My son recently returned from an exchange program in Taiwan, where he spent two weeks with a host family.  This weekend, his buddy will arrive in San Francisco — his first visit to the U.S.  Although he will stay with us, the program is arranged by their respective schools and our guests will visit many attractions during the school day, including a baseball game, the Exploratorium, the Academy of Sciences and more. Luckily, there is no shortage of activities for kids in our wonderful city, and we’re planning a mix of classic and creative destinations.

If you’re hosting guests or planning a visit, check out our ideas for exploring the City by the Bay with kids:

Courtesy of goldengatebridge.org

No trip would be complete without a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge.  We’ll check out the Visitor’s Center, oblige the mandatory photo opps, and walk as little or as far as the kids desire.

Courtesy of sfmta.org

My city kids have never ridden a cable car.  We’ll remedy that and take our buddy for a ride, followed by a stop at Ghirardelli Chocolate Fountain for their World Famous Sundaes.

Courtesy of Ghirardelli.com 

Courtesy of Urban Putt

Urban Putt has been our list of places to check out since it opened.  It’s a great activity for the kids after school (opens at 4pm on weekdays), rain or shine!  Hopefully, our guest will appreciate the many city-themed mini-golf courses.

Courtesy of House of Air

House of Air has been a staple destination for birthday parties or any large gathering of kids.  We’ll get him used to the time difference right away with energetic jumping on his first full day.

Courtesy of Giorgio’s Pizza

Kids’ Happy Hour at Giorgio’s Pizza is a great way to introduce our foreign friend to some classic American food.  During these two hours on Wednesday, the kids become the chefs and create their own delicious pizzas.