Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in san francisco, CA

Things to do Before Leaving San Francisco

by Michael Rohde

June 30, 2009

For some people, to live, work, and raise a family in San Francisco is a dream they like would like see come to fruition. For others, due to changing times and conditions, harsh realities can settle in and they have to re-adjust their goals and priorities. For those of you permanently settled in this great city, please ignore the following list. However, if you see your days numbered living in the city by the bay—and you’re about to find yourself living in the city across the bay, over the hills, and far away—then this list is for you.

Things my family should do before we leave San Francisco (and live 20 minutes away in the East Bay):

1. Go to Alcatraz. That’s right folks, I’ve lived in San Francisco for more years than I can think of and I’ve never been to Alcatraz. That’s a crime right there if you ask me.
2. Go to Muir Woods. The last time I went to Muir Woods, I think I was about 10-years old, and on vacation with my family, who lived in Minnesota at the time. Haven’t been back since. You know what keeps us away? Every time we drive across the bridge we see huge signs along the highway that read, “Muir Woods Parking Full.” Then, a few miles further down, we see where the shuttle parking is located. We just keep on moseying on down the road to the Costco or the Target. The redwoods have been there for hundreds of years, they willl be there for another few weeks.
3. Go to Boulevard one last time. Of course, this item will be checked off sans kids, but Boulevard holds a special place in our hearts. It’s one of the first fine dining experiences I had with my wife; we love the service and we love the food even more.
4. Take a sailboat ride around the bay. This one probably won’t happen, because my wife gets sea sick and it is too cold and windy for the toddlers. But, like I said, we’re not moving that far away and we can always make a day trip out of it when the kids get older.
5. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge. Again, this one ranks up there with the sailboat ride. As soon as the kids can walk more than 10 feet without stopping to examine a crack in the sidewalk, we are so there!
6. Go to Mitchell’s. Excellent ice cream. ‘Nuff said.
7. One last picnic at Crissy Field. This is a fan favorite for all of us. The kids love running around the big fields, the people watching can’t be beat, and picnic food is the best. If you ask my kids, what do you eat on a picnic, the answer is invariably, “Cook, Chips!” That’s right, we eat cookies and chips on a picnic. The sandwiches and fruit are very quickly tossed aside.
8. Ride a Cable Car. Yes, we have ridden many a cable car in our time, but not with the kids. We think they’ll love it.
9. Visit Alamo Square Park. This is my wife’s pick. She likes the views and wants to show the kids the painted ladies.
10. I wrote about this last week, but I forgot about my father-in-law visiting, so we still have to get down to the Farmers’ Market at the Ferry building and eat chilaquiles. Of course, seeing my father-in-law did provide an opportunity to knock a couple of other restaurants off our list before we leave: we had a great breakfast at Ella’s and we dined at Garibaldi’s the night before. So, all-in-all, it was a win-win situation. And there’s always another Saturday around the bend…at least…for a little while longer.

Car Snacking

by Michael Rohde

June 22, 2009

While it’s true that today’s SavvySource topic is, “On a Budget: Car-Camping with Little Ones,” it’s also true that we’ve never gone car-camping with our twins. However, we have gone car-snacking with our kids, to the delight of many a passer-by. Do I need to explain? Good, then I have a blog post in the making…

Like most parents of multiples, we don’t own a Nissan Z, although that was my car of choice before I learned my wife was pregnant. Instead, we have a four-door Accord and a Honda CRV. We almost went with the Odyssey or the Sienna, but we’ve witnessed far too many parents trying to park those big monsters in the city, and so we decided to go with something smaller. Hence, the CRV.  

When the kids were smaller, and they fit in Bumbo seats, we would take the Bumbo seats with us when we went out to eat. They fit easily in a booth and we didn’t have to deal with a restaurant’s dirty high chairs or their booster seats. Hence, our Bumbo seats were in the back of the CRV on many an occasion (we never took them back out of the car after we ate).

Now that you know we own a CRV, and we used to drive around with Bumbo seats in the back, what came next was almost natural. There were several times when we were out and about running errands for extended periods and either snack time or lunch time would creep up on us. So, what would we do? That’s right, we popped open the CRV’s hatch, and set up the Bumbo seats. Apparently, for those walking through the parking lot, it was kind of an unusual site to see Max and Julia sitting in the back of the CRV (as happy as could be) enjoying a snack and taking in some people watching. It was kind of a no-muss, no-fuss situation. We had everything we needed right there in the car: bibs, food, sippy cups, wipes, etc. We didn’t have to wait in line for a table, we didn’t have to chase the kids around a busy restaurant, and best of all, we didn’t pay $2 for a small kid’s milk. Nope, we car-snacked it. The kids loved it. Mom and Dad didn’t mind it. And we got lots of, “Oh, look, how cute!” types of comments.

We even did very quick diaper changes after the snack for the drive back. That way, they were ready for their naps as soon as we got home. Clean up was pretty much a snap as we gathered everything up, found the trash can near the outside of whatever store we were at, and we didn’t have to over tip the waiter as a means to apologize for all the crushed crackers and spilled milk. It was really a win-win situation.

