Family-Friendly Things To Do in San Antonio

Old Town Trolley Tours

If you’re planning a family trip to San Antonio, one of the best ways to explore the city is through the Old Town Trolley. This popular hop-on, hop-off tour allows you to see all the major attractions in San Antonio at your own pace, making it a great option for families with kids. The trolley provides a convenient mode of transportation between top landmarks, such as the Alamo, Briscoe Western Art Museum, and San Antonio River Walk. The hop-on, hop-off feature is especially useful for families with kids, as it offers flexibility in itinerary planning and minimizes the need for long walks between sites. In addition to its convenience, Old Town Trolley also provides an educational twist to sightseeing. Each trolley comes equipped with a knowledgeable tour guide who provides interesting commentary and fun facts about the city’s history, culture, and architecture. This is a great way for kids to learn while having fun on their vacation.

Things To Do with Kids

The Splash Park and Playground at Hemisfair Park

Hemisfair Park was created as part of the 1968 World’s Fair and covers an area of 92 acres. It is named after the neighborhood where it is situated and is a popular tourist destination. The park underwent redevelopment in 2009, which included adding new features, such as fountains, playgrounds, and water features. Hemisfair Park is divided into three sections — the Central Zone, the Hemisfair Plaza, and the Tower Zone. The Central Zone consists of several large open spaces that are used for events and festivals throughout the year. The Hemisfair Plaza is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions, such as the Yanaguana Garden and the Magik Theatre. The Tower Zone is where the iconic Tower of the Americas is located, offering stunning views of the city from its observation deck. Apart from being a popular tourist destination, Hemisfair Park also plays an important role in preserving San Antonio’s history and culture. The park features several historic buildings, including the 1917 Beaux-Arts style Convention Center, which is now home to the Institute of Texan Cultures.

The San Antonio Zoo

The San Antonio Zoo was established in 1914, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It spans over 56 acres and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 750 species from around the world. Visitors can explore different areas of the zoo, including Africa Live!, Amazonia, and Big Cat Valley. Each area offers a unique experience, from seeing majestic lions in their natural habitat to walking through a tropical rainforest filled with exotic animals. The zoo also offers educational programs and activities, such as keeper talks and animal encounters, making it an ideal destination for families with children. Additionally, the zoo is committed to conservation efforts through its various initiatives, including breeding endangered species and promoting sustainable practices.

SEA LIFE San Antonio

SEA LIFE is home to thousands of species of aquatic animals, including sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and more. One of the main highlights of SEA LIFE San Antonio is the underwater Ocean Tunnel. Visitors can walk through this tunnel while surrounded by a variety of marine life swimming above and around them. This unique experience allows visitors to feel like they are truly underwater and immersed in the ocean environment. Aside from the Ocean Tunnel, SEA LIFE San Antonio also offers a variety of interactive activities and exhibits. Visitors can touch and learn about different species of creatures at the Touchpool or watch feeding sessions at various animal habitats throughout the aquarium. There are also educational talks and demonstrations held throughout the day, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about marine life and ocean conservation.

Brackenridge Park

Brackenridge Park spans over 343 acres and was officially opened on April 21, 1899. The land where the park now stands was donated by George W. Brackenridge with the purpose of creating a recreational space for the city’s residents. The park is home to many natural attractions, including the San Antonio Zoo, Sunken Garden Theater, and Japanese Tea Garden. It also features numerous recreational activities, such as hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a miniature train ride. Visitors can also enjoy activities like fishing in the San Antonio River or playing golf at the Brackenridge Park Golf Course. Aside from its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Brackenridge Park also has a rich history. During World War I, the park was used as a training ground for soldiers, and later in World War II, it served as a prisoner-of-war camp. One unique feature of Brackenridge Park is its dedication to conservation and preservation. The park is home to many tree species that are over a hundred years old, and efforts are made to protect these trees and other natural habitats within the park.

SeaWorld

SeaWorld San Antonio is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and animal theme park. It was opened to the public in 1988 and has since been one of the major tourist attractions in the state. The park covers an area of approximately 250 acres and is home to over 12,000 animals from 250 species. These animals include a variety of marine mammals, such as dolphins, sea lions, and beluga whales, as well as other animals like penguins, flamingos, and polar bears. The park offers a wide range of attractions and shows for visitors to enjoy. Popular shows include the Sea Lion High show, featuring talented sea lions and otters, and the Dolphin Cove show where guests can learn about these intelligent creatures.

DoSeum

The DoSeum is a state-of-the-art children’s museum that aims to inspire the minds of young learners through interactive exhibits and educational programs. Since its opening in 2015, it has become one of the city’s top attractions for families with children. The DoSeum was founded by the San Antonio Children’s Museum in partnership with the City of San Antonio and private donors. The museum was originally housed in a small building near downtown San Antonio and focused on providing hands-on learning experiences for children. However, as the museum grew in popularity, it became apparent that a larger and more modern space was needed to accommodate the growing number of visitors and exhibits.

Hurricane Harbor San Antonio

Hurricane Harbor San Antonio is a part of the larger Six Flags Fiesta theme park and is known for its thrilling water rides, slides, and attractions. The park opened in 1985 as “Splashwater Kingdom” and was later renamed to “Water Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.” In 2014, it was rebranded as Hurricane Harbor San Antonio. The park covers an area of 25 acres and features over 15 water rides and slides. One of the most popular attractions is the “Bahama Blaster,” a high-speed waterslide that drops riders down a steep slope into a splash pool. Other notable rides include “Zooma Falls,” a multi-lane mat racer slide, and “Tornado,” a giant funnel ride that spins riders around before dropping them into a pool. Besides the thrilling water rides, Hurricane Harbor San Antonio also offers a lazy river, a wave pool, and children’s play areas for families to enjoy. The park has something to offer to all age groups, making it a popular destination for locals as well as tourists visiting San Antonio.

