New kid-friendly activities in the San Francisco Bay Area

See recent posts by Debbie Abrams Kaplan

Great America theme park in Santa Clara

Try something new in San Francisco this spring. Here are three fun, family attractions opening this spring in the Bay Area.

Great America (5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara): If the kids are into theme parks, Great America in Santa Clara opens on March 28. In addition to the roller coasters and other “thrill” rides, they’re debuting the new Planet Snoopy area for the younger set. If staying in San Francisco, you’ll need to rent a car to get there. Staying at the Hotel Palomar gives you easy access to the freeway, while still staying in the heart of San Francisco, though you might also want to check out Oyster’s picks for the best kid-friendly hotels in San Francisco.

San Francisco Zoo’s Bunny Patch (One Zoo Road): The San Francisco Zoo is fun, even without special exhibits. They have a great train ride, a petting zoo, a carousel, and lots of animals. But from March 31 until April 4, they have a bunny patch where kids can pet the furry creatures and get pictures with a larger (human in a costume) version. Plus, there’s story time, and carrot seed plantings to make and take home. From the Handlery Hotel, it’s just a quick bus ride to the zoo.

Mirror Maze (Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf): Pier 39’s newest attraction just opened — Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze. This old-fashioned maze is good for all ages. Find your way through this columned building, making sure not to bump your bodies on the mirrors in between. You’ll be close to Pier 39 at the Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf and any of the other hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf.

– Debbie Abrams Kaplan of Frisco Kids and Kaplan Ink

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