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Indoor and rainy day activities with kids in San Francisco

Dry, warm and mostly walkable — plus at-home ideas for when nobody leaves the house.

Museums, playgrounds and free park days sit within a few blocks of each other in San Francisco, so a weekend plan usually comes down to weather and nap timing.

What's on for kids in San Francisco

Rainy day ideas you already have the stuff for

  • VIP At-Home Movie Theater

    VIP At-Home Movie Theater

    Tonight, we're going to the movies... in our living room! We'll make tickets, pop some fresh popcorn, and get cozy for a special feature film.

    4,5,6,7,8 · Indoor · 120 min · About $5–$25

    Open
  • Create a Family Newspaper

    Create a Family Newspaper

    You and your family can become investigative journalists, reporters, and designers to create your very own family newspaper. This is a chance to tell your family's unique stories, share recent news, and even highlight special achievements. Kids in this age group will enjoy taking on different roles, gathering information through interviews, and seeing their ideas come to life on the page in a creative and tangible way. It’s a great way to practice writing, interviewing, and design skills. Start by brainstorming sections like "Family News," "Local Events," "Interviews," or even "Puzzles." Decide who will be the editor, reporters, and photographers. Gather news and photos, then write short articles and captions. Finally, arrange everything onto a single page using paper, markers, or a simple computer program. To stretch the activity, consider adding a "Letters to the Editor" section for family members to submit thoughts.

    9-13 · Indoor · 90 min

    Open
  • Build a Simple Circuit

    Build a Simple Circuit

    In this activity, you'll use a basic electronics kit to bring components to life. You'll connect wires, a battery, an LED, and a switch to build a simple circuit that lights up. Then, you'll experiment further to create a buzzing sound. It's incredibly satisfying to see your connections work and understand how electricity flows to make things happen, giving you a real sense of accomplishment and a peek into the world of engineering. Start by following the instructions to connect the battery to an LED, then add a simple switch to control the light. Next, swap out the LED for a small buzzer to make some noise. To stretch this activity, try designing a simple alarm system or adding multiple LEDs in different arrangements, exploring series and parallel circuits as you go.

    10-13 · Indoor · 60 min

    Open
  • Build a LEGO Machine With Moving Parts

    Build a LEGO Machine With Moving Parts

    Imagine designing and building a LEGO creation that doesn't just sit there – it moves! Kids this age love the challenge of making things work, and using gears, axles, and levers to build a crane, catapult, or vehicle that truly functions is incredibly rewarding. It’s like solving a puzzle with their hands, seeing how different pieces connect to create motion and accomplish a task. This kind of building boosts problem-solving skills and offers a real sense of accomplishment. Start by sketching a design for your machine, thinking about what you want it to do. Then, gather your LEGO pieces and begin building the main structure, focusing on incorporating moving parts like wheels, gears, or hinges right from the start. Test sections as you go, making adjustments until everything moves smoothly. To stretch the activity, try adding a counterweight to your crane or designing a launching mechanism for your catapult that can hit a specific target.

    9-12 · Indoor · 90 min

    Open

Questions parents ask about San Francisco

What can you do with a toddler in San Francisco on a rainy day?
The branch libraries run toddler storytimes most weekday mornings, and the big museums have stroller-friendly indoor space if you want a longer stretch out of the rain. The indoor list for San Francisco shows what's scheduled.
Are these activities free?
Library and park programs are free; San Francisco museums often have free or discounted resident days, so it's worth checking the organizer link before you pay full price. Anything ticketed links out to the organizer so you can check the price before you go.
How often is this page updated?
Event listings refresh automatically from local sources, so past dates drop off on their own.
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