In the last few months, I have had several friends with their families that have come out to the San Francisco Bay Area for various reasons. With the Bay Area being as big as it is, it can be overwhelming to figure where the kiddo “hot spots” are. So, if anyone is heading up this way, here are some of our favorite hot spots:
California Academy of Sciences: It is huge place and one could spend days here. It houses a natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, rainforest dome (a must see) and a living roof.
Bay Area Discovery Museum : It is an indoor and outdoor children’s museum at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. All of the activities, which include an art studio, discovery hall, lookout cove, tot spot and wave and wind area, are all hands-on, child-led exploration and discovery. While this place is hours and hours of fun for the little ones, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge is spectacular for parents.
Oakland Zoo : A fantastic outdoor space to talk your kiddos on a long walk while enjoying hundreds of animals. We are very excited for the “Native Californian” animal exhibit to open!
Monterey Bay Aquarium The Aquarium is little bit of a drive from San Francisco but situated right on the coastline. It holds thousands of plants and animals, representing 623 separate named species on display as well as pumping in a high circulation of fresh ocean water right from the Bay. Our favorite areas include the sea otters, jelly fish, sun fish and shark tank and as always the penguins. My little guy is usually starving by the time we leave so we immediately head out to El Torito where we catch a seat by the window and can catch sea otters and dolphins playing in the ocean. This aquarium cant be beat!
For anyone traveling this way and looking for more kid-friendly activities, restaurants, hotels, etc…comment and I will try to do my best to point you in the right direction! Happy Travels!
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Fairyland and steam train (both in Oakland) are also great. And don’t forget to catch a performance by Bay Area Children’s Theatre!