Mobissimo Blog - Activities

100 Things To Do With Kids In San Francisco

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:13:25 -0700

The Chronicle published 101 things to do with your kids in San Francisco. We missed on, so we only have 100 of them. But it's a good comprehensive list for parents who live here, but who are visiting San Francisco and fun family activities.

Attend a family concert at the San Francisco Symphony.
Say hello to the sea lions at Pier 39.
Catch a Giants game at AT&T Park.
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Order an ice cream cone at the first-ever Swensens on Russian Hill.
View the Diego Rivera mural, Making a Fresco, at the San Francisco Art Institute on Russian Hill.
Step inside City Hall and stand under the dome, which is the tallest in the United States, 42 inches higher than the one in the nations capital in D.C.
Eat an ice cream treat at the St. Francis Fountain, open since 1918 on lower 24th Street in the Mission District.
Stick a penny into "Laffing Sal" at the Musée Mecanique. She's creepy but a classic who came from The Funhouse at San Francisco's Playland at the Beach.
Build a sandcastle at Baker Beach.
Rent a rowboat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.
Step inside Mission Dolores, the oldest intact building in San Francisco. The neighboring Cemetery is the final resting place for numerous Ohlone, Miwok, and other First Californians.
Play in the water at Julius Kahn Playground in Presidio Heights.
Take the Alcatraz tour. Tickets sell out weeks in advance all summer long, but in winter you can score same-day tickets.
Pick out a pastry at La Victoria Mexican Bakery on lower 24th Street in the Mission District.Fly a kite at Crissy Field.
Fly a kite at Crissy Field.
Hike the Coastal Trail where some of the most intact natural habitat in the Presidio harbors rare plants.
Visit North Beachs Washington Square Park in the early morning and watch the groups practicing Tai Chi.
Enjoy a picnic at Dolores Park.
Ride bikes along the one-mile Lovers Lane in the Presidio. U.S. soldiers once used the trail to visit their lovers in the city.
Look for the wild parrots on Telegraph Hill.
Wade in the Bay at Crissy Field Beach.
Visit the kittens and puppies at the SFSPCA.
Check out books from the Childrens Center at the Main Library.
Slurp up a bowl of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) at Turtle Tower in the Tenderloin.
Gaze at the Foucault Pendulum until it knocks over a pin at the Academy of Sciences.
Take a walk down the Mission Districts Balmy Alley and Clarion Street, the most concentrated collections of murals in the city.
Look for turtles in the pond at the San Francisco Botanical Garden.
Climb over the moon bridge in the Japanese Tea Garden.
Attend a sing-along movie at the Castro Theater. "Sound of Music" always plays over the Thanksgiving holiday; other favorites include "Mary Poppins" and "Mamma Mia."
Shop for vegetables in Chinatown and use them to make a stir-fry at home.
Ride the cable cars all the way from Union Square to Fishermans Wharf.
Walk the one-block stretch of Lombard that twists and turns between Hyde and Leavenworth.
Zip down the slides, climb up the rope structure, and swing across the monkey bars at Golden Gate Parks Childrens Quarter, originally built in 1887 and recognized as our nations first-ever public playground.
Attend the Meet the Animals presentation put on at the Randall Museum every Saturday at 11:15 a.m. Pet a snake, feed a turtle, feel a rabbits soft coat.
Explore Cayuga Park in the Excelsior. Gardener Demitrio Braceros has transformed this spot right next to the Bart tracks into a wonderland with winding paths lined with wooden sculptures and flowers.
Go out for dim sum on Clement Street. Try Wing Lee Bakery or Good Luck.
Shop for art supplies at Flax on Market Street.
Lick an ice cream from Mitchells in Noe Valley.
Drive to the top of Twin Peaks.
Fill up on French toast with Nutella and fresh strawberries at The Ramps weekend brunch. Kids can watch the boats cruise by at this waterfront eatery.
Stroll Ocean Beach in the early morning and look for sand dollars.
Buy chocolate malt balls at Miette in Hayes Valley.
Check out the Fire Department Museum where you can see an engine from 1810.
Spend your savings at Ambassador Toys, The Ark or Jeffrey's where you can still find classic, well-made toys.
Order the Bullet Train childrens meal at Mifune in Japantown. It comes with cold soba noodles and tempura served on a toy train.
Zip down the 25-foot tube slide at the Yerba Buena Gardens Play Circle.
Slide across the ice at the Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center.
Bike along Golden Gate Park's John F Kennedy Drive on a Sunday when the street's closed to traffic
Knock down some pins at Presidio Bowling Center.
Ride the carousel at Golden Gate Park.
Watch the 4 p.m. giraffe feeding at the San Francisco Zoo.
Hike the Lands End Trail, from the Cliff House to the Palace of the Legion of Honor. Looking down at the rocky shoreline, you can see the remains of three shipwrecks.
