There are so many things to do in San Francisco, it can be hard to decide how to spend your trip. Traveling with kids can make the decision (if nothing else) a little easier, since it provides some constraints. Here to make it even easier is our guide to family activities in San Francisco, wherein we recommend fun things to do with kids of any age.

Where to Take Little Kids (6 or Younger)

Exploratorium

Some exhibits might be over their heads (looking at you, Microscope Imaging Station), but even young kids can enjoy displays such as the gigantic concave mirror, which presents you with a flipped and magnified version of yourself that seems to float in the air. Elsewhere you'll find man-made geysers, phosphor screens that freeze your shadow, and a 27-foot Aeolian harp played by the wind.

Shop deals on Exploratorium admission starting at $19.95.

Koret Children's Quarter

Since 1888, San Francisco kids have been romping around Koret Children's Quarter, near the east end of Golden Gate Park. You'll find slides (including concrete ones you'll want to bring cardboard for), swings, climbing structures, and one grassy knoll after another. There's a century-old carousel nearby as well. (Bonus: well-maintained bathrooms.)

San Francisco Zoo

This 100-acre zoo is home to all kinds of critters, from chimpanzees to endangered rhinos, plus a farm area where kids can pet sheep and goats. If your kids' attention starts to wane, just hop on rides like the Little Puffer mini steam train or the Dentzel Carousel. Kids 3 or younger get in free.

Where to Take Midsize Kids (Ages 7–11)

Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay isn't gigantic, but it has exciting sights for kids: tubular passages that let you walk "through" water while jellyfish and sharks swim overhead; a spot to see otters at play; and an area where kids can touch stingrays, starfish, and even baby sharks. Stroll to the adjoining marina to see sea lions just lounging around.

Shop deals on Aquarium of the Bay admission starting at $12.95.

California Academy of Sciences

This world-class science center is a lot of things—an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, an, um, indoor rainforest—under one eco-friendly living roof. It's the kind of place where you can touch sea urchins in a tidepool, marvel at a T. Rex skeleton, and take in a projection of the cosmos on 75-foot dome in the same day.

Shop deals on admission to California Academy of Sciences starting at $31.

Ocean Beach

The waters at this beach near Golden Gate Park are way too rough for swimming, but there are plenty of seashells and sand dollars to discover. With a good Bay Area breeze, it's also a prime spot for kite flying. You can even bring a picnic and watch the sunset before the bonfire parties start. (But seriously, don't go in the water.)

Where to Take Big Kids (12 or Older)

Alcatraz Island

Once said to be escape-proof, Alcatraz was a high-security federal prison that housed Al Capone and other high-profile 20th-century criminals. Today, a journey to Alcatraz begins with a ferry ride from Pier 33. Once you're there, take a self-guided audio tour of the cells that features narration by real Alcatraz prisoners and guards. Take a nighttime tour for extra eeriness.

Whale-Watching Cruises

Several local companies will take your family out on high-seas tours. Blue and humpback whales pass through between June and December, and gray, sperm, and killer whales migrate here between December and May. Some companies operate out of the city proper, while others, like Sea Goddess Whale Watching in tiny Moss Landing, are located where the prime whale-watching action is.

Shop all whale-watching tours near San Francisco.

7D Experience

The 7D Experience combines the rush of a roller coaster with the mind-bending tricks of 3D film. You'll don 3D glasses and use a laser gun during your chosen scenario, where you'll compete with others in a battle against zombies, robot cowboys, or whatever new foe the 21st century comes up with.

Shop deals on 7D Experience tickets starting at $15.50 for two people.

This article was originally published in 2016. It has since been updated.