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United States/Things to Do in San Francisco, with kids

San Francisco Zoo (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is San Francisco Zoo?

93%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 93% Kids-Friendly: Ages 3-12 thrive with Elinor Friend Playground, goat petting, Little Puffer train, Zoo Keys, daily feedings, many restrooms, and stroller-friendly trails, making it an almost perfect day out.

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Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 13,728 reviews)
Autistic nonverbal teen visiting San Francisco zoo with the family! | Autism life with Ashy
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Autistic nonverbal teen visiting San Francisco zoo with the family! | Autism life with Ashy
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San Francisco Zoo Secrets They Don’t Tell You
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SAN FRANCISCO ZOO. NEW updates and exhibits! TOUR the zoo with us.
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SAN FRANCISCO ZOO. NEW updates and exhibits! TOUR the zoo with us.
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Exploring the San Francisco Zoo Walkthrough
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Exploring the San Francisco Zoo Walkthrough
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Report finds San Francisco Zoo 'extremely outdated', unsafe
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Report finds San Francisco Zoo 'extremely outdated', unsafe
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We're back at the San Francisco Zoo! All your 2025 Zoo updates! No Panda??
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San Francisco Zoo's VIP Guided tour!! Plus, Zoo updates!!
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San Francisco Zoo's VIP Guided tour!! Plus, Zoo updates!!
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[4K] San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
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[4K] San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
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Walk Through: San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco, CA. (Dec. 28th, 2024)
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Walk Through: San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco, CA. (Dec. 28th, 2024)
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San Francisco CA. Zoo - The most interactive Zoo in the Bay Area!
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San Francisco CA. Zoo - The most interactive Zoo in the Bay Area!
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Positives:

  • Stroller and wheelchair friendly: Wide, paved paths and rentals make it easy to navigate with young kids.
  • Free educational programs: Daily keeper talks and bio-fact carts entertain and teach children at no extra cost.
  • Family-oriented exhibits: The Fisher Children’s Zoo and playground cater specifically to ages 3–12.

Challenges:

  • Hilly terrain: Zoo paths include gentle slopes; bring a stroller with good wheels or rent one.
  • Crowded weekends: Popular rides and shows fill up by midday; arrive early to avoid lines.
  • Limited shade: Some exhibits and seating areas lack shade; pack sun hats and water.
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🏖️ Explore San Francisco Zoo with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around San Francisco Zoo. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is San Francisco Zoo?

  • A 100-acre zoological park on San Francisco’s southwestern edge, housing over 2,000 animals across nearly 300 species
  • A habitat-driven collection of exhibits including the Insect Zoo, African Savanna, South American Tropical Rainforest and Jones Family Gorilla Preserve
  • A landscaped urban oasis integrating native and exotic gardens with historic architecture and conservation-focused facilities

What is so special about San Francisco Zoo for with kids?

  1. Interactive play areas and petting farm for hands-on fun.
  2. Historic steam train and 1921 carousel rides thrill all ages.
  3. Daily keeper talks and animal feedings deepen learning.
  4. Wide paths and stroller rentals ease family navigation.
  5. Seasonal gardens add color, photos, and calm resting spots.

Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours

Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for main exhibits, train and carousel rides, playground breaks, and a relaxed family pace.

(View San Francisco Zoo on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in San Francisco Zoo

Elinor Friend Playground:

Three age-specific play zones let kids climb, splash, and explore safely.

Tip: Visit first thing to beat crowds and pack a change of clothes for the water play.

Little Puffer Steam Train:

A gentle circuit through South America and Bear Country habitats.

Tip: Ride at the 11 am opening to avoid lines; kids under 3 ride free with a paid adult.

Historic Dentzel Carousel:

A restored 1921 carousel with hand-carved animals.

Tip: Buy tickets early; adults ride free when accompanying a paying child.

Family Farm Goat Enrichment:

Pet and feed goats while keepers explain farm-animal care.

Tip: Join the daily 11 am session and bring a few quarters for feed.

Animal Connections Shows:

Interactive keeper talks and feedings featuring reptiles, birds, and more.

Tip: Check the daily schedule and slot in a show around midday to rest little legs.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to San Francisco Zoo

  1. Arrive at opening: Beat the crowds at top attractions like the playground and train by starting at 10 am.
  2. Plan your route: Use a zoo map to group nearby exhibits and minimize backtracking with little legs.
  3. Pack snacks: Bring water and snacks to enjoy near shaded benches and avoid café lines.
🏖️ Tour San Francisco Zoo like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in San Francisco Zoo. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of San Francisco Zoo

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Fibromyalgic Guahan

Fibromyalgic Guahan

Oct 2025

We love animals and this was wonderful! The animals were relaxing. We got to see bears, lions, wolves, penguins, rhinos, etc. The food was good for the price. The experience was better in person. Lots of walking too. We enjoyed ourselves.

Isaac Langford

Isaac Langford

Sep 2025

During our visit, I incurred the following expenses: two chicken strip dinners for $57 and an admission fee of $28. While exploring the park, we observed that most of the animals were not active. Fortunately, there was one individual actively engaging the crowd with the koalas exhibit. However, I believe that more people are needed to provide commentary on the animals as they are typically asleep ...

J M

J M

Sep 2025

Discover the wonders of the San Francisco Zoo.Located at Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Hwy, this spacious, family-friendly destination is home to over 2,000 amazing animals, each thriving in their unique habitats. Highlights include the African Savanna, Penguin Island, and the enchanting Lemur Forest! With stroller-friendly paths and a vibrant playground, your little ones can laugh, play, and explore ...

Major Reaction

Major Reaction

Sep 2025

Took my family to the zoo yesterday. It had been years since we last visited this location, and we thought it would be fun to go back. We spent about 5 hours walking through the entire park, trying to find every exhibit and animal. Many of the exhibits were closed for renovations or due to new animals being introduced into their habitats (i.e. gorilla). There were still more than enough animals an...

Jonathan Phan

Jonathan Phan

Jul 2025

Located at Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Hwy, the San Francisco Zoo is a spacious, family-friendly destination with over 2,000 animals across diverse habitats. Highlights include the African Savanna, Penguin Island, and the Lemur Forest. The zoo is stroller-accessible and offers kid-focused attractions like the steam train, carousel, and a hands-on children’s zoo. Staff are friendly and informative, an...

When is the best time to visit San Francisco Zoo (San Francisco, United States)?

San Francisco’s weather can be foggy in the morning and sunny by afternoon—bring layers year-round. In spring, the themed gardens burst with wildflowers. On cooler or drizzly days, plan extra time in indoor exhibits like the Insect Zoo and Tropical Building.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to San Francisco on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Zoo admission (2 adults, 2 kids)USD 86
Little Puffer Steam Train (4 riders)USD 36
Dentzel Carousel (2 kids)USD 8
Casual lunch at zoo caféUSD 50
Total EstimatedUSD 180

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of San Francisco Zoo

Address: Sloat Blvd &, Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA

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About San Francisco Zoo

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 415-753-7080

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