Request a Car Seat
San Francisco is a great city for getting around without a car, thanks to pedestrian-friendly areas and an excellent, family-friendly public transport system. If you have children under 8 years old and you do want to rent a car, or take a taxi, bear in mind that it is California state law for them to ride in a car seat. These are easy enough to find, for a surcharge, from rental companies, taxis, and Uber rides by special request.
Be Prepared for a Little Rain
Another thing to keep in mind is the weather: San Francisco is cold and misty in July and August, while the warmest months are September and October. This is not a scorching California beach town, so make sure you pack enough warm and wet-weather clothes.
Keep em' Busy
In terms of activities, you're spoilt for choice. If the sun is shining, take the boat to Alcatraz, or head to Golden Gate Park to rent a bike and explore endless trails through trees, parks, a Japanese tea garden, and even the beach. At Presidio National Park you can rent rowboats, climb tree forts, and enjoy a number of innovative playgrounds or, if you feel up to it, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Just 11km from the north end of the bridge is Muir Woods, home to giant redwood trees, squirrels, and other local wildlife. For rainy days, the hands-on Exploratorium, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences are just a few of San Francisco's many museums and discovery centres catered towards kids.