San Francisco with Kids
 

I am taking my 10 and 11 year olds to San Francisco in August. Looking for a reasonably priced place to stay (with a pool for the kids) and some recommendations of fun things to do beyond the main attractions like Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, etc. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Check out the Exploratorium (hands on science museum near the SF end of the GG Bridge), and the Cable Car museum (Russian Hill area of SF), and take the ferry to Angel Island.

For reasonably-priced motels, check out the motels on Lombard street - Chelsea, Coventry, Cow Hollow Inn. It's motel row, but they're very decent, and in easy walking distance of Union Street and Chestnut Street, both of which are great for shopping, dining, and people-watching.

How about a Giants game at AT&T Park (one of the best in all of baseball)?

I second the recommendation for the Exploratorium~it's fun for kids AND adults!

sf7307--we have been to San Francisco several times but have yet to take the kids. It is on our to-do list for the next couple of years. Do the hotels on Lombard have pools and do you like one property more than the other? One of the Marriotts we stayed at (the "jukebox" on 4th) had a pool, but I doubt I could score those rates again.

In August, it may be quite chilly & foggy - so an outdoor pool might not be useful, unless your kids don't care about the weather.

>>How about a Giants game at AT&T Park (one of the best in all of baseball)?<<

The Giants or AT&T park???

Stu Dudley

We stayed at the Handlery Hotel--a boutique hotel with a pool. It is near Union Square.

With kids, check out the California Academy of Sciences--it is a great place with lots of exhibits. My son loved it.

We found the Disney Museum to be interesting too.

We went to San Francisco one year in August and it was very chilly. Bring a sweatshirt.

Rms,
if you are driving, the motels on Lombard St are reachable, but pools are rare. Fog City means chilly weather in August.
Lombard St is not central to many sights, and you will find driving in the City difficult and expensive. Check out hotels closer to the center of the downtown shopping or financial district...whatever money you save by staying on Lombard St may be eaten up with taxis, bus fare, and mostly time in getting to the more interesting sights. I'd definitely start booking soon.