event
Glow at the Exploratorium
The Exploratorium's winter light exhibition. Free with museum admission.
- Dates
- Nov 19, 2026 – Jan 24, 2027
- Where
- Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street), San Francisco, CA
County guide
Things to do in San Francisco County
31 outings for families, couples, seniors and groups, each linked to its source.
Outings near you
🌳11 picks
Family Outings
Parks, museums, kids' events and free days.
event
Lightscape at SF Botanical Garden
One-mile trail of lights through the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Most nights sell out in advance.
- Dates
- Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
- Cost
- Adult from $32 general, members from $27; youth from $20 (booking fee included); ages 0-4 free. Museums For All tickets $10 each (up to four).
aquarium
Aquarium of the Bay
Northern California aquatic life on the waterfront. While the Aquarium's exterior elevator is out of service, take the PIER 39 elevator to level 2 and walk through the gift shop.
- Where
- PIER 39, San Francisco, CA
museum
California Academy of Sciences
Aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum under one living roof in Golden Gate Park.
- Where
- 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
gardenFree days
Conservatory of Flowers
Rare and tropical plants in the oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America. Wheelchair accessible; two loaner wheelchairs at the ticket booth.
- Hours
- 10am-4:30pm, closed Wednesdays
- Cost
- Free on the first Tuesday of the month
- Where
- 100 John F Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
museum
Exploratorium
650+ hands-on science, art and perception exhibits at Pier 15.
- Hours
- Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm; closed Mon
- Cost
- Adults (18-64) $39.95; Youth (4-17) and Seniors (65+) $29.95
- Where
- Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street), San Francisco, CA
gardenFree hours
Japanese Tea Garden
The oldest operating public Japanese garden in North America. Timed entry: reserve a slot in advance. Most of the historic landscape is not wheelchair accessible.
- Cost
- Free hour Mon, Wed and Fri, 9-10am
- Where
- 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
parkFree
Presidio Tunnel Tops & Outpost Playground
Golden Gate Bridge views, the Outpost nature playground, picnic sites, trails and the Field Station curiosity lab. Free to all, open every day, no tickets needed.
- Cost
- Free
libraryFree
SF Public Library kids' programs
Free weekly storytimes, free online tutoring 1-10pm daily, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: a free book every month for kids 0-5.
- Ages
- 0-5 for Imagination Library
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- Main Library: 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
museum
SFMOMA
Modern and contemporary art museum. Kids 18 and under are always free.
- Hours
- Mon-Tue 10am-5pm; Thu noon-8pm; Fri-Sun 10am-5pm; closed Wed
- Cost
- Adult $30; Senior (65+) $25; 18 and under free
- Where
- 151 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103
zoo
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Free Zoo passes through SF Public Library's Discover & Go program. SF resident free days are announced on the Zoo calendar. Disabled guests park free with a valid placard.
- Cost
- Non-resident: Adult (12-64) $32 weekdays / $34 weekends; Children (2-11) $22 / $24; under 2 free. SF residents pay less.
- Where
- Sloat Blvd at The Great Highway, San Francisco, CA
🌅13 picks
Date Ideas
Evenings out, views, live music and classes.
festival
SF International Tea Festival
Tastings from local and global tea producers, a tea market, and a porcelain cup to take home.
- Dates
- Nov 14, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026
- Where
- Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco, CA
event
Lightscape at SF Botanical Garden
One-mile trail of lights through the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Most nights sell out in advance.
- Dates
- Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
- Cost
- Adult from $32 general, members from $27; youth from $20 (booking fee included); ages 0-4 free. Museums For All tickets $10 each (up to four).
festivalFree
Let's Glow SF
Free holiday projection art on downtown landmarks over ten nights, including the Ferry Building.
- Dates
- Dec 4, 2026 – Dec 13, 2026
- Cost
- Free
class
18 Reasons cooking classes
Hands-on cooking classes in San Francisco. Evening classes run 6-9:30pm.
- Cost
- Evening classes listed at $195 ($185 members); some sell out
nightlife
After Dark Thursdays at the Exploratorium
Adults-only nights with 650+ hands-on exhibits, trivia, dance parties, talks and drinks.
- Hours
- Thursdays 6-10pm
- Ages
- 18+
- Cost
- $22.95
- Where
- Pier 15, San Francisco, CA
food
Ferry Building Marketplace
Restaurants and food shops at the foot of Market Street. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Hours
- Building open daily 6am-10pm; shop hours vary
parkFree
Lands End
Coastal trail above the ocean with views of the Golden Gate, shipwrecks and the Sutro Baths ruins. Start at the Lands End Lookout visitor center. Wheelchair-accessible trails begin at the Merrie Way parking lot.
Checked 2026-10-19bowling
Mission Bowling Club
Six-lane boutique bowling alley with a full restaurant and bar. Up to 6 bowlers per lane.
