Are you looking for things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 39 – how about free!? You can spend an entire day filled with free things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 39 in San Francisco with kids (or without)! This super touristy spot is touristy for a reason – it’s awesome and so entertaining for kids. We are locals and love coming here (we come here early in the morning – check out this post for making the best of your trip to the Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 39 with kids)! Can’t beat free things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 39 when you are in one of the most expensive places to visit/live.

Willing to pay for some stuff and want a full list of things to do? Check out this post on how to spend the morning at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

Walk on Hyde Street Pier and Look at the Historic Vessels

There is a charge to actually go on the boats available at the pier, but there’s no need to go on it. It’s still fun to go walk on the pier. You can see how boats get fixed, play with ropes, and try to lift buckets. It’s actually way more fun than it sounds! 🙂 Or you can check out their website and go when it’s free to go on the historic vessels.

Entrance to Hyde Street Pier by Fisherman’s Wharf

Pulling this huge rope for big boats.

Demonstration of how a boat gets fixed

Watch the Bakers Bake Amazing Bread at Boudin Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf

It smells soooo good too! You can watch the bakers craft batches of bread by hand through the observation window you can watch from the street! There is even a 2-way intercom to ask the bakers questions! Every time we go, they seem to be making different shaped bread like alligators and turtles!

Alligator bread!

Splash Around or Stroll Around at Aquatic Park

It’s rarely hot enough in San Francisco, but there is a little beach and a park you can play around at. This is where the nearby swim clubbers go swimming without wetsuits – it’s exhilarating just to watch!

Ride the Bear, Take Pictures with Pirates and Window Shop

This shop owner at the Bay Company is nice enough to let kids go on the bear and take pictures! They have pirates too. There are other shops in the area to look around, make fun of funny t-shirts, and take pictures with cool statutes.

Thanks to the Bay Company! Henry loved it!

Check Out the Antique Games at Musée Mécanique

Free entrance, and no need to actually play the games to enjoy this museum! It’s so cool just looking around. Some were before our time, and some gave us all the nostalgic feelings of childhood. If you do happen to want to play some games, many of them are only $0.25. This is a must stop for people with kids or just love arcade games. We were really impressed that they have kept these games usable in such great shape.

Wack a mole! Love this game!

Puppet show!

Street Performers at Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 39

You can watch people draw other people, or watch wacky puppet shows. Just be warned that some bushes that may look like the real deal, are known to pop out performers and scare people! You can catch shows walking up and down the streets anywhere from Ghiradelli Square to Pier 39!

Puppets performed to a song. It was hilarious.

Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39

Sea Lions frolicking in the sun (or most likely fog) is free for anyone and purely entertaining. It will make you remember what’s important in life – take it easy, but don’t go down without a fight when someone interrupts your nap time. 🙂

Sea Lions are a must when in Fisherman’s Wharf with kids!

Are you in San Francisco and want a more comprehensive itinerary and inspiration on things to do in and around San Francisco? Check out October Acres’ Travel Guide to San Francisco!

What do you like to do when you are at Fisherman’s Wharf? Did we miss any free activities!? Let us know!

Free at Fisherman’s Wharf | San Francisco with Kids | Free Activities in San Francisco with Kids | Henry and Andrew’s Guide

Free at Fisherman’s Wharf | San Francisco with Kids | Free Activities in San Francisco with Kids | Henry and Andrew’s Guide

Free at Fisherman’s Wharf | San Francisco with Kids | Free Activities in San Francisco with Kids | Henry and Andrew’s Guide