Kid-Friendly SF: Places to Stay, Eat and Play for All Ages
Updated: May 29, 2009
Who needs a back yard, happy meals or seasonal sports? Growing up in San Francisco means learning to appreciate our eclectic city--tiny apartments, expensive food, cold summers and all. For parents who want to treat their kids to some of life's simplest childhood pleasures while still staying true to SF, we've put together this list of kid-friendly eateries, hotels and places to play that the whole family will enjoy.
On this page:Where to Stay, Where to Eat, Where to Play.
Where to Stay
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Westin-St Francis Hotel
Read Reviews335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)
Located just steps from Union Square, this upscale hotel (and home to signature resto Michael Mina) keeps the kids happy with the Westin Kids Club, a program designed to help families plan educational and enjoyable activities and keep kids entertained. When Mom and Dad want to duck out, there's also a babysitting service referral.
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Hotel Del Sol
Read Reviews3100 Webster St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)
Kids are treated like VIPs at this brightly colored Marina district hotel that offers children's video rentals, free beach balls and sunglasses to go with the outdoor heated pool and (perhaps the best perk) complimentary fresh-baked cookies every afternoon.
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Hotel Metropolis
Read Reviews25 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)
Proximity to Union Square shopping and tourist traps make this hotel a popular overnight stay for parents, but even the kids will enjoy staying in the Urban Explorers Kids Suite. The ridiculously large family suite is $369 per night and includes space for six adults and three children, who get their own room with a blackboard wall, pint-sized furniture, bunk beds and a rubber ducky-themed bathroom.
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Hotel Tomo
Read Reviews1800 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)
Even though this Pac Heights boutique hotel isn't designed specifically for children, it's easy to see why kids dig the place: each room is decked in anime-inspired wall murals, gaming suites with PS3 and Wii access are available, and all-you-can-eat shabu shabu can be found right on the premises.
Where to Eat
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El Mansour Restaurants
Read Reviews3119 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121 (map)
Watching a middle-aged dude in khakis shake his hips alongside this Moroccan restaurant's belly dancers: not cute. Watching a four-year-old bravely twirl and giggle in the same scenario: absolutely adorable. The live entertainment at this Richmond District eatery is worth the trip alone, never mind the tajine and couscous.
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Outerlands
Write a review4001 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122 (map)
Not only does this Outer Sunset cafe look just like a tree house inside thanks to all the reclaimed wood, but the menu of soups, salads and sides are friendly for both foodies and kiddies. Plus, there's plenty of easy parking in the outer avenues, and the restaurant's near-beach location makes for a convenient post-lunch walk or sand castle project.
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Presidio Social Club
Read Reviews563 Ruger St Bldg 563 (Presidio National Park), San Francisco, CA 94129 (map)
To expand your kid's limited palate without making him suffer through an offal dinner at Incanto, plan a dinner at this decidedly American restaurant in the Presidio. Parking is plentiful, and the menu includes slightly upscale versions of national classics: brandade fish sticks with pimento ketchup, wings a la Buffalo, macaroni 'n' cheese and meatloaf.
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Taylor's Refresher
Read Reviews1 Ferry Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)
This Ferry Building staple is the sort of old school, drive-in-style diner that specializes in kid-pleasing dishes like chicken fingers and chili fries, while serving up best-in-the-bay burgers grown-up foodies will love. Add in a trip to the farmers market Tuesdays or Saturdays and you've got at least a few hours of entertainment (and a priceless view of the Bay) for all ages.
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Gialina
Read Reviews2842 Diamond St, San Francisco, CA 94131 (map)
Pizza is an obvious go-to for dinner with youngsters, but this Glen Park pizzeria turns out pies that will keep adults happy as well. Simple eaters will probably prefer the margherita or four-cheese options, but for the more adventurous, the Atomica (mushrooms, mozz, chilies and red onions) and wild nettles with Boccalone pancetta and provolone are phenomenal.
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Toy Boat Dessert Cafe
Read Reviews401 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118 (map)
Because nothing makes a person (old or young) happier than having ice cream for dinner, make a trip to this Richmond district sweet shop for colossal sundaes, cakes, retro toys and a ride on the coin-operated horse in the middle of the room. For those not in the mood for a sugar rush, there are simply, savory snacks like sandwiches and soups.
