San Francisco is many things. One of the most European cities in America. One of the food and wine centers of the world. One of the most diverse cities in terms of people, income and political persuasions. All true. What San Francisco isn’t known for, is being the most kid friendly city in the world.
After starting my wine business, I ended up living only a short BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit, it’s our version of the Subway) ride away from San Francisco. We’ve felt lucky to be able to enjoy the city year around, much of the time without needing a car and I thought that you might enjoy learning a bit about San Francisco with kids, in this space.
Golden Gate Park:
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| Golden Gate Park Source: Ted Van Huisen, cc-by-3.0, flickr |
Golden Gate Park is a personal favorite for two reasons, well maybe three. First, the Koret Children’s Corner is America’s first public playground and has been recently refinished with new play structures, swings and much more. There’s also a 60 foot cement slide down the side of a hill, so it is fairly easy to entertain larger kids, remember your own cardboard box though. Golden Gate Park is also home to any number of museums, although kids tend to love the Academy of Sciences. One part aquarium (the best one in the Bay Area) and one part science center, it’s pretty easy to kill half a day here without feeling like you’re walking a million miles in the process. Lastly, Golden Gate Park is relatively close to a neighborhood called Cole Valley. It’s in many ways the quintessential San Francisco neighborhood, row homes and 6 story and under condo developments abound, as well as good food. Our favorite is The Ice Cream Bar, an old time soda fountain, ice cream shop and sandwich joint all in one. If you’re lucky, you’ll run into the flock of wild parrots which call the neighborhood home on your way to lunch.
The Embarcadero:
My son has learned to ride his bike, largely on our street, but also along the Embarcadero. No matter what you and your kids are looking to do in San Francisco, you can likely find it along the 10+ miles of the Embarcadero. From Pier 39 and Boudin Bakery on one end to the world famous Exploratorium (a hands on science museum perfect for kids between 4 and 8) and TCHO chocolate’s tasting room, there is a little bit for everyone. Parks for little kids can be difficult to find in San Francisco, one of the best spots is adjacent to ATT Park, where you’ll find a diverse group of families almost all local to the city itself. ATT Park also opens its play areas (slides included) to kids for free on weekends during the off season and certain away games during the baseball season. Have a look at the schedule, it’s a nice way to kill a bit of time as well. There generally isn’t food served on off times, but there are a number of interesting and cheap eats directly next door to the stadium.
About Author:
Mark Aselstine is the owner of Uncorked Ventures, a San Francisco based wine club and gift basket business. He enjoys spending time with family and exploring his adopted home of the city by the bay.
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