The holidays can often be an expensive time of year, with the kiddos home from school needing entertainment, and festive meals and gifts to buy. Have a look at our ideas for days out and gifts that won’t break the bank.
1] Slide the day away!
Grab an old piece of cardboard and the kids and make your way to the Seward Slides. These concrete slides are built into the side of the hill and have been around for more than 40 years. Pro tip, if you’re looking to go a little faster put a piece wax paper between the cardboard and the slide. More info.
2] Tour the lights
Put on your shoes and head out for an early evening urban hike (or bus / drive if you prefer) to take a tour of the awesome holiday light displays around the city and in your local neighbourhood. At Yerba Buena Gardens they will be lighting the tree on December 6th, so take your cocoa and watch it glow. More info.
3] Find your fortune (cookie)
As we near a new year, it’s the perfect time to find out what good fortune is in store for next year. Whether you believe in the wisdom of the fortune cookie or not, it’s still fun to visit Golden Gate Fortune Cookies and read the words on that tiny little white paper. And, hey, it’s educational too. How does the fortune get inside the cookie? Go find out. More info.
4] Step inside City Hall
City Hall sits there at the helm of our Civic Center. Its grandeur and often changing lights are hard to miss. But if you have never stepped inside, you’re missing a lot. The outside is spectacular, but the inside is something to behold. Did you know that the dome is the fifth largest in the world (and that there are actually two domes)? Swing left after you head inside to take a look at the replicas. More info.
5] Scavenger hunt
There are items hidden all around the city. Go find them. Geocaching is like a giant scavenger hunt that anyone can play. Although it’s created to use with technology / GPS it’s way more fun if you rely on just your wits. So check out the website, uncode some riddles, and start the hunt. There are 4,256 things to find around San Francisco — so you probably don’t have to go far to find one. More info.
6] See great art
Brew up a cup of cocoa, grab a coat, and wind your way through the alleys of the Mission. Although this city is full of great museums, this free outdoor art is amongst the best San Francisco has to offer. More info.
7] Visit a museum
The Cable Car is the first moving national historic landmark — how cool is that? Drop by the Cable Car Museum and learn how it all works. You can even watch the giant cables turn, moving the cars up and down the hills of San Francisco. More info. Many museums in the city have free days – have a look at this list for options.
8] Do kid and family friendly activities
This site has many suggestions for fun and cheap days out with kids, organized by date. More info. And the San Francisco Public Library often has age-appropriate activities in different branches – have a look at the list.
And remember, you can always visit Safe & Sound during Parent Drop in hours and bring your kiddo to spend time in the playroom. You can find the open hours on this page.
1] Handmade coupons
Create coupons for things your child is always asking for, e.g. play their favourite game, movie night of their choice, help me bake cookies, stay up 30 minutes later, etc. Or you could give a “voucher” for a special day out (park, picnic, hike), treasure hunt, or choose dinner night.
2] DIY arts & crafts kit
Gather leftover craft supplies (scraps of ribbon, paper, buttons, beads, stickers) into a jar or box. Include a sheet of ideas/instructions (make a card, decorate a frame, make a new toy etc.).
3] Use photo memories
Use popsicle sticks, cardboard cutouts, printed photos and decorative paper to make a collage, frame or memory book.
4] Nature gift
Collect pine cones, rocks, shells, and make a “nature collection kit” with a little note. Or plant seeds in small cups and give “your own little garden” gift.
5] Free educational printables
Many websites offer free coloring pages, puzzles, activity booklets you can print. If your child is interested in astronomy you can print them a booklet from The Universe in my Pocket. The San Francisco Public Library offers free daily printing to all card holders.
6] Consumables
Make a hot chocolate mix or cocoa bomb in a jar so it can be easily mixed up for a delicious treat.
Every December, Safe & Sound transforms into a festive Holiday Toy Store, where parents and caregivers can shop for new toys, books, and warm clothing for their children — all at no cost. Speak to your care coordinator to book your shopping slot at this year’s toy store.