Planning a trip to San Antonio? Here we take a look at all the best things to do in San Antonio with kids, from museums and historical sites to zoos, water parks and more.
San Antonio is a beautiful, fun-filled city. While it may seem that adults have all the opportunity here, there are actually so many fun things to do in San Antonio for the whole family.
Take a safari, check out Sea World, or get an educational fix at the museums and historical sites like the Alamo.
In this post, Megan from Let’s Jet Kids takes a look at the long list of things to do in San Antonio for families, so you can pick a few (or a lot) to plan your trip to San Antonio.
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Table of Contents
Where is San Antonio?
San Antonio is located in the bottom half of Texas, and about 200 miles to the west of Houston.
It’s a charming town with a cool vibe. San Antonio has a lot of Spanish influence, from the architecture to the landmarks and history that helped create it.
What is the Closest Airport to San Antonio?
The San Antonio International Airport (code SAT) is the best and fastest way to get to San Antonio. Don’t forget to reserve a car!
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First- Save some $$$
San Antonio can be kept in a budget with lower cost things to do, or if you’ve got the budget, you can go all-out for a fun-filled adventure. There are so many activities in San Antonio to choose from.
GoCity Pass
To help with the cost, consider purchasing the GoCity Pass, which has discounted rates built into it. You’ll be able to choose a pass that includes 2-5 attractions (depending on which level you choose).
Some attractions include Six Flags, Sea World, Legoland Discovery Center, caverns, the zoo…and so many more options. The savings will add up quickly!
Click here to buy the GoCity Pass now.
Ok, now here are all the fun things to do in San Antonio with kids!
Major Family Attractions in San Antonio
1. SeaWorld San Antonio
10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio
Explore 250 acres of marine life at Sea World San Antonio aquarium. You’ll be able to see Beluga whales, orca whales, sea lions, dolphins, turtles, and more.
Plus, the theme park has plenty of rides for both big and small, from roller coasters to water rides. You’ll get wet on a few rides, which will be a welcome experience if you’re visiting during the summer.
Click here to buy tickets for SeaWorld San Antonio.
2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 W I-10, San Antonio
It seems like ride have gotten much bigger and faster in the last couple decades, making it one of the most popular attractions in the San Antonio area. Since Summer 2022, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has had the steepest dive roller coaster in the world.
Fast or slow, there are both options so that kids of all ages will enjoy this fun attraction in San Antonio. Kids rides, thrill rides, water rides, and shows. There’s something for everyone, with a good time guaranteed.
Click here to buy tickets for Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
3. Legoland Discovery Center
849 E Commerce St # 910, San Antonio
Legoland Discovery Center is another of the top kid-friendly attractions in San Antonio.
There are a number of themed areas to choose from. Spend some time in Miniland, then head to rescue the princess at Kingdom Quest. Pedal away on Merlin’s apprentice, or go to the 4D cinema for an action packed adventure.
Legoland Discovery Center is made especially for little kids from toddler to 10, so it’s the perfect kid-friendly thing to do in San Antonio!
Expert Tip: Get your tickets ahead of time, as they do sell out!
Click here to buy tickets for Legoland Discovery Centre.
4. San Antonio Zoo
3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio
Go behind the scenes with hippos, giant tortoises, or feed some giraffes. The San Antonio Zoo is a really fun thing to do in San Antonio for kids, as the zoo has so many experiences in addition to just walking around and looking at the animals. If you do just walk around, that’s ok, too.
Kids will love seeing animals of the rainforest, birds from all over the world, animals from Australia, and animals from the savannah.
Click here to buy tickets to San Antonio Zoo.
Eating and Shopping in San Antonio
5. Riverwalk San Antonio
849 E Commerce St, San Antonio
No trip to San Antonio is complete without going to the San Antonio Riverwalk. You can simply stroll around the area, but I recommend getting on the water.
Plenty of boats will float down the river. If you need a nice way to see San Antonio, I recommend the hop-on hop-off boat tour that includes a 35 minute boat ride. You can combine this with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to make a really easy and fun way to see the city.
Click here to buy tickets for the boat and bus tour combo.
Walking around the banks of the San Antonio River is fun, too. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and attractions like Legoland Discovery Center.
6. The Pearl District
The Pearl District is an extension of the Riverwalk, and is well worth a visit. It’s filled with shopping, restaurants and frequent farmer’s markets for the adults.
Find a local coffee shop and watch the kids play at playgrounds and splash pad.
Historical and Educational Attractions
7. The Alamo with Kids in San Antonio
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio
The Alamo is another thing to do in San Antonio that you basically have to do. If you didn’t make time for this, it would be like going to South Dakota and not seeing Mount Rushmore.
