Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours: Your Time Starts Now! 

Nov 29, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 8, 2025

Travel Blog

When it comes to family vacations in the USA, San Francisco will, of course, be among the toppers. The museums, cultural hotspots, and a lot of green space make it ideal for tourists of all ages. 

So, naturally, the San Francisco Travel Association is expecting a decent growth in the number of visitors and tourism revenue in 2024. The association expects a footfall of 23.22 million in 2024, which will record a revenue of $9.24 billion.

Further, San Francisco is a cool place if you want to go on a family vacation or spend holidays with your little ones. San Francisco is also great as a weekend getaway from other parts of the country. 

However, chalking out the perfect travel plan for kids is always difficult. So, I thought of sharing a 48-hour itinerary of things to do in San Francisco with kids. 

Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours 

Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids

You need a proper plan in place to maximize your 48 hours in San Francisco with kids. Here are the places you can cover during your two days of stay in the city.

Day 1: Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids 

Take an early flight to San Francisco irrespective of the corner you are traveling from. Union Square has many hotels, and you can take a cab from the airport to reach the place you will be staying. 

However, don’t waste much of your time checking in or the formalities. Ideally, you should check in, grab a quick bite, keep your luggage in the hotel room, and get yourselves and the backpack ready for the city exploration.

There are a lot of things to see, and these are the things to do in San Francisco on day 1 of your visit. 

1. Visit The Union Square

Visit The Union Square

Union Square in San Francisco bears a rich history associated with the American Civil War. It is the place where pro-Union rallies used to grace the roads. 

The bright lights and big shops have a vibe similar to Times Square in New York. However, it is much more low-key with less crowd. So it is manageable for kids. 

Here, you can explore shops like Bloomingdale, Macy’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Moreover, Union Square gives you easy access to the cable lines of San Francisco. 

The Union Square Gets Ready For Christmas

Macy’s 35th Annual Christmas tree lighting at Union Square has announced the arrival of Christmas in San Francisco. The  85-foot-tall artificial Christmas tree has been a big draw to Macy’s signature store and Union Square. 

“It attracts people to come to San Francisco. The mayor was here and this starts the holiday season, the shopping, it brings families here. It’s a good time where everyone can feel, ‘Hey, Christmas is coming!”

Lt. Mariano Elias, Public Information Officer, San Francisco Fire Department

2. Enjoy Cable Car Rides

Enjoy Cable Car Rides

Trying cable car rides is one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids. Along with the fun, the cable car ride is also a great way to avoid expensive car rentals while exploring the city. 

The cable cars move up and down steep hills. So, the ride is thrilling, and the route covers many major attractions in San Francisco. 

You can choose from three lines to enjoy a cable car ride in San Francisco.

Cable LinePickup From
California LineMarket Streets or California
Powell MasonPowell Street Cable Car turnaround off, Market Street, Union Square
Powell HydePowell Street Cable Car turnaround

All these lines also cover major attractions in the city like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, Chinatown, etc. 

3. Visit Boudin Museum

Your little one and you will need some quick bites after the cable car ride. Boudin Museum and Bakery will be your go-to place. 

The sandwiches and soups here are excellent. However, exploring the bakery and the small museum is more fun here. You will watch expert chefs making bread and the crafting of sourdough in the shape of bears and other animals. 

5. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf 

Visit Boudin Museum

You can conclude your day 1 in San Francisco with a visit to the Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a fun neighborhood with street performers and activities for your kids. 

Some hotspots for children at Fisherman’s Wharf are:

  • Umbrella Alley 
  • Musée Mécanique
  • Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
  • Sea Lion “Sealebrities”
  • PIER 39

Fisherman’s Wharf also has the Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum. But it has closed its operations since 3rd August, 2024.

Further, once your kids are done exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take them to Ben & Jerry’s at the Argonaut to have the best ice cream. It remains open every day from 10 AM to 11 PM, and it will cost you around $5 per serving. 

If your kid is more up for something savory, take them to The Codmother Fish & Chips on 496 Beach Street. It welcomes guests from 11:30 AM to 7 PM, except Wednesdays. Here, the pocket-pinch will be around $10-20 per meal. 

Day 2: Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours 

You really need to make an early start to your day to make the most of your day 2 in San Francisco. On day 2, our focus is on the Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio, and Alcatraz.

5. A Visit To Alcatraz

A Visit To Alcatraz

Your day 2 will begin with an “Early Bird Tour of Alcatraz.” You will start at 8:45 AM from Pier 33. 

Alcatraz is the Spanish translation of the word “Pelican,” the first dwellers of the Rocky Island. However, Alcatraz is more famous (notorious) for housing Alcatraz Prison, one of the most notorious in the history of America.

So, today, Alcatraz is a popular spot for dark tourism. George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Al Capone are the two most renowned captives of the Alcatraz Prison. 

6. A Visit To The Palace of Fine Arts – Presidio

A Visit To The Palace of Fine Arts Presidio

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful historical monuments of San Francisco. The Greco-Roman rotunda is a striking feature of the Palace of Fine Arts.

You will also love the arches, gigantic columns, and sculptures here. 

