Offering bocce ball, vast open space for frolicking, and front-row views of the bay and city skyline, Mersea represents the ideal spot for whiling away a weekend afternoon with kids in tow. The menu embraces its Treasure Island location, with chowder and fish tacos mingling with burgers, pizza, and daily chef specials — and soft-serve ice cream or a classic Rice Krispy treat is always the move for kiddos. Wine, beer, and a sunny lineup of house takes on classic cocktails, including a few, oversized shareable spritzes, give the hard sell on Mersea’s appeal.

For kids, Fisherman’s Wharf fun means seeing the famous sourdough bread expertly crafted into animal shapes right before their eyes. Be lured in by the aroma of freshly baked bread and clam chowder and head for the upstairs dining room with a cool mini museum and terrific views over the bay. If the children don’t go for chowder in a bread bowl, there’s a regular kids’ menu as well.

A couple of piers along, this funky landmark is just right for after an Exploratorium visit. The kids’ menu offers fish ’n chips as well as the standard burger, hot dog, and grilled cheese. Mixing up regulars and tourists for decades, this popular spot has bay views from its huge suntrap patio in the rear, and complimentary cowboy hats come with the crayons in a Mason jar. Parental tip: Avoid happy hour, though the restaurant does make its own fruit punch and a special kid drink called the Gold Rush that has 7-Up, grenadine, OJ, and whipped cream. Importantly, ice cream sundaes and root beer floats anchor the dessert menu.

Not typically mentioned in a conversation about family-friendly spots, the Tonga Room is actually a restaurant, not just a bar, that welcomes diners of all ages before 10 p.m. into its transportive tiki environs on the basement level of the historic Fairmont Hotel. And what better way to keep the kids entertained than watching a band play on a floating stage — and having it rain inside? Famous for good reason, this place is just plain fun. Note the cover charge for all visitors after 7 p.m., when the band starts. The menu matches the Polynesian theme, and mai tais for grownups are a must. 

Kids love panoramic bay views, too, and this one even includes a fire boat under the Bay Bridge. The impressive tubular floor-to-ceiling fish tanks substitute for another visit to the Cal Academy’s aquarium or sit outside on the well-shaded patio. The kids’ menu includes pictures, crayons, word search, and a fish maze to entertain while waiting for a shrimp cocktail, crispy chicken breast, or ricotta cheese ravioli, plus an ice cream sundae for being on best behavior.

Give kids another reason to love sushi when it’s delivered by bullet train. Order sushi, noodles, skewers, and more from an iPad, then wait for a high-speed miniature train to whizz by with your food in this dinner-plus-entertainment favorite across from Japantown.

Kids really dig the see-it-and-point concept at this mini-chain of bright, upscale cafeterias imported from Los Angeles. Parents appreciate that everything — from the avocado-poke toast to the grilled salmon with chimichurri and sweet potato hash — is made daily on premises. Get a tray and combine any number of options from the counters displaying cold and hot mains and sides, sandwiches, desserts, and drinks including blood orange lemonade before settling into a booth. Or consider picnicking right outside in Yerba Buena Gardens and let the little ones get their wiggles out. There’s a second location in West Portal.

This 50-year-old go-to for true New York-style (though they’d say Napoli-style) pizza in the Inner Richmond features red vinyl booths, red-and-white checked tablecloths, and a family-friendly attitude. For parents who grew up on the East Coast, it’s a nostalgic trip back to “the good pizza” of their childhood. Thin-crust pies are slung daily out of the small kitchen that also turns out calzones, pasta, and parmigiana. And if tiramisu isn’t your thing, take the kiddos down the street afterward to Genki’s Crepes & Mini Mart for a behemoth sweet: a crepe wrapped around a full slice of cheesecake with blueberry sauce.   

This old-school ice cream shop in the Richmond sports one of the cutest parklets in the city and has scooped homemade ice cream since 1959. Mixed in with familiar flavors like rocky road and cookies and cream are Asian-inspired scoops of sweet red bean, black sesame, and Thai tea. To make it a full meal, order classic burgers and fried sides, or opt for a Korean-inspired bulgogi burger, Seoul-food salad, or gochujang fries instead.

