorize my child/children, (child/children’s name) to travel to (destination) on (date of travel) aboard Airline/Flight # (flight information) with (accompanying adults), returning on (date of return).
Signed by parent or parents
Address:
Telephone/Contact:
Notary Public Signature/Seal
I want there, with my family.
It's my dream to be there for summer holliday.
it's truly awesome……………………
iam from kurdistan cool site and fntsc places
SameProb –
we hear some users have been having trouble getting these documents via email. It's really hard to troubleshoot this, so if you don't get the documents, can you please email us at ftf[at]familytravelforum.com and we'll make sure to send you the links. Posting your complaints here won't help at all! thanks, and sorry for the hassle-
Hi Derek,
Although there are regulations about transporting minors between some U.S. states (and they vary), our members have never reported a problem with this. It's mainly an issue transporting minors over national borders.
In any case, we subscribe to the "Better safe than sorry" school of travel. Therefore, why not ask the girls' mother to fill out the Permission to Travel letter with her contact info, and give you a copy of the girls' birth certificates to verify the Mom's identity, so that you have some paperwork with you.
While traveling, it sounds like you may be able to reach her by phone in case there's any trouble at the airport, but we don't anticipate there would be.
Let us know if you have any other questions and safe move –
very good
I would spray Rataway fragrance from Rataway.com . Rataway Fragrance is non-poisonous and non-toxic.
To protect food place food in a plastic bag or box and spray bag with Rataway Fragrance. Also use Rataway fragrance to protect car engines, computer cables, wiring, air conditioning equipment,camping supplies, etc…. Stops rats, mice, rodents, monkeys, etc from nesting & chewing.
Same problem — if you go thru the hassle of requesting these via the email link, you get sent to a page that isn't working. Don't bother trying to get them!!!
Excellent overview of a very un-touristy part of Amsterdam
I do not have legal custody of my soon to be step-daughters and their mother needs me to take them with me to Alaska (I am staioned up there) before she can head up there herself. she has to stay behind for another week to finish selling the house. What legal documentation am I going to need for them to fly with me to Alaska?
These ideas are great. I studied abroad when I was a junior in college. I lived in Florence, Italy for the summer with the American Institue of Foreign Study. It was a great program, but I really wish I had some of these tips when I was planning my journey.
What is the average weather Aug-Oct?
Hi from Spain,
personally as an active dad trying to be healthy and get the kids away from the computer games / X box ect… I'd add hiking in the many national parks, or surfing, scuba or kayaking from Spain 1000s of km of beaches !!!!
saludos desde España
Richard Harris
The Iberostar resort complex in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic also allows you to stay at one resort while enjoying the restaurants, bars, and entertainment in the other Iberostar Resorts.
The Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana is the highest rated family resort. Since it is often booked far in advance, you will not be disappointed by staying in the Iberostar Punta Cana or the Iberostar Dominicana and enjoying the grounds of all three resorts.
very good living of style
This is an interesting point of view. The points you raise are very helpful. I came across this site recently which I think will be of great use http://www.bookcapetown.com Check it out!
Big thanks for keeping me awake and entertained.
If all posts were as interesting as this, the web would be such a better place. Thank you very much. Some other site that brought me great pleasure was http://www.bookcapetown.com
Hi David,
This same document "Permission to Travel Letter" is good whether a minor under 18 years is traveling with one birth parent or none. Just adjust the information you provide in it.
thanks, let us know if you have problems!
Tthe Information about the documents required for the children for traveling abroad is great! You have provided the required form is appreciated and made more convinient.
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There are many types of treks in Nepal, ranging from relaxed easy
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You can find great local food restaurants with great service and good prices, for instance in Jaffa their are great fish and seafood restaurants, and you can not visit Israel with trying humus.
Maybe next time….
looking for single parent or one-parent authorization form letter
Visited parkmall today. Out of Africa BBQ and Steakhouse is on soft opening. This is my report! Details come from the manager and owners who gave me a tour….it is like a museum!
