
Between school and work obligations, quality time with your family often gets put on the back burner. But family fun helps build strong family bonds, improves children’s development, and reduces stress for everyone. One popular destination on many bucket lists today is Texas!
South-central Texas is home to the historically famous city of San Antonio. Of course, while you’re visiting, scoring San Antonio Zoo tickets is a must. However, that’s not all there is to do in the Alamo City. Here are 10 other activities the whole family will enjoy in San Antonio.
1. Museums
San Antonio has an abundance of museums, many of which will interest children of all ages. The DoSeum is an interactive children’s museum that features hands-on learning exhibits. The Witte Museum combines science, nature, and Texas culture for an entertaining and educational experience for young children, teenagers, and adults.
The large Texas city also features several art museums, including the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Kids will also love the Texas Transportation Museum and the San Antonio Fire Museum, one of the most popular firefighter museums in the country.
2. Botanical Gardens
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens are the perfect place for families to enjoy nature and take in beautiful sights. The family-friendly attraction encompasses 38 acres of beautifully maintained living plants. A walk through the peaceful gardens is a way to relax amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
San Antonio is also home to The Japanese Tea Gardens, which is free to the public. The Japanese Tea Gardens feature coy ponds, a waterfall, and a bamboo forest. The small cafe offers Japanese teas and kid-friendly options.
3. SeaWorld
San Antonio is among the many cities with a SeaWorld theme park. The park features dolphins and other marine mammals. Popular animal shows and experiences include meeting a penguin. There are also rides and other family-friendly activities.
If it’s a rare rainy day or too hot to go outdoors, visit the San Antonio Aquarium. The aquarium houses sharks, stingrays, sloths, and other animals, as well as a rainforest with reptiles.
The SEA LIFE Aquarium in downtown San Antonio is another option. It features an underwater tunnel where you can see sharks and stingrays swim overhead. There is also a hands-on experience where visitors can touch urchins and more marine life.
4. Tower of the Americas
The Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot-tall observation tower and restaurant in downtown San Antonio. It was built in 1968 for the Hemisfair World’s Fair, which celebrated San Antonio’s 250th anniversary. The observation deck offers stunning city views and includes educational murals of San Antonio’s history. Families can enjoy the Skies Over Texas, which is a 4-D theater ride across the great state of Texas.
The attraction’s Chart House seafood restaurant revolves, offering panoramic views of San Antonio. The Tower Cafe has more kid-friendly food. Don’t forget to stop at the gift store for a souvenir.
5. The Alamo
The Alamo is a must-see historical landmark representing the famous battle for Texas independence. The 18th-century Spanish mission has gardens, movies, and a living-history encampment. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the Alamo on the battlefield tour or do a self-guided tour. Entering the historic Alamo Church is free, but a timed entry ticket is required.
Experience daily life in the 1830s with the living history demonstrations. Visitors can view the various exhibits, including a memorial to the defenders who died in the 1836 battle. The Long Barrack Museum is the oldest building at the Alamo site. It was a former convent for Spanish missionaries. Before you leave, be sure to admire the beautiful Alamo gardens.
6. Legoland
Legoland is a fairly new theme park that’s sweeping the nation. Based on the popular childhood toy, the Legoland in San Antonio is a smaller Discovery Center with an indoor Lego playground. It features two mechanical rides, as well as a Lego play zone. Visitors can build their own Lego creations at the miniland and meet their favorite Lego characters. Legoland San Antonio is perfect for indoor family fun.
7. Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland is the first theme park designed for people with special needs in mind. The sprawling 25-acre theme park has more than 25 rides, playscapes, and interactive elements. The park is fully wheelchair accessible and designed to be inclusive to people with sensory needs. The waterpark features splash pads, a riverboat adventure ride, and waterproof wheelchairs. Other attractions at the park include a Ferris wheel, carousel, train, playgrounds, and more. Admission is free for anyone with special needs.
8. Six Flags
The Six Flags Fiesta in San Antonio, Texas, is great for families because it has many rides for kids, a giant play area, and seasonal events. The Streamliner Coaster is perfect for first-time roller coaster riders. The Pirate Ship playground is a giant covered playscape for kids to run around and climb up a rope ladder. But Six Flags isn’t just for kids. The park has a variety of rides for all ages. The park has a unique setting built inside the walls of a former Limestone Quarry.
9. River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is the perfect place for family bonding. The beautiful pedestrian pathway along the river is lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Families can take a riverboat ride and learn about the area’s history and architecture. The area features museums with interactive exhibits, including the previously mentioned DoSeum Museum.
Let the kids burn off their energy at playgrounds in the Hemisfair District. Then enjoy a bite to eat at one of the numerous restaurants, many of which cater to picky eaters. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens before you leave.
10. Natural Bridge Caverns
The Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio are great for families because they offer a variety of activities beyond cave tours. Visitors can enjoy rope courses, gem panning, and a maze. The “Sky Tykes” rope course is specially designed for young children. The cave tours themselves are also engaging and educational for all ages.
San Antonio Is A Family-Friendly Destination
Whether you live in Texas or just visiting, San Antonio is the perfect destination for good old-fashioned family fun. And with all the options on hand, families are sure to find an activity everyone will enjoy.
So many fun things to do! I would absolutely love to visit the Tower of the Americas and the Alamo!
Sounds like a great place to visit.
Although we don’t have kiddos at home anymore, these items still sound fun for adults.