<p>First off, let me just say that I could spend a lifetime in San Francisco and not run out of things to do . . . but this is a 16-year old with very limited funds, no one to hang out with, and absolutely NO interest in sightseeing.</p>
<p>So I’m looking for really out-of-the-box suggestions - inexpensive (or free) activities that would end up being fun even without a friend to share it with (maybe something specifically for teenagers?), organizations that could use a teenaged volunteer for a week, or . . . well, I don’t know!</p>
<p>Geographic limits would be San Francisco or Marin, or someplace readily accessible (and not too far) from either location with public transportation.</p>
<p>The Paxton Gates shop on Valencia in the Mission is a fun place to browse. Lots of stylish natural history objects and weird taxidermy. There are a bunch of other fun fun shops in the area that a teen might enjoy poking around in. </p>
<p>I believe it may be free to go up into the observation tower at the de Young. The views are unbelievably spectacular.</p>
<p>Maybe he could see if the Sierra club or other group is leading any day hikes while he is there. </p>
<p>If you gave us some more context – why he will be there, what some of his interests are, etc. – we could probably be more helpful.</p>
<p>Even though it is one of the most touristy things you can do in San Francisco, most teens enjoy the Alcatraz tour, especially if they have seen the Mythbusters episode about the fabled escape. Don’t know how much it costs.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the suggestions! (Love the “Free & Cheap” guide!)</p>
<p>The problem is that walking, wandering and visiting (museums & such) isn’t so much fun when you’re alone. (Well, I’d enjoy it, but this particular kid . . . not so much.)</p>
<p>That’s why I was hoping for activities where he’d have more of a chance to interact with other people. Even better if the other people happened to be teenagers! Improv class is a cool idea, but a bit expensive ($45).</p>
<p>I agree. I have no interest in “entertaining” a teenager! But if he can find productive things to do (like volunteering) or activities where he’d be able to meet people (like an improv class), that would be pretty cool - and a week well spent.</p>
<p>You could give him a map and a public transit pass and say “go for it!”… He could burn some time taking Bart under The Bay and back. Any potential future colleges he could find his way to and wander around?</p>
<p>Berkeley’s a possibility . . . I’ll try suggesting that!</p>
<p>Museum volunteer is a good idea . . . maybe the Randall Museum could use some help. They’re more low key than the big museums in the park . . . they might be more willing to take on a part-temporary volunteer without him needing to go through a training program.</p>
<p>If he is into Science, then the Exploratorium is a MUST visit! And they will have a new home as of April 17 at Pier 15[ the Golden Gate location is closed] </p>
<p>San Francisco is hardly the best place for the candidate described above. Was this forced by circumstances or part of a wise decision? </p>
<p>Being by yourself at 16 years old might work but not too well with limited funds, no safety net of friends, and no real interests. San Francisco is small and expensive. </p>
<p>Are there any other options? If not, I would most definely try to “offer” him a bike, a map of the city, and an … increased budget.</p>
<p>PS There have been several threads about what to do in SF with teenagers.</p>
But if he can find productive things to do (like volunteering) or activities where he’d be able to meet people (like an improv class), that would be pretty cool - and a week well spent.</p>