Learn to Sail
Families can board the U.S. Coast Guard approved 1891 schooner Alma and learn to sail with U.S. National Park Service rangers. Handle the lines, feel the wind in the sails and breathe the salty sea air during this four-hour cruise from the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center at Hyde Park. Historic vessels at the park date back to the mid-late 1800s and interpretive displays give kids a glimpse of life as a sailor in the 1800s.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
2905 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 447-5000
nps.gov/safr
Climb Hawk Hill
Migrating raptors can be seen hovering over the hillsides from the viewpoint on Hawk Hill, adjacent to the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. Bring binoculars and see who can spot the most falcons, osprey, accipiters, kestrels, eagles, harriers and of course, hawks. The Raptor Observatory is also an educational and rescue facility devoted to observing raptor populations. It monitors the migratory patterns of predatory birds through the help of volunteer bird-counters and docents
Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
201 Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 331-0730
ggro.org
Become a Master Bicyclist
Investigate the science of cycling at the Exploratorium and learn why road bike tires are thin and mountain bike tires are fat. Compare the amount of work it takes to turn different-sized gears and learn about the effects of weight, friction and gravity. Compare the qualities of different frame materials and even the muscles it takes to ride a bike. Then, rent a bicycle to explore Golden Gate Park or take a bike tour over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito with Bike & Roll.
Exploratorium
3601 Lyon St
San Francisco, California
(415) 561-0360
www.exploratorium.edu
Bike & Roll Bike Rentals
899 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133-2307
(415) 229-2000
bicyclerental.com
Article Written By Lisa Russell
Lisa Russell has been a freelance writer since 1998. She's been published in "Rethinking Everything Magazine," "Playdate" and "Home Educator's Family Times." She has a professional background in education, cosmetology and the restaurant industry. Russell studied early childhood education at Antelope Valley College, and is pursuing a degree in law.