- Ages
- All ages until 6pm; 21+ after 6pm except Sundays
- Cost
- $58-78 per lane per session
- Where
- 3176 17th St, San Francisco, CA
nightlife
NightLife at the Academy
Thursday nights at the California Academy of Sciences with live music, cocktails and the exhibits after dark. There's usually one Thursday a month with no event, and none from mid-December to early January.
- Hours
- Most Thursdays 6-10pm (last entry 9pm)
- Ages
- 21+ with photo ID
- Cost
- $26; planetarium $7 extra; 10% off 3+ tickets
- Where
- 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
parkFree
Ocean Beach
3.5 miles of beach on the city's western edge, good for long walks and kites. The water is cold and currents are hazardous.
Checked 2026-10-19free showFree
Photosynthesis light show at the Conservatory
Light art on the outside of the Conservatory of Flowers, starting 30 minutes after sunset every night. About 30 minutes long.
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 100 John F Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
live music
SFJAZZ Center
Concert hall built for jazz, with B-Side restaurant and bar for a pre- or post-show drink or meal.
- Hours
- Box office Wed-Sat noon-5:30pm
- Where
- 201 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
live music
The Fillmore
Concert venue; see the calendar for upcoming shows.
- Where
- 1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115
🌷8 picks
Senior Outings
Accessible gardens, senior discounts, community centers and quieter museums.
museumFree days
Asian Art Museum
Civic Center museum with docent talks and Thursday night programs. Timed tickets let you stay as long as you like.
- Note
- Closed Thu Oct 29
- Hours
- Thu 1-8pm; Fri-Mon 10am-5pm; closed Tue-Wed
- Cost
- Adults $20; 65+ $17; free general admission on the first Sunday of each month
- Where
- 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
gardenFree days
Conservatory of Flowers
Rare and tropical plants in the oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America. Wheelchair accessible; two loaner wheelchairs at the ticket booth.
- Hours
- 10am-4:30pm, closed Wednesdays
- Cost
- Free on the first Tuesday of the month
- Where
- 100 John F Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
gardenFree hours
Japanese Tea Garden
The oldest operating public Japanese garden in North America. Timed entry: reserve a slot in advance. Most of the historic landscape is not wheelchair accessible.
- Cost
- Free hour Mon, Wed and Fri, 9-10am
- Where
- 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
parkFree
Lands End
Coastal trail above the ocean with views of the Golden Gate, shipwrecks and the Sutro Baths ruins. Start at the Lands End Lookout visitor center. Wheelchair-accessible trails begin at the Merrie Way parking lot.
Checked 2026-10-19community center
On Lok 30th Street Senior Center
50+ activities, from Latin aerobics to art classes, in English and Spanish, plus a garden with tai chi. Community lunch Mon-Sat at noon and 1pm; contribution welcome, not required.
- Ages
- 60+ living independently (for community meals)
- Where
- 225 30th Street, San Francisco, CA
museum
SFMOMA
Modern and contemporary art museum. Kids 18 and under are always free.
- Hours
- Mon-Tue 10am-5pm; Thu noon-8pm; Fri-Sun 10am-5pm; closed Wed
- Cost
- Adult $30; Senior (65+) $25; 18 and under free
- Where
- 151 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103
gardenFree hours and days
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Most pathways are wheelchair accessible and marked; complimentary wheelchairs at either entrance, first come, first served.
- Hours
- Opens 7:30am; last entry 5pm in October, 4pm from November
- Cost
- Free daily 7:30-9am, the second Tuesday of every month, and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
- Where
- 1199 9th Ave, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94122
tourFree
San Francisco City Guides walking tours
Volunteer-led neighborhood walks, about 90-120 minutes. Register online; walk-ups welcome on most tours.
- Cost
- Free; suggested $20 donation
Tip: SF residents 65+ with income at or below 100% of Bay Area Median Income can ride Muni free, including cable cars. Source (opens in new tab) ↗
Back to top ↑🎳12 picks
Friends and Groups
Escape rooms, bowling, trivia nights and festivals.
festival
San Francisco Coffee Festival
Specialty roasters, coffee shops, snacks and live entertainment.
- Dates
- Nov 7, 2026 – Nov 8, 2026
- Where
- Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco, CA
festival
SF International Tea Festival
Tastings from local and global tea producers, a tea market, and a porcelain cup to take home.
- Dates
- Nov 14, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026
- Where
- Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco, CA
festivalFree
Let's Glow SF
Free holiday projection art on downtown landmarks over ten nights, including the Ferry Building.
- Dates
- Dec 4, 2026 – Dec 13, 2026
- Cost
- Free
festivalFree
Twisted Holiday Festival
PlayGround's fringe-style festival of new holiday plays: 8 productions, 24 performances.
- Dates
- Dec 4, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026
- Cost
- Free admission; suggested donation $10-30
- Where
- Potrero Stage, 1695 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
class
18 Reasons cooking classes
Hands-on cooking classes in San Francisco. Evening classes run 6-9:30pm.
