In a sprawling and richly historic city like San Francisco, there’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do. But if you’re visiting with kids in tow, there are certain places you won’t want to miss and that includes Fisherman’s Wharf and nearby Alcatraz, two of the most exciting and family-friendly places in SF.
Fisherman’s Wharf is home to the highest concentration of activities for families of any place in the city. That includes museums dedicated to everything from vintage arcade games to cartoon art. And did I mention there’s a mirror maze to explore?
Sitting in the background, a little over a mile offshore from Fisherman’s Wharf, is the historic Alcatraz prison. And in case you’re wondering, yes, exploring a former notorious prison is indeed kid-friendly. Between the ferry ride across the bay (what kid doesn’t love boat rides?) to the Junior Ranger program, Alcatraz makes for a memorable addition to a day spent at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Read on to learn more about two of San Francisco’s top attractions and all the must-see stops — whether you’re visiting with toddlers or teens.
Fisherman’s Wharf dates back to the days of the Gold Rush, but the structures that now make up the wharf are sitting on the remnants of buildings decimated by the 1906 fire and earthquake that devastated the city. Today, the wharf is a colorful, touristy area with something for visitors of all ages.
Here are some of my favorite places to explore.
A visit to the Musée Mécanique is like a walk through history — accompanied by the occasional weird sound effects. The museum, which dates back to 1933, showcases more than 300 items collected over the years by the original owner, Edward Galland Zelinksy.
Edward began amassing his unique collection at the age of 11, and it eventually grew to include all kinds of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade artifacts.
Visitors will find everything from turn-of-the-century hand-cranked music boxes to modern video arcade games, so while little kids will love this place, teens are often interested too. And all of the items in the museum are in their original working condition.
Admission to this quirky showcase is free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It doesn’t get more family-friendly than a museum dedicated to comics and cartoons.
First opened in 1984, exhibits at The Cartoon Museum showcase everything from comic books and anime to graphic novels.There are nearly 9,000 works of art in the permanent collection, with new installations 3-4 times each year.
Depending on when you visit, you may even be able to participate in a cartooning workshop. Check the museum calendar to find out what special activities or classes may be on offer, particularly if you have a budding cartoonist in your family.
The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. Admission is free for kids 5 and under. Ages 6-12 cost $4 while students pay $6 and adults pay $10.
Another quirky, family-friendly attraction, Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze was created by Charles Magowan and features high-tech lighting and a series of mirror-lined pathways that challenge visitors to find the right way out. Even toddlers enjoy this attraction, with its colorful lighting and infinite reflections.
The maze is made up of 77 mirrors spread over 2,000 square feet and is a modern take on mirrored fun-house attractions at carnivals. Magowan’s is open every day from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and tickets, which can be purchased online in advance or in person, are $10. Children age 5 and under get in free.
A perennial kid-pleaser, Aquarium of the Bay captivates visitors with its 20,000 local sea creatures including moon jellies, sharks, bat rays and more. Located at Pier 39 and open every day except Christmas, the nonprofit aquarium is dedicated to inspiring conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed.
Daily activities here range from naturalist-led animal feedings to hands-on science experiments and even behind-the-scenes tours offering an unforgettable look at the workings of the aquarium.
Aquarium hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Tickets are $28.25 for those 13-64 years old and $20.25 for visitors 4-12. A 20% discount is available for family combo tickets when purchasing at least three tickets.
A visit to Fisherman’s Wharf would hardly be complete without popping by to see its most famous residents: the sea lions!
This boisterous colony of marine mammals can be found on Pier 39’s K-dock, where they’re typically busy sunning themselves, snoozing, or barking at each other.
Sea lions have lived on the dock for decades and paying them a visit is not only free, but it’s also endlessly entertaining and offers a unique coastal California moment for children and visitors of all ages.
It’s easy to wander Fisherman’s Wharf aimlessly and miss out on some of the hidden gems, history, and local flavors. A guided tour makes sure you don’t miss a thing, and you get personalized recommendations from a local SF expert.
