Explore: Union Street in San Francisco

Shopping, eating, and fun for big and small

Shop ’til you drop, then shop some more–Union Street is a great place to pick up some high fashion haute couture for even your smallest of smalls. (And you’ll, no doubt, be tempted by a shoe or two; maybe a quick duck into Sephora?)

Stop in at Jean et Marie to check out the latest French fashion for your enfants terribles, or even your enfant not-so-terrible. Then, visit Beleza for clothes so sweet, they’re confections. There’s also Mudpie for designer brand bits for the littles, and the quirky Thursday’s Child has many unique and local items as well. American Apparel and Wildlife Works, while not exclusively kids stores, do carry clothing lines for babies and children. Look for 100% cotton onesies (and organic cotton onesies) in any and every color at AA, and Wildlife Works uses its profits to save and protect endangered species around the globe. Stop by Sprout for a great selection of natural and organic clothes and products. They also have a series of weekly mom and kid events that are worth checking out including story time and yoga.

Need a little break from the retail? Head up to Allyne Park one block up from Union on Gough. It’s a picturesque little green space with plenty of room to run the wiggles out. It’s also a fabulous spot to stop for a snack or have a picnic under the trees.

Try to sneak in a little more credit card time by bribing your bits with treats from La Boulange, or shoe-horn in for lunch at Rose’s Cafe.  Get your  grass fed mini-burger with a Strauss Creamery organic milkshake at Roam Artisan Burgers. Got a little one with a real sweet tooth? Stop for a tasty cup of self serve at Cultive Frozen Yogurt.  Real Foods on Filbert and Fillmore, makes great sandwiches and has much for munching in the deli case.

But if you really want them on their best behavior, promise them  a bus ride (#45) up the hill to Swensen’s. Hands-down the best ice cream in the city… possibly the world.

Bonus Activity: Hit Union Street on Halloween for some easy (aside from parking) trick-or-treating, as all the local retailers dish out sweets for your little monsters.