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    San Francisco Zoo

    3.4 (1.8k reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Deanna L.

    I'm in shock that I completely missed the pathways that brings you up and personal with all the Giraffes and Zebras. I always see them from the entrance and only noticed people standing much much closer recently. At first I thought it was a paid tour until I noticed a hidden pathway towards the right side after entering the zoo. I absolutely enjoyed watching the Giraffes getting fed 5 feet away. The zoo was feels bigger with each visit.

    Aliza J.

    We visited the insect zoo first thing again, and just like our last visit, it ended up being the highlight of the day for my 3-year-old. He was absolutely fascinated by all the different insects on display. We spent quite a while inside the exhibit as he carefully looked at everything and even took time to read some of the books available. It's such a fun and educational experience for little ones. On our way there, we were excited to finally spot the red panda, which we didn't get to see during our previous visit. After that, we wandered around the zoo and visited some of our favorite animals, including the zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and lemurs. Every visit to the San Francisco Zoo offers something different, and it's always a wonderful place for families to explore, learn, and make new memories. We'll definitely be back again!

    Black Bears
    Jean S.

    San Francisco Zoo has been around for decades and is the best zoo in NorCal. It's located all the way down Sloat Blvd, close by the ocean. Just like most of outer sunset, you can expect many cold and cloudy days. They are open 10am-5pm, year round. We came recently on a cloudy and rainy day and it was not crowded at all. I don't know if it was the rain, but most of the animals were pretty active that day, which was pretty cool. Watching the giraffes eating when we first got there was pretty nice. Our favorite exhibit was the penguin exhibit on penguin island, especially because we came for the penguin feeding. It was so cute watching the penguins eating their fish, hiding in their island dome, and swimming around the island. Another favorite were the black bears because they were very active, running around their enclosure, going swimming, climbing the walls, and playing with each other. The aviaries, insect zoo, flamingos, lions, and kangaroos were nice to see also. The SF Zoo is a pretty good size so you'll need a map and you'll get plenty of steps in if you walk all of it. We had a good time, even though some areas were closed and some animals weren't home.

    Monkey came out to play!
    Mabel H.

    First time at SF zoo! We visited during Easter weekend so we expected it to be crowded, but it didn't feel that way inside since the grounds are VAST. Everything is pretty spread out, so we never waited long to see exhibits up close. I'm sure the cafe is a different story, but we brought a lot of snacks thanks to the recommendation of another reviewer and we skipped the cafe to get a late lunch after our visit! Parking was full when we arrived around 11:40am, but the folks who arrived upon opening at 9:30am were starting to leave! We found parking within 10 minutes even with other driver vultures lol When you walk in, you get the gift shop/restrooms/nice view of the giraffes and ostriches before you even buy/scan your ticket! The prices vary depending on if you're an SF resident, military, senior citizen or person with disabilities, but general admission is $31/adult and $22/child (ages 2-11). I personally think the prices are fair for zoo upkeep. We came on a 79 degree day, which is quite hot for the Ocean Beach area that's typically foggy. As such, I wasn't disappointed to see animals sleeping or hiding from the heat. My daughter was more interested in people watching than looking for animals, so maybe that's also why I had a great trip :P Got no complaints from her! The Rainforest exhibit is purposefully warmer to accommodate its creatures and it's one enclosed room with a lot of people, so expect to sweat lol. As with any sunny outing, bring hats/sunglasses/sunscreen! There is shade and plenty of places to rest (including a fun play area for kids with 3 playgrounds), but the sun is still the sun. Not as many places with AC to rest though. I think some research before visiting helps plan out your day better if you're aiming to see or do certain things! Their website is an excellent resource for their event calendar, feeding times, and talks schedule. If we lived closer, I would be interested in the zoo camp they offer for kids kindergarten and up!

    6/2026- zebras
    Tzarina W.

    Opened at 10am on Sunday with a group of 9. All sorts of animals such as zebras, giraffes, ostriches, penguins, flamingos, bears (which I heard someone say "when you see black bears fight back and brown bears lay down." Haha), insects, a rain forest area, and a petting area for goats. Today was the celebration of 97 years that the zoo has been there. By the playground area they had bubbles and "decorating" cake stickers and free birthday cake dip and dot ice cream. A good 5 hours were spent at the zoo. There are a few food areas to get things like pizza, pretzels, cotton candy and drinks. A virtual reality of 12 seats were available to watch one of the 3 movie selections for $9. A train ride is available for $9 as well. And as always a gift shop towards the end of the exit.

