Founded by the Spanish in the early 1700s, San Antonio is brimming with history and culture. The city has grown from a marginal outpost to a bustling metropolis—in fact; it is the second largest in the American South. Unsurprisingly, its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes make it an ideal vacation destination.
In this article, we highlight the 10 best family-friendly activities in San Antonio. Whichever ones pique your curiosity, you and your family will come away with memories for life.
Remember the Alamo
The Alamo occupies a borderline mythical place in the American collective consciousness, and anyone who goes there will be swept up.
If you’re interested in history, the Alamo is simply not a place you should miss. Due to its central role in Texan history, it is now also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once there, you will be treated to artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays, and you will come away with a greater understanding of how Texas won its independence from Mexico.
Saunter Along the San Antonio River Walk
Take a stroll along a scenic riverside pathway along the San Antonio River for up to 15 miles. Of course, even a much shorter venture along this network of walkways will be more than worth it. Along the way, you’ll encounter shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Once you’ve had your fill of the land, you can venture onto the river itself in a rentable boat.
History buffs will be enraptured here as well, thanks to the guided tours that take you through the city’s rich history and culture.
Make a Splash at SeaWorld San Antonio
Everyone knows about SeaWorld, and the San Antonio location is just as memorable as its Californian and Floridian counterparts.
While this is an easy decision for animal lovers, there are also features that don’t directly involve aquatic creatures, including theme park rides and educational exhibits. Take a roller-coaster ride, get up close with charismatic sea life, or simply sit back and learn how conservationists work to protect marine environments.
Oh, and if getting splashed at close range by a killer whale is on your bucket list, SeaWorld San Antonio is the place for you.
Ride the Ferris Wheel at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Amusement parks aren’t just for kids! Six Flags Fiesta Texas seems built to prove that, and while it’s an absolute blast for children, adults will have just as much fun here.
If you’re looking for something a little less high-octane than whirling roller coasters and water park rides, you can escape into the sky. The Crow’s Nest Ferris wheel is a landmark of San Antonio in its own right, and the view is wonderful.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is well worth an entire day of your time, and thanks to the abundance of food options on the park grounds, you won’t have to leave until you physically can’t have any more fun.
Drive Through the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Going on safari has never been easier. Thanks to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, motorbound visitors can watch exotic animals up close from the comfort of their own cars.
Even more importantly, you won’t have to look through fences. Hundreds of animals of 40 different species—zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and many more—roam the park grounds freely.
The usual way to experience the park is to drive through in your own car and at your own pace, but there are also guided tours that allow for more intimate interactions.
If you or your kids dream of going on an African safari, then there are a few better options inside the United States.
Visit the San Antonio Zoo
If your family loves animal encounters, check out the San Antonio Zoo, which houses over 750 species. Pre-booked activities allow children to experience unforgettable animal interactions, and like many other zoos, San Antonio is placing increased emphasis on the importance of nature conservation.
The zoo also contains a play area designed to keep kids entertained for hours without seeing a single animal.
Roll up Your Sleeves at the DoSeum
The DoSeum is a children’s museum where kids of all ages are encouraged to learn through hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences. They build simple structures and learn about science and technology, and they will have an absolute blast doing it.
The icing on the cake is the large outdoor area—complete with a treehouse, gardens, and an interactive playground.
Browse the McNay Art Museum
A little bit more on the traditional side, but no less impressive and stimulating, we suggest a visit to the McNay Art Museum.
This renowned museum features a wide range of artworks from different periods and cultures, including European and American art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
There’s no need to stay inside either! Once you’re content with the artwork, you can step into the extensive outdoor area and relax among beautifully designed gardens and sculptures.
Walk with Dinosaurs at the Witte Museum
Time to combine nature with culture and suggest a natural history museum! For that purpose, we can think of a few places better than the Witte Museum.
Here, you and your family can browse exhibits and collections that showcase the history and culture of Texas. The Witte Museum also places great emphasis on interactive experiences which stimulate learning through exploration and discovery.
Outdoor lovers need not despair. There is a playground, gardens, and a dinosaur exhibit that never fails to excite.
Dive into the Natural Bridge Caverns
The Natural Bridge Caverns is a vast network of underground caves, and the experience it offers almost can’t be described.
Visitors can take a guided tour through the different chambers and formations in the beautiful caves. If you choose to go, you’ll be stepping into the largest cave in Texas.
Adjacent to the cave system, there are also decidedly manmade attractions like zip-lining and a 5,000-square-foot outdoor maze. And why not try your hand at mining for gems?
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in San Antonio in Summary
Fittingly for such a historically significant and dynamic city, San Antonio is a treasure trove of history, nature, culture, and learning. The activities we’ve highlighted in this article are just a small sample of what the city has to offer, but even if you don’t venture beyond our suggestions—and to be clear, you definitely should if you have the time—you’ll have a fantastic experience.
