sfby Jennifer Carden of Toddler Cafesf

Fun play: 

Julius Khan Playground 
Located in the Presidio is often warm and wind free when the fog is rolling in. Next to nature trails and soccer fields. Again, free!

Bowling in the Presidio or at Yerba Buena Center .
Kids can ice-skate or bowl at Yerba Buena Gardens in the artsy South of Market District. They’ll also want to explore Zeum, an art and technology museum. Ice-skating and bowling, call: 415-820-3525;

Chrissy Field 
Amazing area near East Beach for playing in the water with kids. Total little kid scene, very safe inlet for swimming with a beautiful backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge. Free.

Academy of Science 
Go between 3 to 5pm when the crowds die down or mid week.

De Young museum 
In addition to the art, they have a great outdoor sculpture area for the kids to explore. 

In the rain: 

Aquarium of the Bay 
This is a pretty cool experience; you and your children get to walk through clear acrylic tunnels lying underneath the Bay. The unusual perspective gives you a close-up view of marine life.

Pump it up 
Kids can jump, bounce, climb, and slide at Pump It Up, the award-winning “inflatable party zone.” The climate-controlled arenas are filled with huge inflatable structures and provide a great space for birthday parties (which include private arena use, rather than just admission during public hours). Doors open at other times for Pop-In Playtimes and a variety of scheduled programs. Typically, parents are required to remain on-site while kids play.

Good Eats:

Beach Chalet 
After a ride on the 1912 carousel in Golden Gate Park’s inviting playground, soak up a Pacific sunset at the Beach Chalet, an oceanfront kid friendly restaurant a favorite among San Francisco families. 1000 Great Highway; 415-386-8439; 

Ferry Building Marketplace 
San Francisco’s beautiful Ferry Building located at the end of Market Street on the Embarcadero, boasts a Who’s Who of Bay Area food vendors, grab a waterfront table, and watch the ferries. 

Chinatown 
Lunch in Chinatown, a walk down Grant Street, add a trolley ride for a great day.