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You're going to think that our family does nothing but travel. This past year, we have been blessed with a little more than our share, perhaps. But you know what? We deserve it! We work hard, and we play hard, too! Now that Family.com has the ability to do streaming pictures on our blog sites, I thought I'd give you a glimpse into our trip to the Bay Area of San Francisco with kids. While some of our Family.com blogging family is actually from that area, I have family there. My family is actually in the Napa Valley. And yes, I know. We're spoiled to have family in the wine country. It's a fabulous place to have a spot to crash for free. Believe me. I do know how lucky we are. But I digress...

During our last visit, we took in the Exploratorium, which is a wonderful stop for both kids and adults alike. Check with your local science museum (if you are fortunate enough to have one) to see if it reciprocates with this extraordinary tourist attraction inSan Francisco . While not overly pricey at $9.00 for children under 13 and $11.00 for those under 18 ($14.00 for adults and worth every penny, I might add), it never hurts to save a few pennies where you can. Children under three are free. We have often purchased our own science museum and zoo memberships as much for when we travel as for the home team advantage. This is especially true now that our girls are getting older and aren't as interested in visiting the local attractions as they used to be. Just a little tip from Princess Peg!

Anyway, the Exploratorium really has something for everyone in the family, even for me the one with admittedly the least interest in/acumen for science. We spent about 4 hours there and could have gone on even longer but wanted to leave in time to see the sun set overGolden Gate . "Using hands-on exhibits, visitors explore science, art, and natural phenomena in surprising and unexpected ways." There's so much to do at this museum, I feel as if I'd be doing it an injustice to even try to describe the activities available. Go to their website at www.exploratorium.edu. Scientific American calls the Exploratorium "the best science museum in the world." High praise from a lofty source in my opinion.

Next, if you're going to be in the Bay area for a few days or more, you may want to consider a City Pass. With this handy little pass, you can visit 6 area attractions for just $54.95 for adults and $39 for kids. We were not actually in the city that long, so it didn't really make sense for us, but check it out via the hyperlink above, and see what you think. The pass does not include Alcatraz, which was way cool, too. Our girls, who are preteen and teenage really enjoyed it, as did we. The tour was easy to understand with the individual headphones included in the overall price. The ride over on the boat to the island was certainly part of the appeal, but the tour itself was absolutely fascinating. To think that the likes of Al Capone lived in a cell on that island, and we were standing in his very cell...it kinda' creeps you out! And imagining someone trying to escape when you see how desolate it looks out there in the middle of the Bay and knowing how cold the water must have been? Really amazing.

Tune in next time for more tips on your trip (with kids) to beautiful San Francisco.