Originated in 1898, the Ferry Building was a hotspot to thousands of travelers, serving as “the transportation focal point for anyone arriving by train from the East,” according to the building’s official website. In fact, until the 1930s, ferries were the only way that travelers and commuters could enter the city from the Peninsula. Surviving both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes (and a bad renovation in 1950s), the Ferry Building stands today as one of the city’s most unique and popular landmarks. Though the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the use of cars rendered the need for ferries as main transportation obsolete, the building continues to draw thousands of people.
The building currently houses the popular Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market, an old-fashioned open market with several stalls that serve some of the best organic and artisan foods in the state. Open daily, the marketplace draws both visitors and locals alike, and is a great place to spend a few hours (or the day, if possible) with children. Kids are automatically drawn to the bustle and details that the plethora of boutiques provide. Families with children will enjoy stopping for lunch at places such as Taylor’s Refresher (located at shop #6), where appetites of all ages and sizes can be satisfied with dishes such as fish and chips and ahi burgers. Enjoy for an afternoon gelato refreshment at Ciao Bella (shop #8). Parents can even stop off for their own more refined treat, if desired, at Imperial Tea Courts—and expect at least a few moments of sipping in peace as the kids crowd-watch.
San Francisco City Guides even offers regular walking tours of the building. The tours, starting at noon on Tuesdays and weekends, are free, and even include samples of fresh produce, plants, and herbs from local growers.
Located along the Embarcadero at Market Street, the marketplace can be accessed by MUNI, BART, and, well, ferry boat. The historic trolley cars (the F Market line) run directly to and from the very front of the Ferry Building. Public transportation allows for a more colorful and historic experience, and gives kids (and parents) a chance to rest and snack on their purchased fresh market food on the ride back.
For the more global parent who wants to introduce their children not only to wonderful learning toys, but to various cultures around the world, visit Ambassador Toys on San Francisco’s Embarcadero Street or West Portal Avenue. Founded in 1997, this unparalleled toy store promotes an “understanding and respect for cultures around the world through the beauty and creativity of toys, books and music,” according to their website
This isn’t any old toy store. Not only has it been dubbed every year since 2003 by readers of “Bay Area Parents” as the best toys store, the Guardian’s 25th anniversary edition named it the Best Toy Store You Wish Had Been Around When You Were a Kid. It has also been nominated for a TOTY award (the toy industry’s equivalent to an Academy Award) by the Toy Industry of America.
No shoot-em-up dummy video games in this place. Ambassador Toys offers an enormous array of quality toys from several categories, such as Dress-up, Arts and Crafts, Baby and Toddler, Farms and Stables, Foreign Language, Puppets, Plush Animals, Baby Dolls, Tea Sets, Bikes, and Trains. The list goes—well, you know: on and on and on. The selection includes tin and quality wood toys, reassuring construction and materials when so many plastic toys have been recalled lately.
Aside from the amazing selection, parents as well as children will enjoy shopping at Ambassador Toys because of the pleasant atmosphere, the complimentary gift wrapping, and personalized shopping assistance. No standing around cluelessly and frustratedly scratching your head. The store is also glad to refund your money within 30 days if you aren’t happy with your purchase (or store credit without a receipt), a policy not always followed since many stores such as this will only issue store credit no matter what.
Stop off any day of the week with your little one. You can’t go wrong here. Anything you choose will surely help broaden your child’s horizons. Take home a Scarlet Macaw hand puppet, a Space Station Set, or a wooden dollhouse Ethnic Family (yes it is officially called that). It’s as much of a treat for you as it is for your child, to watch your child grow and learn. Help them understand the larger world out there and, hey, have some fun while you’re at it.
Originated in 1898, the Ferry Building was a hotspot to thousands of travelers, serving as “the transportation focal point for anyone arriving by train from the East,” according to the building’s official website. In fact, until the 1930s, ferries were the only way that travelers and commuters could enter the city from the Peninsula. Surviving both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes (and a bad renovation in 1950s), the Ferry Building stands today as one of the city’s most unique and popular landmarks. Though the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the use of cars rendered the need for ferries as main transportation obsolete, the building continues to draw thousands of people.