Are you looking for new and exciting experiences to share with your children over the upcoming mid-winter break or on any given Sunday for that matter? If so, please check out the following recommendations submitted by members of the San Francisco Day School community.
The list includes destinations─some free, some not─that can be enjoyed in an afternoon, for an entire day, or over the course of two or more days. Whatever you do (and whenever you go), have fun!
Dawn Falls
Larkspur
Madrone Ave. at Redwood Ave.
“The payoff this time of year is the big waterfall at the trail’s end. After the hike, head over to the Tavern at Lark Creek.”
Deborah Davis Han, parent of Talia (first grade) and Logan (kindergarten)
Marine Mammal Center, Fort Cronkite
Marin headlands west of Sausalito
It’s a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing stranded seals, otters, dolphins and other marine mammals. “It’s so close, but it feels like something someone would do on a vacation.”
Rebecca Sheehan, parent of Jane (fifth grade) and Moya (first grade)
Yank Sing
San Francisco
49 Stevenson St.
The restaurant has delicious food and the staff loves children.
Sonoma Train Town
Sonoma
20264 Broadway, Highway 12
It’s a small, old-fashioned amusement park. A visit makes “a nice day trip, and there are a number of family-friendly restaurants on the square nearby.”
Fort Funston
San Francisco
500 Skyline Blvd.
It’s a great place “to watch the hang gliders and hike around the old military bunkers.”
Teresa Goodwin, parent of Theo (kindergarten)
Potrero del Sol/La Raza Skatepark
San Francisco
25th St. and Utah St., Potrero district
“My eighth grader would definitely say skateboarding at the most amazing skateboard park─Portrero del Sol─with friends, then taking in the great food in the Mission. Need I say more? That is his idea of heaven!”
Barbara Abbott, parent of Connor (eighth grade) and John (fourth grade)
Stinson Beach
Unincorporated Marin County
Highway 1
“I do not have any pithy quotes as to why my kids like Stinson. I guess because it’s the beach!”
Indian Springs
Calistoga
1712 Lincoln Ave.
This spa and resort “is supposedly great.”
West Point Inn
Mt. Tamalpais, Mill Valley
Monthly pancake breakfasts occur from April to October beginning on Easter Sunday each year. “It’s probably better for older kids because you have to hike in.” Depending on the starting point, it takes 45 minutes to two hours to walk or bike to the inn.
Judith Sansone, parent of Belle (first grade)
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve
Pescadero State Beach
Phipps Country Store and Farm
Pescadero (south of Half Moon Bay), San Mateo County
Highway 1
“There’s a cute animal farm near there and the beach is also fun.”
Sara Leask, parent of Thea (fourth grade)
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco
“We love to ride our bikes to Golden Gate Park and ride around. Sometimes we see an exhibit at the De Young or the California Academy of Sciences, but often we just eat at the De Young cafe and enjoy the sculpture garden. We also rode to the park last year for live music and discovered that the bicycle coalition usually has secured parking for bikes. It’s a great place to be car-free and carefree.”
Donna DiGiuseppe, parent of Jeremy (fifth grade) and Wesley (first grade)
San Bruno Mountain State and County Park
San Mateo County
From 101, take Bayshore Blvd./Brisbane exit, access park entrance off Guadalupe Canyon Parkway
“It has stunning views of the bay and is home to endangered plants and butterflies. The park is covered in hiking trails, some good even for little ones. The wildflowers in the spring and summer are spectacular. We had a birthday party there last year, and 90 percent of our guests had never been there. Definitely a hidden gem!”
Courtney Norris, parent of August (second grade)
Sutro Baths and Lands End Trail
San Francisco
Point Lobos Ave. and Merrie Way
“When in town, we love outdoor adventures. One of our favorite spots is the Sutro Baths and Lands End. We hike down from Louie’s Restaurant (above the Cliff House) and walk to the cave. After our exploring, we have hot chocolate at the Cliff House Bar─great view of ocean; fun pictures on walls. When we have more time, we go to Marin, where the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais, or China Camp beckon. The headlands are particularly easy to get to by public transportation (Muni number 76).”
Joyce Tom, parent of Emily (fifth grade) and Tim (first grade)
Habitot Children’s Museum
Berkeley
2065 Kittredge Ave.
“Hands-on and educational, but lots of fun for the kids.”
Coyote Point Museum
San Mateo
1651 Coyote Point Drive
“Focus is on animals and the environment. There are hands-on exhibits too.”
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin St.
“There are lots of books and interactive online games to play with and great reading corners for parents and kids.”
Mission Cliffs Climbing and Fitness
San Francisco,
2295 Harrison St.
“It’s very physical and cool since kids get to climb the same walls as other rock climbers.”
Sausalito
Highway 101, Alexander Ave. exit
“We bike to Sausalito and back. It’s a great half-day activity with lunch in Sausalito. If you need tag-a-longs and less of a ride, rent from pier 41 or 39. Blazing Saddles, I think, is right there and they load the bikes on the ferry for you. Take the ferry to Sausalito and then bike to Tiburon or ferry directly to Tiburon. Another option is to take the ferry to Angel Island and bike there.”
Kay Parekh, parent of Kabir (seventh grade) and Kavita (fourth grade)
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel
Pescadero (south of Half Moon Bay), San Mateo County
210 Pigeon Point Road
“I’ve never been there myself, but I have friends who have gone for the weekend and loved it. It’s open to people of all ages too! It’s even a certified green business!”
Ann Pattison, SFDS receptionist
Ann Curtis Swim Club
San Rafael
25 Golden Hinde Ave.
“When the kids were smaller, we joined Ann Curtis. It’s a bit pricey, but we would literally spend everyday there swimming in the sun. It’s laid back and offers the best swim lessons I’ve seen.”
Jody Driscoll, parent of Jude (eighth grade) and Hayes (fourth grade)
Have we missed something?
Share your ideas for Bay Area adventures with the rest of the Day School community by filling out the MyVoice form.
