Family Fun

Dolores Park Inn

This highly rated gem has a gorgeous suite that's so comfortable and well equipped you may never leave: kitchen, washer/dryer, spacious sun deck, and jacuzzi. A block from Dolores Park, where the kids can run around and a few blocks from 24th Street in Noe Valley, which is lined with kid-friendly eateries and boutiques.

Cavallo Point

It’s not right in the city, but it's well worth the detour and great for sightseeing families. Perched at the foot of the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, this totally revamped military base is a glorious secret getaway. It's got loads of historic character, your choice of contemporary or traditional rooms, a sleek new spa, a swank restaurant and bar, and breathtaking city views. Being on the northern end of the Bridge, you'll be able to check out cool spots like Tiburon, Muir Woods, and the Wine Country without having to navigate through the city.

Hyatt Regency

With both the Financial District and the delights of the San Francisco Bay at your feet, the Hyatt makes it easy to bring the family along. You can expect family-friendly perks like complementary cribs and child-friendly restaurants on-site, as well as top-notch business services. Time your visit for winter, when there's an ice skating rink right outside.

Suites at Fisherman's Wharf

This comfortable spot has everything you need for smooth sailing en famille. One- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, living rooms, and bay views mean there's plenty of room for one and all. Convenient to Alcatraz, waterfront, Ghirardelli Square, and cable cars.

Argonaut Hotel

If you're looking for a stylish haven near Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, the Alcatraz ferry, and cable cars, this top-rated family hotel is the perfect place. Kids get welcome gifts upon arrival. Complimentary cribs, child-safety kits, and Kimpton service make this a solid and convenient choice.

Hotel del Sol

With a pool, beach balls and sunglasses for kids, free cookies, children's movies, and baby-proofed rooms, this hotel goes above and beyond to extend a warm welcome to kids. Located in the peaceful residential neighborhood of Cow Hollow, near Union and Chestnut Streets.

Stanyan Park

With a full living room and dining room, two bedrooms, and kitchen, these comfortable suites are a real home away from home. Great location right next to Golden Gate Park.

Four Seasons

With oversized childproofed rooms, complimentary cribs, child-size amenities, welcome milk and cookies, this is kid heaven! Parents will be in paradise too, enjoying their own grownup perks and top-notch concierge help. Although they don't have full kitchens, some suites do have a refrigerator, sink, and microwave -- bonus.

Taylor's Refresher

Order mini-corn dogs, a shake, and fries for the tots, and an ahi burger with microbrew for yourself at this atmospheric diner with outdoor seating at the Ferry Plaza.

Taylor's Refresher

Order mini-corn dogs, a shake, and fries for the tots, and an ahi burger with microbrew for yourself at this atmospheric diner with outdoor seating at the Ferry Plaza.

Cavallo Point

It's only a few minutes north of the city, but it feels like another world. Cruise over the Golden Gate Bridge a bit before sunset and grab a table on the front porch at Cavallo Point. Order a couple of cocktails and then sit back and enjoy watching the twinkling lights go on in the city across the bay. Stay for dinner to fully absorb the sophisticated, relaxing ambiance. You are guaranteed to feel utterly transported.

Beach Chalet

Ride on the 1912 carousel in Golden Gate Park's inviting playground and then head over for a sunset drink at the Beach Chalet. A local favorite too!

Theater

If you want to shake things up a bit with a night at the theater, this is the single most efficient way to check out your options. Especially great for hard-to-get tickets.

Top of the Mark

If this is your one big night out sans kids, you want to make the most of it. Slip on that little black dress and heels and head to the Top of the Mark for fabulous views and a refined, old-world experience beyond compare. The perfect way to make yourself feel like a civilized adult again after a day of playing tourist with the kids.

AT&T Park

Young baseball fans will love getting behind the scenes here, where they'll get to visit the dugouts, the batting cages, and press box, among other off-limits areas. Tours daily at 10:30 and 12:30. Ask about private tours if those times don't work for you.

