13+ Fun Things To Do In San Antonio With Kids
San Antonio is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, blending history, culture, and adventure to create a destination packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether your little ones love exploring the great outdoors, getting up close to animals, or diving into history, this vibrant Texan city has it all.
From the serene San Antonio River Walk to adrenaline-pumping thrills at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, there’s something for every family member to enjoy. For a mix of learning and fun, museums like the Witte Museum and the DoSeum offer hands-on exhibits that keep young minds engaged. Nature and animal enthusiasts will love the San Antonio Zoo and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, while waterparks like SeaWorld San Antonio provide splash-filled excitement on warm days.
No visit to San Antonio would be complete without exploring its rich history at landmarks like The Alamo or the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, where stories of the past come alive in interactive and engaging ways.
San Antonio’s diversity of attractions ensures every family trip is filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. So, pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready to discover all the amazing things this city has to offer!
1. Discovering San Antonio's Rich History at the Alamo
No trip to San Antonio is complete without visiting The Alamo, one of Texas’s most iconic landmarks. This historic site is not just for adults—its interactive and engaging features make it a must-see for kids as well.
The Alamo tells the story of the 1836 battle for Texas independence. Families can explore artifacts, exhibits, and guided tours that bring history to life. The Living History Encampments are a favorite among kids, offering hands-on activities, reenactors, and demonstrations of tools and weapons from the era.
The serene gardens provide a lovely spot to relax, and the educational resources ensure every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.
Fun Fact: Before it became a symbol of Texas independence, The Alamo served as a Spanish mission called Mission San Antonio de Valero, dating back more than a century before the famous 1836 battle.
2. A Day of Fun and Learning at the San Antonio Zoo
With over 750 species from around the world, the San Antonio Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. Covering 50 acres, the zoo offers a chance to see animals like giraffes, elephants, otters, and exotic birds up close.
Families can enjoy immersive experiences such as feeding a giraffe, exploring the butterfly garden, or taking a scenic ride on the Zoo Train. Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot is a highlight for younger kids, featuring interactive exhibits and water play areas.
The zoo also hosts seasonal events like Zoo Boo and Zoo Lights, ensuring every visit is unique. Animal lovers can enhance their experience with behind-the-scenes tours and encounters with wildlife.
3. Spectacular Views from the San Antonio Tower of the Americas
The Tower of the Americas offers an unparalleled view of San Antonio from its 750-foot observation deck. Families can start with an exciting elevator ride to the top, where panoramic views and interactive displays await.
Kids will love the 4D Theater Ride, a multisensory experience that takes them on a thrilling journey through Texas landscapes and history. For a special treat, enjoy a meal at the revolving Chart House Restaurant, which completes a full rotation every hour, providing ever-changing views of the city.
Fun Fact: The Tower of the Americas was originally built for the 1968 World’s Fair and remains one of San Antonio’s most iconic landmarks.
4. Engaging with Science at The DoSeum – San Antonio's Museum for Kids
The DoSeum is a hub of creativity, discovery, and hands-on fun, making it one of the top attractions for kids in San Antonio. This interactive museum offers exhibits that spark curiosity and cater to a wide range of interests and age groups.
Kids can role-play in Little Town, build and experiment in the Innovation Station, or solve puzzles in the Spy Academy, where they crack codes and hone critical thinking skills in a fun, immersive setting.
The outdoor space features water play areas and climbing structures, ensuring there’s something to engage every child’s energy and imagination.
Fun Fact: The Spy Academy exhibit gives kids the chance to act as secret agents, solving real puzzles and mysteries using critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
5. Navigating the San Antonio River Walk with Children
The San Antonio River Walk is a picturesque hub of dining, entertainment, and family fun that weaves along the city’s namesake river. This vibrant network of pathways offers countless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
Start your adventure with a boat ride—a kid-favorite activity that provides guided tours showcasing the history and landmarks along the river. As you float by colorful umbrellas and bustling shops, kids will delight in spotting the lively activity along the water’s edge.
Walking the River Walk is just as fun, with plenty of snack stops, souvenir shops, and lively street performances. Its connections to family-friendly attractions like The Alamo and the San Antonio Zoo make it a convenient starting point for your day.
Fun Fact: The River Walk was initially created in the 1930s as a flood control system and has since evolved into one of Texas’s top attractions.
6. Exploring the Natural World at San Antonio Botanical Garden
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a 38-acre paradise perfect for families seeking a mix of education and relaxation. With themed gardens and hands-on exhibits, it’s a haven for nature lovers of all ages.
Explore the Texas Native Trail, which showcases the state’s diverse ecosystems, or visit the Family Adventure Garden, a hands-on area with interactive water features and climbing structures that keep kids entertained and engaged. Seasonal activities, like scavenger hunts and butterfly releases, add variety to each visit.
