Oakland Ferry

What a way to visit the tourist areas of San Francisco! Put this on your summer to do list!

For any one living in the East Bay, I would highly recommend the Ferry from Oakland to Pier 41.

We had relatives visiting from Phoenix that wanted to go to See San Francisco. None of us were excited about driving nor parking around Pier 39, so we decided to try the Ferry. It was easy getting there and we made it back on time, even though there was a long line for the return ferry.

1. You can park in the Jack London Square parking lot for FREE if you validate on the Ferry.
2. There is a Farmers Market in Jack London Square on Saturday mornings, so you can wander and pick up some snacks for the day before you get on the boat.
3. You purchase tickets on the Ferry, so no need to get there super early.
4. It docks right near pier 39, in the heart of the Wharf tourism.
5. If you go in the morning, you can beat a lot of the tourists and head back after lunch.

Things to do:
I recommend the Hyde Street historic pier. It has lots of old boats to look at.
Ghiradelli Square is nice for a snack.
I hear Boudins bakery has an awesome breakfast in a bread bowl (mmmm).
Of course, Pier 39
Watch the Sea lion colony behind pier 39.
**Make sure you pay attention to the return schedule and plan to get back to the Pier on time. The last ferry departs at 6:30pm. There is no Ferry service on the weekends until March.

Ferry Fares (as of 1/6/13):
Adults $6.25 each way
Clipper card users $4.75 each way
Youth (5-12). $3.50 each way
Under 5 Free

During the summer, the Ferry also goes to Angel Island, which is a nice place to walk and have a picnic. It is on our list for this summer.

Boston for toddlers

Visited Boston in October. Here are our favorite kid places:

Salem- especially in October, but there is a lot to see all year round. Especially liked the tall ships.

Boston children's museum- excellent!

Boston common - loved visiting the duck family statues after reading the book. Make way for Ducklings.
There is also a carousel and a nice playground.

Took a trip near Worcester to pick apples. Got to ride behind a tractor.

Never made it to the Duck Tours, but maybe when he's older.

Walked around Faneuil hall and The Market.

We rented an apartment throughAirBnB they had some toys and high chair already in the house.

Phoenix for Toddlers

Winter - outdoor parks; many have ponds with ducks.
Summer - indoor play areas at the malls

Phoenix children's museum - lots of activities for smaller ones.

Arizona Museum for Youth, Mesa - nice toddler area

Zoo lights. But get there early, lines form quickly.

Desert botanical gardens. Especially during butterfly exhibit.

Heard museum (native American)

Schnepf farms has multiple holiday events all year round.