Cable Cars

Kids will love the thrill of descending the Hyde Street hill, and parents can enjoy the stupendous bay views. To avoid the lines, avoid catching the cable car at either end of the line--just hop on at a stop midway. Real cable car buffs should make a detour to the Cable Car Museum to see the cable system at work and discover the full story (1201 Mason St.; 415-474-1887; www.cablecarmuseum.org).

Alcatraz

Indulge your kids' fascination with the dark side with a visit to this island prison. Parents will also find it surprisingly interesting. Note: Though older kids will love the stories about Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz, the audio-guide's embellishments--clanking chains, yelling, alarms--may frighten young children.

Hyde Street Pier

If your little one is an aspiring pirate, then pop over to the Hyde Street Pier, where they can check out some impressive historic ships up close.

Marina Green

This vast stretch of grass by the bay is prime kite-flying, soccer-kicking, frisbee-throwing, cartwheeling land. Admire the boats in the nearby harbor, then stroll a few blocks up to Chestnut Street for a snack. Bring a sweater because the wind can really pick up here.

Fort Point

Kids can enjoy playing soldiers in this Civil War-era fort, watch cannon-loading demonstrations and learn about the life of a soldier way back when. Grab a snack for your hungry little soldier just down the road at the Warming Hut.

San Francisco Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! But also tottering baby giraffes, a gorilla preserve, a children's zoo, and plenty of other creatures that will captivate young children.

Chinatown Kite Shop

Grab a kite and some poppers nearby and head out to the Marina Green on the northern end of the city. Kids will be entertained for hours.

Paxton Gate Curiosities for kids

Tired of Thomas the Tank Engine and Sponge Bob? Looking for something a little different? This highly unusual kids' shop carries vintage and rare toys, contemporary environmentally responsible toys, and other unusual creations designed to expand a child's mind.

Kidrobot

Robots, action figures, and bugs, oh my! This quirky SF favorite appeals to both kids and their parents. The store is a bit out of the way in the Haight, but well worth the cab ride. Great little cafés and funky small boutiques line the street, making for a fun afternoon if you've got extra time. It's also just blocks from Golden Gate Park.

Books Inc.

There are several branches, but this one in Laurel Village has a big kids' selection. The knowledgeable staff can give you some new ideas too.

The Ark

If you're looking for unusual, uber-creative, high-quality toys, this is the place. A veritable wonderland for kids.

Chronicle Books Store

This colorful shop has lots of kids' books (all published by Chronicle Books, of course) and a great little kid-sized seating area so they can browse the selection in comfort.

The Apple Store

Westfield Shopping Center

Walgreens Pharmacy

Last minute outfit

Last minute dinner got you down? Head on over to Maiden Lane to browse the likes of Chanel, Tory Burch, and YSL.You're sure to find something in a snap.

Broken heel or bag strap got you down?

Head over to Galletti Shoe Repair for same day service. They are only open M-F.

Safeway -- Groceries

Save a buck or two and grab drinks, breakfast food, snacks, and more!

giggle - Baby's First Trip

They've got anything a first-time family might have forgotten for tots under a year.

Wonder Sitter

The most qualified team of on-call babysitters in the Bay Area. All sitters have previous child-care experience, have gone through an extensive selection process, and hold certifications in emergency care.

Fitting in with the locals

In this city of label hippies, jeans-wearing techies, and fleece-loving urbanites, pretty much anything goes. Think designer casual, layers, and flats. And don’t forget to pack a scarf.

Little Luggage Baby Equipment Rentals

Don't feel like toting that unwieldy stroller on the plane? No worries. Prompt, convenient, and customer-service-oriented, Little Luggage will deliver what you need when and where you need it.

Babies Travel Lite

Travel a little lighter and escape overpriced airline luggage fees with Babies Travel Lite. Delivering baby and toddler supplies to your destination, they’ve got it all, from diapers to organic baby food to sunscreen to bath products. Get a free Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit with all orders over $20 from the SJF team. Click here. 

7X7 does not equal easy navigation

In this city of one-way streets and hills the size of Half Dome. If you can swing it, cab it. Last resort, MUNI it (www.sfmuni.com). Insider Tip: Book a car for the day from Jen Jaciw and her team at Lone Star. Airport transfers run the same as a cab fare.