Witte Museum

The Witte Museum is a beloved cultural and natural history museum that has been operating since 1926. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore various aspects of the region’s history, including its people, wildlife, and land. The Witte Museum boasts a diverse collection of over 380,000 artifacts and specimens that cover a wide range of topics. One of the most popular exhibits includes the H-E-B Body Adventure, which allows visitors to learn about health and human anatomy while participating in interactive activities. The Dinosaur Gallery is another favorite, where visitors can come face-to-face with life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Witte Museum also hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year. These include educational workshops, family-friendly activities, and even live performances.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 400-acre safari park that allows visitors to experience the beauty and wonder of wildlife up close. The ranch is home to over 500 animals representing 40 different species from all around the world. Founded in 1984, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has been providing a unique and educational experience to visitors for over 35 years. The ranch is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of endangered species and works closely with various organizations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, to ensure the well-being and sustainability of their animals.

The safari adventure at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch begins with a drive through the African Savanna section, where visitors can see majestic animals such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest roaming freely in their natural habitat. Next, visitors can explore the North American Plains section, which is home to bison, elk, and other wildlife native to the region. In addition to the safari experience, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch also offers educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The ranch regularly hosts field trips for schools and youth groups, providing hands-on learning about animal conservation and biology. They also have an on-site research facility where scientists conduct studies and collect data on the animals in their care.

Free Things To Do with Kids

Visit Pearsall Park in San Antonio

With over 500 acres of land, Pearsall Park provides ample space for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. But Pearsall Park is more than just your average park. It also boasts several unique features that make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. One of the main highlights of Pearsall Park is its 1.5-mile hiking and biking trail, which takes visitors through beautiful scenery, including ponds, wildflowers, and bird-watching stations. The park also has a designated dog park where furry companions can run free and socialize with other dogs.

In addition to its recreational activities, Pearsall Park is committed to promoting sustainable practices and preserving the natural environment. The park’s facilities are powered by solar energy, making it one of the first “green” parks in San Antonio.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

Located on 38 acres, this botanical garden offers a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as educational programs and events. Founded in 1980, the San Antonio Botanical Garden has grown to become one of the top botanical gardens in the country. It features over 11,000 plant specimens from around the world, including some rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore different themed gardens, such as the Texas Native Trail, which showcases plants native to the state, and the Kumamoto En Japanese Garden, a serene oasis inspired by traditional Japanese garden design. Aside from its impressive collection of plants, the San Antonio Botanical Garden also offers various educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. These include workshops, classes, and camps focusing on gardening, plant care, and sustainability. The garden also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Brews and Blooms beer festival and the holiday-themed Garden Nights.

Morgan’s Wonderland

Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio stands as a unique amusement park specifically crafted for individuals with special needs. Conceived by Gordon Hartman, the park’s founder, whose daughter Morgan faces physical and cognitive challenges, the vision was to establish a space where people with disabilities could partake in enjoyable activities and feel fully embraced. Since opening its doors in 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland has consistently offered a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment. Pioneering in its approach, it holds the distinction of being the world’s first park of its kind, earning acclaim through numerous awards. With over 25 attractions, including rides, shows, playgrounds, and sensory-friendly zones, each feature is meticulously designed to cater to various abilities, ensuring a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone. Notably, the park extends its commitment to inclusivity by offering free admission to individuals with special needs, ensuring accessibility for all.

Tower of the Americas

With a height of 750 feet, the Tower of the Americas stands tall as one of the most recognizable structures in the city’s skyline. It was built as the main feature for the 1968 World’s Fair, known as HemisFair ’68. The Tower of the Americas offers visitors not only amazing views and delicious cuisine but also an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of San Antonio through its interactive exhibits and displays. The Flags Over Texas exhibit showcases the six flags that have flown over Texas throughout its colorful past, while the Legends of Texas 4D Theater takes visitors on a journey through time to experience the story of the Lone Star State.

FAQs

What are some fun facts about San Antonio for kids?

One unique fact about San Antonio is that it is home to the largest bat colony in the world. The Bracken Cave Preserve, located just outside of the city, is home to over 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Every summer evening, these bats emerge from their cave to search for food, creating an incredible spectacle as they fill the sky. Another fun fact about San Antonio is that it was the first U.S. city to have a modern art museum. The McNay Art Museum, opened in 1954, features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from around the world. It also has a sculpture garden that is perfect for kids to explore and take photos.

What food is San Antonio famous for?

One of the most well-known types of food in San Antonio is Tex-Mex. This fusion of American and Mexican cuisine was born in the early 1900s when Mexican immigrants began adapting traditional recipes with ingredients they could find in the United States. Today, Tex-Mex is a major part of San Antonio’s food culture and has become popular all over the country.

What are the best times of the year to visit San Antonio with kids?

One of the best times to visit San Antonio with kids is during the spring season, from March to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities like exploring parks and visiting popular landmarks such as the Alamo or River Walk. Plus, you can also enjoy the city’s annual Fiesta celebration, a 10-day festival filled with parades, music, food, and cultural events that the whole family can enjoy.