The 16 Best Indoor Activities in San Francisco

When the weather in San Francisco doesn't cooperate, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in this vibrant city. Whether you're a local looking for something new to do or a visitor seeking refuge from the fog, there is something for everyone to enjoy indoors.
From world-class museums and art galleries to interactive exhibits and immersive experiences, San Francisco offers a variety of options to keep you entertained and inspired. Whether you're interested in history, science, or the arts, there is no shortage of indoor activities in San Francisco to explore.
- Unique interactive exhibits
- Art galleries featuring local and international artists
- Historical museums highlighting the city's rich past
- Cultural centers celebrating diversity and inclusivity
- Immersive experiences that transport you to another world
Whether you're looking to learn something new, get lost in a world of creativity, or simply have fun indoors, San Francisco has plenty to offer. Check out the list below to discover the best indoor activities in the city.
- 1. Exploratorium
- 2. Musée Mécanique
- 3. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
- 4. California Academy of Sciences
- 5. The Walt Disney Family Museum
- 6. Reason
- 7. Aquarium of the Bay
- 8. Children's Creativity Museum
- 9. Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
- 10. Subpar Miniature Golf
- 11. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- 12. Little Oceanauts, Inc
- 13. Peek-a-Boo Factory SF
- 14. House of Air Trampoline Park and Café
- 15. Imagination Playhouse
- 16. Indoor park at 101 Second Street
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 12–5 PM
1. Exploratorium
Information and Reviews
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is not your typical museum. It offers a wide range of live performances and hands-on experiences that make it a perfect destination for families and curious minds. With its interactive exhibits on science, engineering, art, and marine life, visitors of all ages can have a blast while learning something new.
Customer reviews rave about the museum's engaging atmosphere and diverse activities:
- "A wonderful place to teach kids about science, engineering, art, marine life, and much more. Everything is interactive, so the hands-on experience makes it fun for the whole family." - 5 stars
- "Undoubtedly the most impressive science museum I've ever been to, boasting around 200 fully interactive exhibits that are thoroughly explained." - 5 stars
- "So nice not having kidlets in the way. Very enjoyable, entertaining, and educational evening!" - 5 stars
- "You could easily spend half a day exploring the various exhibits, learning and playing. Obviously great for kids, but just as great for adults." - 5 stars
Whether you're interested in science or just looking for a fun day out, the Exploratorium has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this unique and enriching experience in the heart of San Francisco!
- Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–8 PM
2. Musée Mécanique
Information and Reviews
- Visitors love the free admission and the opportunity to play classic attractions for less than $1, making it an affordable and entertaining outing.
- The diverse selection of games, including 80’s arcade favorites and intricate antique machines, sparks nostalgic memories and amazement among guests.
- Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the museum's proximity to Fisherman's Wharf, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination in the city.
- The owner's friendly demeanor and engaging conversations enhance the overall experience, creating a welcoming and fun environment for all.
Experience the magic of Musée Mécanique and indulge in a journey through time with its fascinating exhibits and entertaining attractions. Whether you are a gaming enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a delightful day out, this museum promises to delight and inspire all who visit.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
3. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
Information and Reviews
- A great destination for those curious about how the cable cars in San Francisco function
- Convenient location with easy access to the cable car stop
- Informative displays and artifacts showcasing the history of cable cars
- Free entrance making it accessible to everyone
Customer reviews highlight the helpful gift shop assistants, the educational experience that appeals to both adults and kids, and the overall enjoyable visit to the museum. Visitors particularly appreciate the cleanliness and availability of restrooms on the premises. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a family-friendly attraction, the San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a must-visit destination.
- Monday: 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–5 PM
4. California Academy of Sciences
Information and Reviews
Visitors praise the academy for its well-curated exhibits that are both entertaining and educational. Sustainability and conservation initiatives are integrated into the museum's offerings, making it a thought-provoking destination for families and science enthusiasts. Customers highly recommend booking tickets in advance to skip the lines and fully explore all the museum has to offer.
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- Fantastic blend of science, nature, and education
- Engaging exhibits suitable for all ages
- Well-organized and filled with interesting fun facts
- Highly recommended for families and science enthusiasts
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10 AM–5:30 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5:30 PM
5. The Walt Disney Family Museum
Information and Reviews
- I enjoyed the museum immensely. The interactive kiosks delve deep into the genius of Walt Disney. His family history, What his inspirations were and what inspired his artists. I wish there was a building or wing dedicated to the continuation of his legacy through family and friends.
- Very nice museum to take the family and learn the history of Walt Disney’s family. My kids had a wonderful time and the museum is actually bigger than you would think when staring at it from the outside. At least 2-3 hours of family fun.
