It Takes a Major Metropolitan Area

Children rule the city! At Family Appreciation Day, which is a smarmy yet accurate name, many superfun things to do are totally free. Kids are very much expected — today, zillions of runts buzz the cultural institutions. It's the kind of event that comes with stern warnings, because it's just that good: Adults are responsible for kid behavior. Kids may not show up without an adult. Adults may not show up without a kid. Someone in the group has to prove residency in San Francisco. And teens — we're watching ya. But after you're done warning yourself, it's a smorgasbord, a literal free-for-all of almost any museum, library, zoo, or carousel you'd want to take kids to any day, a total of 32 venues and attractions. Yes, that includes the Exploratorium. Yes, Hyde Street Pier, too. MoMA, MoAD, the Asian Art, the works. Kids, be extra good, because this is really not the day to make me turn this car around.
Sun., Jan. 11, 10 a.m., 2009