Legion of Honor (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Legion of Honor?
What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Kids enter free, get scavenger-hunt guides and Family Day art projects, plus lawn space to burn energy, but fragile art and quiet rules require close supervision.
Positives:
- Kids Free: Children under 18 enter free with a supervising adult.
- Stroller Friendly: Standard strollers are allowed in galleries at no extra cost.
- Rest Stops: Borrow folding stools at the Info Desk if kids need a break.
Challenges:
- Stairs and Colonnade: The main entrance has wide stairs; use side ramps if you have a stroller.
- Quiet Spaces: Galleries enforce low noise—remind kids to use indoor voices.
- Parking Limits: On busy weekends, on-site parking fills quickly; arrive early to find a spot.
What is Legion of Honor?
- A Beaux-Arts museum in Lincoln Park modeled on Paris’s Palais de la Légion d’Honneur and overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge
- A fine arts institution housing 4,000 years of ancient and European art with an encyclopedic graphic arts collection
- A repository spanning Egyptian antiquities, Medieval and Renaissance sculpture, and European paintings by Picasso, Renoir and El Greco
What is so special about Legion of Honor for with kids?
- Kids under 18 enter free, reducing family costs.
- Picnic on the front lawn with Golden Gate Bridge views.
- Self-guided scavenger hunt keeps children engaged.
- See Monet paintings and explore medieval armor.
- Stroller-friendly galleries with rest stools available.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allocates time for a lawn picnic, gallery exploration, and breaks suited to kids’ attention spans.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Legion of Honor
Front-Lawn Picnic & Play:
Let kids run and climb near the El Cid statue before entering.
Tip: Bring a blanket and snacks; eat here first since food isn’t allowed inside.
Gallery Scavenger Hunt:
Spot painted babies and sculpted figures in the Medieval & Renaissance wing.
Tip: Use your phone camera to capture each find and make it a game.
Monet & Masterpieces:
Visit the European art galleries to show kids famous works by Monet and Renoir.
Tip: Ask children what colors they see and whether it’s a morning or evening scene.
Medieval Armor Exploration:
Let kids imagine being knights as they view shiny armor and Versailles furniture.
Tip: Point out helmet details and let them guess what each piece was used for.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Legion of Honor
- Early Entry: Arrive at opening (10 AM) to avoid crowds and claim a picnic spot.
- Pick up Activity Guide: Grab the free family guide at the Info Desk for a self-led scavenger hunt.
- Combine Café & Picnic: Buy drinks inside then picnic outside to save on full meals.
Reviews of Legion of Honor
Tony Allen
IT WAS A GREAT VISIT!!! We oived it. Everyone should visit the Legion of Honor at least once (in my opinion). BTW, bring your Bluetooth headphones! It's not so practical to listen to the free guided tour (through the QR code) out loud, in a mostly quiet invironment.
William Joy
Great museum with beautiful grounds and coast views. Rodin's sculptures are displayed in the front courtyard, as well as many other places inside. The architecture seems to be French-based, which was very nice and elegant. Hiking was fun, with short trails to the coast and the beach. Views are amazing when not foggy. Overall I highly recommend!
Grazia Bostwick
Wonderful display of Rodin's sculptures as well as other beautiful works of art. Relaxing and wonderful experience. We also enjoyed a coffee at their cafe and shopped at their gift shop. The museum sits on beautiful grounds with a view of the ocean. Highly recommend it especially if you are looking for a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle.
Leah McCormack
Beautiful museum. The artwork is thoughtfully displayed enhancing the beauty of each piece. There is parking and as suggested we arrived early , about half an hour after opening and had zero issues finding a spot. Very easy to spend hours inside enjoying the art.
Su
Beautiful gallery! 😍 Loved seeing works from Monet, Renoir, Rodin, and more. The layout is easy to follow, which made the visit really enjoyable. Parking was a little tricky, but once inside, everything was wonderful. The gift shop staff were also so kind and welcoming. Highly recommend!
When is the best time to visit Legion of Honor (San Francisco, United States)?
In summer afternoons, pack sun hats and water for the lawn. In cooler months, start indoors and picnic later when the sun warms the terrace.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult general admission (2) | USD 40 |
| Audio guide rental | USD 8 |
| Café snacks | USD 10 |
| Total Estimated | USD 58 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Legion of Honor
Address: 100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
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About Legion of Honor
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 415-750-3600Explore Popular Things to Do
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