Alcatraz, Amercia's Most Well-known Prison @ San Francisco

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay makes its name in several movies, such as The Birdman of Alcatraz, Escape from Alcatraz, and The Rock. The island became a federal prison in 1934 when the government decided to put the most notorious criminals in a converted military fort on an island surrounded by sheer cliffs, frigid water and treacherous currents. But it hasn't kept any prisoners since 1963, but the vibe is still to attract youngsters.

Alcatraz Island is a must visit stop if you are in San Francisco with your teenager kids (8 years old +). It is said that "it is easier to get out of the island than getting into it these days“ due to the huge visitor population. You want to call one month in advanced to book tour ticket for your family vacation.

You will take ferry from Fisherman's Wharf and virtually explore the prison via slide show on the ferry before you land on the island . The weather in SF bay is always chilly even in Summer. You want to bring jackets for kids and ware comfortable shoes to climb stairs. Teenagers will definitely enjoy the tour in the "inescapable prison". -> San Francisco Family Hotels

Winchester Mystery House @ San Jose

Bring your preschool kids (4 years old and up) to San Jose California and they will experience the truth that is stranger than fiction.

Winchester Mystery House was the legacy of Sarah L. Winchester, a 44 years old widow since 1884. Ms.Winchester bought the idea that she needed to have perpetual construction on the Winchester mansion to appease the unquiet souls killed by Winchester rifles. Her husband was the son of the famous rifle manufacturer Oliver Winchester.

Since then, she spent her 20 million inheritance over 38 years building a house with 160 rooms on half a dozen acres. Ms. Winchester was the designer of 40 bedrooms, 47 fire places and a number of high-tech feature such as elevators. It is a weird mix of luxury, good taste and utter craziness. For example, kids will remember a staircase that leads to nowhere, windows on the floor...Of course, the house is still unfinished. -> San Jose Family Hotels

San Diego Zoo @ San Diego

San Diego Zoo was built in 1916, and is a very old construction in West Coast. It has more than 4,000 creatures. No kids won't love it. One tip for parents is to plan your time for its sister facility San Diego Wild Animal Park. This park is located in 34 miles north of SD, but the value package includes an express bus ride for you to travel between two zoos. -> San Diego Family Hotels

California Missions @ Santa Barbara

There are 21 Franciscan missions strung along the coast from San Diego to Sonoma in California map. They were founded from 1769 to 1823 to convert Native American to Christianity.

The Santa Barbara Mission was settled to the north of Los Angeles. At the entrance, the Queen of the Missions sits on the hilltop overlooking the town of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands. Kids are learning how the Spanish settlers and priests won the West. -> Santa Barbara Family Hotels

Things to do with kids in California:

• California Destination Guide - Things to Do
• Travel for Kids: California
• Things to Do in California with Children