San Francisco is a city where art lives around every corner—from murals tucked into alleyways to world-class museums that draw visitors from across the globe. Whether your family is looking for classic paintings, bold contemporary works, hands-on creative activities, or a free afternoon surrounded by inspiration, the city’s art institutions have something for everyone.
This fall, San Francisco museums are rolling out exciting new exhibits, family programs, and special free days that make exploring more accessible than ever. From the sweeping views at the De Young Museum to the vibrant community focus at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, here’s your guide to the best art museum experiences for families in San Francisco.
de Young Museum
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
- Highlights: Start with the Hamon Observation Tower for panoramic city views, then explore American paintings, international works, photography, and decorative arts. This fall, don’t miss Art of Manga (opens September 27), with cosplay days on September 27, October 25, and December 6.
- Family Activities: Hands-on activities, free docent tours, and family tours on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Tickets: Youth (0–17) free; adults $20. Free “blitz” admission 4:30–5:15 p.m. daily. Bank of America cardholders receive free admission the first full weekend of each month through Museums on Us.
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Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF)
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday until 7 p.m.
- Highlights: See Midnight March by Masako Miki, fabric sculptures by Tau Lewis (through December 7), and David Antonio Cruz’s chosenfamily portrait series.
- Family Activities: Always free admission. Families can enjoy the portrait studio and the Maker’s Studio for coloring and crafts.
- Tickets: Always free, no reservations required.
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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Hours: Friday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday evenings until 8 p.m.
- Highlights: Bay Area Walls, Sheila Hicks’ fiber sculptures, KAWS: FAMILY (opening November 15), and a major collection of abstract works.
- Family Activities: Floors 1 and 2 are free to explore without admission. On September 14 and every second Sunday, the Koret Educational Center hosts Family Days with crafts and stories (10 a.m.–1 p.m., reserve tickets in advance).
- Tickets: Adults $30; seniors $25; students $23; ages 18 and under free (with ticket).
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Museum of Craft and Design
Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 12–5 p.m.
- Highlights: Super/Natural opens October 4 with the largest sculpture yet by Judith Schaechter, plus Susan Beech’s jewelry collection.
- Family Activities: On September 14, drop in for a free workshop with “The Button Man” Beau McCall (1–3 p.m.) to create button-covered brooches and pins.
- Tickets: General $10; seniors/students $8. Free for children 12 and under, EBT cardholders, active-duty military, first responders, Medi-Cal/Cal Fresh participants, and NARM/ROAM members. Free admission on First Thursdays.
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Asian Art Museum
Hours: Thursday 1–8 p.m.; Friday–Monday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Highlights: New Japanese Clay, Contemporary Korean Ceramics, and Jitish Kallat: Covering Letter (Terranum Nuncius) opening September 19.
- Family Activities: Free docent tours daily, Diwali crafts on November 2, and family-friendly dining at Asian Box. Takeout Tuesdays feature free virtual lunchtime art chats.
- Tickets: General $20; seniors $17; children under 12 and military free. Free first Sundays (special exhibits $10).
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Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Highlights: Current exhibits include Bay Area Then (1990s culture) and MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy. Don’t miss the Parol Lantern Festival in December.
- Family Activities: Fall dance performances enhance the exhibits and family atmosphere.
- Tickets: General $10; students/seniors $5. Youth and military free. Everyone free on Wednesdays and every second Saturday.
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Looking for More Family Adventures?
Extend your art-filled day with these family favorites:
- Exploratorium – science meets creativity with hands-on exhibits.
- San Francisco Botanical Garden – outdoor beauty paired with art installations.
- Walt Disney Family Museum – animation and storytelling magic.
Free Museum Days at a Glance
- de Young Museum: Free “blitz” admission 4:30–5:15 p.m. daily; Bank of America cardholders free first weekends.
- ICA SF: Always free.
- SFMOMA: Floors 1 & 2 free; Free Family Days every second Sunday.
- Museum of Craft and Design: Free admission on First Thursdays.
- Asian Art Museum: Free general admission first Sundays; free virtual Takeout Tuesdays.
- Yerba Buena Center: Free on Wednesdays and second Saturdays.
Best Picks for Kids
- de Young Museum: Hands-on activities and cosplay days tied to Art of Manga.
- ICA SF: Maker’s Studio with free crafts and coloring.
- SFMOMA: Free Family Days with crafts and stories.
- Museum of Craft and Design: Button-making workshop with Beau McCall (Sept. 14).
- Asian Art Museum: Diwali crafts on Nov. 2.
- Yerba Buena Center: Lantern Festival and family-friendly dance shows.
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