Now that they are older, and we no longer use the Bumbo seats, car-snacking has become a distant and faded memory. But there is still the rare occasion in which we pop open the back of the car and chow down on a cereal bar. It’s kind of like al fresco dining, but no, not really.  Read more...

Bay Area National Parks

by Michael Rohde

June 15, 2009

Savvy Source Pittsburgh recently wrote about all the great things happening with the National Park Services, which happens to be today’s Savvy Source topic… So, being one to follow the crowd (at least for this week, usually I’m just lost in the crowd…) I’m writing about National Parks, to which San Francisco and the Bay Area has plenty.

While scanning a list of National Parks in California, I counted eight of which are either in San Francisco or are within a quick drive (or a day trip if you count Yosemite). I included Yosemite not because it’s so close (it’s not), but because it has a Junior Ranger program, as does the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Alcatraz, Fort Point, Point Reyes, and the Presidio were not on the Junior Rangers list but are great places to visit. I still have not been to Alcatraz, even though I keep telling myself next time we have out-of-town visitors, we are going (but it hasn’t worked out yet).

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Point Reyes, but I remember it being absolutely breathtakingly beautiful with steep cliffs and pounding surfs with plenty of trails. I also like Point Reyes for the blue cheese (available at your finer establishments).

Last, but not least, is my personal favorite: the Presidio. I have been very fortunate to literally live less than a two-minute walk from the Presidio golf course. Of course, having twins for the past two years have put a serious dent in my golfing, but it’s nice to know there’s a driving range within five minutes of me. I used to take hikes through the Presidio all the time and walk down to Baker Beach, or the Marina, the Palace of Fine Arts; if I was hungry, I’d walk all the way through the Presidio, out onto Lombard, and plop down at the OBW (Original Buffalo Wings).

After Max and Julia were born, whenever one would get fussy and need some fresh air, I’d put them in the baby bjorn and we’d walk the close-by Presidio trails, touch the bark of the trees, and listen to the wind whistle through the leaves. Now, we usually pack up the stroller and walk down to Julius Khan Park. Good times. Good times indeed in the Presidio. And how can I forget Inspiration Point, with its views of Alcatraz, the surrounding bay, the old barracks and officer’s quarters, and trees; lots and lots of trees.

As summertime approaches, it’s time to get out and about, and show the little ones that living in the city doesn’t always mean concrete, asphalt, steel and glass. There’s plenty of green stuff out there to explore.

A Quick List of National Parks in and around San Francisco:

Alcatraz
Fort Point
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Junior Ranger)
Muir Woods (Junior Ranger)
Point Reyes
Presidio
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (Junior Ranger)
Yosemite (Junior Ranger)

Multiples of Fun for Parents of Multiples

by Michael Rohde

April 01, 2009

Despite the title, this post has little to do (really, nothing to do) with multiplication. Instead, it's more about having fun at the park. To be more specific, the West Portal park with the San Francisco Parents of Multiples group. Yes, that's right folks, there's a group designed specifically for parents of multiples. Actually, there are several similar groups, but we belong to the SFPOM (I call it 'The Pom' for short, not really sure if anyone else does). Despite being members for over two years, we've never attended an SFPOM social event. It's either this, that, or the other thing that keeps getting in the way. We did attend a consignment sale last year and found lots of great deals on shoes that still looked brand new, but other than that, we haven't been socializing with our social group. My wife does read the multitude of emails that the group sends out, which is chock full of very interesting and useful information, but that's been the extent of our participation. That is, until now.

This weekend, members of 'The Pom' are gathering at the West Portal park at Ulloa to celebrate spring and April Fools. They will have clowing, animal balloons, crafts, good food, and of course, family fun. Silly hats and attire are encouraged. I have no idea how we're going to dress the kids for this one. Perhaps put their clothes on backwards???

The event is for SFPOM members. If you are a parent of multiples, or are an expectant parent of multiples, then why not join in on the fun? Check out the SFPOM site for more information.

Here are a few other events taking place around town this weekend:

Model Trains at the Conservatory of Flowers
Through April 19th, Model trains zip through a mini San Francisco in the Conservatory of Flowers' first garden railway exhibition.

Chalk up the Playground and Lori Carsillo
Friends of Dolores Park Playground is pleased to resume their annual social events at Dolores Park Playground. Come one and all to the park on Saturday, April 4th, from 11 to noon to "chalk up" the playground blacktop while listening to the wonderful jazz melodies of the Lori Carsillo Trio. Friends of Dolores Park Playground will provide the chalk. All you and your kids need to bring are inspiration and creativity.

2nd Annual Richardson Bay Mudflat Festival
On April 4th, 2009 from 10am to 2pm come celebrate the education and science of Richardson Bay at the 2nd annual Mudflat Festival! Explore the season's wildflowers, mudflats, and tidepools. Delve into watersheds, bay science, compost, and the research happening in and around our Bay.

Get Your Ox On! Or, Happy Lunar New Year

by Graham Charles

January 26, 2009

Although your kids will be taking high school astronomy before they can explain the timing of the Chinese lunisolar calendar to you, even preschoolers can get into the celebration. Apart from next weekend's parade -- which is not to be missed, and is even worth pushing bedtime by an hour or so -- there are Chinatown festivals and street fairs aplenty from today (the actual new year's day) for  Read more...

