If you’re looking for a super city break the whole family can enjoy, head to San Antonio. Home of the historic Alamo and iconic River Walk, this city is a terrific destination for visitors of all ages, with lots of fun ways to keep the kids entertained.
Whether your little ones are fans of animals, interested in history, or simply love rollercoasters and theme parks, San Antonio is the place to be. So, start planning your trip today and check out this list of the best family attractions and activities.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
It’s impossible to talk about the best family attractions of San Antonio without mentioning Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Situated on the northwestern edge of the city limits, this famous theme park continues the classic Six Flags tradition of providing some of the biggest and wildest rides in America.
Thrill-seekers of all ages can have the time of their lives here. Bigger kids and teens can try some of the craziest rides, like “Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger” and “Goliath,” while younger visitors will have fun at the “S.S. Overboard Play Zone” or take to the skies in the “Stunt Pilots” mini-planes.
San Antonio Zoo
If your kids are just crazy about wildlife, don’t miss out on a trip to San Antonio Zoo. Situated in the Brackenridge Park, this zoo houses more than 750 animal species, including many that are close to extinction or already extinct in the wild.
The zoo is divided into an array of exhibits and themed areas, like “Big Cat Valley,” home of lions and tigers, and the “Asian Forest,” where you can get up close and personal with creatures like the Komodo dragon and Asian otters.
SeaWorld San Antonio
If the animals at San Antonio Zoo aren’t quite enough for your little ones, you can also pay a visit to SeaWorld San Antonio. It’s the biggest SeaWorld complex of them all and one of the largest marine-based theme parks on Earth.
Killer whales, sea lions, dolphins, and otters are all part of the family at SeaWorld San Antonio. There are lots of live shows throughout the day where families can watch in amazement as the animals and their trainers put on a performance.
The DoSeum
If you’d like to ensure that your kids learn a few things during your visit to San Antonio, while also having fun, plan a trip to the DoSeum. It’s the only museum in the city aimed entirely at kids, with lots of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences.
At the DoSeum, kids can learn all about arts, science, math, and more. And unlike other museums which can bore or confuse younger visitors with lots of text, the DoSeum is filled with things that children can actually touch, feel, and move.
Aquatic San Antonio
It’s no secret that San Antonio gets swelteringly hot during the summer. Temperatures routinely exceed 90°F in the warmest months of July and August, and it can feel sticky and uncomfortable. One of the best ways to cool down is to splash around in the city’s top water park: Aquatica San Antonio.
At Aquatica, children and grown-ups alike can enjoy wild water slides, wave pools, kids’ zones, and play areas. There are lots of different attractions to keep you entertained for hours of watery fun, along with on-site eateries and even a stingray pool for unique animal encounters.
The River Walk
No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the city’s renowned River Walk. This 15-mile promenade passes right through the heart of the city, running alongside the San Antonio River.
There are lots to see along the way, including museums, galleries, and shops. You’ll also find some of the city’s best restaurants beside the River Walk, perfect for stopping off for snacks and drinks when you’re feeling tired and need to refuel.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
If the hustle and bustle of the city is a little too much, you might like to escape with your family to the beautiful surroundings of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Stretching out across 38 acres, this garden opened up way back in 1980.
It features a large conservatory, called the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, with five greenhouses, each with a specific climate and theme. Visitors can stroll around and see a plethora of plant life from across the globe, including cacti, tropical fruit trees, palms, and even carnivorous plants too. There are also large outdoor gardens beyond the greenhouses, with pleasant walking trails and lots to see.
Natural Bridge Caverns
If you happen to be visiting San Antonio in the summer and want another way to escape the heat, why not head underground? San Antonio is home to the Natural Bridge Caverns, the biggest commercial cavern system in all of Texas, with temperatures a steady 70°F all year long.
Families can take guided tours of the caves, enjoying the unique rock formations and exploring the natural subterranean passages. Back on the surface, you’ll find multiple play areas for kids of all ages, along with a massive zip line and rope climbing course.
Tower of the Americas
For a bird’s eye view of the city, take your family to the top of the Tower of the Americas. Similar to the Space Needle in Seattle or the Strat in Las Vegas, the Tower of the Americas is a huge observation tower, reaching 750 feet into the sky.
It was the tallest tower of its kind in the entire U.S. for several decades from the 60s to the 90s, and offers some of the best views across the city. Kids can marvel at the 360-degree views or immerse themselves in the tower’s own 4D attraction: “Skies Over Texas.”
Have a Fabulous Family Adventure in San Antonio
As this guide shows, there are so many ways to spend time in San Antonio with a family. From animal encounters at the zoo to heart-racing rollercoasters and educational experiences, the list goes on and on. If you’re heading to River City with the kids, make sure to plan ahead and pick a few of these fun attractions to see before heading home.
Photo Credits: Deposit Photos
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