- Cost
- Evening classes listed at $195 ($185 members); some sell out
nightlife
After Dark Thursdays at the Exploratorium
Adults-only nights with 650+ hands-on exhibits, trivia, dance parties, talks and drinks.
- Hours
- Thursdays 6-10pm
- Ages
- 18+
- Cost
- $22.95
- Where
- Pier 15, San Francisco, CA
bowling
Mission Bowling Club
Six-lane boutique bowling alley with a full restaurant and bar. Up to 6 bowlers per lane.
- Ages
- All ages until 6pm; 21+ after 6pm except Sundays
- Cost
- $58-78 per lane per session
- Where
- 3176 17th St, San Francisco, CA
nightlife
NightLife at the Academy
Thursday nights at the California Academy of Sciences with live music, cocktails and the exhibits after dark. There's usually one Thursday a month with no event, and none from mid-December to early January.
- Hours
- Most Thursdays 6-10pm (last entry 9pm)
- Ages
- 21+ with photo ID
- Cost
- $26; planetarium $7 extra; 10% off 3+ tickets
- Where
- 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
escape room
Palace Games escape rooms
Escape rooms inside the Palace of Fine Arts. Rooms take 4-8 players (Roosevelt 6-8) and run 80-120 minutes.
- Where
- Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA
bowling
Presidio Bowl
12 lanes, a bar and grill, and a patio with bay views. Reserve ahead: lanes are not held for walk-ins.
- Where
- 93 Moraga Avenue, Presidio of San Francisco, CA
tourFree
San Francisco City Guides walking tours
Volunteer-led neighborhood walks, about 90-120 minutes. Register online; walk-ups welcome on most tours.
- Cost
- Free; suggested $20 donation
live music
The Fillmore
Concert venue; see the calendar for upcoming shows.
- Where
- 1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115
🎟️11 picks
Free and Cheap
Free entry, free days and free hours from the sections above.
festivalFree
Let's Glow SF
Free holiday projection art on downtown landmarks over ten nights, including the Ferry Building.
- Dates
- Dec 4, 2026 – Dec 13, 2026
- Cost
- Free
festivalFree
Twisted Holiday Festival
PlayGround's fringe-style festival of new holiday plays: 8 productions, 24 performances.
- Dates
- Dec 4, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026
- Cost
- Free admission; suggested donation $10-30
- Where
- Potrero Stage, 1695 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
museumFree days
Asian Art Museum
Civic Center museum with docent talks and Thursday night programs. Timed tickets let you stay as long as you like.
- Note
- Closed Thu Oct 29
- Hours
- Thu 1-8pm; Fri-Mon 10am-5pm; closed Tue-Wed
- Cost
- Adults $20; 65+ $17; free general admission on the first Sunday of each month
- Where
- 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
gardenFree days
Conservatory of Flowers
Rare and tropical plants in the oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America. Wheelchair accessible; two loaner wheelchairs at the ticket booth.
- Hours
- 10am-4:30pm, closed Wednesdays
- Cost
- Free on the first Tuesday of the month
- Where
- 100 John F Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
gardenFree hours
Japanese Tea Garden
The oldest operating public Japanese garden in North America. Timed entry: reserve a slot in advance. Most of the historic landscape is not wheelchair accessible.
- Cost
- Free hour Mon, Wed and Fri, 9-10am
- Where
- 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
community center
On Lok 30th Street Senior Center
50+ activities, from Latin aerobics to art classes, in English and Spanish, plus a garden with tai chi. Community lunch Mon-Sat at noon and 1pm; contribution welcome, not required.
- Ages
- 60+ living independently (for community meals)
- Where
- 225 30th Street, San Francisco, CA
free showFree
Photosynthesis light show at the Conservatory
Light art on the outside of the Conservatory of Flowers, starting 30 minutes after sunset every night. About 30 minutes long.
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 100 John F Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
parkFree
Presidio Tunnel Tops & Outpost Playground
Golden Gate Bridge views, the Outpost nature playground, picnic sites, trails and the Field Station curiosity lab. Free to all, open every day, no tickets needed.
- Cost
- Free
libraryFree
SF Public Library kids' programs
Free weekly storytimes, free online tutoring 1-10pm daily, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: a free book every month for kids 0-5.
- Ages
- 0-5 for Imagination Library
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- Main Library: 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
gardenFree hours and days
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Most pathways are wheelchair accessible and marked; complimentary wheelchairs at either entrance, first come, first served.
- Hours
- Opens 7:30am; last entry 5pm in October, 4pm from November
- Cost
- Free daily 7:30-9am, the second Tuesday of every month, and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
- Where
- 1199 9th Ave, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94122
tourFree
San Francisco City Guides walking tours
Volunteer-led neighborhood walks, about 90-120 minutes. Register online; walk-ups welcome on most tours.
- Cost
- Free; suggested $20 donation