    Annie X.

    This is a very big Zoo. But you'll be lucky to see all the animals. They're either sleeping or being cared for. Food here are just snacks, so eat before you come or bring your own snacks. Wished we got to see more!

    Kimberly P.

    Parking was sparse, but found one of the last spots around 10:30 am, get there early! The animals and sanctuaries were well cared for. The zoo was clean. A handful of exhibits were empty. We were bummed we didn't see elephants or hippos, but know we can't see them all every time. We'll be back soon, and hope to see more then.

    My kids watching the giraffes while they're eating 7/23/26
    Marie Y.

    1 star review to the snooty asian girl manning the membership office yesterday around 4:30PM when I paid to exit the parking. My 3 year old daughter says hi to her and she flatly ignored her as if she didn't hear anything. How can you ignore a child just trying to say hello to stranger when shes right infront of you? Girl, you dont deserve to sit in the front office because clearly you are not happy with your job, so quit!! My blood was literally boiling yesterday because of this unfriendly customer service wannabe. I didnt catch her name but management should be aware of who she is, i went there 7/23 and she was the one in the membership office before you exit infront of the gift shop around 4-4:30PM. Apart from that c*nt manning the office, we had a very good experience.

    Nathalie T.

    We came On a weekday at noon and there were hardly any people. It was so nice to walk around and enjoy without a crowd (not sure if it gets too crowded on weekends). ALL the staff were so kind from the tickets to entrance to friendly faces we saw around the space. That was definitely a highlight.

    Dog Days at the Zoo! SF residents - adult: $26, dog: $22. Zoo will select dog(s) who can attend in advance.
    Cherylynn N.

    Why I love the city? As a city with more dogs than kids, the city is incredibly dog-friendly.... Where else can you bring your dog to the zoo so they can enjoy all the sights and smells? And, enjoy the "smells" Tater Tot did...THE funk was like euphoria to him. Dog Days at the SF Zoo is an event on designated dates where well-behaved dogs are allowed with advanced ticket purchase. When I visited, I had to submit a form, wait for an email letting me know that I was selected, and provided a link to purchase a ticket. The process has since changed. * Occurs twice a month, usually on Thursdays. * Advanced ticket is required and is first come, first serve (you no longer have to submit a form). * Dog ticket is $22 and one adult ticket is required per dog (general: $29, SF residents: $26) * Time slots: 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm. * Fifteen dogs are allowed at each timeslot. * You'll be provided with a map of areas dogs are allowed and not allowed. * Leaping Lemur Café has three food stations (Burgers, hot dog, ramen, pizza, and more). Dog-friendly outdoor seating. * Parking: $11 on weekdays. We parked on Sloat and walked over. It's free with no time limit. It took about 2 hours to walk through the entire zoo. Most dog parents came prepared with dogs in strollers or a cart. (+) SF Resident Free Day is once a month. Check the SF Zoo calendar. (+) Zoo employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and informative. (+) The red panda, koala bear, prairie dogs, and meerkats were my favs. (+) You can bring your own food and drinks. (+) Huge play area with three different zones based on age group (6 months to 12 years old). (+) Plenty of restrooms throughout the zoo. (-) Outdated and dilapidated looking enclosures. I haven't been to the SF Zoo since middle school (yeeaaaars ago) and it still looks the same. (-) About 40%-50% of exhibits were empty (no camel, lion, orangutan, chimpanzee, bongo, wolves, leopard, gorilla, wolverine, etc). (-) The solitary animals looked SO sad esp the rhino. (-) Petting zoo was closed. (-) Little Puffer Steam Train was not running. Overall, while I'm not a fan of zoos in general, the state of the SF Zoo has become hella depressing to see as an adult. IMO, it needs a complete overhaul and renovation. But, my dog LOVED the experience - it provided unique enrichment opportunities and tons of mental stimulation. To him, it beats booty sniffs!

    Statues of animals
    Ashley S.