Order whatever is fresh out of the fryer at Bob's Donuts and Pastry Shop on Polk, and then walk down to Aquatic Park and watch the swimmers and ships pass by.
Ride to the top of the Hamon Observation Tower at the De Young Museum. It's free!
Take a class at the Cartoon Art Museum. Check out the Golden Gate National Recreation Areas Battery Chamberlin, the last six-inch disappearing gun of its type on the West Coast. On the first full weekend of each month, take part in demonstrations of the gun.
Visit Fort Point and attend the Cannon Loading Demonstration and learn how soldiers were taught to load and fire a Napoleon 12-pounder cannon during a Civil War artillery drill
Pet the baby sharks (they dont bite!) at the Aquarium of the Bay.
Attend a family program at the Asian Art Museum.
Ride a ferry to Angel Island State Park. Pack a picnic. Go for a hike.
Volunteer at the San Francisco Food Bank.
Check out the three-story-high mosaic portrait of an African girl composed of some 2,100 photos at the Museum of African Diaspora.
Sing along with the choir at Glide Memorial Church in the Tenderloin.
Marvel at the 100-year-old giant Imperial Philodendron inside the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park.
Walk around the expansive lobby of the Hyatt Regency.
Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown.
Chow down on pizza at Giorgios in the Inner Richmond. Vinyl booths, red-check tablecloths, memorable crust, and a childrens night when little hands get to make their own pies.
Watch the trains circle round the tracks maintained by the Golden Gate Model Railroad Club in the basement of the Randall Museum. Saturdays only.
Suck on a fruity Popsicle from Bi-Rite Creamery in the Mission District.
Step aboard the "Balclutha" at the Hyde Street Pier. The 1886 three-masted ship once transported cargo between California and the British Isles via Cape Horn.
Learn what makes San Franciscos famous cable cars move on a tour of the Cable Car Museum.
Get a free balloon at one of the citys many Cole Hardware stores.
Create gigantic bubbles at the Exploratorium.
Let your imagination run wild during an art class at Precita Eyes in Bernal Heights.
Watch Jackie Floyd Jones perform swinging 1920s tunes on her musical saw and guitar with her sidekick, a dancing pink wooden cat, at the Saturday Alemany Farmers Market
Visit Coit Towerand ride the elevator that takes you to the top of the 210-foot tower in the elevator.
Attend one of SFMOMAs Family Sundays when admission is free for kids and docents lead family-friendly gallery tours.
Stroll the halls of the Ferry Plaza while noshing on a baguette piece from Acme Bread. Outside wave to the boats coming and going.
Listen to the oceans song at the Wave Organ, just east of the yacht club on Bay Street. When the waves crash over sculpture of PVC pipes sound is created.
Walk by the Painted Ladies, a row of elaborately painted Victorians facing Alamo Square Park on Steiner Street. Afterward, play in the park.
Catch one of the free summer performances at Stern Grove.
Read inspiring words from Martin Luther King Jr. behind the cascading fountain at Yerba Buena Gardens.
See a Concord Coach used by Wells Fargo in the 1860s at the Wells Fargo History Museum on Montgomery.
Feed the ducks at Mountain Lake in the southern edge of the Presidio.
Tap your toes to live jazz on Friday evenings at Bird & Beckett Books in Glen Park. Also browse the wonderful selection of childrens picture and chapter books.
Take a docent-led tour of the Haas-Lilienthal House, the citys only Victorian house museum
Zoom down the Winfield Street Slide, nestled away amongst the trees and curvy hills of Bernal Heights, on a piece of cardboard.
Spread out a blanket at Russian Hills lovely Michelangelo Park. Enjoy a picnic and then take a nap.
Say hello to Rodin's The Thinker outside the Legion of Honor. Inside view the collection of works by El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Monet, Matisse and Picasso.
Savor scones spread with clotted cream and finger sandwiches at Lovejoys Tea Room in Noe Valley.
Explore Justin Herman Plazas Vaillancourt Fountain with walkways that allow you to walk over, under and through its waterfalls.
Chow down on a burger and fries at one of the citys old-fashioned Mels diners.
Splash around in the Carl Larsen Sava Pool, one of the citys nicest, cleanest public pools.
Kayak along the waterfront.
Go for a hike and watch the hang-gliders at Fort Funston.
Sit on the dock of the bay at India Basin Shoreline Park in Hunters Point, known for its sun, birds, stunning views, and fishing dock.
Take the ferry to Sausalito.
Pay your respects to artist Keith Harings Three Dancing Figuresan abstract sculpture featuring brightly colored figures with their arms and legs intertwinedat Moscone Center between Howard and Third.
Walk downor upthe Lyon Street Steps in Pacific Heights.
Eat a burrito at La Taqueria on Mission Street.