If you still have time left for your flight and you want to try more things to do in San Francisco with kids, visit the Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lions at K-Dock, and the USS Pampanito.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2025

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READ MORE hot springs near Denver

These 14 Hot Springs Near Denver Will Blow Your Mind 

BY  Sibashree Dec 7, 2022

Did you know that Colorado has perhaps some of the most beautiful hot springs located in the United States? Although you can spot several charming hot springs near Denver or even Colorado Springs, it is hardly known how popular Colorado happens to be if you are a fan of hot springs.  So if you are looking for the perfect hot springs in and around Denver this Winter, then you have arrived at the right destination. Simply scroll down to find out more about the hot springs you must check out this winter. Stick around till the end, and we promise you no disappointment!  Top 12 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter! Welcome to our list of the top hot springs near Denver, Colorado! All you have to do is scroll down. The state of Colorado is home to several beautiful hot springs. From the most remote corners of the state to the most popular cities, you can find these hot springs almost anywhere here.  But today, we will focus only on the state capital, Denver. 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Glenwood Hot Springs Resort: Admission26 Dollars (Adults) | 12 Dollars (Children) - Rates are subject to change based on the season.Temperatures90 °FSeasonAll Year-RoundFeaturesPrivate Cabanas, Water Slides, Lodging, Spa Treatments, and Playing Areas For Children.  Amongst all the major hot springs in Denver Colorado, perhaps the most accommodating one is the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, especially if you are visiting with your whole family. But that’s not the best part. Did you know that the location is actually known for the largest ‘mineral water pool’ in the entire world? More reason for you to visit this location.  Read More: Free And Fun Activities In Denver For Adults: Mark The Dates For Upcoming Events 6. 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Cottonwood Hot Springs: AdmissionMonday - Thursday: 20 Dollars (Adults) & 18 Dollars (Children) | Friday - Sunday: 24 Dollars (Adults) & 20 Dollars (Children)Temperatures80 to 106 °FSeasonAll Year-RoundFeaturesCold Plunge, Camping Spots, Spa Amenities, Cabins, Sauna, and Quiet Pools.  Located inside the San Isabel National Forest, the Cottonwood Hot Springs happens to be a paradise for all nature lovers. Situated close to Buena Vista, the Cottonwood Hot Springs are mineral-based natural hot springs that vary both in temperature and size. Moreover, the resort ends up promoting total relaxation while encouraging a very quiet, tech-free environment. 10. Sunwater Spa, Manitou Springs: AdmissionTuesday - Sunday: 8 am to 10 pm | Mondays: Closed (Rates Vary)Temperatures90 °FSeasonAll Year-RoundFeaturesYoga, Wellness Activities, Spa Treatments, and Soaking In Mineral Water.  If you are in the mood for some unique experiences in terms of hot springs, then you have to check out the Sunwater Spa, located in Manitou Springs! Known for offering several facilities for unwinding and relaxing, the Sunwater Spa in Manitou Springs is perfect for visiting with your partner, family, and even alone. 11. Ouray Hot Springs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center (@ourayhotsprings) AdmissionFor Children - Free, For Youth (4-17) - $16, For Adults (18-61) - $26, For Senior (62-74) - $18, For Senior (above 75) - FreeTemperature92°F to 100°FSeasonAll Year RoundFeaturesMemberships are available, sulfur free hot springs, with constant hard air blowing, pool heating takes time! The springs are open every day for public pools from 11 am to 10 pm and for member pool hours, the duration is from 10 am to 11 am. There is a 3 month or 12 month membership available for all members. You can buy towels for $10! For one day, Ouray Hot Springs Pool recharges the underground aquifer thus, losing a huge amount of geothermal water. The volume of geothermal water decreased in the pool due to the 24-hour cutback! 12. Dunton Hot Springs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patrick Janelle (@aguynamedpatrick) AdmissionAdults: $240 for couples, Children: FreeTemperature108°FSeasonAll Year RoundFeaturesLog buildings, established in a ghost town, popular thermal mineral springs If you rent cabins to access Dunton Hot Springs, you have to pay somewhere between $630 to $2100 for one night. Clearly, it is expensive, and the rich get more access to these resorts as compared to others. The town is completely empty, and people only visit the thermal mineral springs. There are American mines pretty close to the hot springs. 13. Radium Hot Springs  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tourism Radium (@tourismradium) Admission Adults: $240 for couples, Children: Free Temperature 108°F Season All Year Round Features Log buildings, established in a ghost town, are popular thermal mineral springs  Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia offers a beautiful, relaxing experience with mineral-rich hot and cooler pools surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and rock cliffs, and is open year-round. Visitors can enjoy unique mineral water, watch for wildlife like bighorn sheep, and access nearby trails and town amenities. While some visitors mention the pools can be small or require paying for towels, many find it a fun and relaxing stop for families and those seeking to unwind in nature. 14. Penny Hot Springs  View this post on Instagram A post shared by michelle b (@mmmbeans) Admission Adults: $230 for couples, Children: Free Temperature 108°F Season All Year Round Features Log buildings, established in a ghost town, are popular thermal mineral springs  Penny Hot Springs is a free, primitive, hot spring located near Carbondale, Colorado, known for varying water temperatures and a beautiful, but unmanaged, natural setting with potential issues like trash. The water source is very hot, and visitors must be cautious with children. While the setting offers scenic mountain views, visitors report varying pool depths and the need to pack out all trash to preserve the area. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to hot springs near Denver mentioned below. 1. What Is The Closest Natural Hot Springs To Denver? 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READ MORE one week San Diego itinerary

San Diego In One Week: The Perfect Holiday Itinerary

BY  Sibashree Sep 26, 2025

San Diego’s funny, and it feels like two vacations in one. You can be lazy by the beach and still find yourself hiking or grabbing tacos in some little neighborhood later.  The city’s chill, but not boring, which is kind of rare. If you’ve got a week, you can hit a mix of spots without running yourself ragged. And yeah, there’s always that random “Oh wow, I didn’t plan this, but it’s awesome” moment. So here’s a one week San Diego. It’s beaches, food, history, and a bit of hiking! All of these await you.  You don’t need to follow a very strict plan. However, having a basic plan always helps. What Is The Best One Week San Diego Itinerary?  Terminal 1 of the San Diego International Airport has just undergone a rejuvenation. The transformation has cost a whopping 3 billion US dollars, and the improvements show how the city is committed to serving its guests better. 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