We are fortunate to live only two hours away from San Francisco. We visit often and go more often during the spring and summer months because we want to get away from the heat. Even though we have been to San Francisco so many times we still find hidden treasures in San Francisco. There is so much to see and do in San Francisco.
I have always wondered why some individuals have so much ambition and drive while others cruise through life just accomplishing or doing what needs to be done. I am married to an extremely motivated man who somehow has time for everything. He is pretty amazing. 🙂 We want our children to be motivated and ambitious as well. Some of our children are extremely motivated without us encouraging them but some we have to nudge a bit. What I learned from Charles Duhigg in his book Smarter Faster Better is that we are motivated when we feel as if we have a choice in making decisions. It is so true!!! Esther loves to bake but when I tell her that she should bake something new once a week she loses interest in baking. However, if I don’t say anything I find her baking a few times a week. When I ask my children to find their own recipes and Peter chooses what he will make for breakfast, while Esther chooses lunch recipes, everything goes so well and they become excited to cook for everyone. I learned that when we tell our children that they did well because they are smart they are less likely to push themselves but when we tell our children that they worked hard and did a great job they tend to be motivated to try more. This is because we think that being smart is something we are born with and we can’t change but hard work is something we have control of and we are able to push ourselves. With all this said, I realized why unschooling is actually so successful. So glad I learned this nugget of wisdom.
Cartoon Art Museum
Located at 781 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109.
Queen Wilhalmina Tulip Garden
Yes, there is a Dutch windmill located in San Francisco, named after a Netherlands queen. She donated it to the city in 1902. It is no longer a working mill. This is such a beautiful place to get away from the big city and relax. It is a pretty popular place and many bring blankets and lay around reading or picnicking with their loved ones. Our children enjoyed running around.
Located at 1690 John F Kennedy Dr. San Francisco, CA 94121.
Stow Lake Boathouse
Here you can rent a pedal boat or rowboat. We had such a fun and relaxing time on the lake. If you get tired from walking around San Francisco and you want to have a unique experience on a lake then you’ll love this. Sure you’ll be still working out your legs even though your sitting but it won’t feel like work when you’ll be having a great time with loved ones and you’ll see a variety of birds and turtles.
Located at 50 Stow Lake Dr E, San Francisco, CA 94118.
Wave Organ
Did you know that waves can make sound? Well they can if you add 25 organ pipes made out of PVC and concrete. As the tides rise and fall and the water goes in and out of the pipes sound can be heard. You can hear the Wave Organ best during high tides. If you come during low tides you wont hear anything. There is a jetty and plenty of places to sit at so that you can enjoying listening to the Wave Organ. The marble and granite found here came from a demolished cemetery.
Located at 82 Marina Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94123.
Hands on Learning
After viewing the Wave Organ we wanted to better understand how waves work.
All you need is wooden kebab skewers, candy, and duct tape. Place the skewers 5 cm apart. We used two chairs and taped the ends of the duct tape to them. Once your wave machine is assembles, place your hand on one end and lift the wave. The fun part is being able to figure out how we can change the speed of the wave.
Have one person hold the other side once and not hold the opposite side. Here you’ll be able to see the difference between the fixed end and opened end. To make a high amplitude, simply pick one of the skewer sticks higher.
There are two main types of waves : longitudinal and transverse.
All waves work in a similar way from liquid to mechanical or electrical. They all move with a maximum and minimum and they all reflect. Reflections are the reason low and high tide occur, they do not always perform with full reflection. When a wave moves it speeds up before reflecting and that improves the reflection. If it is a partial reflection like the oceans the nodes will be in motion but in full reflection the nodes will cease to move. If a wave is blocked it will reflect and move upside down and if any waves collide even if one is above and another is underneath both will reflect . Reflection is the cause of the wave organs sound, you always hear coming at you then you hear the same sound backwards causing its unique sound.
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Kristy Bullard
I would love to rent a paddle boat at the Stow Lake boathouse. It looks like you guys had a great time!
Holly
Oh how fun…it looks like you had a blast. This is definitely a place worth visiting.
Jessica Hughes
It’s been a while since I have been to San Francisco. I love visiting as there are so many wonderful things to see and do. I’ve never been to the Cartoon Art Museum, that looks like such fun!
Melanie williams
Looks like you had a fab spring day out. Loving the look of those yummy gummie bears x
Stephanie
Oh my gosh, every one of these looks amazing! I can’t even pick my favorite. I’ve only been to SF once, and it was only for a day. We went to the Golden Gate Bridge, of course, then drove up to Muir Woods because my mom really wanted to see the redwoods. Next time I venture out that way I will have to hit a few of these.
Christina
I love that post-it wall. How great of an idea!
Angela Tolsma
Oh I have always wanted to go paddle boating. It looks like so much fun! The museum is definitely something I would do.
Kara Ferwerda
That looks like such a fun trip. I have always wanted to go paddle boarding! It looks easy but I have heard it is hard to get your balance right.
Nikki Arnold
You certainly look to be raising some very intelligent and motivated children. I really wish I was able to do with mine what you do with yours, but we try to do all kinds of things on the weekends and take trips when we can that are also educational!
Trần Quốc Hưng
It is such a great advice for me because I am having a plan to San Francisco! Thanks for fantastic suggestions
sarah camille
Sounds like such a fun trip with some great weather. I love the educational activity idea as well!
Easter Babe
I’ve never been to San Fransisco. It’s on my bucket list. Looks like your family had a great time.
Becca Wilson
This sounds like it would be such a fantastic place to visit even with kids. That comic museum sounds like something my kids would adore.
Patranila
I’ve only been to San Francisco once and that was for work so I did not have much time to see the city. I would love to make it back though.
Regine L.
Lovely pictures! I also want to ride on a boat. It looks so much fun.
Gine
I love those flowers! I like the color. This is a perfect place to spend time with your family.
Jurlen
Wow! I also want to see different variety of birds and turtles! They are amazing.
Renjul
That windmill is so beautiful. I want to go there someday.
Julie
Nice pictures! That cartoon museum is awesome!
Reg
I have learned more a lot about waves! And those diy waves is so creative.
Regine L.
I would love to go sledding! I really want to try snow ball fight with my family too!