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Family travel: Spring trip to San Francisco

San Francisco ranks among one of the top tourist destinations in the world. This financial capital is home to many sights and sounds that draws visitors from far and wide. Known for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown, San Francisco has an eclectic mix of people spanning many races. Despite being a city, it is home to many green spaces with parks, dotting neighborhoods and sandy beaches on its shores. What sets the city apart from many others is its kids-friendly atmosphere. A perfect place for a family visit, San Francisco has much to offer.

Why visit

Compared to other cosmopolitan cities, San Francisco isn’t as intimidating. The buildings aren’t that tall and the area isn’t as large which makes the children feel more comfortable. There are also many things to do and places to see which are appropriate for children. Street performers, ferry rides, zoo and museum trips are some of them.

What to see

1. California Academy of Sciences/Golden Gate Park

A combination of a planetarium, aquarium, natural history museum and even a rainforest, the California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park, is perfect for getting in some learning for your kids. The building contains four stories of animal habitats, each with its own unique touch. Children can witness the marvels of animal life as the academy is home to a staggering 40,000 life forms. Pay a visit to the rest of the park as well and take in the tranquility of the artificial lakes and rose gardens.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf/Pier 39

One of the most visited spots in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf speaks of the old world charm. Take your kids to see the SS. Jeremiah O’Brien, a still functional Liberty Ship used during World War II. The wharf also houses a wax museum that features personalities from far and wide. The Chamber of Horrors is especially sought after and is suitable for slightly older children.

Visit Pier 39 to witness street performers and musicians. The pier is also home to the Aquarium of the Bay which features more than 20,000 aquatic animals.

3. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum

If your children are big fans of all strange things, take them to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. They’ll get a kick out of the new interactive exhibits as well as hands-on displays. With 18 themed galleries, you’ll have a hard time getting your kids to leave.

4. Alcatraz

Take the ferry to Alcatraz Island National Park and learn about historical happenings. Most suitable for older children, visitors will be taken on a tour to the lesser seen areas and can also listen to the original audio footage of former inmates and guards. Pay a visit to the bookstores and check out the museum displays as well. Incidentally, the park sees nesting seabirds like cormorants and snowy egrets.

Don’t miss

1. Cable car ride

Cable cars offer kids a thrilling experience to witness the landscape from a near bird’s-eye view. Visitors can choose from three routes. The Powell- Hyde and Powell-Mason lines both begin from the Powell/Market turntable, while the former ends near Fisherman’s Wharf, the latter stops at the Aquatic Park. California Street is the third line which goes over the Financial District and Chinatown, finally stopping at Van Ness Avenue.

2. Children’s Creativity Museum

This exclusive children’s museum has studios and fun labs. Kids can interact with the staff as well as take part in DIY projects with their families. What’s great about the museum is that it encourages children to use their imaginations and create concepts. Explore the many labs and studios on-site like the Imagination Lab, Animation Studio, Innovation Lab and Design Studio.

3. Children’s Garden at Yerba Buena Gardens

The rooftop of the Yerba Buena Gardens has a children’s playground with many fun activities. There is a tube slide, a sand circle, a xylophone and a play stream where kids can go wild. It also houses the Zeum Carousel which was hand carved back in 1906. Restored in 1988, it is open daily. The gardens also accommodates a child-sized labyrinth made out of hedges, modeled along the lines of ancient mazes found in castles of the past.

Budget

The cost of a trip to San Francisco largely depends on whether you plan to stay in upscale hotels or budget accommodations and how long you plan on staying. Rent a room at a moderately cheap hotel, take the bus to get around and look for discounts for those fun activities and you won’t end up spending a fortune.

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