5 Things to Do for San Francisco Transplant Families
When many families are about to move into the San Francisco area, they start with some of the same questions: What are the schools like? Are there a lot of other children? Will there be a lot of opportunities for my family here? While we are biased, we truly do believe that San Francisco is one of the best places to raise your children because of all of the opportunities presented to us all. Children are encouraged to be themselves and to learn and explore.
There are dozens of attractions and places for you to take your children. There are even more community groups that you can get involved in – from community theater productions to sports teams.
Simply put, San Francisco is one of the best places to raise your children. If you are looking for specific reasons, here are our favorites:
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Bay Area Discovery Museum
Note that you do have to cross the Golden Gate to get to this children’s museum, but that doesn’t make it any less special. For children up to ten years old, there are few activities that will allow them to learn and just be kids at the same time. The Bay Area Discovery Museum has many hands-on activities that are curtailed to children with many tactile and sensory experiences that they won’t soon forget. Make sure to dress your children in clothes that can get a little dirty, especially it is warm enough to participate in outdoor experiences.
The most popular attractions here? Lookout Cove, an outdoor play area that has shipwrecks, gravel pits, spider web playstations, and tide pools.
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Castro Theatre
For something that is for families of all sizes and ages, the Castro Theatre checks all of the boxes. Adults and teens love the shops, restaurants, and people watching.
Still, the old school feel makes it a fun place to take younger children to as well, especially when movies are playing. There are tons of singalongs, classics, and fun little movies that you haven’t had the chance to see in theaters since you were young. Teach your children about the true movie classics.
Once you’re done, work off some of that popcorn and candy at the cute playground right nearby at the Eureka Valley Recreation Center.
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Children’s Creativity Museum
Another favorite, the Children’s Creativity Museum teaches children all about the arts and how to have fun while appreciating art. This isn’t a place for children to stare at a Picasso painting and then have nightmares. Instead, it allows children to make their own art, whether that is a clay motion animation, a music video, or finger painting with glitter. There are elements of math, science, and even history woven throughout each part of the museum.
Plus, no one will tell if you have a little fun as well.
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Dolores Park Playground
This is a somewhat unknown playground between the Castro and Mission, meaning it won’t be too overcrowded just yet. A lot of local families make this a weekly retreat to slide down the 38-foot mega slide, jump on the rocks, or play with the wooden boats. You’ll see people from all over just relaxing and having a good time.
For parents, it is a great place to take in some killer views of the city and to catch up on the latest gossip. And don’t forget to check out Bi-Rite Creamery for a tasty treat on a hot afternoon.
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House of Air
Since we do get weather in San Francisco, a great indoor option that will let off some steam is the trampoline park in Crissy Field. Great for all ages, families can jump around on absolutely massive trampolines, play trampoline dodgeball, practice flips, or even catch Olympic hopefuls showing off their routines.
No matter what you do here, you will work up a sweat, burn some calories, and have some tired kids on the ride home.
San Francisco is a fantastic place to grow up. There are many opportunities here that you just can’t find anywhere else. If you are thinking about moving your family here, contact us for help finding the perfect house that can hold a lifetime of fantastic memories.