How To Find Cheap Airfare For A Weekend Getaway

blog@mobissimo.com (Mobissimo) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:21:57 -0800

Our activity search is a great way to find cheap airfare for a weekend getaway. Point your browser to the activity search, choose your origin destination, then select United States (or the region of your choice) as the destination. Once you hit search, Mobissimo lists fares to major U.S. cities in ascending order. Look through the list, find something you like, and book your weekend getaway.

Voyage on the Seas of Indonesia - Silolona Sojourns

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:20:07 -0700

Ever wanted to enjoy a privately chartered cruise through the Indonesian island? Read more here.

Silolona is a modern incarnation of those glorious traditional Indonesian sailing ships (Phinisi) originally bred for trade along the historical Spice Routes. Luxuriously melding all the safety and amenities of the 21st century with the style and grace of ages long past, Silolona was meticulously designed, then hand crafted, for the highly acclaimed Silolona Sojourns of discovery.

Seeing the Great Outdoors of Alaska - Great Alaska

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:08:05 -0700

Experience majestic mountain ranges, a national park, and a wildlife refuge all in one trip. Interested? Read more here.

Sitting on 25 acres of the original homestead site, our Kenai Riverside Alaska Fishing Lodge is at the very core of all we do. Overlooking the confluence of the Kenai and Moose rivers and an amazing view of the snow capped Chugach Range, the envy of other Alaska fishing lodges features a quarter mile of what is unquestionably the finest shore fishing on the Kenai River. In addition to the great Kenai River fishing, the confluence of the Moose and Kenai also provides us with access to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Immersion Costa Rica Tour - Serendipity Adventures

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:21:10 -0700

Want a tour that doesn't only point out the animals and plants, but helps you to better understand the balance of nature? Check this tour out.

Getting into the natural environment is more than eco tourism, it means eco immersion. See it, hear it, smell it. Serendipity takes you to places to see the bigger picture, to understand the delicate balance of nature, the connections between animals, plants, water, weather, earth, soil, industry, and humans.

Custom Outdoor Adventure in Guatemala - Guatemal Aventures

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:59:16 -0800

Like mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, or horseback riding? Do all or just what you like on this tour.

Our multi adventure tours are made for active travelers that wish to see some of the highlights of Guatemala. They offer the perfect combination of different activities. Start with mountain biking on spectacular mountain trails, then kayak on the breathtaking Lake Atitlan, or hike on ancient Mayan trading routes, witness indigenous rituals, explore impressive limestone caves and then enjoy rafting on tropical jungle rivers.

Touring a Cycling Classic - Adventure Travel Group

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:45:32 -0800

Love cycling? Want to tour some of the route of a famous cycling classic and test your legs on a famed climb? Read more here.

Ride just like the pros on this cycing trip for the serious cyclist. This tour offers fantastic riding in the Ardennes and Limburg regions. The Ardennes, a popular tourist region, has extensive forests, rolling hills and mountains. It's known for its scenic beauty and wide range of outdoor activities such as cycling, hunting, walking and canoeing. The scenic Limburg region is one of the few areas in the country that has hills, so get ready to climb!

See Spain on a Wine-Soaked Train - El Expreso de la Robla

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:24:27 -0800

Tour Spain in the comfort of an a train modeled after one from the 1800s-era. Read more here.

El Expreso de La Robla is an oportunity to travel on a vintage, but with all the menities of any hotel, at an affordable price.

Holistic View of the Galapagos - ROW Adventures

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:13:50 -0800

Experience a dazzling array of wildlife while sea kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling. Interested? Read more here.

ROW's Galapagos Islands adventure tour, "Galapagos Unbound," is a unique land-based program that includes a wide variety of activities. It is the only Galapagos Islands vacation that includes two nights camping on the islands. It provides a holistic view of the Galapagos ecosystems including the human element that is very much a part of the landscape. The trip includes sea kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and amazing wildlife viewing. Because we stay in small, local hotels, eat most meals at local restaurants, use local transport and services and buy all our supplies in the Islands, this trip represents the best in responsible, sustainable tourism to the Galapagos.