    Great Zoo! Lots of animals. We loved seeing the flamingos, snow leopard, orangutans, giraffes, zebras. They have an insect house with beetles, and spiders and roaches! Once you are done walking the zoo they have a huge playground that has space for littles, toddlers and bigger kids to play to.reall make sure they take that nap in the car ride home haha! Merry Go Round was $4 a person and a fun experience too.

    Entrance
    John M.

    San Francisco Zoo is a fun and family-friendly place with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful coastal setting. Visitors especially enjoy seeing the giraffes, penguins, gorillas, and other animals up close, while kids love the playground, steam train, and carousel. The zoo is spacious, easy to walk around, and great for spending a few hours outdoors. Many guests mention that the staff and volunteers are friendly and informative, and the ocean-side location gives the zoo a unique and peaceful vibe compared to larger zoos. Weekdays are usually less crowded and make for a more enjoyable visit. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that some exhibits may be under renovation or temporarily empty, and ticket plus parking prices can feel a little expensive. A few visitors also feel certain areas could use modernization and better upkeep.

    Chillin gorilla
    Ashley Q.

    4 stars just for grounds being clean. Having recycle bins and foam antibacterial gel at most trash cans. Upon entry, look to your right and you immediately feel like you are on a safari in Zimbabwe. Simply stunning. 2 stars for the virtual pod station because the girl working was snarky. She was of Asian descent if anyone cares to look at schedule on Wed. Around 4 pm. ($9 extra to ride). Absolutely needs to be moved to a non hospitality position. Everything is from your phone. download, enter all (and I mean all) info and cc to pay for tickets. No other options available. Bye bye are the days of paying with a human being. And she was of no help... with her attitude. Ugh. My grandude did love the 7 minute virtual Whale movie. There are 4 choices to choose from. The one thing I want to mention is how deeply sad I felt for the larger animals. Silverback gorilla, bears, rhino, lions, etc. all seemed deeply sad and just sat there looking bored :( especially those like the big bird from Australia that was alone... made my heart sink. I know that a lot of animals are rescued.. but at this point.. I think they might be better off living their best life in their natural habitat. The giraffes & penguins seemed happy...but that was about it. I'm being serious. The wolves just going around on their small trail doing nothing... they need to hunt!! The play area was epic. The carousel was nice but again... bored attitude-y employee. $4 extra. bathrooms too far & in between. Nothing new there. About 3-4 exhibits had nothing. I'm so glad we went on a Wednesday... it wasn't busy at all. Parking $13... not too bad. Most of the car chargers were broken. 2 out of maybe 10 were working according to security. need to get those fixed. But the good news... close parking for EV's. But very limited. You definitely need to do this trip. take snacks and water... they don't check your bags. Have fun!

    Benzi the camel

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    San Francisco Zoo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - San Francisco Zoo

    How much at the gate does it cost?

    31 dollars

    Can you bring your own food inside the zoo?

    Yes

    Went to this zoo recently. Where is the tigers and elephants!?

    Elephants haven't been there in forever. Tigers got removed after one escaped and attacked 3 teenage boys.

    Do you offer a discount for WIC cards or medical cards?

    Yes for WIC and EBT, no for Medi-cal, it's on their website when you search for how much tickets cost

    Do I need to buy tickets online or can I purchase at the gate?

    You can purchase them at the gate

    Are ALL of the animals rescued or just some? If just some, what percent are rescued?

    Some

    Can you bring your dog?

    No, I haven't seen any dogs in the zoo.

    What's the 2021 parking rate?

    Hi John The info can be found on their website:… 

    Is the polar bear still there?

    Sadly, no. Uulu, their last polar bear, died of old age almost 3 years ago now. She was 36, though. So well past the age that they live to in the wild.

    This question is for nursing mothers. Are there any designated nursing lounges? If not, any tips on a quiet and preferably indoor location to breastfeed? Thanks!

    Yes, I took a picture on Yelp with a private room area for nursing moms. It's right by the female restroom by the playground area.

    Do SF Zoo Members receive free parking each time they come?

    Only if it's included in your membership so depends on which package you purchased.

    Do SF Zoo members get free parking?

