San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39

If you’re visiting San Francisco with children or just looking for a lively, family-friendly way to spend a day, the Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39 might catch your eye. This ticket packs in four different attractions—ranging from soaring above the city to battling zombies in virtual reality—all in one convenient location. While it’s not a full-day adventure, it offers enough excitement to keep kids entertained and give parents a break from the usual sightseeing grind.

What makes this experience appealing are its variety and accessibility—each activity feels distinct, giving kids multiple ways to burn off energy. Plus, the price point of $34 per person is competitive, especially considering you’re getting four different attractions with one ticket and a $10 saving. The only caveat? Some of the activities might be more suited to younger children or those not overly sensitive to VR or fast-paced rides.

This combo works best for families with kids aged 7 and up, groups of friends looking for a quick thrill, or anyone wanting a playful break from longer museum or walking tours. If your kids thrive on action and new experiences, this could be a highlight of your PIER 39 visit.

Key Points

• Multiple attractions for one ticket offers great value and variety.
• Northern California’s only flying theater provides stunning views of iconic landmarks.
• Virtual reality and laser maze challenges add high-energy, interactive fun.
• Accessible for families and groups but not suitable for very young children or those with certain health issues.
• Located on the second level of PIER 39, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
• Includes four tickets but food and drinks are not covered.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Kids Thrill Zone Combo

Let’s explore what you can expect from each part of this ticket, how they fit together, and why they might be worth your time.

The Flyer: North California’s Only Flying Theater

This is the headline attraction—The Flyer offers a soaring experience above San Francisco and Northern California landmarks. Think of it as a giant movie theater where you’re seated in a motion-based seat that mimics flight. The visuals are projected onto a large dome screen, giving viewers the sensation of gliding over the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Muir Woods, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz.

From reviews, it’s clear that this ride is a hit for those wanting an impressive, panoramic view without leaving the ground. One traveler noted, “The Flyer was really fun,” which captures its appeal. Since it’s the only flying theater in Northern California, it’s a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere locally, adding a special touch to your visit.

The downside? If your kids are prone to motion sickness or if you’re expecting ultra-sharp 3D glasses, you might find the visuals somewhat blurry. A reviewer mentioned, “The flyer was blurry like it was supposed to have 3D glasses but they didn’t give any.” Still, the overall sense of flying over San Francisco remains an exciting memory.

Chaos Jump VR: Virtual Reality in Action

Next up is Chaos Jump VR, a fast-paced virtual reality game that immerses players in a sci-fi universe. You’ll take on missions, face challenges, and try to outmaneuver enemies—all while wearing a VR headset. This part of the experience is designed to be high-energy and interactive, appealing especially to kids who love video games and digital adventures.

From one review, we hear that “the VR headset portion was just okay,” suggesting it may not be as polished or exciting as some other VR experiences out there. However, it’s still a noteworthy element because VR adds a level of immersion that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Keep in mind that VR experiences might not suit everyone—those with epilepsy or certain health conditions should approach with caution. It’s also worth noting that if VR isn’t your thing, this section might be less engaging.

The 7D Ride Experience

This attraction combines thrill ride elements with interactive gameplay. You’re seated in a simulated vehicle where you battle zombies, werewolves, or bandits. What’s clever here is that every ride is different—your seat and your actions influence the outcome, making it very replayable.

A traveler noted, “The rides were fun,” and highlighted that “every seat is part of the action.” It’s a good way to get a dynamic, competitive element into your day. The experience is also physically engaging, requiring a bit of movement, so it’s suitable for energetic kids.

One drawback from a review was that a game was hard to control, which could lead to some frustration. However, overall, this attraction adds an exciting, interactive layer to the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Laser Maze Challenge: Test Your Agility

Finally, the Laser Maze is straightforward but challenging—crawl, twist, and dodge beams of light to hit targets without setting off the alarms. It’s perfect for kids who love physical puzzles and challenges. The experience can be quite tense and fun, especially if you’re competing as a family.

