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Alcatraz Island
See San Francisco, California family vacation
Alcatraz Island
Fisherman's Wharf
view websitePier 33, Hornblower Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-981-7625
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Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Alcatraz Island Description
A visit to The Rock is a must -- nothing, it seems, fires kids' imaginations like peeking inside a cell of one of the most famous prisons on earth. Your kids will enjoy the taped stories of famous prisoners -- especially those who escaped and were never heard from again. If you can, take the night tour, which limits the group size and includes more hands-on demonstrations. Kids will also love the spookiness of being on the island at dusk, and you'll love the spectacular sunset views from the boat.
Historical Landmark
Scenic Landmark
Kid Tips
Babies: The prison is a quiet, peaceful place, to which babies usually respond (read: sleep) well.
Toddlers & Pre-K: The prison-touring experience is best suited for kids 7 and older, although all ages love the ferry ride.
Pre-Teens & Teens: This group will love the audio tour narrated by tough-guy ex-cons who were once imprisoned here.
Planning Notes
- Bring snacks. No food service is available, so bring along some snacks for the ferry ride, but note that no picnicking on the island is permitted.
- Dress warmly. Wear comfortable shoes, and expect cool, windy weather -- even in summer.
- Plan ahead. Alcatraz Island frequently sells out, up to a week in advance during the summer and holidays. It is strongly recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.
Just the Facts
Hours: Tour departures begin at 9:30 a.m.; ferry runs every 30-40 minutes to and from Alcatraz. Island closes at 6:30 p.m. in the summer, 4:30 p.m. in the fall, winter, and spring.
Fees: $10 - $20
Recommended Time: Half day
Reviews of Alcatraz Island
Awesome.....Do the Night Tour
By morganizedfam4 July 08, 2008 | Queen Creek, Arizona
School-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
What we loved:
Everything
What we didn't love:
Nothing
The boys loved Alcatraz Island @ night, this tour includes a personally narrated boat tour around the island; once you arrive at the dock the tour begins with stories and fun facts all the way up to the cellhouse, once in the cellhouse you are walked through booking and the shower house then the 45 minute audio presentation "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour starts. This tour is told by actual correctional officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the Island. The night tour lets you go places that day tours don't. We visited the Hospital ward where you get to see the old operating room, xray room and the psych ward. We also saw the cell of Robert Stroud, the infamous Bird Man of Alcatraz. They also offer different programs one we did was the walk through the famous escape attempts very fun. When we got on the fairy back to the bay the whole island was covered in fog which made it kind of spooky too!Read More
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What's Nearby?
- National Liberty Ship Memorial 23 Pier
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-544-0100 37.80400888888889 -122.40335
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