The entire family will love the live demonstrations and guided tours of the Alamo, walking the Long Barrack, and seeing the largest cannon of the Alamo on display. This historic church and historic military stronghold is free to visit, but you must make a reservation.
If you want to explore further and visit the Alamo exhibit, including artefacts from the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection, Alamo Collection, Phil Collins Collection, interactive exhibits, and more then you will need to buy tickets.
Click here to buy tickets for the Alamo exhibit.
8. DoSeum
2800 Broadway, San Antonio
The DoSeum is a highly recommended thing to do in San Antonio with kids. This is a popular children’s museum and a great place for the kids to have a little fun.
It’s full of interactive exhibits that feature STEM, arts, and literacy. But they might not realize how much they’re learning when they’re having this much fun.
Exhibits are innovative and fun. They’ll get to say hello to kids at a museum in Mexico City. They can play in the outdoor museum-park area. They’ll definitely love playing with sound and light, or learning about force and motion. Grab tickets at the door or ahead of time.
9. Witte Museum of Nature, Science & Culture
Embark on a captivating cultural adventure as you delve into Texas’ rich history that spans all the way back to the Cretaceous Era!
The Witte Museum is always a hit with the kids thanks to its array of fascinating exhibits, including a dinosaur gallery, a Texas heritage centre, an art gallery, an H-E-B treehouse, a climbing wall, and many other exciting attractions!
Click here to buy tickets to the Witte Museum.
10. Hopscotch – fun family-friendly art museum
As a kid, visiting art museums was a little…boring. Those days are gone. This San Antonio museum of art is full of fun, interactive, exciting exhibits.
HopScotch is a 20,000 square feet art gallery with innovated, curated exhibits that come on a rotating basis. Click here to see the excitement.
Click here to buy tickets for Hopscotch.
11. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio
The San Antonio Missions Historical Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas. It tells a story of history from hundreds of years ago. They were used by the Spanish to spread Christianity and most of the buildings remain preserved today.
They are actually still active and used today by Catholic Parishes. They are open as long as a service is not being held. It is FREE to visit or you can sign up to a guided walking tour to get more out of the experience.
Pure Family Fun in San Antonio
San Antonio may not have the quantity of attractions of places like Branson Missouri, but it has enough really cool family attractions for make for a great trip.
12. Aquatica Water Park
2291 N Ellison Dr, San Antonio
Race each other down fast, steep water slides; play in the wave pool; or lazily drift around. Whether you are looking for thrills or chills, there’s something for all ages at Aquatica.
Aquatica is open seasonally, which is a great way to keep you nice and cool during the hot summer! The waterpark is owned by SeaWorld, and is located nearby.
Click here to buy tickets for Aquatica Water Park.
13. Ripley’s Believe it or Not
329 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio
They call themselves the Weirdest Attraction in San Antonio, and there’s lots of fun to be had at Ripley’s, with four attractions in one.
Get your hands on hundreds of rare and unusual artefacts at Ripley’s Believe it or Not, challenge your senses in Ripley’s Illusion Lab, pose for photos with your favourite heroes at Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works and take on every bump, drop, and turn in the motion simulator, Ripley’s Moving Theatre.
14. Andretti Karting
5527 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio
Your family can have a fun, bonding, thrilling experience at Andretti Karting. Choose from the indoor go karts, laser tag, ropes course, bowling, virtual reality, or a motion theater. It’s a fun center for the whole day!
Animal Encounters in San Antonio
15. Go on a Safari at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio
It might be Texas, but you still can take an African Safari at the Wildlife Ranch! This is the perfect thing for kids to do in San Antonio.
If you are able to go to the Natural Bridge Caverns (listed below), this is right across the street.
Over 500 animals roam the 450 acres at Wildlife Ranch. Drive slowly and enjoy spotting animals from your car. You might not even need to look that hard if any animals’ curiosity brings them right to you!
Have your chance at lemurs, wildebeasts, ostrich, bison, wallabys and more. Plus, when you’re done driving, you can park and walk around to visit giraffes up close.
16. SEA life Aquarium San Antonio
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into an underwater world at SEA Life Aquarium where you’ll come face-to-face with some of your favorite sea creatures!
San Antonio’s only underwater ocean tunnel awaits you, offering a unique perspective of marine life. Be sure to check out the Seahorse Mangrove Exhibit and other amazing exhibits that showcase a variety of species, including sharks, stingrays, moray eels, jellyfish, and many more.
Click here to buy tickets for the SEA Life Aquarium.
