Free (or inexpensive) things to do with kids in SF
de Young Museum
Exploring SF with kids, for free
Six spots that prove fun doesn’t have to come with a price tag
Keeping kids entertained in San Francisco without spending half your paycheck? It’s possible. Whether you’re in the mood for museums, nature walks, or hands-on activities, here are six free (or super cheap) ways to explore SF with kids—without maxing out your budget.
SFMOMA
SFMOMA Family Days
151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
WHY I LOVE IT: SCULPTURE GARDEN FOR LUNCH, EXCITING NEW EXHIBITS
SFMOMA’s Free Family Days and Free Community Days mean you and your little art critics can roam 7 floors of galleries, soak up world-class exhibits, and get inspired for free. We love grabbing lunch and coffee in the sculpture garden. Just check their calendar for upcoming dates!
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
WHY I LOVE IT: AFRICAN MASKS, LUNCH IN THE GARDEN
You don’t have to splurge on a membership to enjoy the de Young. Free First Tuesdays let everyone in, and Bay Area residents get free admission every Saturday (with a valid ID). The African Art wing is unparalleled. Bonus: Golden Gate Park is right outside for post-museum picnics and energy-burning sprints.
SF Botanical Garden
1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
WHY I LOVE IT: CHILDREN’S GARDEN, DUCK POND, A PEACEFUL STROLL
Start your morning off surrounded by redwoods—for free. The SF Botanical Garden is open daily from 7:30-9am for everyone, so early risers can stroll through lush gardens before the city wakes up. Also free on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s if you need an outdoor escape from all the holiday festivities.
Fort Funston
Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
WHY I LOVE IT: BEACH, HIKING, DOGS GALORE
If your kid loves dogs, beaches, and wide-open spaces, Fort Funston is a must. This stretch of rugged coastline is a pup paradise with scenic trails, sandy cliffs, and ocean views for days. Bring a kite, watch the paragliders, or just enjoy the salty air—it’s an adventure without a price tag.
Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile
1994 37th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116
WHY I LOVE IT: FOOD TRUCKS, LIVE MUSIC, KIDS’ ACTIVITIES
A farmers market can be an activity if you do it right. The Outer Sunset Farmers Market has live music, food stalls, and plenty of fun activities for little ones. Bonus points if you let them pick out a fun lunch (açaí bowls and Maillards Smash Burgers are a must).
Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
WHY I LOVE IT: OLD SF HISTORY, PROXIMITY TO CHINATOWN
Cable cars are basically San Francisco’s unofficial mascots, so why not see how they work? Instead of shelling out for a ride, take them to the Cable Car Museum, where admission is free every day. You’ll see historic cable cars up close and get a behind-the-scenes look at the underground cables that power SF’s most iconic ride. Bonus: It’s right next to Chinatown, so you can turn this into a full adventure with dim sum, bakeries, and plenty of exploring.
There’s no shortage of fun, budget-friendly things to do with kids in SF—you just have to know where to look. From museums and farmers markets to beaches and botanical gardens, these six picks are just the beginning. Watch my YouTube video to see some of these spots in action, and check out my full map of family-friendly adventures in SF.