A Moment for Reflection

by Graham Charles

January 13, 2009

The folks at Savvy headquarters asked us to take a few minutes today to ponder an esoteric question: "What's the best place for kids to see their reflection in San Francisco?" I'd never pondered this before, but here are my nominees: The San Francisco Zoo . A bit of a dark horse, but there's an art installation (I think it's just called "The Mound" or some such) where my daughter Fern has  Read more...

99 Things to Do in San Francisco Before Kindergarten: The Full List

by Graham Charles

January 02, 2009

One of my great accomplishments last year was to finish this enormous list of things I think every San Francisco kid should do before the age of 6 or so. The range is vast and yet I'm sure I'm leaving quite a bit off, all the same. Since we originally posted in ten parts, I'm going to reprise the entire list here, complete with check boxes so you can keep track of your progress. (There's  Read more...

99 Things to Do In San Francisco Before Kindergarten, Part 7: How to Remember You're a Local

by Graham Charles

November 24, 2008

Sometimes having kids can make you forget what a truly unique place we live in, so for this week's installment I present ten things to do with your preschoolers and toddlers that make you feel authentically San Franciscan. 61. Visit Mission Dolores -- don't miss the cemetery -- and then head up Valencia for tapas. 62. Hike San Francisco's last wild stream - Islais Creek -- at Glen Canyon  Read more...

99 Things to Do In San Francisco Before Kindergarten, Part 6: Places to Go With Grandparents

by Graham Charles

November 17, 2008

My almost-three-year old, Fern, has just been blessed (or cursed!) with a little sister. Naturally, she's been getting to spend a lot of time with her extended family: grandparents and cousins and uncles and aunts -- not to mention friends -- who have all pitched in to help entertain the new big sister. There are some San Francisco sights that lend themselves especially to visiting relations;  Read more...

Museumette: The Bay Model Visitor's Center

by Graham Charles

November 06, 2008

Continuing my series on the tiny and odd museums of San Francisco, we head north this week to Sausalito's Bay Model Visitor's Center. This quirky site was originally a working model -- it's a 1.5 acre indoor representation of the bay, filled with water to a couple of inches, that the Army Corps of Engineers used to image current and flow. The actual science has been replaced by computers,  Read more...

Top Five Day Trips from San Francisco

by Graham Charles

October 01, 2008

Sometimes you just need to get out of town, y'know? My wife and I used to love to spend a weekend up- or down-coast, meandering through antiques stores or just walking the Central Coast beach. Then naps happened. Our two-year old daughter Fern never really sleeps in cars, so we've had to get very strategic about how to manage a day trip. Usually we leave really early and just hope for a  Read more...

Beachcombing beaches for the chilly northern summer

by Graham Charles

August 21, 2008

In these fog-ridden days of what we San Franciscans ironically call "summer," you probably think I'm crazy to even dream of heading to the beach with my 2-year old daughter Fern. But I'm intrepid (and I hate to stay inside), so we hit the sand at least a few times a month no matter what the weather. So, in true Northern California style, I'm always in search of good beach activities  Read more...

Savvy Road Trip: Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

by Mike Adamick

July 21, 2008

I'm sure I'm stepping on a few Savvy toes by linking up an activity so many miles to the south, but my wife and daughter recently traveled to San Jose to see a friend and my 2-year-old couldn't stop talking about the Children's Discovery Museum. "They've got balls and water fountains and bubbles and aprons and they don't mind if Emme gets wet" is exactly how she summed it up. So I wanted to  Read more...

Playground Resource: Golden Gate Mothers Group

by Mike Adamick

July 10, 2008

If you're going to be out and about in a new part of town and want to hit a playground along the way, the Golden Gate Mothers Group offers the best resource I've seen for the city's parks and playgrounds -- complete with brief explanations of what's available and photos, too. Plus there's a fantastic map for pin-pointing the parks. We find it very useful when we know we're going to be doing  Read more...

Savvy Guest: Bay Area Discovery Museum

by Mike Adamick

July 02, 2008

We've been big fans of the Bay Area Discovery Museum since Emmeline was just learning to drool, because it's an easy trip from the city (just across the Golden Gate at Fort Baker) and because it has seemingly everything a kid could need. From "trout" rivers to wild twig nests to story times to arts and crafts to ... well, you get the idea. If you haven't been yet, it's definitely worth the short  Read more...

99 Things to Do Before Kindergarten

by Mike Adamick

May 29, 2008

OK, I'm a cheater. Sue me.

This was supposed to be a post about the "99 things you must do with your child in San Francisco before they grow up," but holy sweet Aunt Edna, people, my kid would be off to college before I got done writing that let alone doing that. Yours might well be done with post-graduate work, married and working on child No. 2.

So we're breaking this bad boy up and taking a little more time to explore this wonderful city. More entries to come from time to time, so please leave your favorites in the comments and I'll be sure to get to them next time. To start, however, here are a few things my daughter has developed an unnatural affection for.
 Read more...