Exploring Caverns in San Antonio
17. Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio
Kids always love exploring caves whenever there’s one nearby. The Discovery Tour at Natural Bridge Caverns is perfect for kids. It’s just 3/4 of a mile inside with plenty of exploring.
Once you’re done exploring underground, come into the daylight to find a fun family adventure garden with climbing and obstacle adventures aboveground. Play on the aerial ropes course, do some zip-railing, or go through a large maze. There are rope courses perfect for kids as well; only 3 feet off the ground.
Don’t miss the opportunity to mine for gems and fossils!
Depending on what time of year you go, you may also be able to get tickets to witness the great Bat Flight (summers).
Click here to buy tickets for the Natural Bridge Caverns.
18. Cave Without a Name
325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne
The name is kind of ironic. Anyway…
Enjoy a guided tour through this cave in Boerne, which is just under an hour outside of San Antonio and in the Texas Hill Country. Some call it the most beautiful cave in Texas.
This is one of the beautiful caves like you’ll find across the midwest, like those in the Ozarks. Enjoy the beautiful drapery of stalagmites, stalactites, and soda straws.
It’s strongly suggested that you reserve a spot in advance.
Take a Hike with Kids in San Antonio
There is a bit of hiking to be done around San Antonio. If you enjoy hiking, it’ll be hard to decide which hike to do. Here are a few beautiful areas with kid-friendly hikes in San Antonio.
19. Government Canyon State Natural Area
12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio
Make sure to stop at the playscape area: a very basic, natural area to run around and climb for kids. But don’t miss any of the beautiful kid-friendly hikes like the Savannah Trail Loop, just over 2 miles.
*Note: Park is open Friday-Monday
20. Medina River Natural Area
15890 TX-16, San Antonio
Another beautiful area to get some fresh air is the Medina River Natural Area. There are 7 miles of trail in the area. Does your child like learning fun facts about history? The interpretive trail will teach them about the El Camino Real wagon trail.
21. Eisenhower Park
19399 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio
Try the Cedar Flats Trail at Eisenhower Park. It’s just about 2 miles, mostly paved, and easy for kids. Plus, you’ll get great views of San Antonio from the observation deck.
Great Parks for Families in San Antonio
San Antonio may not have any national parks nearby, but they have a couple amazing local city parks that the family will love. Grab a picnic and spend some time at these rally fun parks.
22. HemisFair Park
434 S Alamo St, San Antonio
Now this is a park. HemisFair Park has the typical playground and room to run. But it also has a splash pad, large checkers, fooseball tables, climbing obstacles, ping pong tables, and a sand area for playing.
Check out the coolest park in San Antonio by bringing the kids to HemisFair Park.
23. Brackenridge Park
3700 N St. Mary’s St
Brackenridge Park is huge and definitely one of the more popular parks in San Antonio. It’s the location for many things, including the zoo and Tea Garden.
Plus it has a carousel, skyride, and playground. There are plenty of birds and egrets to watch for. There’s also a little train, open air theater, walking trails, picnic areas. This is the perfect way to spend some family time in San Antonio.
24. San Pedro Springs Park
2200 N Flores St
Declared a park in 1852, San Pedro Springs Park is the 2nd oldest park in the US. The park is full of history, both from Native American times and Civil War times. Enjoy 46 acres of park space, plus a huge pool that is open seasonally.
25. Japanese Tea Garden
3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio
Why not take a lovely stroll through an impeccable garden at the Japanese Tea Garden.
Find the waterfall, pond, pavilion, and all sorts of plants on your journey. It’s one of the FREE things to do in San Antonio with kids, which is a great bonus!
Daytrip: Just Outside San Antonio
Visit New Braunfels
New Braunfels, TX
New Braunfels has been kept a bit of a secret. If you want something a little less crowded, but just as fun, spend a day in New Braunfels.
Located just over a half-hour from the Riverwalk, New Braunfels is filled with something for everyone in the family. Here are just a few family-friendly activities in New Braunfels:
- Tube on the River
- Schlitterbahn Water Park
- Animal World and Snake Farm (for those snake-loving kids. We all have one, right?)
- Ride the Mini Train at Landa Park (seasonal)
- Landa Park– the largest arboretum in Texas. Take a 1.25 mile self-guided walk using a guide from the Parks admin office
- Urban Air- indoor trampoline park
- McKenna Children’s Museum
What to do in San Antonio With Kids
As you can now see, there are so many things to do in San Antonio with kids! Is your family more into nature, or more into thrills? How about history?
Check out one of the amazing parks of San Antonio, make your way through a beautiful cave, or have fun at a family-friendly art museum. No matter what you and the kids love doing, you can find plenty of things to do in San Antonio as a family.