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Lilah Belle's
Write a review3801 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114 (map)
Busy moms (and dads) don't always have time to whip up something tasty and healthy for dinner, but at least in SF there's an alternative to the drive-through: this Castro take-out shop specializes in pre-packaged, ready-to-eat meals that are seasonal, low-cal, organic and pleasing to even the pickiest palate (think broccoli cheddar casserole and whole wheat pasta with turkey meatballs).
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Chenery Park
Read Reviews683 Chenery St, San Francisco, CA 94131 (map)
Tired of the embarrassment involved with taking tots to nice restaurants? Let your kids be themselves on Tuesdays at this Glen Park resto--the children's menu includes all the favorites (hot dogs, mac 'n' cheese, beef-a-roni), while parents can dine on panko-crusted catfish and dry aged sirloin. Call ahead, as a limited number of high chairs and booster seats are available.
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Joey & Eddie's
Read Reviews1652 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)
Big family gatherings call for massive quantities of food--something this North Beach Italian joint can provide with gusto. Plates of spaghetti pomodoro and shrimp scampi are big enough for three or four and hover around $25; for an even better deal, go on Monday for family pizza night, when children under 12 get a free personal pie.
Where to Play
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ATT Park
Read Reviews24 Willie Mays Plz, San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)
Baseball games are a cliche American pastime for a reason: they truly are an enjoyable family experience. Bring the kids to this stunning bay-side park and they'll be so caught up in the cotton candy, play area and Lou Seal sightings that you'll actually be able to watch a few innings of the game.
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Yerba Buena Ice Skating
Read Reviews750 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)
Few things bring as much simple pleasure as whizzing around the ice on skates for the first time, even if you end up with a few bumped knees. It's obviously most fun to do this at the Embarcadero's seasonal rink, but for year-round skating opportunities, head to this Yerba Buena Center spot (and make time to visit Zeum and take a spin on the carousel while you're there).
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Golden Gate Park--Stow Lake
Write a reviewLocated between Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy Drives., San Francisco, CA 0 (map)
One of the best outdoorsy spots in the city, this gem tucked behind the de Young in Golden Gate Park is a city-dwelling nature lover's paradise. Spend the morning walking around the lake, feeding the various ducks, having a picnic lunch at the top of the small island, and then rent a paddle boat to get a whole different perspective on the whole experience.
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California Academy of Sciences
Read Reviews55 Music Concourse Dr, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118 (map)
This amazing Golden Gate Park learning center combines planetarium, natural history museum and aquarium into one spectacularly cool building, making it the destination for an educational family-friendly afternoon. The fact that it just opened in fall 2008 at the new location means it's always packed, but well-worth the wait (and the fairly steep admission price).
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Seward Street Slides
Write a reviewSeward St at Douglass St, San Francisco, CA 94114 (map)
Parents who get nervous every time little Johnny hits the jungle gym may want to look away--cement slides are no joke. This legendary SF slide park at Seward and Douglass streets meet may not be the cleanest or safest activity but, armed with a piece of cardboard (or wax paper for the really adventurous), it certainly can be the most fun.
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Rossi Pool
Write a review600 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 (map)
City kids don't get to grow up with the lavish backyard pools of their suburban classmates, but at least they can still get in a little summer swim time at this Inner Richmond public pool. The indoor pool is available year-round for lessons, laps and recreational swimming--admission is just $1 for children under 17 (and $4 for adults).
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San Francisco Zoo
Write a review1 Zoo Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132 (map)
Obviously this slightly sad city zoo can't compare to what's available in San Diego or Atlanta, but kids are generally satisfied watching a Golden Retriever for hours, so think of the amazement they'll experience seeing their first elephant or giraffe. Just keep them out of the monkey cages--they throw poo.
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Exploratorium
Read Reviews3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)
For a learning experience that's truly hands-on, head to this science-and-art museum near the Palace of Fine Art, where you can play with robots, study earthquakes and learn about biodiversity through exhibits and activities. Adults who visited the place as kids can't imagine they'll be able to go back and have as much fun as they did then, but they always do.