Rafting through Forests and Narrow Gorges on the Rogue River - O.A.R.S

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:57:13 -0800

Want a scenic adventure on the scenic water way? Here's one on the Rogue River through the storied Siskiyou Mountains. Read more here.

Rafting on the Rogue River is the ideal start to an all encompassing Oregon adventure vacation. This 3, 4 or 5 day Rogue River whitewater rafting journey down the 40 miles of this scenic waterway in southwestern Oregon, takes you through the storied Siskiyou Mountains, explored for centuries by Indians, trappers and gold prospectors. Whats more, the warm, gently surging waters of the Rogue River combine with "one-of-a-kind" rapids, which provide just enough Oregon whitewater rafting excitement - without an extreme element. Rogue River rapids such as Blossom Bar and Rainey Falls are sure to inspire a generous dose of adrenaline interspersed with lots of calm float time in between them. For the more adventurous, our inflatable kayaks provide an up-close and personal encounter with the rapids of the Rogue.

Adventure in Costa Rica with the Family - Backroads

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:32:25 -0800

Experience an encounter with Mother Nature in Costa Rica. Hike, bike, and raft from Arenal Volcano to the Pacific Coast with the family. Read more here.

Ready to treat yourself to an intimate encounter with Mother Nature? Come play with us in Costa Rica! Beloved for its parks, biological reserves and wildlife refuges, this friendly Central American nation protects a larger proportion of its land than any country in the world. On this action-packed multisport journey, youll experience many of Costa Ricas precious ecosystems firsthand. Marvel at an active volcano, bask on untouched beaches, venture through lush jungles, encounter wildlife at every turn and enjoy a rich array of activity options, from rafting and hiking to surfing, horseback riding, and zip-line "flying."

Adventure on the Rapids - SAS Travel

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:58:07 -0800

Want to experience the beauty of Peru? Want a adventure on the rapids exploring it? Here's the tour for you.

One of our most popular rafting sections during the season is the Cusipata section, in the upper part of the river. It is a scenic tour and half to arrive there and it is worth every minute. Cusipata section is one of the nicest rivers of the Urubamba for rafting activities, as it is less crowded, tranquil and cleaner than the Ollantaytambo part in the Sacred Valley. It consists of rapids that are graded II, III, and IV plus. Overall, you will be running the water for about 2 and a half hours, with some parts for relaxing and soaking up the experience, and other parts for pumping up your adrenalina levels.

Exploring the Earth's Crust

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:08:49 -0800

Enjoy diving? Like adventure and exploring a place few have seen? Read more here.

If the word Iceland has you thinking cool and mysterious, youre right in a good way. While the capital, Reykjavík, is the ideal spot for a weekend of cool urban chic, you can now experience the mysterious in a totally unique way: scuba diving between tectonic plates. The perfect ammo for Monday morning bragging-rights.

A Quest through Cloud Forests and Lush Rainforests - International Expeditions

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:58:29 -0800

Want to experience the beauty of Costa Rica? With diverse birds and butterflies, and a beautiful coastline. Read more here.

International Expeditions Costa Rica expedition quest across the lush rainforests, cloud forests, mountains and coastline encounters a wealth of wildlife, but also allows time to bond with the friendly people during a relaxing dinner with locals and tour of a coffee plantation encompassing the natural and human history of this rich land. Forming a natural bridge between North and South America, this peaceful country contains a phenomenally diverse concentration of birds, primates and butterflies, and its far-reaching national parks and reserves have long-been considered the showplace of tropical conservation. For a true rendezvous with nature, Costa Rica is calling!

Biking, Hiking, & Sea Kayaking in Hawaii - Backroads

blog@mobissimo.com (WorldTraveler) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:36:16 -0800

Do you love the outdoors? Are you interested in the natural beauty of Hawaii? This tours for you.

This trip is just like a smoothie. One from "What's Shakin' Smoothie Shack" on the Big Island. It's a perfect blend of the flavors, colors and everything Hawaiian. Activities that seamlessly flow together. Kayak straight from your hotel in the morning, hike a lush valley in the afternoon and end the day lounging by the beach. See active volcanoes from afar then tour with a volcanologist and truly experience them. Every day you're engaged, entertained and by the end, exhausted by your Hawaiian experience. And wait until you try the smoothies.