San Antonio is a beautiful city that offers many activities for visitors of all ages. Located in the heart of Texas, the city boasts a unique cultural heritage, a thriving culinary scene, and gorgeous natural scenery. Whether you’re strolling along the beautiful River Walk, exploring the historic Alamo, or indulging in some Tex-Mex cuisine, San Antonio has something for everyone, including your kids or grandkids. It is the perfect location for a memorable family experience.
1. SeaWorld San Antonio
At SeaWorld San Antonio — the world’s largest marine life park — you can feed the dolphins and see beluga whales, penguins, sea lions, and more. Take a thrilling ride on roller coasters or water rides.
They have a variety of shows and entertainment that the whole family will enjoy.
2. Aquatica San Antonio
SeaWorld’s neighboring South Seas-inspired water park, Aquatica San Antonio offers rides from the serene to the extreme. Tonga Twister provides 400 feet of twists and turns enhanced by a sight and sound experience.
3. San Antonio River Walk
Experience the vibrant and scenic San Antonio River Walk, a picturesque gem situated in the heart of downtown. The River Walk is a unique and enchanting series of cobble and flagstone pathways bordering the San Antonio River.
Visitors can take a river cruise tour accompanied by knowledgeable guides who share stories of the surrounding sites as they pass by them. The GoRio boat cruises are great fun for all ages. There are daylight tours and night tours. The kids will love the glow-in-the-dark effect at night.
4. The Alamo
The Alamo is one of the top tourist destinations in San Antonio. It is the site of the Battle of the Alamo. Today, the Alamo is a museum open to the public. Visitors can learn about the history of the Alamo — where legendary figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie fought for Texas’s freedom — and see artifacts from the battle.
5. San Antonio Zoo
The third largest zoo in the nation with more than 3,500 animals, the San Antonio Zoo is a favorite for all ages. From spider monkeys to rhinos and lions to sloths, there are plenty of animals to see. There is also a zoo train, a 4D theater, giraffe feedings, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
6. Hemisfair Park
Take your kids to Hemisfair Park in the heart of downtown San Antonio. This 15-acre park is steeped in history having served as the 1968 World’s Fair site. The kids will love the playgrounds, splash pads, and climbing structures. It is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch.
7. Tower Of The Americas
Take the kids to the top of the 750-foot-tall observation tower for a stunning view of San Antonio and surrounding areas. There is no need to climb steps; an elevator speeds you to the top of the Tower Of The Americas.
8. Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first ultra-accessible family-fun park for all ages and abilities. This might be the perfect park to visit if you have a child or grandchild with special physical needs.
Wheelchair-accessible, Morgan’s Wonderland features rides, gardens, an 8-acre fishing lake, playgrounds, a 575-seat amphitheater, an 18,000-square-foot special-events center, a picnic area, and rest areas throughout the park.
The park also includes Morgan’s Inspiration Island, the world’s first and only ultra-accessible splash park.
9. San Antonio Botanical Garden
A museum of gorgeous plants, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a place for families to enjoy nature at its finest. With a 38-acre garden, including a Family Adventure Garden with 15 different areas for kids to explore, there are plenty of hands-on activities such as climbing, tumbling, and connecting with nature.
10. Mission Trail
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park has many trails perfect for bicycling. Let the children and teens ride until their hearts’ content and learn some history along the way.
11. Witte Museum
The Witte Museum is a museum of natural history and science. It features exhibits on dinosaurs, Texas history, and energy resources while offering other hands-on learning experiences. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum also has an outdoor amphitheater featuring live music and other performances.
12. San Fernando Cathedral
As one of Texas’s oldest cathedrals, the San Fernando Cathedral’s impressive architecture, towering spires, and intricate stained-glass windows make it a true sight to behold.
They also have a light show, San Antonio | The Saga, reflected on the outside walls of the cathedral portraying the history of San Antonio. The colorful illuminated show runs every Tuesday through Sunday at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. It lasts about 25 minutes.
13. San Pedro Park
San Pedro Park is perfect if the kids want to swim or play tennis or basketball. San Antonio’s oldest park has playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball, and much more.
14. Natural Bridge Caverns
Explore underground with the kids at nearby Natural Bridge Caverns. Use the guided paths to tour the vast cave system or let the teens try more adventurous spelunking experiences.
At the same location, above ground, they can try the Twisted Trails Zip Rail and Ropes course which includes climbing challenges up to 60 feet. There is even a course for the youngest of visitors.
15. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Who wants to go on a safari? At the nearby 400-acre Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, more than 500 animals from six continents roam free. It gives children and adults the opportunity to see animals in a more natural habitat.
16. Market Square
Here, a rich mix of family-owned cafés, artists, and merchants fill fountain-laden plazas with the Mexican culture’s bright colors and warm hospitality. The Historic Market Square also has live entertainment, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
17. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Kids will love becoming LEGO masters as they piece together and build their way through 10 themed play zones at LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio. They also have two indoor rides and a 4D theater to add to the fun.
Pro Tip: While there, be sure to check out Miniland® San Antonio. More than 1.5 million LEGO bricks make up this replica of the Alamo City.
18. SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium
Families can view 5,000 marine and freshwater creatures at SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium. Enjoy the sensation of traveling through the ocean as you walk through the underwater tunnel.
19. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
If theme-park fun is on your agenda, travel down the road to nearby Six Flags Fiesta Texas. They have several award-winning shows and some serious thrill rides like Ride Joker: Carnival of Chaos — a 14-story pendulum ride with speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. It is hot in Texas and kids can cool off in the Texas-shaped water park pool.
Make a day of it and stay for the spectacular fireworks and light show.
20. Schlitterbahn
If your family is like mine and you are a fan of waterparks, you will want to make a day trip to the Schlitterbahn. Just north of San Antonio, Schlitterbahn was ranked by the Travel Channel as the #1 water park in the world.
Schlitterbahn has water slides, uphill water coasters, tube chutes, splash pads, and more. It is worth the drive for some serious water fun.
San Antonio has many exciting things to do for families that love history, good food, and the great outdoors.
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