    Parking costs money if you park in their lot. $11 weekdays, $13 weekends. If you park on Sloat Ave, it's free, but that's first come first serve and you may end up with a hike over to the zoo entrance. Reference:… 

    We are going this weekend and wondered if you are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks and also if wagons are allowed?

    Yes to all. They don't check your bags going in. Just make sure to get there like 10 mins early by 10am for parking. You can bring your own wagon...a lot of people do.

    Can you bring a kids wagon to carry them around in, into the zoo?

    Yes

    How much is entrance fee?

    $23 adults, $17 kids, various discounts, park in the neighborhood north of zoo to avoid large fee.

    Is there any attractions where you can feed some of the animals? If so, which ones and cost for it?

    Recently on weekend at the giraffe exhibit, you can pay $5 to feed a lettuce leaf to a giraffe - but it's super fast so you don't get to linger. Just long enough for the giraffe to slurp up the lettuce and snap a quick pic.

    What exhibits are currently closed or under construction at the moment 4/11/19?

    The Komodo dragon died.

    Is the zoo free on Wednesdays for children and adults?

    First Wednesday of month

    Do they have dolphins show there? Anyone have any recommendation where's around Bay Area we can see dolphins show? My son been asking to see dolphins 🐬. 🙏🏻 thanks

    I would recommend Monterey Bay Aquarium or Bay Aquarium by the Pier 39.

    Can anyone tell me how much parking typically is ? Thank you.

    I think it was $12 for the day

    View All 30 Questions

    Review Highlights - San Francisco Zoo

    The SF Zoo is a pretty good size so you'll need a map and you'll get plenty of steps in if you walk all of it.

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    California Academy of Sciences

    California Academy of Sciences

    3.9
    (3.6k reviews)

    Located in the Golden Gate Park this California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is the…read moreultimate natural history museum that offers an aquarium, planetarium, as well as a 4-story rainforest ! I think it will take me a week to literally be able to go see everything !! Anazing aquarium with a Philippine Coral Reef, and was able watch feeding time of the fish in this particular aquarium!! 2 scuba divers cleaning aquarium during the presentation!!

    The California Academy of Sciences is a wonderful place to visit for all ages. It was my first time…read morethere, though others in my group had visited before. We went on a Wednesday morning during summer break. Tickets can be purchased online or in person; we bought ours on-site and there was no line. Inside, it was busy but not overcrowded, so it was still very enjoyable. Positives: - Clean and well maintained throughout. - Indoor, multi-level space that is accessible. - Convenient food court with multiple options. - Plenty of seating areas for taking short breaks. - A wide variety of exhibits and experiences. Our favorites were the Osher Rainforest and the Steinhart Aquarium. You can easily tailor your visit to be short or long depending on your pace. There is also a lot of engaging and educational information throughout the museum. Be sure to check the daily schedule posted on-site or online to learn about special exhibits and events. Negatives: The only downside was the bánh mì from the food court, which was underwhelming. Overall, I highly recommend the California Academy of Sciences. It is a great outing, especially for families with children.

    Aquarium Of The Bay

    Aquarium Of The Bay

    3.2
    (1.1k reviews)

    While the exhibits were well maintained, the aquarium itself was rather small…read more Admission was $31 for adults and there were few discounts available unless you qualified as a senior or used the Museum For All pass, which reduced admission to $5. There wasn't much foot traffic when we arrived at opening, and the employees were efficient from check in through the gift shop. We finished the entire aquarium in about 45 minutes. The entrance opened into a large tank filled with plump schools of sardines. A few additional exhibits led into the photo area. The souvenir photos came out crisp, though it was amusingly obvious that we had been photoshopped onto grainy animal backdrops. Interestingly, the path then led outdoors to the next exhibit area, guided by chalk markings on the ground. There were five species of jellyfish displayed in beautifully illuminated tanks before entering a surrounding glass tunnel featuring sharks, rays, and a variety of fish. There were occasional shark presentations, though I was disappointed there wasn't a designated seating area. Everyone awkwardly stood off to the side while trying to listen to the educational talk. Fortunately, the sharks themselves were active and impressive to watch. The final section featured a stingray touch tank. Surprisingly, there wasn't an easily accessible hand washing station immediately afterward. The turtles were active, the snakes were peacefully lounging, and although there weren't many otters, they appeared healthy, sleek, and well cared for. Ironically, the gift shop was the most well stocked with a wide variety of souvenirs. The photo package cost $35 and included a magnet. Despite what some reviews suggested, it never became crowded during our visit, so arriving near opening seems to be the best strategy. This makes for a pleasant addition to a day exploring San Francisco, especially given its convenient location near the pier. However, I wouldn't visit expecting an experience comparable to some of the country's more renowned aquariums.

