We have finally booked our trip to San Francisco, but our son is bothered that we will not be home on his birthday. He will be turning 12yr. while we are gone. Any great ideas celebrating his bday while in SF?

Well -- number one for most 12yo boys would be the Exploratorium.

Also - check to see if the Giants or A's are playing at home.

Most young people love strolling throughout ChinaTown also, travelatte, do take him on more than Grant, go over to the sidestreets and on Stockton. And although I never enjoyed it, lol, they usually love the sealions at Pier 39.

Not having any idea what his interests are it is hard to make suggestions but most young fellows at that age really enjoyed going to Alcatraz also. And some enjoyed a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Do not miss the California Academy of Sciences...fabulous! The whole family will love it. Just be sure to secure a ticket to the Planetarium show as soon as you enter. I don't know if they provide special birthday programs but it doesn't hurt to ask. Also, call your hotel and ask them about birthday ideas.

Have fun, it's a wonderful city but I'm not sure about the birthday celebration. Did you have a restaurant in mind? The zoo?

OH -- Duh -- how did I forget!? About the Academy of Sciences How would he feel about a special 'behind the scenes' guided tour? I did this back in March and it was great (also got you priority seating for the planetarium so you don't have to stand in line or get tickets).

It is expensive -- but for now they are doing a 2 for 1 special http://www.calacademy.org/visit/tours/?t=1

You get up on the roof (so do other visitors -- but you get out on the actual roof not just the observation deck), behind the scenes in the aquarium, inside the vault of minerals & gems that is not open to other visitors. Just a GREAT experience.

It also lets you get in the bldg w/o having to stand in the entrance queue, and you get a DVD of the Academy.

You wear a lanyard w/a special white pass and after you finish the tour and explore the rest of the complex - staff members go out of their way to acknowledge you - you sort of feel like a VIP

House of Air just opened up in the Presidio near the GG Bridge. It is a huge trampoline complex that is very cool. http://houseofairsf.com/

I have seen Segway tours in Golden Gate park, that seems like it would be fun for a 12 year old

Thanks so much for the great ideas!! I'll look into them. I've already heard today how he doesn't want to be in SF on his birthday, but I'm sure we can make it fun.

Oh thanks janisj - a behind the scenes tour! I'll have to arrange for that the next time I'm up in SF because it sounds like fun. They also have evening events that are supposed to be very nice. I'm a big fan of the California Academy of Sciences

It's difficult to advose not knowing the child - for some a definition of a birthday is a cake and computer games with friends, some like a trip to a zoo or a boat trip.

Maybe your son just want a celebration at home - before or after your trip to San Francisco?

We did the Segway with our daughter when she was 14(now 17) and she loved it.

We travel 4 or 5 times per year and she would love a trip on her birthday.

Janisj, I went to the link you provided and could not figure out where to go from there for the tour. How do I find it?

Tour of Alcatraz? You also get a boat ride. Just another suggestion.

charnees, when I clicked on the link janisj provided, there were immediately four tabs (Behind the Scenes, Nightlife VIP, Wine & Dine and Children's Adventure). Is that not where the link takes you?

Although maybe you were referring to not being able to find the 2-for-1, which I also can't find.

Charnees: click on the 'Behind the Scenes' tab.

"maybe you were referring to not being able to find the 2-for-1, which I also can't find."

Yes -- last week they were still promoting the 2 for 1 (it was there when I first posted the link). Maybe because schools are now out and it is getting into high season the special is off. Might be worth a phone call to make sure.