The restaurant is amazing, animal heads, African paintings and sculptures. There is a African Safari Lodge upstairs that is not yet finished, since they are on soft opening. An original 100 year old bar from South Africa and separate antique wine rack.
They have a Father's Day special of CROCODILE. The ownertold me that they would have Ostrich, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Turtle, Deer, Lamb, Venison, Goat, Iguana and other exotic meats after their grand opening in July of 2009.
The chef was trained by two of the Out of Africa Group chefs from South Africa. I met Mike who is the on site consultant from South Africa, watching over the menu and operations. He said there is another Out of Africa Fastfood Franchise under construction elsewhere in Cebu.
Also an Out of Africa Sports Bar is being located near J.Y.
So this is great, a major international franchise has come to Cebu first, before Manila!
The manager told me that they tested the menu for 6 months in Cebu, before opening the first franchise and their flagship restaurant in the Philippines of Out of Africa BBQ and Steakhouse in Parkmall.
The crocodile was great!
intp
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Hi PatSea, sorry to be getting back to you so late! As a matter of fact, I did go to the plate boundry, it was incredible, very cool and slightly scary! I was able to do both the Golden Circle tour and the plate boundry area in only two days, so you should be fine! Iceland was amazing, and two days is really all you need to see the major geological sites!
This was really an informative article. I enjoyed reading it a lot. Here is a site that I think will be of great interest to the readers http://www.aardvarktravelcentre.co.za . Keep up the great work!
This was really an informative article. I enjoyed reading it a lot. Here is a site that I think will be of great interest to the readers http://www.aardvarktravelcentre.co.za . Keep up the great work!
nice information…and photos are interesting
Maybe discuss with children what sort of attractions or venues that they would like to specifically visit. Visit/research online tourist/city web sites and engage with the the site and children, as to what is relevant or of interest to them for later visits.
This might generate incentives for them (and perhaps all) to look foward to. This may reduce any chance of them trying to wander off (or pester you), without your knowledge, to try find a nearby venue to the hotel, for their satisfaction/entertainment. Then parents can arrange for visits for their children, or ideally for the whole family to their chosen attractions or venues.
I simply love the Sheraton Universal for a weekend getaway with my family. So close to everything and in the heart of Hollywood. For us it is the perfect choice for family travel. My kids love the Ultimate Star Burger bar. Building your own burger with all those great topping choices. What fun!
This just made my day that much brighter. Thanks a million. Something else I stumbled across was this http://www.journeyintoafrica.co.za . Take a look! Keep up the great work!
I got unbelievable rate through room savers coupon yesterday night in Hollis Maine which was even less than 50% pf normal rate.
Does anyone out there recommend the Four Seasons Maui for teenagers or should we go next door to the Grand Wailea?
There are lots of ways to have fun without cost. Fun without cost is something that many of us used to have when we were children – times when laughter was easy, we didn't worry about personal loans or what many other people thought. Even going to the movies has become an expensive proposition, but there are ways to have fun without spending money. Like cooking food in dinner to be share with the family together instead of eating in the restaurant. Also, going to beach together. Cheap and affordable beaches can be your destination for a summer vacation.
I didn't really like the Poble Espanol because it was pretty touristy but the kids kind of liked it. DOn't miss Parc Guell, it's the best of all the Gaudi attractions for children as it's outside and a real park with crazy architecture and elements. Kids like the cable car ride to Montjuic too – be sure to get an ice cream at when you unload – you can get a cone that loads three scoops across on a super wide cone.
If you are planning on visiting our beautiful country and would like to participate in a fun activity. Please visit http://www.CebuSportFishing.com and read about the low price sport fishing charters we have available.
We also have ties with the local resorts and travel agencies and can recommend a great place for you to stay.
Feel free to e-mail us at sales@cebusportfishing.com should you need assistance or require information about cebu.
Rob
http://www.FilipinoAngler.com