Things to do in San Francisco with 4 and 9 year old boys?

I'm thinking about taking my sons to San Francisco for a weekend (from San Diego) as I they would enjoy getting on a plane and the change of scenery. I've visited SF with my ex in the past, but we mostly did things that kids wouldn't enjoy. I'm looking for tips on sites that kids would like - especially my four year old as things like touring alcatraz might be boring to a younger kid.



Thanks!Things to do in San Francisco with 4 and 9 year old boys?
TAKE THEM TO THE EXPLORITORIUM!!!!!. Then to China Town, then to the Museum of Natural History, and, if time remains take them to the Fort under the Golden Gate Bridge.Things to do in San Francisco with 4 and 9 year old boys?
I liked Angel Island.
sf zoo is nice, but probably not that great for them as you are comming from daygo.. the beach is always fun. you can take them to the pier and see the aquarium and take them on a boat cruise which will show them all kinds of views of SF. grab some ice cream and go over to fisherman's horizon and throw rocks while the sun sets lol..



i'm bad at this xD



good luck broThings to do in San Francisco with 4 and 9 year old boys?
take em to a museum about dinosaurs or sumthing?
Visit Fisherman's wharf area. There, your kids will enjoy the antique arcade; lots of fun games for all ages. Also, there's a WWII submarine and lots of places to dine. You can also see all those whales lying on the docks near the wharf. Walk to Giradeli's Chocolate store and there are also many stores/shops near the wharf where you can find lots of fun things for the kids. Also, you can drive across town and visit the zoo. The kids will love it!Things to do in San Francisco with 4 and 9 year old boys?
Fishermans' Wharf is phony and touristy, but they might like looking around. Chinatown is great, though, very colorful.



The fort under the Golden Gate Bridge is great. It's called Fort Point, a real Civil War era fort. Get someone to explain how they fired the cannons out over the water. Very cool.



If you are in Golden Gate Park, the new De Young Museum (art museum) has a great observation tower. You don't have to pay admission to the museum, just walk through the lobby to the tower. It's just above the treetops so you get a beautiful, detailed view of the city. Coit Tower is also nice but usually very crowded these days.



When I was a kid I loved riding the Cable Cars. You can ride on the outside. The open platform at the back used to be my favorite place. Pick a time when they're not too crowded. Believe it or not, it is more fun in the rain.



There used to be an incredible toy store, FAO Schwartz, almost like a toy museum. But sadly they're closed now. Still, 'window shopping' in the Union Square area might be fun. There are all kinds of shops.



While you're at Union Square, there is a wonderful glass elevator in the St. Francis Hotel. Just ask anyone in the lobby where it is. It goes up to the cocktail lounge on the top floor, but you can ride it just for the ride, nobody minds. When I play tour guide I take everyone there.
Exploratorium: http://www.exploratorium.edu/

Golden Gate Park, buffalo paddock; walk around and explore

The Presidio, Crissy Field; beach walk and restored wetlands
As before mentioned, Fisherman's Wharf has lots of fun things for kids. There's ice cream sundaes at Ghiradelli Square, riding a cable car to the crookest street, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum (haven't been there myself), look at the sealions and the acquarium. Also, the Children's Discovery Mueseum in Sausalito is right across the Golden Gate Bridge and is worth a stop if you have a car. They have lots of activites and a huge playground area for the kids. Remember to bring a change of clothing, I think both your kids would enjoy it. There's also Zeum located at Yueba Buena downtown. The zoo is lots of fun too but nothing close to what you have in San Diego :-)