The Legion of Honor in San Francisco: A Family Adventure
Are you planning a day out with your kids in San Francisco? Look no further than the Legion of Honor (yep, you heard that correctly)! It’s not as stuffy as you think. It’s actually a magnificent museum perched on a hill overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. This family-friendly destination offers a fantastic opportunity for both parents and children to explore art, culture, and history. Here is everything you need to know for an enjoyable visit with your little ones.
Location: The Legion of Honor is located at 100 34th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121, in the beautiful Lincoln Park area. Its iconic neoclassical architecture is a sight to behold, and the surrounding park provides ample space for kids to burn off some energy before or after your museum visit.
Collection: The Legion of Honor houses an impressive collection of European art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and ancient artifacts. You and your children can explore works from renowned artists like Monet, Picasso, and Rodin. The museum has an extensive collection of egyptology and pottery of ancient Greece, which can be particularly fascinating for young history enthusiasts.
Bag Rules: Before entering the museum, be aware that bags larger than 11 x 15 inches must be checked at the coat check. This includes backpacks and large purses. I was allowed to keep my backpack with me, I just had to carry it in hand to my side. Strollers are allowed, so if you have a little one in tow, you won't have to carry them throughout your visit.
Dining Options: The Legion of Honor has an on-site café called Café Legion, which offers a variety of kid-friendly options, including sandwiches, salads, and snacks. There's also a scenic outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your meal with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Our family ate a good snack before we entered the museum as we didn’t want cranky kids during this experience. Feeding a family of five with museum price food was a little out of our budget, so we had a picnic at the USS San Francisco Memorial Overlook, down the road after perusing the exhibits. Please note that you can’t bring outside food into the museum.
Rules for Kids: To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, it's important to follow some basic rules when visiting the museum with children:
Supervision: Keep a close eye on your children to ensure they don't touch the art, run through the galleries, or disturb other visitors.
Quiet Voices: Encourage your kids to use quiet voices when inside the museum. This helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere for other guests.
Hands Off: Remind your little ones that they should never touch the art, even if it looks tempting.I always tell my kids to keep their hands behind there back.
Engage and Educate: Make the visit educational and engaging by asking questions about the art and sharing interesting facts with your children. Many museums offer kid-friendly guides or activity sheets to enhance the experience.
Nearby Attractions: If your family has some extra energy after exploring the Legion of Honor, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting:
Lincoln Park Playground: Just a short walk away, this playground offers a great place for kids to burn off energy.
Sutro Heights Park: Explore the beautiful gardens, cliff-side views, and historic ruins in this nearby park.
Land's End Trail: Take a stroll along the scenic Land's End Trail, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge.
I hope this post equips you with everything you need to know! Remember to plan ahead, follow museum etiquette, and take advantage of the nearby attractions to make the most of your family day out in San Francisco. Enjoy your artistic adventure!