From cable cars to playgrounds, there’s never been any shortage of things to do with kids in San Francisco. And while locals surely have their favorite kid-friendly hotspots, it doesn’t hurt to check out a few tourist attractions, too—after all, they’re famous for a reason. Check out our list of the top kids activities in San Francisco, all of them fun for young ones and parents alike. Better yet, some of them are even free.

1. Ride the carousel at Golden Gate Park

Horses, camels, and frogs, oh my

A carousel is easily one of the most classic things to do with kids in San Francisco. Adults will appreciate the fine craftsmanship of this 1914 relic, while kids will just sit back and enjoy the ride. They pick their ride from a menagerie that includes horses, frogs, pigs, and even a dragon, meticulously painted in a riot of colors. The carousel is part of the Koret Children’s Quarters, a historic playground complete with climbing structures. 320 Bowling Green Drive, San Francisco, CA 94122

2. See the Giants—or a show—at AT&T Park

Year-round fun at the ballpark

World Series winners in 2014, 2012, and 2010, the Giants don’t have a problem drawing huge crowds during baseball season. But the park has plenty to offer year-round, including tours, concerts, and shows. Young fans will enjoy a peek behind the scenes on a tour of the park, or you can take them to see a show from the likes of Cirque du Soleil. 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107

3. Conquer the hairpin turns of Lombard Street

Touristy? Yes. Fun? You bet.

The block’s famous switchbacks are often jammed with cars, but locals have an advantage over tourists if they want to experience the ride. Choose a random weekday evening to drive over with the kids, when the traffic will be less busy, and wind your way down the turns; another bonus of a nighttime visit is seeing the lights of the city twinkle over the bay. If you’d prefer to take a daytime walk and enjoy the block’s lush gardens, the cable car also stops nearby. 1000–1099 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

4. Bring a picnic to Yerba Buena Gardens

An oasis in the heart of the city

Smack-dab in the middle of downtown, Yerba Buena Gardens is home to sprawling lawns and pedestrian concourses—which makes it a nice workday lunch spot, but maybe not the most obvious fit for things to do with kids in San Francisco. However, it’s well worth noting that five months out of the year, the gardens offer world music and dance performances to keep little ones entertained. It’s also within short walking distance to the Children’s Creativity Museum, where kids can do hands-on experiments with music, animation, robotics, and more. 750 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

5. Visit Angel Island

Hike the historic hills

Bay Area kids activities can be found all over land and sea, and this 1.2-square-mile island is a must-visit for local families. Angel Island charts its history from a Native American hunting outpost to a military fort to an immigration facility to its current iteration, a lovely state park. There are ample opportunities for kid-friendly outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking. Accessible via ferry

6. Slip a coin in the slot at Musée Mécanique

Family fun in the Uncanny Valley

This old-timey arcade is home to weird and wonderful mechanical creations, from jerky automatons to bombastic orchestrions. Kids will be delighted—and perhaps slightly unnerved—to see antique mannequins such as Jolly Jack and Laffin’ Sal come to life. (If the experience is a little intense, just steer them towards skee-ball and the magic typewriter.) Admission is free, and games are reasonably priced between one penny and one dollar. Pier 45 at the end of Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

7. Delve into local history at the Cable Car Museum

Clang, clang, clang goes the trolley

When you think of San Francisco kids activities, of course the cable cars spring to mind. An ideal destination for small kids, the Cable Car Museum isn’t just a collection of artifacts and information, it’s also the operational hub of the three cable car lines that traverse the city. Watch the lines in action, check out vintage cars, and don’t forget to give the bell a good ring before you leave. 1201 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

8. Whoosh down the Seward Street Slides

Don’t forget to BYOB (Bring Your Own Box)

Nestled right into the Castro neighborhood, the slides are part of Seward Mini Park, open six days a week from sunrise to sunset. Visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy the long slides, which are made entirely from smooth concrete and are best enjoyed with a piece of cardboard to cushion the ride. (Note that the slides aren’t appropriate for very young children.) 30 Seward Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

9. Awaken the senses at the Exploratorium

Not your parents’ museum

Making your way through the Exploratorium is a sensory adventure for kids and adults alike. Bump through total darkness in the reservation-only Tactile Dome, goggle at blown-up reflections in the Giant Mirror, and play outside at the Rope Squirters, jump ropes that are completely powered by bicycles. Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street), San Francisco, CA 94111