I do not know about you, but I find holiday gift buying and planning challenging.
Living in San Francisco, space is tight. I try to keep our home minimalist, choosing toys that are high quality and truly loved. Most of what we own has been passed down from my oldest and still has years of life left. Honestly, it feels like we already have everything our kids need, and it all fits comfortably in our apartment.
One of the incredible benefits of living in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area is access to world class museums, sports, and cultural experiences. Because of that, I truly believe the best San Francisco gifts for kids are not things at all. They are experiences.
Plus they can purchased and gifted last minute!
Below is my curated list of the seven best San Francisco experience gifts for kids, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or meaningful surprises throughout the year.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Ideal Ages: 1–5 years old
Typical Ticket Price: Approximately $25 per child
Family Membership Price: Approximately $150–230 per year
Website: https://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is a magical place for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary aged kids. It also happens to have some of the most breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.
I love how the museum invites children to tinker, pretend, and create. My kids’ favorite discovery zones are the retired boat in Lookout Cove and the How Things Work building.
Tickets or a membership pair beautifully with a copy of How Things Work by David Macaulay, making this an especially thoughtful experience gift.
California Academy of Sciences
Ideal Ages: All ages
Typical Ticket Price: $39-59 depending on age and date
Family Membership Price: Approximately $200–300 per year
Website: https://www.calacademy.org
Located in Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse, the California Academy of Sciences is truly one of San Francisco’s gems. With a rainforest dome, planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum all under one roof, there is something here for every age.
A Cal Academy membership was the very first museum pass we ever purchased as a family, and it continues to be one of our most used experience gifts. Even after renewing for a second year, we still visit at least once a month, and every guest we bring is amazed by its size and beauty.
Exploratorium
Ideal Ages: 3+ years old
Typical Ticket Price: Approximately $40 per adult and $30 per child
Family Membership Price: Approximately $240+ per year
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu
Located on Pier 15, the Exploratorium was the first museum we experienced after moving to San Francisco. My oldest was five years old at the time, and we spent five hours there without even making it through the first two rooms.
While the Cal Academy focuses on natural history, the Exploratorium shines when it comes to physical phenomena. It is an incredible hands on introduction to physics, biology, and engineering, making it one of the most engaging San Francisco experience gifts for kids who love to experiment and explore.
Lawrence Hall of Science
Ideal Ages: 3–12 years old
Typical Ticket Price: Approximately $25 per person
Family Membership Price: Approximately $200 per year
Website: https://lawrencehallofscience.org
The Lawrence Hall of Science, located in Berkeley, offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay along with rotating, hands on science exhibits. Kids are encouraged to explore everything from aerospace engineering and physics to environmental biology through interactive projects and crafts.
One thing to note is that some interactive rooms are closed on weekdays during the school year. That said, if you live in the East Bay, a membership is absolutely worth considering.
Gardens of Golden Gate Park
Ideal Ages: All ages
Typical Ticket Price: Varies by garden, approximately $15-23 per adult
Family Membership Price: Approximately $90–125 per year
Website: https://gggp.org
If you love the Gardens of Golden Gate Park but do not live in the city, a Gardens of Golden Gate Park membership makes a wonderful experience gift.
Membership includes unlimited access to the Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden, and Conservatory of Flowers. My kids especially love visiting during seasonal changes or using the gardens as field trip destinations during our botany unit studies.
San Francisco Giants Baseball Tickets
Ideal Ages: 3+ years old
Typical Ticket Price: Approximately $20+ per ticket
Family Membership Price: Not applicable
Website: https://www.mlb.com/giants
If you have read my other posts, you already know we are die hard Giants fans. Watching a game at Oracle Park is one of our favorite San Francisco experiences.
The views, food, and atmosphere make Giants games incredibly kid friendly. I genuinely cannot think of a parent who has regretted taking their kids to a game. There is so much for children of all ages to enjoy, and it makes for an unforgettable experience gift.
If you want to know more, you can read about my favorite things to do at Oracle Park with kids here.
Warriors or Valkyries Game Tickets
Ideal Ages: 5+ years old
Typical Ticket Price: Approximately $50+ per ticket
Family Membership Price: Not applicable
Website: https://www.chasecenter.com
I will be honest. I have not personally attended a Warriors game, but my kids have, and they loved every minute of it. Tickets to a Warriors or Valkyries game make an excellent experience gift for Bay Area kids who love basketball and high energy events.
More San Francisco Experience Gift Ideas for Kids
I hope this list sparked inspiration as you plan meaningful San Francisco experience gifts for kids this season.
I am deeply passionate about curating a cozy home and an intentional family life centered on meaningful play and shared experiences. Next week, I will be sharing our family’s Christmas gift strategy, along with tried and true gifts that our family has genuinely loved over the years.
Let me know what your favorite Bay Area experience gifts are so I have ideas for upcoming spring birhthdays.
Seven Founding Hills 
Leave a comment