You and the family make your way across the Golden Gate Bridge, you take some pictures, and then…what? Before you head back to San Francisco, stay in Marin County for awhile. Here are five great things to do with your kids on the other side of the bay.

1.  Bay Area Discovery Museum

You’ll get stunning glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge as you roam the five exhibits of this children’s museum. We enjoy the outdoor exploration area, Lookout Cove, where my son climbs a boat, a lookout tower, and a replica of that famous landmark bridge. Inside the Bay Hall exhibit, kids spend what seems like hours pretending they’re fishermen bringing in the catch of the day at Fisherman’s Wharf. There is an Art building for your little Picassos, and a whole indoor and outdoor area designed just for toddlers.

2. Angel Island

From Sausalito, take the ferry to Angel Island State Park. You can tour the island by foot, bike, or tram. If your kids are over the age of 10, make tour reservations to visit the newly renovated Immigration Station and learn about Asian immigrants in the 1900′s.

3. Sausalito

A visit to the town of Sausalito is all about dining, shopping, and people watching. I refuel my whiny one with an ice-cream cone at Lapperts Hawaiian Ice Cream, and then stroll or bike the waterfront walks. The Marine Mammal Center (currently under renovation) is a good place to take your little animal lovers.

4. Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is a popular place to see the giant redwood trees because it’s a 15-mile drive from San Francisco.

An early morning visit gives you the best chance of snagging a parking spot and beating the tour-bus crowds. The trails on the canyon floor are leveled, and make it easy for everyone to enjoy a walk in the ancient forest.

5. Outdoor Recreation

If you still haven’t had your fill of fresh air and beautiful scenery, then by all means, take a hike along the Tennessee Valley Trail. This easy trail ends up at a beach, so you can even sneak in a bit of beachcombing.

And if you just can’t let all this water go to waste, rent a kayak in Sausalito and paddle around the houseboats in Richardson Bay. It’s easy enough for kids and out of shape mothers like myself.

Bay Area Discovery Museum from TravelSavvyMom on Vimeo.

May 27th, 2009 | by Carolina 3 comments