3 Days in San Francisco with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

There's so much to see and do in San Francisco with kids. Cable Car by Vasile Cotovanu via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

San Francisco with kids in just three days may surprise and delight you with all there is to do and see! Sure, the city is pretty expansive and has tons of attractions. With a perfect itinerary, you can have an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation without missing the most iconic hot spots in San Francisco with kids. 

As a mom in San Francisco, I love sharing my favorite city with fellow families. This San Francisco with kids itinerary includes notable landmarks like Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf, but it also has hidden gems, incredible family-friendly restaurants, and gorgeous outdoor spaces. 

If you've got more than three days in San Francisco with kids, explore the Presidio Tunnel Tops, embark on family-friendly urban hiking trails, and find some hidden gems in our Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids Guide

Sarasota with Kids: 33 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida

Relax amidst nature’s beauty  at Selby Gardens.

Sarasota, Florida is a gem on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, with access to amazing beaches, water sports, marine biology, museums, and more. Where it once was a haven for retirees, these days it is increasingly popular with families and vacationers eager to escape the cold winters of the north.

An hour south of Tampa, whose airport serves almost every major city in North America, Sarasota, Florida offers plenty of natural beauty. It is a vibrant city rich in arts, culture, and dining delights. Plus, its metropolitan area includes the world-famous beaches of Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key.

Here are 33 of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida with kids, including family-friendly Sarasota hotels and restaurants. Check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide for even more great places to visit in the Sunshine State, including the best Florida beach vacations for families.

Level Up the Fun at These Action-Packed Paintball and Laser Tag Arenas in NYC

The Area 53 paintball arena offers plenty of real-life props and hiding places.

These laser tag and paintball arenas in NYC are perfect for teens and tweens craving an outing with a little more action than a visit to the local family-friendly bowling alley or NYC ropes course.

Both laser tag and paintball make for fun birthday party in NYC, too, and we've got the details on exactly where your kids can get in the game. Find more fun outings on this list of extreme sports in NYC for families.

Secrets of Discovering Moana's Journey of Water, Now Open at EPCOT!

Enjoy the self-guided trail where you can "play" with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Photo by the author

Walt Disney World visitors at EPCOT now have the chance to embark on an entirely new adventure with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana! My family recently visited EPCOT and explored this immersive walking trail, which offers a unique journey for visitors of all ages. Unlike traditional attractions, this interactive adventure allows guests to engage with water in ways that go beyond the typical ride experience.

Visiting Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in DC with Kids

Our kids couldn't get enough of the interactive globe in the One World Connected exhibit. Photo by author Lisa Warden

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has been one of our family’s favorite spots to visit in Washington, DC since our son was 2, when he decided he wants to be an astronaut. The museum houses one of the world’s premier collections of flight and space-related artifacts and history. It closed down for a period in 2018 as it undergoes a monumental, multiyear renovation, but reopened in late 2022 with eight of the planned 23 exhibits completely redone.

We were excited to go back and bring our newest family member (now 2) to the museum. While we were a bit disappointed that so much of the museum was still closed, our children really enjoyed the redesigned exhibits. And the best part is, like all Smithsonian museums, it's completely FREE!

Read on for a peek into what to expect when visiting Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Then check out our DC Museum Guide for more great museums to visit with kids, including our lists of free museums near DC and the best museums for kids in the DC area.

Northridge with Kids: 21 Best Things To Do in Northridge, CA

Roll into Northridge with kids for fun family-friendly adventures. Photo courtesy of Canva

Exploring Northridge with kids might not be at the top of your Los Angeles bucket list like Santa Monica, Hollywood, or Malibu is. However, this family-friendly suburb in the San Fernando Valley provides an array of activities suitable for kids of all ages. 

CSUN is a big focus in Northridge and acts as the hub of the community. Whether it's outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply spending quality time together, Northridge offers plenty of opportunities for families to have a great time. 

For more family-friendly adventures in the San Fernando Valley, spend the day at Lake Balboa, head to Discovery Cube for science activities, and discover all there is to do in Sherman Oaks with kids. Find more things to do in LA with our Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families

Buffalo Bayou Park Houston: A Mom's Insider Guide

Buffalo Bayou Park, located in the heart of Houston, is home to one of the biggest skate parks in the country.

Buffalo Bayou Park, located in the heart of Houston, isn't just a park—it's an experience! An urban oasis along the Buffalo Bayou waterway that perfectly blends natural beauty and recreational activities, it's no surprise that families come here to escape the bustle of the city.

With exciting play areas, one of the biggest skate parks in the country, meandering trails, and family-friendly amenities, it's an ideal setting for a fun-filled day out with kids. So what makes Buffalo Bayou Park so awesome? Read on to discover my insider's guide filled with the best things to do and insider tips on how to make the most of your visit. 

Looking for more family fun in Houston? Buffalo Bayou Park is located near other activities in Downtown Houston and nearby attractions like the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

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