Don’t miss the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, featuring a tropical rainforest exhibit kept at 75°F year-round, or the photo-worthy floral displays scattered throughout the property.
Fun Fact: The Botanical Garden’s focus on sustainability is evident in its WaterSaver Garden, designed to inspire eco-friendly landscaping practices.
7. Interactive Adventures at Morgan's Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland redefines what a theme park can be. As the world’s first ultra-accessible amusement park, it’s designed so that everyone—regardless of age or ability—can enjoy its 25+ attractions.
Kids and adults alike will love the Wonderland Express, a scenic train ride around the park, as well as wheelchair-accessible rides, interactive playgrounds, and the enchanting carousel. For warm Texas days, Morgan’s Inspiration Island, the park’s inclusive splash park, offers water fun that everyone can enjoy.
More than just a theme park, Morgan’s Wonderland celebrates inclusion, joy, and community, creating a heartwarming space where every family can make unforgettable memories.
8. Delving into Cavern Wonders at Natural Bridge Caverns
A short drive from San Antonio leads to the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge Caverns, where families can explore the mysteries beneath the Earth’s surface. These stunning caverns, discovered in the 1960s, offer a blend of adventure and education that captivates kids and adults alike.
Start your journey at the "Natural Bridge," a massive limestone slab that arches over the cavern entrance—a perfect photo op! The Discovery Tour takes visitors through chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other breathtaking formations. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into the caverns’ geology and history, adding depth to the visual wonder.
For more adventurous families, activities like gem mining and zip-lining above the caverns provide additional excitement.
Fun Fact: The caverns are home to the King’s Throne, a 40-foot stalagmite that’s among the largest in Texas.
9. A Journey Through the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Explore history and culture at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes four beautifully preserved missions: Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada. Each mission offers unique architecture, tranquil grounds, and engaging exhibits that make history accessible to visitors of all ages.
Kids will love the Junior Ranger Program, where they can complete activities to earn a badge while learning about the missions' significance. For an active adventure, families can bike along the Mission Reach Trail, a scenic path connecting the missions through the San Antonio River ecosystem.
Fun Fact: The park includes the Espada Aqueduct, built in 1745, which remains the only operational Spanish aqueduct in the U.S.
10. Take a Ride through Brackenridge Park's Miniature Train
Hop aboard the Brackenridge Park Miniature Train for a delightful ride through one of San Antonio’s most beloved parks. This charming, pint-sized locomotive meanders through picturesque landscapes, offering a relaxing and fun adventure for families.
The 20-minute ride passes over bridges and through shady trails, providing glimpses of Brackenridge Park’s natural beauty and nearby attractions, such as the San Antonio Zoo.
After your ride, enjoy the park’s many other activities, including playgrounds, the Japanese Tea Garden, or a family picnic under the sprawling oak trees.
11. Reveling in San Antonio's Fiesta: A Celebration for All Ages
Experience San Antonio’s culture at its most vibrant during Fiesta San Antonio, an annual 10-day celebration filled with parades, live music, and family-friendly fun.
Kids will adore the Fiesta Carnival, complete with thrilling rides, fun games, and delicious treats. The Fiesta Flambeau Parade, America’s largest illuminated night parade, is a can’t-miss spectacle featuring dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances.
Fiesta also offers opportunities to collect unique pins and medals, a fun tradition for children and families alike. With workshops, cultural performances, and food festivals, Fiesta delivers an unforgettable experience that highlights the heart and soul of San Antonio.
Fun Fact: Fiesta began in 1891 as a simple flower parade honoring the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.
12. Attend a San Antonio Spurs Game
If there’s one event that captures the heart and soul of San Antonio, it’s the annual Fiesta San Antonio. This 10-day celebration, held every spring, is a vibrant showcase of the city’s rich culture, history, and community spirit. Perfect for families, Fiesta offers a wide variety of events and activities that ensure everyone finds something to enjoy.
From colorful parades, like the famous Battle of Flowers Parade, to live music performances, arts and crafts markets, and traditional food vendors, Fiesta is a feast for the senses. Kids will love the carnival rides and hands-on activities, while parents can soak in the lively atmosphere and indulge in some delicious Tex-Mex treats. Don’t miss Fiesta medals, a fun tradition where you collect unique pins from various events and organizations.
What makes Fiesta truly special is its diversity. Each event tells a story, honoring the city’s blend of cultures and its historical significance.
Fun Fact: The San Antonio Spurs were the first NBA team to win both a championship and a Sportsmanship Award in the same season (2003).
13. Learn at the Witte Museum
The Witte Museum is an engaging destination that blends natural history, science, and Texas heritage. Its interactive exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and hands-on activities in the Science Treehouse, captivate kids while educating them about Texas’s rich past and natural wonders.
