San Francisco Museum of Modern Art050

Just walking into the SF MOMA building and climbing up the stairs may be enough for your children. The airy six-story museum is topped by a 145-foot-tall skylight tower and you can tiptoe across the soaring walkway if you dare.

The art itself, with its bright colors and hard shapes, is sometimes the easiest kind for a child to appreciate. The permanent collection includes modern and contemporary art, and plenty of special exhibits are on display - along with a range of video, audio, and interactive media installations.

Once a month, on Family Sundays, you can drop in to the Koret Education Center (times vary) for a free hands-on art studio directed by guest artists.

Afterwards, stretch your legs by strolling through the Yerba Buena Gardens right across the street.

Note: Food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries. Baby bottles can be carried into the galleries but must be kept away from the artwork. Diaper-changing stations are located in the handicapped stall in all restrooms. Only parents should push strollers in the Museum.