Pier 39 Sea Lions
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.
Kid essentials
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Nearby places
A mirrored maze on Pier 39 that takes about fifteen minutes to get lost in, for school-age kids.
Public steps wired to play notes as you climb them. Free, outdoors, and kids will do the same eight stairs twenty times.
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.
An observation wheel by the wharf with enclosed gondolas. Twelve minutes up top with the bay laid out, and no scary bits.
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.
Painted rooms built for photographs where you look like you are falling or shrinking. Silly, quick, and made for a phone camera.