Museums

Asian Art Museum
Each Sunday at 1:00 children and families are invited on a 45 minute storytelling tour around the galleries. The storyteller will captivate the audience with time-honored myths and the informed symbolism within art. Golden Gate Park. For museum information call, 379-8800 or visit www.asianart.org. Media contact: Tim Hallman 379-8787.

California Academy of Sciences
For nearly 150 years, the California Academy of Sciences has been providing the public with knowledge of the natural world. A great place for the entire family to spend the day, this institution provides an entertaining and interactive forum to learn about the sciences. Golden Gate Park. Call 750-7145 for 24-hour recorded information or visit www.calacademy.org.
Branches housed within the Academy include the: Natural History Museum
From space rocks to stuffed animals, anthropological artifacts to plate tectonics, this museum has engaging and educational displays of natural wonders from around the world, including a simulated earthquake. Steinhart Aquarium
This aquarium offers the most diverse collection of fish and other marine wildlife in the world. Fish surround you in the Fish Roundabout. See a living coral reef and pet a starfish at the Touch Tidepool. Morrison Planetarium
See the stellar Southern Cross and learn about cosmic phenomenon. A visit to the Morrison Planetarium allows budding astronomers to view the night sky as it appears from anywhere in the world. California Palace of the Legion of Honor
Each Saturday the Legion of Honor offers Children's Workshops relating to work in the museum's collections. Big Kids/Little Kids targets ages 3 ½ to 6 year olds and their parents in a participatory art-related setting, while Doing and Viewing Art teaches 7 to 12 year olds about art seeing and making it. Lincoln Park at 34th Avenue and Clement Street. For more information call 750-3658 or visit www.legionofhonor.org.

Cartoon Art Museum
As one of only three museums in the United States committed to the preservation and display of cartoon art, the San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum informs cartoon fans of its cultural and artistic merit. 814 Mission Street, 227-8666, www.cartoonart.org.

Exploratorium
The grand-daddy of hands-on museums, the Exploratorium provides a wonderful environment for children to learn about science, nature, art and technology. With an emphasis on learning in an experiential environment, this institution offers hundreds of exhibits focusing on sensory perception. 3601 Lyon Street, 397-5673, www.exploratorium.edu.

Golden Gate Railroad Museum
A great option for train buffs in the family, this museum allows visitors to revisit the Bay Area's railroad history and view one of the most extensive collections of operating historic railroad equipment in the West. Alongside the preserved steam engines and other vintage pieces are cars in the refurbishing stages and other memorabilia. Naval Base at Hunter's Point, off of Evans Street, 822-8728, www.ggrm.org.

Musee Mecanique
Next to the Cliff House is the Musee Mecanique, a collection of antique arcade games, many of which are still operable. After exploring, the Cliff House (see listing under Restaurants) itself is a great place to have a meal, relax and watch the sea lions and ocean birds on the Seal Rocks below. 1090 Point Lobos Avenue, 386-1170.

Museum of Craft and Folk Art
Sponsoring periodic workshops designed for families, the Museum of Craft and Folk Art encourages creative exploration through a variety of mediums. Workshops are hands on and led by artists. Call museum for upcoming programs. Fort Mason Center, Building A. Call, 775-0991 or see www.mocfa.org.

Randall Museum
Giving kids and adults a chance to explore interactive arts and sciences, the Randall Museum hosts permanent learning opportunities, ranging from ceramics workshops to greenhouses to live animal displays, alongside changing fun and educational exhibits. 199 Museum Way, 554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum
Illuminating the bizarre and unusual, this museum provides endless fascination for the little ones and big ones alike. Illusions, oddities and the out of the ordinary abound. 175 Jefferson Street, 771-6188, www.ripleysf.com.

San Francisco Maritime Park Located at the edge of San Francisco's beautiful bay, this National Park boasts one of the world's largest collections of maritime ships for visitors to explore. Components of the park include:

Hyde Street Pier The principle location of an historic fleet of ships; visitors are allowed to board some of the vessels. At the foot of Hyde Street.

Maritime Museum Considered by aficionados to be a fine display of nautical memorabilia, this museum is located in an Art Deco building built to resemble a ship. At the foot of Polk Street.

USS Pampanito With a celebrated WWII history, this submarine is now open the public and has proven to be one of the most popular historic vessels in the country. Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf, 775-1943.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
On the third Sunday of each month the SFMOMA hosts Family Studio, an interactive art studio coordinated by guest artists. Families can participate in a variety of artistic endeavors ranging from painting to collage to printmaking. 151 Third Street. For additional information call 947-1292. www.sfmoma.org.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Presenting exploratory and contemporary arts and entertainment through visual and performing arts, education, and film/video, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is dedicated to representing a diverse cross section of society. Check the schedule for kid-friendly exhibits, events and performances. San Francisco Performances regularly showcases its children's productions. 701 Mission Street, 987-2787, www.yerbabuenaarts.org.

Wax Museum
Hundred of celebrities have been immortalized in wax and are displayed at the San Francisco Wax Museum. Walk through the Chamber of Horrors, the Hall of Religion or the sports section. The original site was rebuilt and new figures have been added recently. 145 Jefferson Street, 202-0400, www.waxmuseum.com.

Zeum
Conveniently located at the Yerba Buena Rooftop Gardens, Zeum is on a mission to nurture creativity in youth through participatory interaction. Youth ages 8-18 can create their own movie productions, learn claymation or puppetry and check out the latest super cool high-tech exhibit, while younger kids ride the carousel outside. 221 Fourth Street, 777-2800, www.zeum.org.

Performing Arts

Beach Blanket Babylon
A San Francisco institution since 1974, Beach Blanket Babylon is the longest-running musical production in American history. This musical is as famous for its ever-changing hats as it is for its light-hearted commentary on pop culture. Recommended for mature children, some sexual humor may be present. Sunday matinee only, available for persons under 21. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Boulevard, 421-4222, www.beachblanketbabylon.com.

ODC Dance Company
For three weeks after Thanksgiving, the ODC showcases its wildly popular dance interpretation of the classic “Velveteen Rabbit.” Since 1990, this show has played to over 200,000 people nationwide, charming everyone in its path. 3153 17th Street, 863-9834 (ticket office), www.odcdance.org.

Shear Madness
Teenagers and adults will adore this hilarious comedy. Audience participation is a must to help solve this classic and award-winning whodunit. High energy and ridiculously funny, this play promises a wonderful evening for all who attend. 340 Mason Street, 982-5463 (box office), www.shearmadness.com.

Teatro ZinZanni
Dinner theatre with a ton of flair, Teatro ZinZanni envelopes guests in an environment of music, cirque, sparkle and cabaret. Guests feast on a six-course meal in the ZinZanni tent imported from Belgium, while enchanted by circus artists and entertainers at every turn. Recommended for mature teenagers who enjoy an interactive environment. Pier 27/29, 438-2668 (box office) www.teatrozinzanni.org.

Tony n' Tina's Wedding
Take part in a wacky and wild wedding! Join Tina and Tony as they celebrate their union, dig in to a dinner buffet, party and dance at the reception and eat cake. Interaction and imagination help to make this a great evening and memorable experience for everyone. Not recommended for very young children. The Cable Car Theatre, 430 Mason Street, (800) 660-8462, www.tonyandtina.com.