Rainy Day Activities for Kids in San Francisco

A rainy-day plan works better when it starts with the family's energy, not a long list of attractions. Decide whether you need a short free reset, a place for active play, or one large museum that can carry most of the day.

For a short, lower-pressure outing

1. Randall Museum

Choose Randall when admission cost and flexibility matter most. The city museum combines live animals, model trains, science, nature, and art exhibits, plus a dedicated Toddler Tree House. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, so confirm the calendar before making it the rainy-day backup.

2. Children's Creativity Museum

September update: Closed September 9–22, 2026 for its annual refresh; reopening is announced for September 23. Choose this for children who would rather make something than move through a large museum. Current exhibits include animation, music, design-and-build activities, and a play space for younger children. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is compact enough to pair with lunch nearby.

For children who need to move

3. Peek-A-Boo Factory

Choose the Richmond location for babies, toddlers, and active children up to age 12. The play areas are separated by age, including a space for ages 0–3. Check the date-specific calendar for early closures, complete the waiver, and remember that participating children need the venue's grippy socks.

4. House of Air

Choose this for ages 5 and older when the goal is focused physical activity. General admission covers timed access to the public trampoline areas; younger children have a separate Mini Monday option. Weekend and holiday sessions can sell out, so book ahead and complete the waiver before arriving.

For one destination that can fill the day

5. Exploratorium

Choose the Exploratorium for open-ended, hands-on science and mixed-age groups. The waterfront museum lists more than 650 all-ages exhibits. General daytime hours now differ on Sundays, and special closures can affect experiences such as the Tactile Dome, so open the official visit page before choosing a date.

6. California Academy of Sciences

Choose the Academy when the aquarium, rainforest, natural history museum, and planetarium give your group enough variety to stay in one building. Buy admission ahead for weekends or holidays. Planetarium passes are reserved after arrival; children under 4 are not permitted, and the museum notes that shows may not suit children under 7.

The free, flexible backup

Every San Francisco Public Library location offers weekly storytimes, and the children's calendar also includes playtimes, crafts, and other activities. Check the live calendar by date and branch before leaving; individual programs may be canceled, postponed, or limited to a specific age group.

Before you leave

• Check today's hours rather than relying on a saved screenshot or an older search result.
• Reserve the timed activity first; build food and transit around it.
• Bring dry layers and one low-effort backup for the trip home.
• Open the linked directory page for the current address, age notes, and direct official source.

More choices for older children

For skating, bowling, supervised climbing, and registered open gym, compare the older-kids activity guide. It explains which venues need a booked session or an adult participating in supervision. A venue being open does not guarantee a public drop-in slot.