    Aquarium of the Bay has some really cool exhibits, especially the underwater tunnels. Walking…read morethrough while sharks, rays, and fish swim overhead is definitely the highlight and was a big hit with my little one. That said, the overall experience felt much more chaotic than I expected. It was crowded, noisy, and difficult to move through some areas at a comfortable pace. My biggest frustration was the elevators to get up and down to the tunnel exhibits. They take FOREVER, and when you're visiting with a stroller or small children, the wait can feel endless. The staff was friendly, and I appreciated the focus on local Bay marine life, which makes it different from larger aquariums. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times. If you don't mind a busy atmosphere, the tunnels are worth seeing, but I wish the flow of the aquarium was a little smoother and less congested.

    Exploratorium

    Exploratorium

    4.4
    (1.3k reviews)

    I've been coming to the Exploratorium since I was in elementary school 40 years ago, and after all…read morethese years, I can honestly say that my love for this place has only grown deeper. I'm now a STEAM instructor myself, and I still feel the same sense of wonder every time I walk through the doors. The Exploratorium understands something incredibly important: science isn't just a collection of facts to memorize. It's something to touch, hear, build, question, experiment with, and experience. What I admire most is the institution's mission to make science tangible, accessible, and genuinely fun. The exhibits invite curiosity instead of demanding expertise, which makes them just as engaging for adults as they are for children. Every visit reminds me that science belongs to everyone. As someone who teaches kids for a living, I know how difficult it is to create experiences that are both educational and exciting. The Exploratorium has been doing exactly that for decades, and they continue to set the standard. Their educators, exhibit designers, and staff have created something truly special. San Francisco is full of iconic landmarks, but for me, the Exploratorium will always be one of the city's greatest treasures. It played a role in shaping the person I became, and I have no doubt it will continue inspiring generations of curious minds. I was a science-loving kid when I first walked in, and, thankfully, I'm still a science-loving kid now.

    We visited the Exploratorium as part of the City Pass. It was definitely a full day of exploring…read moreand was better towards the end of the day when the summer camp kids left. My kids enjoyed but we also had to take breaks in-between. Why 3 stars you ask? It's a huge space, but all of the exhibits were similar to science museums we have in So Cal. Some things were broken or not operational the day we went. Lunch offerings were super healthy which is a plus. But we liked 2/4 entrees we ordered. Priced are as expected for museums. Logistics wise, you really have to come early to secure good parking. We came an hour after opening and street + parking lots were full. If you plan to come, I say it's a deal via City Pass, but I wouldn't pay full admission prices to go.

    Children's Fairyland

    Children's Fairyland

    4.0
    (650 reviews)

