A Stroll on The Golden Gate

On Labor Day we used the library program Discover & Go to get free tickets to the Aquarium at Pier 39. I have always wanted to go but it is pretty expensive so we never have been. The kids love the Aquarium so I knew it would be a fun family day. We headed out nice and early so we could cram as much as we could in before nap time.

We found a parking spot on the street and walked over to Pier 39. We went to the Aquarium first. It was a lot smaller then I expected and as a result did not take us very long (making me even more grateful I didn't pay for the tickets). The kids love wondering the pier so that is what we did next. We of course had to go see the seals. There were lots out that day and they were feisty! We also watched a little bit of a magic show which the kids liked as well. Jeff wanted to get them a treat at the candy store so we let them pick out a few pieces of salt water taffy. It was a BEAUTIFUL day on the pier, sunny and warm.

We grabbed a bite to eat before our timer ran out. We spun a wheel on the Pier and won a free kids meal and decided to cash it in. It was delicious. Em however was not in the mood for siting and through the mother of all tantrums. Luckily I had finished eating so I took her out (which happened to be the main walk way on the pier). I stayed to the side and just let her go. It was awesome to watch people's reactions. I was shocked at how many compliments I still got on how adorable she was despite her intense screaming.

The poor kid tried forever to pet the stingray but he never came close enough.

Posing inside the shark's teeth. In the back you can see the wheel we spun for a free meal.

After we were done with the pier I really wanted to do something else. I mean, we drove all the way to the city, it was a beautiful day, why not find something else to do. We thought about trying out some awesome parks we heard about but ended up deciding on going to The Golden Gate Bridge. We parked a little way up the road which was actually pretty awesome because we had a beautiful walk to the bridge along the coast. It was amazing the difference in the weather. After driving for just a few minutes it went from being beautiful and sunny to being foggy and windy. That is SF for you.

The kids really liked having a little more freedom to run around (until we got to the bridge anyway, then Jeff and I held onto them like white on rice). I think the kids really had a lot of fun. There was tons for them to see and explore. I definitely want to do it again soon.