The H-E-B Body Adventure is a family favorite, offering fun, interactive ways to learn about health and wellness. Special exhibits rotate regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.
Fun Fact: The Witte Museum is home to the skeleton of Acrocanthosaurus, a dinosaur that roamed Texas more than 100 million years ago.
Other Notable Things to Do in San Antonio
14. Japanese Tea Garden: A Serene Escape in San Antonio
The Japanese Tea Garden is a hidden gem in Brackenridge Park, offering a tranquil retreat with koi ponds, vibrant flowers, and stone pathways. Highlights include a cascading waterfall and a picturesque pagoda, ideal for family photos.
Originally a quarry, this free attraction is now a historical landmark perfect for a peaceful stroll or a short escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
15. Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Thrills for All Ages
Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers adrenaline-pumping rides, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment, making it a must-visit for families. Thrill-seekers can enjoy coasters like the Iron Rattler, while younger kids will love Looney Tunes-themed rides. The on-site water park, White Water Bay, provides a refreshing escape with lazy rivers and wave pools.
Seasonal events like Holiday in the Park and Fright Fest add even more excitement throughout the year.
16. SeaWorld San Antonio: Ocean Adventures for the Family
Dive into marine-themed fun at SeaWorld San Antonio, where thrilling rides, educational animal encounters, and exciting shows make it a top family destination.
Animal lovers can watch dolphin and killer whale performances or learn about conservation efforts through interactive exhibits. For thrill-seekers, rides like the Texas Stingray roller coaster provide a burst of adrenaline. The adjacent Aquatica water park is perfect for cooling off on hot days.
Seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Celebration add even more magic to your visit.
Conclusion: Embracing the Magic of San Antonio with Kids
San Antonio is more than a destination—it’s an immersive journey where history, adventure, and culture converge to create unforgettable family memories. From the iconic Alamo to the interactive exhibits at The DoSeum, every corner of the city is filled with opportunities to inspire, educate, and entertain. Whether it’s taking in breathtaking views from the Tower of the Americas, exploring the natural beauty of Natural Bridge Caverns, or celebrating inclusion at Morgan’s Wonderland, San Antonio offers something unique for visitors of all ages.
With its blend of rich traditions, modern attractions, and kid-friendly experiences, San Antonio promises a family vacation that’s as enriching as it is fun. Start planning your adventure today, and let Karta’s kid-friendly vacation rentals be your family’s perfect home away from home.
FAQ
1. What can families do at the Alamo in San Antonio?
Families can tour original structures, interact with hands-on exhibits, join guided tours, and participate in reenactments to learn about Texas' fight for independence
2. What unique experiences does the San Antonio Zoo offer?
The zoo features over 750 species, immersive habitats like "Africa Live!", interactive zones for kids, and seasonal events like Zoo Boo and Zoo Lights.
3. How can families enjoy the Tower of the Americas?
Take in stunning city views from the observation deck, enjoy the 4D Skies Over Texas Theater, and dine at the revolving Chart House Restaurant for a unique experience.
4. What does The DoSeum offer for children?
The DoSeum provides interactive STEM exhibits, creative play zones, the Spy Academy, and outdoor spaces for hands-on exploration and problem-solving.
5. How can families experience the San Antonio River Walk with children?
Families can take scenic boat rides, enjoy riverside dining, explore shops, watch performances, and connect to attractions like The Alamo and La Villita.
6. What attractions are available at the San Antonio Botanical Garden?
Explore themed gardens, the Family Adventure Garden, the tropical conservatory, and engage in educational events like scavenger hunts or butterfly releases.
7. What makes Morgan's Wonderland unique for families?
This ultra-accessible park ensures everyone can enjoy its 25+ attractions, including wheelchair-friendly rides and an inclusive water play area.
8. What can families discover at Natural Bridge Caverns?
Explore intricate underground formations on tours, try gem mining, and enjoy outdoor activities like a zip line and aerial rope courses.
9. What is the significance of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park?
This UNESCO site preserves four 18th-century Spanish missions, offering a rich look into Texas’s colonial history with guided tours and hands-on programs like the Junior Ranger Program.
10. What is the experience of the Brackenridge Eagle Miniature Train in Brackenridge Park?
The Brackenridge Miniature Train provides a 20-minute scenic ride through the park, past attractions like the San Antonio Zoo and the Japanese Tea Garden.
11. How can families participate in San Antonio's Fiesta?
Families can enjoy parades like the Fiesta Flambeau, participate in carnival games, trade Fiesta medals, and attend cultural workshops and live performances.
San Antonio awaits with open arms for families seeking discovery, fun, and connection! Let me know if you’d like more recommendations or help planning your trip.
