Best Things To Do in San Francisco with Tweens and Teens

1. The Ferry Building

Saturday mornings at the Ferry Plaza are bustling with the beautifully large farmers' market. Teens and tweens can get some fresh lavender from the local vendors, sample fresh produce, then walk around the Ferry Building and grab eats from the many food vendors before sitting down at a table for lunch that overlooks the Bay Bridge. 

2. SF Giants or Golden State Warriors Game

Whether at Oracle Park or Chase Center, it's always a good time to root for the home teams. Special events like drone and fireworks shows and themed nights like Star Wars Day and Anime Day make it even more special. 

3. Lands End Trail 

Hike the trail, take some beautiful pictures at the lookout, and enjoy the outdoors without screens. Lands End is also close enough to other landmarks like the Legion of Honor Museum and the Presidio. 

4. Alcatraz 

Whether you go during the daytime or opt for a night tour, a visit to Alcatraz Island is both educational and eye-opening. The audio tour has narration from former inmates and guards, so you can really feel what it was like to be a prisoner there. 

5. Arcades

The Bay Area has a ton of places to play new and old-school games for a night of fun with friends. Gama Ride in San Mateo opened its doors just recently and the brand-new facility has all the newest games. Musee Mecanique will take you back with classic games for the kid in all of us and High Scores in Alameda specializes in classic games like Atari and Street Fighter which might be a fun challenge with your tween or teen! 

 
Bring your crew to mini-golf. Photo courtesy of Subpar Mini-Golf

6. Mini-Golf

Subpar in Ghiradelli Square in San Francisco and Tipsy Putt in Sunnyvale offers mini-golf for all ages and are great outings for teens (with birthday party packages as well). There are challenging courses, food options, and a space for them to hang out. 

7. Afternoon Tea

It is a fun way for teens to feel fancy, try new teas, and snack on tasty treats while hanging out with friends. Check out the Japanese Tea Garden at the San Francisco Botanical Garden or one of the many tea shops and hotels in the Bay Area that offer afternoon tea. 

8. Victory Point Cafe

Perfect for friendly competition, teens can test their skills and strategies while having a blast with friends. The cafe in Berkeley has a massive collection of board games, and for just $8 a person, you can stay as long as you like. 

9. EscapeSF

Great for those who love challenges and brain teasers, teens can choose a theme and work together to solve puzzles and escape within a set time. Choose from returning a lost relic, escaping from Alcatraz, or beating a mob clan.

10. SF City Guides Walking Tour

Teens can explore new places around San Francisco, learn history, and get in some steps without being too touristy on walking tours. Teens and tweens can choose interest-based tours, including architecture, food, and history, that take place from Chinatown to North Beach. 

11. House of Air

For active kids, check out House of Air in San Francisco. The trampoline park is heaven where teens can burn off energy, practice flips, and have fun bouncing around until it's time to go home. 

12. Golden Gate Park

Rent paddle boats at Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake, check out the Cal Academy of Sciences, and discover hidden gems like Lily Pond and Shakespeare Garden while learning a thing or two about the beautiful and vast iconic San Francisco landmark. 

13. Golden Gate Bridge

While it's definitely on the list of touristy things to do while visiting San Francisco, walking or biking the bridge can be challenging for younger kiddos, making it a good activity for teens and tweens. It's free if you own a bike, but if not, you can rent one easily. 

14. Thrift Shopping

Tweens and teens into fashion can hit up one of the many thrift shops in the Bay Area. The shops on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley have some incredible finds, like 2nd Street and Anatasia's Vintage.  

15. Amusement Parks 

Nothing beats the thrill of a good rollercoaster and there are plenty of amusement parks in the Bay Area. California's Great America in Santa Clara has some of the best ones, or take a day trip to Vallejo to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. 

16. Museums

A cool way to mix learning and fun, especially if it’s an interactive museum with science, art, or history. The SF MOMA always has new exhibits perfect for tweens and teens, as well as the Legion of Honor. For the tech-savvy set, the Tech Interactive in San Jose or the Computer History Museum in Mountain View are good ones to check out. 

17. Orpheum Theatre

Whether they’re into drama or just looking for something different, live theater from BroadwaySF can be a fun cultural experience for teens. 

18. Davies Symphony Hall

Seeing iconic films like Harry Potter or James Bond on a huge screen while the SF Symphony plays the score live is a pretty thrilling experience. 

RELATED: Ultimate California Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in CA

 
Interactive laser blasters at the ready. Photo courtesy of  The 7D Experience 

19. 7D Experience

Forget 3D or even 4D. A new game at Pier 39 in San Francisco is an interactive experience with full-motion seats, a giant 3D screen, and laser blasters. Impress those tech-loving teens with a day of pure fun. 

20. Muir Woods

A peaceful hike in the redwoods is perfect for getting outdoors, and the giant trees are seriously cool to see in person. 

