SAN FRANSISCO WITH A KID
 

I will be taking my 7-yr-old son to San Francisco in August. We are staying downtown and will be relying on public transportation. Any suggestions for activties and dining would be appreciated. Or can you recommend a travel guide? <BR>

I've never travelled to SF with a child, but my husband and I do things kids would probably like. Take the street car to Fisherman's Wharf and see the sea lions at Pier 39. There's an aquarium right there, too. We finally did the Alcatraz tour one year - thinking we'd hate it, but it was very interesting. The Ghiradelli place is a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf - I always enjoy that. There is a fortune cookie factory somewhere in China Town that we went to where you can watch the ladies make fortune cookies and buy a bag of them. If I'm not mistaken, there is an interactive museum for kids that I read about. Even though I don't know what in Sausalito would interest a child, taking the ferry over may be fun - you could always catch the very next one back. Don't forget the Golden Gate bridge - it's awesome. Muir Woods is not too far over the bridge - the giant trees are beautiful. Hope some of this helps.

Taking an 8 year old nephew to SF in two weeks---have made reservations already for Alcatraz tour. Kids love it and then return to Pier 39 and look at the Underwater Exhibit, buy kitchy souvenirs, ride the carousel, and eat at touristy Bubba Gump's restaurant. THe question is will you survive?? Alcatraz is interesting for adults but Pier 39 is kid heaven! There's a book titled "Kiddling around in San Francisco or Northern California" not sure which but try Amazon search. Have fun------there's tons to do in SF with kids. Oh, forgot our Exploratorium---great stuff for kids---and the Cable Car Museum. <BR>

Give me a call and I'll help you out. I work for the City, and can probably give you some good ideas. I'm only in town until the 19th, so hurry. <BR> <BR>Ken

Just said goodbye to our 8 year old visitor from the Midwest. The highlight of his trip with us was the day(s) he and his father spent in Santa Cruz. He loved the Boardwalk and the games and roller coasters, and then rented a boogie board and tried to do some "surfing". Sta. Cruz is about as far north as you would want to do this as the water is cold and rougher up north nearer the city. You could rent a car one day and drive down Hwy 1--it's about 75 miles from SF. He loved Alcatraz, a day game at Candlestick Park, Pier 39, dim sum (although he didn't eat much), and we went all the way down to Monterey to the wonderful aquarium and then to Fisherman's Wharf there for lunch. He and his dad rented a kayak and went out to look for sea otters--great fun. This child has been to SF before so had ridden the cable cars etc. Hope this gives you some ideas--you should reserve tickets ahead for Alcatraz and for the aquarium to save time and your patience! Have fun. It was fun for us to see our home from this perspective. He had a great time. We're exhausted!! <BR>