- What a gem! It was recommended we visit this museum during our stay in SF and we are so glad we did! Loved learning more about Walt Disney’s history. Very inspiring and well curated. The Dogs & Cats pop up exhibit was also wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
- This is an amazing, magical place, and so much better than I thought it was going to be. The artifacts and installations were great, and it is huge compared to what it looks like outside. I would definitely recommend to any Disney fan!
The Walt Disney Family Museum offers a unique experience for all ages, making it a must-visit destination for Disney enthusiasts and families alike. With its informative exhibits and engaging displays, this museum is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 8 AM–5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–5:30 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM–5:30 PM
- Friday: 8 AM–5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM–5:30 PM
- Sunday: 12–5 PM
6. Reason
Information and Reviews
- Customers praised the challenging puzzles and engaging themes of the escape rooms.
- Many mentioned the excellent customer service provided by the staff, making the experience even more enjoyable.
- The variety of rooms and themes available at Reason were highlighted as a major positive aspect of the business.
If you are looking for a fun and exciting activity for team building, celebrations, or just a day out with friends and family, consider visiting Reason for an unforgettable experience.
- Monday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM
7. Aquarium of the Bay
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews highlight various aspects of the attraction:
- This place offers intriguing displays and a water tunnel, but it is smaller than expected with limited shark presence and animals on display.
- Visitors recommend purchasing a city pass to explore multiple attractions, praising the beautiful aquarium with opportunities to interact with sea creatures.
- The well-designed exhibits and friendly staff make for an enjoyable experience, though crowds can accumulate quickly in the relatively small space.
- While geared towards children with a focus on local bay sealife and environmental awareness, some guests feel the admission price could be more justified for the scale of the aquarium.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
8. Children's Creativity Museum
Information and Reviews
Some of the standout features of the museum include a Lego animation area where kids can bring their creations to life, a captivating flower creation exhibit, and opportunities for young ones to experiment with music and science. The park also offers activities like bowling, carousel rides, and a designated play area, guaranteeing a day full of fun and learning for children.
Customer reviews rave about the welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere of the museum. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities and the helpfulness of the staff. Some key points from the reviews include:
- Great variety of activities to engage children's creativity.
- Warm and friendly staff that enhance the overall experience.
- Clean and well-maintained facilities, ensuring a pleasant visit for families.
If you're looking for a place where your kids can learn, play, and explore in a safe and stimulating environment, Children's Creativity Museum is the perfect destination for you. Visit their website for more information on admission and current exhibits.
- Monday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM
9. Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
Information and Reviews
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- Guests had a blast going through the maze and enjoyed the beautiful visuals.
- The maze made visitors feel like kids again and provided a clean, friendly, and fun experience.
- Visitors found the maze worth the $10 entry fee and highlighted the simplicity and enjoyment of the experience.
- Customers recommended the mirror maze as a must-visit attraction in San Francisco, praising its ability to bring back childhood wonder.
Don't miss out on this unique and exciting attraction in San Francisco!
- Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM
10. Subpar Miniature Golf
Information and Reviews
- This is a cute place that covers all the bases of SF landmarks.
- The courses feature iconic SF landmarks and are a cool touch.
- The Glowing experience was unique and enjoyable.
- Wonderful experience with great service and a clean, fun course.
Visitors have highlighted the friendly staff, clean environment, and overall enjoyable experience. Whether you're a local or a first-time visitor to San Francisco, Subpar Miniature Golf comes highly recommended for a fun and memorable time!
- Monday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM
11. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Information and Reviews
Customers have had overwhelmingly positive experiences at Ripley's, with many highlighting the following key points:
- Loved visiting this location! The mirror maze is a must-see and the two-headed plushies are adorable.
- Great value for money with a combo ticket option available with the wax museum next door. Fun for the whole family!
- Staff are friendly and helpful, with special commendations for manager Sharbel. The mirror maze and tipsy tunnel were personal favorites.
- Interactive displays are engaging and educational. A wide variety of exhibits to explore, including the shadow wall and walk-through kaleidoscope.
With a solid rating of 4.2 stars and over 1400 reviews, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and entertaining experience in San Francisco.
- Monday: 10 AM–2 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–2 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–2 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–2 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–3:30 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
12. Little Oceanauts, Inc
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews rave about their experience at Little Oceanauts, highlighting the following key points:
- Professional and friendly staff making sure every event runs smoothly.
- Delicious food options from That’s Amore catering service.
- Well-maintained, clean, and spacious playground for children of all ages.