    My 7-year old LOVED this place, so that alone makes it 5 stars. For me personally, I'd say 3…read morestars, when factoring in its easy location and not having to wait in lines. So let's preface this with, my daughter corresponds with her "very own fairy" (aka. me--a very involved parent who also celebrates her half birthday, commits to elaborate elf on the shelf surprises for a prolonged period each year, is her Girl Scouts troop leader, etc.). She's been asking her fairy to take her to Neverland. The fairy responded "not yet", and instead supplied what my daughter referred to as "free" tickets" (online $20/pp, or $139/annual which includes an adult and 3 kids) to Fairyland the next day. We took the Bart to 19th St Oakland from San Francisco, which was SUPER convenient (daughter loves the train, and I hate driving in traffic), thought a bit of a walk in the Oakland heat/humidity. Also the lake that it's located on, absolutely reeks of sewage--I don't understand how people purposely walk/jog along the edges; but at least you can't really smell it from Fairyland. Just walk on the upper sidewalk or across the street if you share in my disgust. You'll get plenty of cute photos. The few rides they have (4 rides total) are very cute, had no lines on a summer weekday, and only accommodate heights between 36"-54" (except for the Jolly Trolley train which is all heights though adults need to watch their heads when squeezing in and out). The height restriction is very important to know before you go, to ensure your kid isn't disappointed. Wear sunscreen. No mosquitoes, which I was concerned about given the standing lake water and humidity. There are outdoor sinks with soap and antibacterial to wash your hands periodically, which I appreciated. As expected, a high priced gift shop, though it's stocked primarily with smaller toys, so if you're roped into purchasing something it won't break the bank. The single restaurant counter is actually quite perfect! Imaginibbles serves super cute, kid friendly healthy food that is reasonably priced at ~$7/entree. Smaller portions, but in my opinion, perfect for a theme park. The reusable cup ($8, includes one refill) is color changing when cold, very sturdy for a plastic cup, and you can fill with strawberry, white peach or watermelon lemonade that isn't overly sweet. You are also allowed to bring your own food, and there were plenty of folks picnicking on the large grassy area. Attractions are definitely old (paint missing throughout), and not cleaned well. Spiderwebs galore, particularly in areas that are meant to only be looked at, such as the Alice statue that you can see through a window in the Alice in Wonderland tunnel. A quick broom sweep would do wonders! There are a number of cute smaller animals, like chickens, a bearded dragon, 2 donkeys, and a land tortoise. These areas conversely appear relatively well maintained, which is fantastic for both the animals and to keep smells minimal. There is also a pressed wood town area with a slide where the kids can run around and climb into the different buildings, which seemed to be a favorite of many kids. There is a long ~30min puppet show (daily ~11am, 2pm) that changes seasonally, and somehow manages to keep most kids' attention. Magic key ($3) is an easy souvenir (colors change each day, so theoretically you can collect them), and used to hear music/stories through various boxes around the park. Though boxes are staticky (older), and some have bolts sticking out that prevent your key from being turned and thus the stories/music to play. My daughter quickly tired of them anyway, but she loves treasures like the "magic" key, so it was money well spent. There is also a hand-crank penny presser (51 cents) in the gift shop, so bring some change. One disappointment of Fairyland, is that there are literally no "fairies" anywhere to be found. You'd think they might have a few tiny fairy houses situated out of reach, or even fairy lights in trees to simulate fairies. Overall, fun filled and worth the ticket price. Just be sure your kid is in the height range for rides!

    This place is strategically built so that there's shade everywhere on those hot summer days. Even…read morethe slides have covers over them so that the metal doesn't get too hot. It's this attention to detail that sets it apart from other amusement parks. And the food. Let's talk about the food. This is not your overpriced, cheap-quality, greasy carnival junk. It's actually healthy fruits and veggies with milk or other house-made stuff. Fun shapes, like a rocket quesadilla. Even my fussy eater wants to eat here. Do we need to talk about the rides or value? The kids come here all day and never want to leave!

    Bay Area Discovery Museum

    Bay Area Discovery Museum

    4.3
    (706 reviews)

    We haven't been here in over 10 years with our first set of two kids. Now we have another set but…read morethree toddlers! There's SO MUCH to do and the price is well worth it imo. If we didn't live so far I would absolutely purchase a membership. You can also use your day visit purchase towards a membership. I'm sure this would need to be completed within a certain amount of days, though. The museum does a fantastic job catering everything for families. Yes, I know it's a children's museum but not all museums are equal. Plenty of picnic tables to eat at, both shaded and not, benches to take a break and snack, tissue dispensers (this came in handy!), diaper backpacks supplied with all the necessities during diaper changes near bathrooms, hand sanitizers, etc. We were huge fans how the toddler play areas required shoes off or they provided shoe covers! Food is served here and is decently priced. Several outdoor playgrounds, large sandbox, little water play station, arts and crafts room, and lots of excellent play & pretend themed rooms. Huge kudos for all they have to offer because it touches on every level of imagination and creativity which is so vital for child development. Highly recommend coming here with your kiddos. Plenty to do for all ages!

