Best Free Summer Activities For Kids In San Francisco

Keeping active kids entertained during the summer months can be a daunting task for any parent. For those on a budget, it can be even more challenging. Luckily, San Francisco has no shortage of fantastic enrichment opportunities available at no cost. Here are five of some of the best free kids summer activities in the city.

Check Out SF Family Pass
100 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4400
www.sfpl.org

Head on over to a branch of the San Francisco Public Library for one of the best deals in town, the Check Out SF Family Pass. This pass provides free admission to resident families to 23 different San Francisco attractions. Participating spots include everything from the San Francisco Zoo and Conservatory of Flowers to the California Academy of Sciences and numerous community pools. To check out a pass, families must be current San Francisco Public Library card holders. Admission passes are valid for up to 2 adults and 4 children.

JAMband Family Festival
The Park Chalet Lawn
1000 Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 425-0372
www.jamjamjam.com

Dates: Sun. July 26, 3 - 5 pm; Sun. Sept. 13, 3 - 5 pm

This year, the JAMband Family Festival is entertaining families for its ninth year running. Held on the lawn of the Park Chalet Garden Restaurant, the festival offers families the opportunity to enjoy some lively dancing and family-friendly music in the open air. Held during select Sunday evenings, the festival runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Make an evening of it and pack a lunch for the family, or head inside to enjoy a bite to eat at Park Chalet.

Hike The Sutro Forest
Sutro Cloud Forest
San Francisco, CA 94131
www.sutroforest.com

One of the city's hidden gems, the Mt. Sutro Cloud Forest contains 80 acres of over one-hundred year old towering trees. Originally planted by former city mayor, Adolf Sutro, the forest is owned by both UCSF and the City of San Francisco. On clear days, hikers will be treated to some spectacular views of the city, and on foggy days, a stroll through the trees creates an ethereal experience. There are several trails through the forest, most of which are best for mobile kids, or backpacked infants.

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Become A Junior Ranger
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
499 Jefferson St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 447-0000
www.nps.gov

The National Park Service offers a great free program for aspiring naturalists. Kids who love the outdoors can sign up to become a Junior Ranger at both the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Separate activity books are available for kids ages five to eight and those ages nine to 12. Booklets contain a variety of activities ranging from scavenger hunts to art exploration. Once completed, kids can visit a park ranger to receive an official Junior Ranger Badge.

Randall Museum
199 Museum Way
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 554-9600
www.randallmuseum.org 

Open Tues. through Sun., the Randal Museum is home to a variety of interactive art, science and nature exhibits. This children's museum is free to the public and has a variety of both permanent exhibits as well as a selection of drop in events where kids can do things like meet the resident animals. Several add-on experiences such as themed science and art explorations are available for a nominal fee. Different areas of the museum allow kids to explore exhibits about the ocean, city wildlife and railroads.

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Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.