SF Public Library Children’s Center
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco CA 94102-4733
(415) 557-4400
(415) 557-4433 (TTY)
Each branch offers storytelling sessions. Check out the SF public library calendar for these events.
SFKids.org
For San Francisco families with children. Use the Family Pass to enjoy free admission to 18 participating attractions. SFkids.org, San Francisco's Official Family Resource Guide, is a collaboration between the City & County of San Francisco's Department of Children, Youth & Their Families and the non-profit organization GoKid.org. Its mission is to be a dynamic information resource for all San Francisco families with children, from a parent perspective.
The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department
Offers programs in neighborhood parks and playgrounds.
Yerba Buena
Located in downtown San Francisco, it features an ice skating rink and bowling center and interactive museum called Zeum.
Randall Junior Museum
199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: (415) 554-9600
Fax: (415) 554-9609
E-mail: [email protected]
Live animals and petting corral exhibits, after-school workshops in lapidary, chemistry, ceramics, woodworking, and animal care. Free!
Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 474-1887
Features displays of cable cars, historic photographs, and videos as well as a gift shop.
The Fire Department Museum
655 Presidio Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94115-2424
415-563-4630
Displays the City's first fire engine, along with other memorabilia.
Exploratorium
at the Palace of Fine Arts 3601 Lyon Street
(415) 561-0360
Wonderful museum that features hands-on exhibits in science, technology, and human perception. Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.
The Children's Zoo
1 Zoo Road, San Francisco, CA. 94132
(415) 753-7080
In addition to the regular exhibit, it features barnyard animals to feed, pet, and touch. Also, there is an insect zoo with live tarantulas, scorpions, and observation beehive exhibits. Consider membership if you plan to go more than twice a year. Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.
Note: SF residents receive discounted rates. Please bring California Driver’s License or I.D.
The American Gymnastics Club
2520 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 731-1400
Has existed since 1981 and has a very good reputation. It offers programs for tots (ages 2-5) and for boys and girls (ages 5-17).
Cameron House
920 Sacramento Street
(415) 781-0401
Asian, faith-based community organization offering summer camp (6 weeks) for grades 1-8, with games, songs, cookouts, and crafts, overnight trips for 5th-8th graders, and assistance to youth, adults and families throughout the year. Most activities are held in Golden Gate Park.
Children's Art Center
Fort Mason, Building C
(415) 771-0292
Art classes for children
Millberry Union Fitness Center
500 Parnassus Avenue
(415) 476-1115
Offers swimming lessons for children. Check on sign up dates and get ready to line up very early in the morning in order to get a space.
Toys and Clothing
For great ads and ideas, check out the Parents Press, a free monthly newspaper. It is available at children’s stores or the public library.
Tuffy’s Hopscotch
3307 Sacramento Street (at Lyon)
(415) 440-7599
European shoes for children
Small Frys
4066 24th Street (at Noe)
(415) 648-3954
Good quality hip stuff for babies and toddlers.
Baby Furniture & Toys
Inexpensive furniture and toys can be found at garage sales, Craigslist.org, and local toy stores. If you are looking for something more special or with a higher educational approach, you may consider looking at one of the following:
Ambassador Toys
186 West Portal
(415) 759-8697
or Two Embarcadero Center
(415) 345-8697
Great collection of international toys.
Help for Parents
Bay Area Parent
Digital edition now available online!
UCSF Great Expectations for Women’s Health Program
415-353-2668
Information on childbirth preparation, newborn care, breast feeding, and related subjects.
Parents Place
2150 Post Street
(415) 449-1200
A Jewish faith-based place to share the joys and frustrations of parenthood. Includes a drop-in center and supervised play area. Offers parental support groups and two-hour workshops on various topics. Also has a circulating library of children's topics. Office hours: Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Bay Area Parent
Digital edition now available online!
Nickelodeon’s Parents Connect
Local guide to parenting resources, kids’ events, and family-friendly places to go. Visit the website and select your city to find out events and resources available in the Bay Area.