Aquarium of the Bay

A small play break in the middle of the busy waterfront, easy to pair with the carousel and a stop to watch the sea lions.

Two decks of shops and food built out over the water, with a carousel at the end and the sea lions barking off the far side. Loud, flat and easy to push a stroller round.

Public steps wired to play notes as you climb them. Free, outdoors, and kids will do the same eight stairs twenty times.

A mirrored maze on Pier 39 that takes about fifteen minutes to get lost in. Dim and disorienting, so it suits school-age kids more than toddlers.

A working WWII Liberty ship you can walk through, engine room included. Steep ladders and high sills, so a carrier beats a stroller.

Dozens of sea lions hauled out on the floating docks, barking and shoving each other off. Free, visible from the walkway, and most reliable in winter.