Sometimes the hardest part of a family outing isn’t the outing itself, it’s the planning. I could have stayed up late Googling “things to do near Pier 39 with kids” while half-watching Netflix, but instead I let ChatGPT do the heavy lifting. I gave it a few non-negotiables (start at the Aquarium of the Bay, fit in In-N-Out, be home by 4 p.m.) and waited to see what my new AI co-parent would come up with.

PROMPT:
My 6-year-old son wants to visit the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 in San Francisco tomorrow. We’ll be leaving from Harbor Bay around 10 a.m. and returning by 4 p.m. Please plan a kid-friendly day centered around the Aquarium, and include a stop at In-N-Out Burger.

10:00 AM – Ferry Ride to the City (ChatGPT’s pick: scenic start)
ChatGPT suggested skipping the car and starting our day with the Harbor Bay Ferry. It is a 25-minute ride that doubles as an adventure in itself, with bridges, skyline views, and maybe even a whale sighting (true story: I spotted one on my commute once!).

10:30 AM – Pier 39 Bound (AI factoring in logistics + fun)
From the Ferry Building, ChatGPT gave me two options: a 25-minute walk along the Embarcadero or the historic F-line streetcar. I went with the streetcar since my son loves riding in them.

11:00 AM – Aquarium of the Bay (AI’s “main event” slot)
The plan put the aquarium right in the morning sweet spot, before lunchtime crankiness could set in. ChatGPT called out the must-sees:

• Jellyfish
• Shark and ray tunnels
• Touch pools

12:30 PM – Carousel Ride (AI inserting pre-lunch energy burn)
Before food, ChatGPT suggested a spin on Pier 39’s double-decker carousel. It was short, colorful, and guaranteed giggles. The ride was mostly empty, and my son loved sitting on the upper deck.

12:45 PM – SkyStar Wheel (AI adding a wow factor)
I didn’t even know this Ferris wheel at Pier 35 existed until ChatGPT mentioned it. Enclosed gondolas mean no wind complaints, and 150 feet up meant spectacular city and bay views.

1:15 PM – In-N-Out Burger (AI securing the “must-have” stop)
This was non-negotiable since my son loves In-N-Out. The AI pointed us to the Fisherman’s Wharf location just a 5–7 minute walk from Pier 39. We grabbed our food to-go and had an impromptu picnic in a nearby park.

1:45 PM – Sea Lion Spotting (AI maximizing nearby free fun)
After lunch, we headed back to Pier 39 for the sea lions. It was free, chaotic, and a total hit with kids. A little smelly, but that’s part of the charm.

2:30 PM – Head Back (AI mindful of ferry schedules)
ChatGPT suggested catching the 3:10 or 3:35 ferry. We ended up grabbing a Waymo instead, catching the 3:40, and still making it home right on time.

4:00 PM – Back at Harbor Bay (AI delivers on the brief)
The verdict: a full day with zero frantic Googling, zero “what should we do next?” pauses, and one happy, worn-out 6-year-old. ChatGPT: 1, parental mental load: 0.