One benefit of our walking tours that parents often enjoy is having a guide who can answer kids’ questions and help keep them entertained. This lets you relax and soak up the scenic surroundings while your pro guide leads your group through the exciting stops around Fisherman’s Wharf.
Your tour also includes tickets to Alcatraz, so you can visit the island after exploring the wharf.
The SkyStar observation wheel is a great way to give everyone a break from walking. The gondolas are fully enclosed, so you don’t have to worry about little ones, and the ride itself is slow and smooth, like a Ferris wheel. It’s one gondola per group, so you’ll have the cabin to yourself as well.
As you soar over 150 feet in the air, you can point out Alcatraz in the distance, spot boats moving through the bay, and help kids connect to the places they’ve already visited. The ride takes about 10 minutes, just right for families, and it’s an easy, low-stress addition to a day spent exploring Fisherman’s Wharf.
If you want to add the SkyStar onto your guided tour, we recommend our combo tour with the SkyStar, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Your ticket is good for any day during your visit, so you can always return to ride the wheel another day if more convenient.
The vibrant colors, the music, the whimsical animals — carousel rides are a beloved hallmark of childhood. And Fisherman’s Wharf is home to a particularly lovely example of this popular style of ride that’s increasingly part of a bygone era.
Made in Italy, the San Francisco Carousel is a two-story work of art that includes 1,800 twinkling LED lights and more than 30 animals that ferry passengers around.
Kids will love picking which animal to ride — not just horses but also a rabbit, panda, and several hippocampi (half horse, half fish). There are also teacups too for kids who can’t mount a steed.
Meanwhile, adults will appreciate the intricate hand-painted images on the carousel depicting San Francisco landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and even Alcatraz. As the carousel spins, traditional organ music fills the air, adding to the nostalgia.
Carousel rides are available daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Rides cost $9 per person. Children 2 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
While its reputation may be slightly intimidating, don’t let that worry you. A visit to Alcatraz isn’t dark or scary, and it’s great for kids — both entertaining and educational.
Exploring the island offers the opportunity to experience history, spot wildlife, walk through beautiful gardens, and simply enjoy the views from the middle of San Francisco Bay.
The National Park Service manages the island and prison, and, like other national parks across the United States, young visitors here can participate in the Junior Ranger program. There’s also a Junior Ranger activity book for Alcatraz Island that you can download and print before your visit. The book leads kids through a variety of activities while exploring Alcatraz, including prompting them to find certain objects and items around the island.
As mentioned above, our tour includes your ferry ticket to the island (departing from Pier 33 — where all cruises to the island depart), but if you book on your own, be sure to reserve tickets before you visit. Tickets often sell out 2-3 weeks in advance.
If you’re ready to explore Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz with kids in tow, here are some important tips to make the experience even smoother for everyone in the family.
Yes, you can board the boat to Alcatraz Island with a stroller, but there’s no specific stroller storage on board. It’s also worth noting that strollers aren’t allowed on the SEAT trams, which are the electric shuttles that meet ferries at the dock and take visitors who require mobility assistance to the cellhouse.
Yes, we offer discounted prices on kids’ tickets. If you book your ticket separately, with Alcatraz City Cruises, you can also take advantage of discounted kids’ prices.
There’s no food sold on Alcatraz Island, but the boat does have a few snacks, although they’re not cheap. Budget $6 or so for a PB&J or hot dog.
There are also lots of great food options at Fisherman’s Wharf that your guide can recommend, including sit-down restaurants, vendor stalls serving local specialties, and food trucks. You can pack a picnic and bring it with you to eat on Alcatraz Island, but picnics are limited to the dock area.
Be sure to bring some water. It’s a park, after all, and you want to stay hydrated!
You’re allowed to bring a backpack to the island, but it’s more comfortable walking around Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz if you travel light. For both destinations, I recommend bringing plenty of sunblock. California is often sunny — which is nice — but there’s not a ton of natural tree cover in this area, so sunscreen is a good idea.
You may also want to bring a jacket. It can get windy on Alcatraz, especially on the ride over.
