Heading to San Antonio for your next family vacation? You’re in good company! San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and it’s Texas’s most visited destination.
Known for its role in the Alamo and its charming River Walk, San Antonio has built a culture around its iconic past. Today, it’s a city well-known for its booming economy, affordable living, numerous tourist attractions, and diverse cultural offerings. From famous the zoo in San Antonio full of adorable (and intimidating) animals to the historic landmarks dotted throughout the area, there’s something to grab everyone’s attention. Here are 9 of our favorite local activities that are sure to keep your kids busy when you’re in San Antonio!
1. San Antonio Zoo
Let’s start with one of the most popular, can’t-miss destinations: the San Antonio Zoo. This isn’t an exaggeration — a Newsweek reader poll ranked SA Zoo as the second-best zoo in the country, and it’s shown up consistently in the top ten spot for years. Visitors love the variety of animals, interactive exhibits and experiences, and the obvious affection the zoo helpers have for the animals in their care. Family-friendly, affordable, and engaging, the San Antonio Zoo should be your first stop in the city!
2. The Alamo
Where to next? Don’t forget, or should we say “remember” the Alamo! (It’s a pun that never gets old, kind of like visiting this historic landmark.) The Alamo’s history put San Antonio on the map, so it’s a little surprising that the Alamo Church is downtown in the hustle and bustle of the city. However, the grounds are well-kept and in line with how the area would have looked during its famous battle. Your free ticket includes access to the church via a self-guided tour, plus entertainment from the costumed soldiers interpreting the events along the way. Make your child’s history lesson come to life with a visit to the Alamo.
(Pro tip: There are four historic missions in addition to the Alamo that have their own famous stories. Be sure to visit Missions San Juan, Espada, Concepción, and San José!)
3. The Pearl
Ready for something less “educational”? Head to The Pearl, San Antonio’s favorite marketplace and restaurant district. Once a famous brewery, today, The Pearl is a kid-friendly spot perfect for dining and shopping. Be sure to check out the food hall, then let your little ones run off some energy on the green spaces and splash pads after a meal while you relax before heading off on your next adventure.
4. River Walk Cruise
Not too far from The Pearl is the River Walk, home to the River Walk Cruise. This half-hour-long boat ride takes you through the city along a route most people don’t get to see! The cruise boards regularly throughout the day, and the tour guide shares informative details about the city, along with anecdotes and intriguing history sidebars. You might come for the view, but the stories you’ll learn will be what you remember most!
5. Hopscotch
No, you don’t need to bring your own chalk or remember the rules of your old childhood game. This Hopescotch is an indoor art experience designed for children and adults. If the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities or you just want to be out of the sun for a while, this is the place to go. Hopscotch in San Antonio includes optical illusions, hands-on exhibits, interactive light displays, and plenty of things to explore. Turn it into an all-day adventure complete with a full bar, food trucks, and local entertainment.
6. DoSeum
Do-si-do to the top trending museum for kids in San Antonio, the DoSeum. Here, you’ll find plenty for your kids to “do,” such as an outdoor stream area and an indoor explore park. The exhibits are designed to encourage STEM, arts, and literacy, so your kids will learn while they play!
7. Historic Market Square
New visitors to this market may come for the shopping, but they stay for the culture and fun! San Antonio’s festive market is full of live Mexican music, authentic cuisine, festive colors and decor, and shops full of goodies you’ll want to take home with you. Keep one for yourself and grab extras for gifts! Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the country. You’ll find plenty to keep your kids’ attention, and they’ll even learn about another culture without realizing they’re getting an education!
8. Hemisfair
How’s the weather? If it’s a gorgeous day, it’s time to head to Hemisfair, the urban park that made downtown San Antonio a household name. Hemisfair hosts the Yanaguana Garden, an inclusive playground for kids with a splash pad and a giant chess and checkers board! Dine at some of the many restaurants on the site, and then stroll around the Great Lawn, where celebrations like the Muertos Fest and Celebrate SA are held. Continue your exploration along the Promenade, a pathway that connects Hemisfair’s Civic Park to Yanaguana Garden. Finish your trip off with a cool-down session at the Springs, where you’ll find five interactive water features to splash around in or race a toy sailboat with your children. The overall atmosphere of the Hemisfair is family-friendly, relaxing, and just right to end your trip on a recharging note.
9. Catch the Sports Scene
Looking to teach your little ones the thrill of the game? Cheer on your favorite San Antonio team at one of the nearby arenas. See the Spurs play at Frost Bank Center, kick back and enjoy some soccer at Toyota Field, or “take them out to the ball game” at the Alamodome to see the Missions or Roadrunners play. No matter whether you have young athletes in your family or not, a live sporting event is one of those things everyone should experience.
Get Ready for Your Trip to San Antonio!
Your vacation doesn’t have to be perfect, and with children involved, there’s always a hiccup somewhere. But if you fill your itinerary with entertainment from this list, you’ll have plenty to do, happy kids, and a trip that will make memories you’ll all carry with you for a lifetime. Come see why so many people call San Antonio their favorite place to visit today!