    Took our grandkids, boy aged 5 and girl aged 3 1/2. This was our first time at the Bay Area…read moreDiscovery Museum. When we first entered after checking-in, the kids seemed a little apprehensive and unsure of this new adventure they were about to embark on. However, after about 10 minutes getting acquainted with all the hands-on activities they had access to, they settled right in. Touching, jumping, climbing, drawing, running, exploring! It was a lot of fun to watch them figure everything out. It was great for us adults too because for the most part, each section/activity is easy to monitor the kids from without having to necessarily get in on the action with them, although you could and we did. The favorite on this day for the kids was the mud kitchen! Look for the aprons....we didn't notice them until 1/2 way through their time playing in there and by then they were pretty dirty . They have a cafe there with a good selection of food (lunch and breakfast/all day!). We ordered the pizza and later some ice cream. You can also bring your own food if you prefer. We waited about 10 minutes for a table during the lunch hour. Ample free parking!

    Tilden Regional Park Little Farm

    Tilden Regional Park Little Farm

    4.7
    (316 reviews)

    I absolutely love this farm!…read more I went for the first time at the beginning of the summer, and I've been back two more times since then! It's a great place to go with your kids, by yourself, or for small meetups. One of the reasons I enjoy this farm is that it's FREE, including parking. We were a bit bummed when we went as a group and saw that feeding the animals is no longer an option, but that information is posted on the website, so I'm not going to fault them for something we didn't double-check. You can brush the goats, so if you're hoping for your little ones to have a close interaction, that's always an option. It's a small farm, so you can walk through it pretty quickly, but there's so much space surrounding the farm that I would honestly plan to bring a blanket if the weather permits and have a picnic. They also have a park, and I would recommend checking out the building. I can't remember the name... I think it's the Nature Area? But they have some cool stuff inside.

    It's exactly what they call it, a "little farm" but perfect for the toddlers and younger kids!…read more We wanted to get the kids out of the house and do something that didn't require spending a lot of money and what better then free? It took us 30 minutes to wrap around the whole farm, we visited previously with my son's school on a field trip and it did seem like there were less animals. Same kinds, just less in general. The cows were being washed by what I think were volunteers (younger kids) so my kids didn't really get to see them up close which was the part they were most excited about so it was a bit of a bummer. The goats were uninterested so brushing wasn't an option since they were so far back Chickens and bunnies mind their own business but super cute to look at. Overall, the animals don't seem to care much about the people and keep their distance OR we happen to come on a bad day and they were overwhelmed with all the volunteers (I sure was) I check the website so I totally knew and understand about feeding the animals not being a thing anymore (so I don't get how people blame the farm when it's a quick search to check) BUT they should consider closing or posting a notice when having younger volunteers at the farm learning and taking up all the space and animals. We genuinely didn't get to enjoy them at all because the kids inside the enclosure with them keeping them farther away or just busy in general. Well possibly come back again before summer is up and hope the animals are a bit more active/social lol

    Conservatory of Flowers

    Conservatory of Flowers

    4.4
    (715 reviews)

    (Late post) How lovely to see Scarlet as she begins to…read morebloom. Despite what people say about the smell, I honestly did not smell anything unpleasant. It was a spectacular sight to see, as she shows of her bloom, if only for a few days. The conservatory has some amazing flowers that changes every time I visit. The lily pond is my favorite area to visit. With the colorful lilies and reflections of the plants surrounding it, it truly is a nice tranquil area to ponder. Staff are always welcoming and how lucky are residents who get to enjoy this beautiful conservatory for free just by showing your ID. There's also the tranquil Aids memorial nearby, worth visiting.

    I used to go here the on the last days of school back when I was in elementary, so it always brings…read moreback good memories. It's a beautiful, historical place to bring your loved ones with to enjoy the nature together. Or you can just bring yourself and peacefully stroll and observe. There's a relaxed ambiance inside with all the sounds of nature, but turns out they're just speakers. And, in certain areas, it gets pretty warm because I mean... it is a greenhouse... so make sure you can withstand the heat. There were a lot of people hanging outside on the grass playing with their dogs or having a nice picnic. And the interior was not the only thing that was beautiful, the outside area was also a sight to see. An amazing sculpture and flowers blooming. And as a high school student in San Francisco, I just showed them my school ID and got in for free! :D It's such a fun experience and it's definitely a lifelong experience for me. If you love botany and flowers, please visit!!!

    San Francisco Zoo - zoos - Updated August 2026

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