Best Zoos & Aquariums in San Francisco for Kids & Families

3 family-friendly zoos & aquariums with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: Insect Zoo, Hearst Grizzly Gulch, Aquarium of the Bay. 2 listings are indoor. 1 listing is outdoor. Every listing includes age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and parent tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Covers 71 cities. Reads a lot of parent reviews.

Top Picks

Insect Zoo

4.6 stars

The Insect Zoo at SF Zoo houses creatures that make adults squeamish and kids fascinated in equal measure — walking stick insects the length of a rule

Best for ages 3-10IndoorIncluded with SF Zoo admission: approx $80-100 for a family of 4

Hearst Grizzly Gulch

4.4 stars

Hearst Grizzly Gulch at SF Zoo houses the zoo's grizzly bears in a habitat designed to reflect the California wilderness they originally inhabited — c

Great for all ages 2 and upOutdoorIncluded with SF Zoo admission: approx $80-100 for a family of 4

Aquarium of the Bay

4.1 stars

Aquarium of the Bay's signature feature is its 300-foot transparent tunnel that lets you walk through the middle of a shark and ray tank — kids go wid

Great for all ages — especially engaging for ages 2 and upIndoor$100-140 for a family of 4 (approx $25-35 per adult, $15-20 per child)

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