The San Francisco Zoo is a great stop for families who are animal lovers. See the penguins, lions, kangaroos, turtles, owls, frogs and more. The zoo is also home to fun family rides and play areas, including the Little Puffer Miniature Steam Train, Dentzel Carousel and Elinor Friend Playground. For an interactive experience, pick up a zoo key and unlock interactive story areas throughout the zoo, where visitors will learn facts about the animals. Year-round, the zoo is home to exhibits and special animals, such as reindeer during the early winter months. Additional family and children’s programs are offered seasonally, too, including nature walks, scavenger hunts, bike excursions and overnight stays. The zoo is home to its very own Children’s Zoo, which offers kids up-close encounters with animals. Children can play in the Family Farm area, see birds flying through the air above and learn about nature and the various animal species along trails with zoo guides.

Admission to the zoo is $17 for adults and teens ages 15 to 64, $11 for children ages 4 to 14, and $14 for seniors ages 65 and older; children ages 3 and under are free. San Francisco residents receive a discount. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including holidays.