Wood-fired barbecue pits churn out smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages to go with twists on kid favorites like bacon-wrapped hot dogs and the frankaroni (deep-fried mac ’n cheese with hot dogs inside) in this NoPa mainstay. Dig in on a patio picnic table or take it to nearby Alamo Square instead.

These two food truck parks in Mission Bay are directly across the street from each other and have enough options that even the pickiest eaters will find something they like (and some have online ordering). Lots of picnic benches and turf make this a great place to grab a bite and burn off some excess energy, and there are even bar trucks with beer, wine, and cocktails. Bonus: Stagecoach Greens is located in Parklab Gardens for some San Francisco-history-themed mini golf fun.

Any kid can tell you food tastes better when you eat with your hands, and at Pica Pica they agree. Gluten-free, handmade Venezuelan arepas — grilled, corn pocket sandwiches — are the signature dish at this father-daughter-owned and operated restaurant. Yuca fries and cachapas (folded, sweet corn crepes) provide a twist on classics that little eaters find flavorful and fun. An online menu that’s filterable by allergen makes navigating the options easy for those with certain sensitivities. 

Designed to meet the needs of the whole family — some locations even welcome furry friends and serve booze — it’s no wonder this has become a mini-chain throughout the Bay Area. The Inner Sunset mainstay is across the street from Golden Gate Park when you need a break from the museums or want to grab takeout to eat in the park. Weave your way through strollers to get to indoor dining or enjoy the tiki-themed outdoor seating area. Kids can choose between fried food baskets, bowls, or sushi, and grownups can dine on all manners of seafood from poke to tacos. A second location in the Marina offers sidewalk and parklet seating. 

The butter and cheese pastas on most kids’ menus are dull and flavorless, but Fiorella is a welcome exception. Specializing in pizza and pasta, this neighborhood Italian joint makes cheesy pasta for kids that’s so good you’ll sneak a bite. Grownups will appreciate great salads and starters, plus the ability to order wine by the carafe — and make a reservation. The original location in the Richmond and the newest location in the Sunset both have lovely patios, and the one on Polk has a few outdoor tables too.

The owner and his family are often on hand here to welcome you and yours to this popular family-style restaurant serving Vietnamese food near Golden Gate Park. When your visit is timed just right, there’s no queue for a table and your first taste of that hu tieu ga (chicken noodle soup) or bun (vermicelli noodle bowls). Parental tip: A tank filled with live seafood in the rear is a good distraction for antsy moments.

With a menu full of hits like guacamole and cheese dip, parents are sure to convince children to consume at least a bite or two, especially since there’s a Choose Your Own Adventure-style kids’ meal. There are plenty of margaritas, more advanced taco fillings, and patio and parklet seating at both locations (Mission and Marina) of this happy, laid-back, kid-friendly spot that does a fine happy hour and Taco Tuesdays.

This cozy British-style tea room gives adults and kids a chance to dress up and nibble on scones, finger sandwiches, and sweets in a space full of antiques and character. Those who don’t feel like the traditional tea service have the option for some pub fare instead. They’ve added a parklet should you want to sip your tea outside, or you can order takeout tea service if you’d rather dine on your own china at home instead.

It is known: Kids love pasketti [sic] and meatballs. But grownups do too, and Emmy’s offers something for every age, including wine and beer for the older generation. Besides lovely mounds of noodles and red sauce, Emmy’s knows that not every kid is a traditionalist, also offering pesto for little fans and entrees like eggplant parmesan and zoodles (zucchini noodles) for the non-carb-eating crew. Kids under 12 eat free on Tuesday evenings with the purchase of adult meals.

Kids, crêpes, and a funny name go together at this bright corner in West Portal where you can order breakfast and more any time of day. The restaurant ticks all the boxes for kid-related paraphernalia: Patio, high chairs, and booster seats. Order at the counter and find overflow seating upstairs. There’s only indoor seating and a few sidewalk tables at the second, smaller location in the Marina District.