21. Sausalito

Day trip to Sausalito for a laid-back spot for teens to explore cute shops, grab food, and enjoy the waterfront. Don't forget to get a scoop of Sausalito's famous ice cream at Lappert's before heading home. 

22. Lake Chabot

Get on the water for a fun adventure that’s active but not too intense, letting teens explore and enjoy nature from a different perspective. Grab some lunch from the cafe, rent a kayak or paddleboat, and enjoy the beautiful reservoir. 

23. Mystery Spot

Teens will love the mind-bending tricks and weird gravitational effects at this quirky, offbeat spot in Santa Cruz. Reservations need to be made in advance, and the tour is about an hour long. Don't forget to get a bumper sticker on your way out! 

24. Ghiradelli Square

A famous hot fudge sundae from the iconic chocolate house is a very touristy thing to do, but a delicious one nonetheless. Walk around Ghiradelli Square afterward for shopping and sightseeing. 

25.  Cable Cars

San Francisco cable cars are an excellent means of transportation when visiting the Embarcadero, Union Square, North Beach, Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Fisherman's Wharf. Each cable car line has its own set of fun stops for older kids. 

RELATED: Fun Things To Do in Santa Cruz with Kids

 
Get spooky at the Winchester Mystery House. Interior photo by Anthony G. Reyes via Flickr 2.0

26. Winchester Mystery House

For those who don't scare easily or like the thrill of mystery, a ghost tour can be entertaining. The tours are held year-round, with extra scary ones during Halloween. 

27. Umbrella Alley

See incredible murals and art installations by local artists as you walk through an alley with balloons floating above. It's an amusing spot to visit and might inspire your teen or tween to create art themselves. 

28. Outside Lands Music Festival

A must for music-loving teens, this iconic festival in Golden Gate Park has all-day music performances, great food, and a laid-back vibe. The lineup is usually stacked with popular artists, and tickets tend to sell out fast. 

29. Ocean Beach

Whether they’re into surfing, bonfires (the only beach in San Francisco with fire pits), or just chilling with friends, Ocean Beach gives teens room to relax and enjoy the coast with their friends.

30. City Lights Bookstore 

For the bookish or creative teen, this iconic gathering spot in the 1950s for readers, artists, and activists is a treasure trove of indie reads and history. 

31. LucasFilm

Though visits are from outside only, Star Wars fans will geek out over this filmmaking history spot. Walk the lobby to see some Star Wars memorabilia, be one with the Yoda Fountain, and more. 

32. Haight-Ashbury 

The vibrant mix of vintage shops, street art, and quirky cafes is a great spot for teens who love exploring counterculture. Teens and tweens who love music can check out famous houses, from artists like The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin.

33. Twin Peaks 

Snap 360-degree panoramic photos and catch an unbeatable view of the entire city, bay, and ocean atop Twin Peaks. It's also a popular spot for filmmakers and photographers to get that perfect shot.

RELATED: Fisherman's Wharf with Kids in San Francisco

 
Eat your way through Chinatown. Photo by Max Whittaker, courtesy of Visit California

34. Chinatown 

Between the bubble tea shops, markets, and vibrant streets, Chinatown is an energetic place for teens to explore and eat. Sample dim sum, see how the famous fortune cookies are made, and shop for anime, toys, and souvenirs. 

35. New Parkway Theatre 

More than just a movie theater, teens and tweens can see new and classic films with diner-style food available to order while they watch. Saturday mornings are Cereal Cinema, where they can watch classic cartoons with an all-you-can-eat cereal bar. 

36. Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center 

Right in the heart of the city, this spot is a go-to for teens looking for a break from tech-heavy hangouts. Whether they’re lacing up skates for a group session or hitting the bowling lanes, it’s ideal for a weekend hangout.

37. Alamo Square Park 

Enjoy Instagram-worthy views of the iconic Painted Ladies Victorian houses with the SF skyline in the background. Alamo Square Park is perfect for chilling out with friends, tossing a frisbee, or grabbing some sun between exploring the nearby cool neighborhoods like Divisadero and Hayes Valley. Plus, the "Full House" connection gives it some retro TV cred.

38. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Ride the Giant Dipper rollercoaster with the ocean breeze in your hair, or try your luck at winning prizes in the arcade. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has it all. Between the beachside rides, live entertainment, and funnel cakes, it’s the ultimate day of fun for tweens and teens. 

39. Free Concerts

For music-loving teens, the annual free music concerts at Stern Grove and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass are hidden gems. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and let them vibe out to big-name acts in a beautiful outdoor setting. Both are great, laid-back alternatives to bigger festivals. 

40. Skateparks 

Skater teens can glide to Potrero del Sol, SF’s largest skatepark. Its epic flow and smooth transitions make it great for street and vert riders, alike. Meanwhile, Fremont Skatepark boasts a gnarly 10-foot bowl and endless rails, boxes, and ramps to keep them shredding all day. These parks are the real deal for local skaters perfecting their craft.