Sara Mauskopf
Sara Mauskopf is the co-founder and CEO of Winnie. She’s also the mom of three young children and vocal advocate for high quality child care and early education for all.
When you think of activities for children, museums — with lots of expensive, easily breakable items — aren’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there are many museums that are super family-oriented with plenty of space for kids to explore and adventure. We’ve compiled a few of our top picks for San Francisco.
This information was updated March 29, 2021 to reflect the current closures and other changes due to COVID-19. We will continue to update as things change.
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr • Open daily • 9:30 am-5 pm Monday-Saturday and 11 am-5 pm Sunday
Located inside Golden Gate Park, this science museum is a must-visit destination for all ages. For younger kids, the Early Explorers Cove has tons of hands-on activities in a safe environment. For older kids, there’s an aquarium, planetarium, natural history exhibits, and live animals — all under a living roof. Even adults will have fun here — so much fun that you’ll want to come back for a date night on Thursday night when the museum turns 21+ and serves cocktails from 6–10 pm.
COVID updates: The museum is open daily, but tickets are required and since there is limited capacity, weekends sell out quickly so plan ahead.
The Children’s Creativity Museum
221 Fourth St • Temporarily closed due to COVID
It’s easy to overlook this almost hidden gem of a children’s museum, snuggled in the scenic Yerba Buena Gardens but once you know it’s there it will soon become your family’s favorite destination. Once known as “Zeum” it was rebranded in 2011 to highlight the core mission, which is “to nurture creativity and collaboration in all children and families.” Offering hands on activities in a wide spectrum of areas, including music and animation, The Children’s Creativity Museum is the perfect place to take your 2–12 year old. This museum is also home to the beautifully restored LeRoy King Carousel and $4 will get you 2 rides on this beautiful handcrafted machine originally from 1905.
COVID updates: The museum is currently closed, but is offering lots of resources for getting creative at home.
Walt Disney Family Museum
104 Montgomery Street •Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with last gallery entry at 4pm
Where to take your Disney obsessed child when a trip Disneyland just isn’t in the books? Look no further than the Walt Disney Family Museum. Scenically located in the Presidio, this museum can help scratch that Mickey itch when nothing else will do. While it focuses on the life of Walt Disney, it also provides an in depth look at the work and art that went into not just the parks but the movies and animation. The museum typically offers daily movie screenings in their Fantasia themed theater as well as various animation and art classes for both kids and adults.
COVID changes: While there is currently one exhibit available, the entire museum plans to reopen in April 2021. Tickets will be required to be purchased in advance.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd in Sausalito Open: Wednesday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Member Hour: 9 - 10 a.m.
While not actually in San Francisco, take a quick trip to the North Bay to visit this amazing hands on museum located in Sausalito and you’ll soon find out why we included it. The open layout of this awesome museum will have your child running from station to station, lab to lab, trying out everything they can get their hands on (which is A LOT). With so much to see and do your family will never grow tired of the seemingly endless activities that are provided.
COVID updates: The Bay Area Discovery Museum is OPEN! Tickets are required and there is limited capacity so plan ahead.
The Exploratorium
Pier 15 • Currently closed due to COVID-19
The Exploratorium isn’t just one of the best children’s museum in San Francisco but arguably one of the best in the country. This is where art and science combine to create a full sensory experience for every member of your family. The Exploratorium creates an environment that will get your kids asking questions and then help to provide them with answers. The only downside to this amazing place is that because it’s so awesome it’s also very popular and can easily get crowded. However, if one exhibit is full there are plenty more to explore.
COVID updates: The Exploratorium is offering lots of virtual programming and events. Check out their virtual events calendar for more information
Randall Museum
745 Treat Ave • The Museum is currently closed due to COVID, but Café Josephine remains open Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 4pm
Focusing on the animals, plants, history and science of San Francisco, the Randall Museum offers families a wide array of exhibits, classes, and other programs. Run by the San Francisco Parks and Rec department, the museum is free and normally open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays with occasional events on the weekends.
COVID updates: The Randall Museum offers virtual workshops and their website is filled with great ideas for things to do at home.