The high rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 reflects the quality and care Little Oceanauts, Inc provides to its customers. Visit their website to book your next event and experience the excitement firsthand!
- Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
13. Peek-a-Boo Factory SF
Information and Reviews
Customers have shared positive experiences at Peek-a-Boo Factory SF:
- A customer mentioned that the play area was nice and clean, but suggested allowing full access during private parties.
- Another review highlighted the friendly staff, clean playground areas, availability of snacks, and fun slides for kids of all ages.
- A parent praised the playground for being toddler-friendly and providing a good workout while playing with their child.
- One reviewer expressed disappointment with the initial confusion upon entering but acknowledged the hard work of the young staff and suggested improvements in equipment and staffing.
Overall, Peek-a-Boo Factory SF offers a fun and welcoming environment for families and children to enjoy indoor playtime and celebrate special occasions.
- Monday: 2–6 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 2–6 PM
- Thursday: 2–6 PM
- Friday: 2–6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
14. House of Air Trampoline Park and Café
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews highlight the following key points:
- Great place for kids with tons of energy!
- Fun trampoline park with friendly staff
- Excellent venue for birthday parties
- Beautiful view of the water from the outside area
The spacious layout, dedicated children's area, and various attractions like dodgeball and training arenas make it a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings. The staff's attention to detail, especially when organizing events like birthday parties, ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests. So, come and bounce your way to a memorable day at House of Air Trampoline Park and Café!
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10 AM–4:30 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
15. Imagination Playhouse
Information and Reviews
- Visitors praised the diverse range of activities, including ball pits and slides.
- Customers appreciated the cleanliness and helpful staff at the venue.
- Many guests highlighted the great experience they had hosting birthday parties at the Imagination Playhouse.
- Families loved the spacious and safe environment, perfect for children of all ages.
- Monday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
16. Indoor park at 101 Second Street
Information and Reviews
- The park is perfect for kids.
- Accessible for wheelchair users.
Customers appreciate the park's dedication to accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors love the open space and the opportunity for children to play freely. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in San Francisco!
Map of Indoor Activities in San Francisco
Discover all the indoor activities San Francisco has to offer! Whether you're looking to escape the fog or seeking refuge from the busy streets, this map will guide you to the best places to explore indoors. From museums and galleries to cozy cafes and entertainment venues, San Francisco has something for everyone to enjoy indoors. So grab your map and start exploring!
Best indoor activities in San Francisco
If you're looking for indoor activities in San Francisco, you're in luck! The city has a wide range of options to choose from, whether you're interested in art, history, or science. Some of the top indoor activities in San Francisco include visiting museums like the de Young Museum, exploring the historic Alcatraz Island, or taking a tour of the California Academy of Sciences.
For those who prefer something more interactive, consider taking a cooking class at the San Francisco Cooking School, attending a live theater performance at the Orpheum Theatre, or trying out indoor rock climbing at Planet Granite. No matter what your interests are, there's something for everyone to enjoy indoors in San Francisco.
Family-friendly indoor activities
Traveling with kids and need some indoor activities to keep them entertained? San Francisco has plenty of options that the whole family will enjoy. Head to the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits for all ages, or visit the Children's Creativity Museum for a day of arts and crafts.
For a fun and educational experience, consider exploring the California Academy of Sciences, where you can see a variety of exhibits on natural history, aquariums, and a living rainforest. If your family enjoys art, don't miss a trip to the Cartoon Art Museum or the Museum of Modern Art for a dose of culture and creativity.
Rainy day indoor activities
Don't let a little rain dampen your plans in San Francisco! There are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy even on a rainy day. Spend the day getting lost in the pages of a good book at the historic City Lights bookstore, or catch a movie at the famous Castro Theatre for a classic cinema experience.
If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to Westfield San Francisco Centre for a day of retail therapy, or explore the Ferry Building Marketplace for a taste of local cuisine and artisan goods. For a relaxing day indoors, consider booking a spa day at one of the city's many luxury spas for a pampering escape from the rain.
Budget-friendly indoor activities
Exploring San Francisco on a budget doesn't mean you have to miss out on the city's indoor activities. There are plenty of affordable options to choose from that won't break the bank. Visit the Cable Car Museum for a free look into the city's iconic transportation system, or take a stroll through the historic Ferry Building for a taste of local flavors.
If you're a fan of art, consider visiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art on the first Tuesday of the month for free admission, or check out the rotating exhibits at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. For a fun and budget-friendly day out, pack a picnic and head to Golden Gate Park for a day of outdoor activities and exploration.

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