San Francisco is a great family-friendly destination

Bringing a baby along on your travels can have its advantages.  What a great time to travel with kids – while they are young enough to ride along for free activities.

In honor of Mother’s Day, here is a list of activities and places in San Francisco, California, that welcome families.  Here are the ABCs of traveling to San Francisco with kids.  Check back next week for the second part of this series:

Angel Island State Park: Angel Island, reached by ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco (Blue & Gold Fleet) or from Tiburon (Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry), is ideal for family picnics with several picnic grounds around the island and views of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito/Tiburon and SF Bay. Babies ride free on the island’s tram tours. Baby trailers are available on rental bikes (limited number) or guest may bring their own. The island perimeter road is “stroller-friendly.” And the Cove Café’s made-from-scratch Mac ‘n’ Cheese is every kid’s and mom’s favorite for flavor, authenticity and nutritional value. Angel Island, San Francisco Bay

Bay Area Discovery Museum: The Bay Area Discovery Museum offers hands-on creative play for babies and toddlers in its specially-designed Tot Spot, exclusively for children under three. New crawlers and walkers may tumble on the lily ponds filled with water; crawl through the “waterfall,” splash outside in the stream full of (plastic) salmon and frogs; and climb among the “roots” of a tree. The exhibition shows how animals in the wetlands and woodlands of the San Francisco Bay Area have homes just like their human counterparts. Museum admission is always free for infants under one. 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito CA 94965

California Academy of Sciences: The California Academy of Sciences is an interactive museum and aquarium packed with opportunities for parents and babies to explore the natural world. Scientist-in-training may experience a special exhibit designed for children five and under. There, tots can explore a replica of the Academy’s 1905 research schooner, climb a tree-house, or tend an organic garden. At the Discovery Tidepool, children may touch a few of the ocean creatures that live along the California coastline, and in African Hall the colony of African penguins dipping and diving in their tank are sure to delight visitors of all ages. 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco, CA 94118

Looking to plan that perfect getaway? Well be a smart traveler and check out CheapOair’s Travel Resources.