Waterbar

Embarcadero hotel with waterfront outdoor space, well placed for older kids who like to walk.

A free single room opposite the Ferry Building with a streetcar cab kids can sit in and work the controls, right on the F line.

A free gondola up to the rooftop park three stories above the street.

A market hall of food stalls with the ferries going out the back. Good for grazing lunch with kids, and the Saturday farmers' market spills onto the plaza.

Latin American plates, all made from scratch: fish tacos, Cubanos, and crispy chicken with rice, beans and plantains.

Ferry Building burgers and shakes with a kids' menu and outdoor tables by the bay.