Pier 39
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.
Kid essentials
- Monday
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
How kid-friendly is it?
In these guides
Nearby places
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, for school-age kids.
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.
A small aquarium at the foot of Pier 39 where glass tunnels put sharks and rays overhead. About an hour with little kids, and the sea lions are just outside.
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.
An observation wheel by the wharf with enclosed gondolas. Twelve minutes up top with the bay laid out, and no scary bits.