Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Union Square, SF

Kid-friendly spots

A space that welcomes children as part of the crowd rather than treating them like a disruption to the atmosphere.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Mellis Cafe image 1
Mellis Cafe image 2
Mellis Cafe image 3
View all

Small cafe offers a cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating and soft Arabic pop music. Families enjoy Nutella croissants and turkey sandwiches while kids watch waymos go by. Friendly vibe shifts from bustling mornings to homey evenings, perfect for all ages.

Many options suit families with kids, including Nutella croissants and turkey on sourdough sandwiches. Kids enjoy sodas and watching the waymos go by.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and flavorful."

"I found the bagels here to be fresh and delicious."

"It's Kid Friendly with great turkey sandwiches for the kids."

Good to know

1

Mellis Cafe opens at 5:00 a.m. and stays open until midnight.

2

Expect reasonable prices for sandwiches and breakfast items.

3

Mellis Cafe is ideal for quick breakfast and coffee options.

02
Union Square Pizza & Kitchen image 1

Small space with retro style offers a cozy, friendly vibe and peaceful break from downtown noise. Kids love the two slices and drink special and lemon cake slices. Menu has pepperoni and vegetarian pizzas that appeal to children.

Kids enjoy the two slices and drink special and the complimentary lemon cake slices. The menu includes pepperoni and vegetarian pizzas that appeal to children.

People are saying

"This pizza is fire, seriously incredible."

"The pizza here has a perfect crust and flavorful toppings."

"The pizza here is a hit with kids."

Good to know

1

The pizza costs around $30 for a medium size with a drink.

2

A small cheese slice of pizza costs $9.

3

Expect a few minutes wait for ready slices to heat up.

03
Al Pastor Papi image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot with vibrant street theme and underground hip-hop sets a lively mood. Staff treats kids kindly, offering movies and kid-friendly dishes like shrimp burrito. Clean, hip space suits quick bites or casual meals with a community focus.

Staff shows kindness by noticing when kids need attention and putting on a movie to keep them entertained. Kids enjoy dishes like the shrimp burrito and queso taco.

People are saying

"These tacos are flavorful, filling, and uniquely delicious."

"I found the Al Pastor tacos to be the tastiest I have ever had."

"The al pastor burrito here is perfect for kids."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located just around the block from Union Square.

2

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices are reasonable for a sit-down restaurant near Union Square.

04
Once Upon a Dosa image 1

Minimalistic setup with self check-in and vintage-inspired details creates a casual, welcoming vibe. Kids enjoy special cheese dosa and live dosa parties, with staff often offering free entrees. Open door can make dining area uncomfortably cold at times.

Options include a Kids Special Cheese Dosa and an OG Roast Dosa. A live dosa party can be hosted for birthdays. Staff sometimes offer a free dosa entree for kids even without ordering.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and satisfying."

"I loved the crispy, flavorful South Indian dosa here."

"The staff here are wonderful and go over and beyond for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; street parking can be tricky in the busy area.

2

They do not accept cash, only credit cards and mobile payments.

3

The restaurant is strictly vegetarian, catering well to vegetarian diners.

05
Cable Car Turnaround Powell St. image 1

Hand-powered turntable spins historic cable cars amid lively street shows. Kids enjoy the fun ride, but operators can be aggressive and no discounts apply. Classic San Francisco charm creates a nostalgic atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

The Cable Car Turnaround Powell St. offers a fun experience for kids. Operators can be aggressive and unclear, especially around families with small children, and there is no discount for kids.

People are saying

"Riding the cable car is a classic, fun San Francisco experience."

"It's a great tourist spot you shouldn't miss."

"It's not very Kid Friendly; instructions were unclear for families."

Good to know

1

You need a ticket to ride the cable car, costing $8 per person.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends; arrive early at 9 a.m.

3

The one-day ticket costs $14 per adult, with no discounts for children.

06
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square image 1

Historic charm shines in spacious rooms that welcome families warmly. Kids enjoy special treats like rubber duckies and apple cider. Noise from events can be heard due to thin walls, but the 24/7 snack station with coffee and soy milk keeps everyone happy.

Kids get special treats like rubber duckies and apple cider. The coffee station offers soy milk and flavored syrups that appeal to families.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is central and ideal for exploring."

"The beds here are super comfortable."

"It's so Kid Friendly, with the cable car stopping right out front!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5 to 7 p.m. with complimentary popcorn and 2-for-1 drinks.

2

Parking is available in a garage diagonally across the street from the hotel.

3

The hotel is just a 2-minute walk from Union Square and major shopping areas.

Discover more

Union Square, San Francisco

Area guide
Loading Map...