Free activities to do in San Francisco.
There are a number of things that low-income families, or people on a budget, can do for free in San Francisco. This includes activities for kids or adults. San Francisco is undeniably one of America's most beautiful cities. It's also one of the most expensive to both live in or visit, but luckily there are many free things to do as listed below. Families or even individuals planning to visit San Francisco should take advantage of the city's numerous free sights, activities and attractions. These family-friendly outings can save a bundle of money and provide an in-depth look at the city and its unique culture. And of course, if you live there or are visiting by yourself, all of these things can also be done for free as well as they are great options for families or individuals of all income levels..
- See the sights for free at Pier 39.
The San Francisco Bay waterfront is a breathtaking destination. There are plenty of sights to see along the waterfront, but one particularly popular spot for families is Pier 39. The pier has no shortage of restaurants and attractions, but it's also a great place to find free entertainment. Pier 39 has become a well-known hangout for adorable, boisterous sea lions. Hundreds of sea lions occupy the pier and visitors can catch them snoozing in the sun, horsing around, and barking up a storm. Guests can learn more about these adorable creatures at the Sea Lion Center. Free admission includes access to interactive exhibits, educational programs, and genuine artifacts. Although the sea lions are the big draw on Pier 39, there are many other exciting family activities. The Smartwater Stage is home to fantastic daily performances from jugglers, acrobats, magicians, and comedians. Kids will love running up and down the "Musical Stairs", an incredible interactive art exhibit. They'll also want to take a peek in the window of Boudin's Bakery, where they can see unique animal-shaped loaves of bread being pulled right out of the oven.
- Run and play at Golden Gate Park.
Golden Gate Park is a gorgeous expanse of natural wonders, beautifully manicured gardens, and wide, open spaces. Koret Playground is a favorite among children. Numerous climbing structures, slides, and bridges provide a place where they can unleash their endless energy. The Herschel-Spillman Carousel is adjacent to the playground. This gorgeous carousel, which is very low cost to use, boasts a wide variety of brightly-painted animals, from dragons to frogs to horses. Kids can ride the carousel for just $1. The park's Chain of Lakes is a wonderful place to embrace nature. Visitors can catch glimpses of cute songbirds, dazzling hummingbirds, and fascinating egrets. Middle Lake's hiking trail is enchanting, winding through the middle of a lush eucalyptus forest. In addition to beautiful bodies of water and great hiking trails, the park is home to the Bison Paddock. Kids enjoy passing by the paddock and observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Golden Gate Park is home to many dazzling flowers and plants, specifically at the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden. Each of these destinations offer a free admission day each month. The Conservatory of Flowers is free on the first Tuesday of the month and the Botanical Garden is free on the second Tuesday of the month. Visitors enjoy free admission to the Japanese Tea Garden on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays before 10:00 a.m.
- Celebrate art and science at the Randall Museum.
The free Randall Museum is the perfect place for budding scientists and creative artists. This incredible museum features interactive exhibits, STEM and natural sciences labs, art studios, and a toddler playroom. Impressive outdoor spaces include an observation deck, amphitheater, sculptures, gardens, and picnic spots. Guests can also visit the live animal exhibits and learn interesting information about California wildlife. Admission to the Randall Museum is always free, but visitors can participate in numerous family-friendly programs for a nominal fee.
- Become a "Junior Ranger" at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
Families will find San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in the iconic Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. This free park for the public offers kids the opportunity to become "Junior Rangers". The Visitor Center is happy to provide kiddos with a Junior Ranger program activity book. The book outlines a variety of activities that must be completed in the park to earn a badge. After a stop at the Visitor Center, families can head over to Hyde Street Pier to view a collection of majestic ships. Kids will love the enormous square-rigger "Balclutha" (which resembles a pirate ship) and "Hercules", a steam-powered tug boat with a bright red smokestack. Visitors can stroll the pier for free, but there is an entrance fee of $15 to explore the interior of the ships (children under 15 years old are free). The Maritime Museum is located in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building. Admission to the museum is free and visitors can learn about the skills and techniques sailors use when aboard their ships. Incredible ocean-inspired murals cover the walls inside the museum, transporting visitors to a magical world under the sea.
- Travel back to the Gold Rush at the free Wells Fargo History Museum.
This cool little spot is located at Wells Fargo's Corporate headquarters in the Financial District. Kids can learn all about the excitement of the Gold Rush and the pioneer experience during that extraordinary time in American history. The museum is full of interactive exhibits where kids can send a telegraph, learn how to drive a stagecoach, use vintage banking machines, and send packages. Families can also take a ride on a replica stagecoach! The self-guided tours are enhanced with an app on the smartphone. Admission to the museum is free.
- Stop and smell the cookies at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
Chinatown is a fantastic place to embark on a self-guided tour with the family. One stop to make along the way is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Visitors can get a close look at the process of making fortune cookies. Kids love to watch as each flat cookie receives its paper fortune slip before being pressed into the well-known fortune cookie shape. Guests are allowed to take photos for a 50-cent donation (no donation required if they are purchasing cookies). Kids can write their own fortunes and see them folded up inside the cookie. The factory is open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. every day and admission is free.
- Climb Twin Peaks.
Anyone visiting San Francisco must make a stop at Twin Peaks. At a 922-foot elevation, these peaks rise high above the city, providing a breathtaking view of it all. Families can drive up to the peaks parking lot, but the real thrill is in climbing the craggy stairs to the very top. This area tends to be less crowded and provides the most incredible views. Kids will love to take a trip up to the peaks at night to see the dazzling city sparkling and twinkling below.
- Hunt through the city for street art.
San Francisco is one of the leading cities in the country for incredible murals and street art. Enjoying the free street art is a fantastic way to absorb the culture of the community--and it's free! You do not need to buy anything! Although the art work can be found throughout the city, there are certain neighborhoods where it's more prominent. The Mission District is a great place to start. Balmy Alley, Clarion Alley, and The Women's Building all boast beautiful murals. Gorgeous mosaic tiled staircases are another of San Francisco's contribution to the street art scene. You can find these beautifully decorated steps in a number of locations including 16th Avenue, California Street at the Lincoln Golf Course, and the Bayview District.
- Discover how the city runs at the Cable Car Museum.
Inquisitive little minds will love a visit to the Cable Car Museum. From the museum deck, kids can get a birds' eye view of the inner workings of the cable cars. They'll love watching the massive engines power huge wheels that pull the cables. The museum has a variety of mechanical devices on display, as well as vintage photographs and three antique cable cars. Dating back to 1870, these three cable cars are an amazing link between then and now. Admission to the museum is free.
- Join in a free walking tour.
San Francisco City Guides (part of the San Francisco Public Library) offers numerous free walking tours. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, sharing amazing stories about the city's history and its various attractions. No reservations are required to join a tour and participants should arrive about 10 minutes before its scheduled start time. The most popular tours include the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, City Hall, and Nob Hill. An updated list of tours can be found in the San Francisco Public Library.
Bottom line conclusion on free activities in San Fran
These are just a few of the low cost and/or free family-friendly attractions in San Francisco. Low income families can also visit this American city icon. There are many ways to enjoy this beautiful city without spending a fortune. These activities allow families to explore the city at their own pace, taking the time to enjoy their favorite places.