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Happening Now
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October 5, 12, and 26:
San Francisco 49ers.
The beloved football team has three home games during the month, taking on the Patriots, Eagles, and Seahawks. At Candlestick Park. (website) Hide details
Breakfast with Enzo.
Strengthen your vocal chords and get your singing voice in check. This weekly, family folk music sing-along features Enzo Garcia, who brings a variety of instruments with him for kids age five and younger to play. At Presidio Dance Theatre Academy. (website) Hide details
Fairy Music Farm.
It's imaginative fun for kids and adults. A 10-acre park where children's literature comes to life through rides, animals, puppet shows, and live entertainment. Your grandchildren should not miss seeing the tunnel, too! At Children's Fairyland, Oakland. (website) Hide details |
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Help With This Page
In the City Guides section, you'll find the best things to do with your grandchildren. To get started, choose a city below or select from among movies, home activities or things to do in the car. Whatever you do, have loads of fun with your grandchildren.
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| | A day here can include a hike through the Redwoods, a tour of an infamous prison, or an evening ghost hunt. We've rounded up the best things to do in quirky San Francisco so your grandchildren may leave their hearts here, too. Compiled by Phil Green | |
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22nd Street
22nd and Castro Streets
San Francisco, CA 94114
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Lombard Street is the most crooked, but 22nd Street is the steepest street in town. It's like a roller-coaster for your car. The way to drive down it, if you want to mess with your grandchild a bit, is to slow to a crawl and inch your way to the edge. It will look (and feel) like you're driving off a cliff. Wait for the screams to die down and then repeat as necessary. This is best done during the day, and during the week, when other drivers won't be annoyed by your slow speed. Don't worry, this is perfectly safe.
Info: Free
Hours: Daily 24 hours
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Planes
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A long, scenic drive around the city, the 49 Mile Drive winds its way around most of the major attractions in San Francisco. It takes you through the storied Presidio, circles Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake, through Chinatown, and to the top of Twin Peaks. Kids who don't like long trips needn't worry; there are plenty of interesting stops along the way.
Info: Free
Hours: Daily 24 hours
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Local Unique
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We don't usually like to put musical shows in these guides; the reason is simple: shows can open on Friday and then close Saturday before the matinee. Beach Blanket Babylon, on the other hand, is a local institution. It skewer spopular culture through song and dance, and updates its act every year. The show has sold out every performance for the last 32 years and the reason why is simple: It's funny, it's clever and the cast wears gigantic, ridiculously ornate hats that would make Carmen Miranda blush. Get your tickets before your trip and take the young theatre fan in your family.
Info: $25 to $78, no infants, and evening performances are for 21 and older
Hours: Show times vary
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Live Performances
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Adventure Out
Coast Highway and Crespi Drive
Pacifica, CA 94044
(800) 509-3954
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What could be more fun than learning how to catch a wave alongside your grandchildren in the Pacific Ocean? We're no experts, but we've always heard that when you catch a wave you'll be sitting on top of the world. Yes, the water's cold, but you'll have a bodysuit that should keep you warm and besides, it's supposed to be cold. The instructors are patient, friendly, and helpful, but this isn't for younger kids, and Adventure Out won't give lessons to kids 13 and younger. Surfing isn't easy, but just giving it a shot will be a memorable experience for both of you.
Info: Varies
Hours: Vary
Age: Pre-teen, Teen
Classes & Workshops
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Alcatraz
Pier 33
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 981-7625
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This famous former maximum-security federal prison (and former home to Al Capone, among others) is now a national recreational area. The prison still stands, and tours are given daily. Learn the story of the "Bird Man" of Alcatraz, and of the daring, impossible escape of 1962. You can even spend a few minutes locked in a cell with your grandchild. Because this is such a popular destination, buy tickets for the ferry to the island several days in advance.
Info: Varies by tour
Hours: Vary by season
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Attractions & Landmarks
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At one time, Angel Island, in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, was California's version of Ellis Island. For generations of immigrants, this was the point of entry. Now, it's a state park, and a beautiful one, known as the "Jewel of San Francisco Bay." The view from the island is unequaled: On a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate, the Bay, Richmond/San Rafael, San Mateo, and Dumbarton bridges. Mountain bikes are available to rent, and there are hiking trails crisscrossing the whole place. There are lovely grounds where you and your grandchildren can have a little picnic. The best way to get here from the city is to take one of the Blue and Gold Fleet's ferries, which leave from the Embarcadero just about hourly.
Info: Free, Round Trip Ferry: $15, ages 6 to 12 $9, 5 and younger free
Hours: Daily 8am to sunset, Ferry: Departure and returns from pier 39 vary
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Animals & Nature
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The Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) is a museum for children. Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from the city in what used to be an army base, the BADM is a unique and memorable museum, best for grandchildren ten and younger. "The Tot Spot," two toddler-specific playrooms set up to resemble an anthill and a pond, are so well made that the management has to to fend off older kids. Our favorite exhibit is the child-friendly shipwreck replica. [Photo Credit: Annie Ballard Photography]
Info: Adults $10, ages 1 to 17 $8, 62 and older $8, 1 and younger free
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Age: Toddler, Child
Museums & Exhibits
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Beach Chalet
1000 Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 386-8439
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Don't want to prepare the food for a picnic in Golden Gate Park? The view of the sea at this beachside eatery is incredible, especially if your grandchildren don't live near an ocean. Food is family friendly, with high-end pizza and beer. Beach Chalet is a better alternative to the more crowded, overpriced Cliff House across the street. This place is especially good for brunch, but not on weekends, as it can get crowded.
Info: Free
Hours: Vary
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Kid Friendly Eats
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Bi-Rite
3639 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 241-9760
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To call specialty grocer Bi-Rite a grocery store is technically appropriate, but doesn't capture how special it is. All the food is top-notch, gourmet stuff; organic and local when the store can get it. The staff gives out samples also: oranges, pears, persimmons, apples and all kinds of cheeses. Prices aren't low, but the quality makes up for it. This is the perfect place to buy groceries for a picnic with your grandchildren in sunny Dolores Park, just a few blocks away.
Info: Free
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 8pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Kid Friendly Eats
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This tiny restaurant, known for its creative food, is a favorite of locals, food critics, and tourists. It's one of the few restaurants in the Nation that specializes in Burmese cuisine, which is best described as a flavorful mix of Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisines. Do not come here for dinner, however. It's a small restaurant that is extremely popular and doesn't take reservations. Come here for lunch, when there will be no wait at all. The signature dishes are the unforgettable superstar noodles and the rich Samusa soup. Kids will love the sweet coconut rice but, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Info: Free
Hours: Daily 11am to 3:30pm, Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 10pm
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Kid Friendly Eats
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