One reviewer said the maze had some technical issues, but when working properly, it’s a great test of agility and patience. It’s a nice wind-down activity after the high-energy rides but still keeps the adrenaline flowing.

Practical Considerations

Pricing and Value: At $34, this combo ticket offers good value, especially since you’re saving $10 compared to buying each attraction separately. For families, this means a full hour or more of entertainment for a reasonable price. Keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat elsewhere at PIER 39.

Location and Access: The attractions are located on the second level of PIER 39, a lively area filled with shops, street performers, and other attractions. Check in at the Flyer Thrill Zone lobby—easy to find amid the bustling pier.

Time and Duration: The entire experience can be squeezed into about a day, but each activity is shorter, so plan for around an hour or two of active fun. The ticket is valid for one day, but check starting times to avoid missing your preferred slots.

Accessibility: The experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors. However, some activities, like the laser maze, require crawling or twisting, which might not be suitable for everyone with mobility challenges.

Age and Health Restrictions: Best suited for children over 7 years old and taller than 3 feet 3 inches. Pregnant women, those with back problems, epilepsy, or over 300 lbs should avoid some activities for safety reasons.

What Do Travelers Say?

Reviews paint a mostly positive picture, with some mentioning the friendliness and helpfulness of staff, and the overall fun of the rides. One traveler from Germany appreciated the staff’s friendliness, saying, “Everyone was very friendly and everything went really well.”

A few reviewers pointed out minor issues, like a blurry screen on The Flyer or technical problems with the maze, but these didn’t overshadow the fun. A traveler noted, “The rides were fun, and the employees were very helpful,” which underscores the importance of good staff in making the experience enjoyable.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This combo is perfect for families with kids eager for action and adventure. The variety ensures there’s something for a wide age range, but it’s especially suited for children aged 7 and above who can handle VR and physical activities. It’s also a good choice for groups of friends or grandparents with grandchildren looking for a lively, interactive outing.

If you’re short on time but want a quick dose of fun, this package offers a compact, engaging way to experience some of PIER 39’s most entertaining attractions. It’s less suited for travelers seeking a more relaxed, educational, or scenic experience, but for pure fun, it’s a solid option.

Final Thoughts

The Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39 delivers good value for families and groups wanting a multi-sensory experience packed with different kinds of fun. From soaring over San Francisco in The Flyer to battling zombies in the 7D Ride, each activity is designed to entertain and engage.

While it’s not perfect—some activities may have minor technical hiccups or be more suited to younger children—the approachable price point and variety make it a worthwhile addition to a day at PIER 39. The staff’s helpfulness and the unique offerings, such as the flying theater, elevate this experience beyond a typical amusement ride.

If your kids love energetic, interactive activities and you’re seeking a break from the usual sightseeing, this combo could be just the ticket. Be prepared for some physical activity, and plan your visit around showtimes and availability.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for very young children?
Not quite. Children under 7 years old and those under 3 ft 3 in might find some activities challenging or unsuitable. The experience is geared more toward kids aged 7 and above.

How long does the entire experience last?
Each attraction is designed to be relatively short—likely totaling about an hour or so—making it perfect for a quick, energetic outing rather than all-day entertainment.

Can I visit just one or two attractions instead of all four?
This combo ticket is sold as a package, but you can choose to do fewer activities if preferred. However, check with the provider about how tickets are handled if you’re only interested in some of the attractions.

Are there any health restrictions I should know about?
Yes, the experience is not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, epilepsy, or individuals over 300 lbs. VR and laser activities may also pose issues for sensitive individuals.

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
No, it’s valid only for one day, and it’s recommended to check starting times for each attraction to maximize your visit.

What should I bring or prepare?
Bring your ticket confirmation, and consider snacks since food and drinks aren’t included. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for physical activities, and arrive early to secure your preferred times.

The Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39 offers a lively, diverse set of activities that suit families looking for excitement and a break from traditional sightseeing. With thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, it can be a memorable highlight of your San Francisco trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby