Fun Things To Do in San Antonio with Kids

We've gathered a list of fun things to do in San Antonio with kids! Check out this city's rich history (remember the Alamo!), top-notch museums, exciting theme parks, a one-of-a-kind walkable downtown, plus some of the best Tex-Mex cuisine in all of the lone star state.

Do you have a favorite place to visit in San Antonio, Texas, with your family? Add it to the list!


 
    The Science Mill
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     (1567.3 mi)

    Price

    $9.50/child; $11/adult

    Vanessa M.:  The Science Mill is all about families exploring the world of science together in a fun, interactive way that excites kids about learning. Kids can dig for fossils, build & race toy cars, operate the 30 foot tall Colossal Robotic Hand, and much more. Check out their upcoming special events before your visit.

    Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort New Braunfels
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     (1567.7 mi)

    Price

    From $34.99 - $42.99/ day pass

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels is a fun way to spend the day as a family making a big splash and relaxing in style. With two separate waterpark experiences that guests can shuttle between, there are tons of waterslides and water attractions for guests of all ages. In addition to great big thrills for older kids, teens, and adults, there are several kid-friendly areas like Kinderhaven, a pirate ship-themed water playground, and Han's Hideout, a 5-story water fun house! You can stay and play overnight, too.

    Natural Bridge Caverns
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     (1581.5 mi)

    Price

    Starting at $14/child; $21.50/adult

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  A great natural attraction in the San Antonio area, Natural Bridge Caverns is well worth a visit and one of the more unique things to do in San Antonio with kids. There are several guided tour options available including the Discovery Tour, a family favorite, where you travel 180 ft below the ground, taking in massive cave structures. Families with older children may enjoy the Hidden Passages Tour. Above ground, try the Canopy Challenge or Sky Tykes high and low ropes courses.

    Morgan's Wonderland Park
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     (1586.7 mi)

    Price

    $11/child, $17/adults; free for guests with special needs

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  Equal parts of outdoor children's museum, amusement park, and playground, Morgan's Wonderland Park is a must-visit place for families of all abilities in San Antonio. Time Magazine once named it one of the world's greatest places! Many of the park's rides and exhibits were designed with special needs children in mind, too. Families can ride the carousel together, explore several playgrounds and splash pads, engage in hands-on exhibits, see musical entertainment, and enjoy a train ride on the Wonderland Express.

    San Antonio Botanical Garden
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     (1595.3 mi)

    Price

    $12/child; $15/adult

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  The San Antonio Botanical Garden is home to thousands of beautiful plants, flowers, and trees. There is lots for kids to enjoy here - the H.E.B. Discovery Center, Children's Vegetable Garden, and Family Adventure Garden offer great places for families to explore together. Check out for upcoming special events and exhibits.

    San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
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     (1595.4 mi)

    Time

    February

    Price

    Ticket pricing varies

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  For 18 days each February, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo wows locals and tourists alike with one of the biggest annual events in town. Families can see bucking broncos, plus enjoy a carnival, Texas Zoo expo, top-notch musical entertainment, youth rodeo, livestock show, and much more. Kids will love the petting zoo, STEAM learning areas, and even Cowboy Boot Camp. It is a perfect way to get to know the cowboy side of San Antonio, Texas!

    San Antonio Zoo
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     (1597.1 mi)

    Price

    Starting at $10.99/ticket

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  Animals abound at the San Antonio Zoo, a top family-friendly outing for visitors in San Antonio. In addition to a wide variety of amazing animals to see, young kids (5 & under) will love the Tiny Tot Nature Spot, a kid's space designed for hands-on outdoor nature fun offering splash pad, sound station, playground, and more. Petting zoo, carousel, a ride on the Eagle Train, and giraffe feeding also top the list for not-to-miss activities with kids (when available)!

    The DoSeum
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     (1597.2 mi)

    Price

    $14/guest

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  A wonderful children's museum with tons of interactive features, The DoSeum is a museum where kids can DO! Experiment with lights, sounds, and movement, build and race a boat, travel through the Big Wind tunnel, and much more. If the many exhibits inside don't keep you busy enough, there is a huge playground and water play area outside.

    El Milagrito Cafe
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     (1598.0 mi)

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  If you want to eat like a local, bring your family to El Milagrito Cafe for an authentic Tex-Mex experience. Since 1969, this family-run restaurant uses traditional recipes and fresh ingredients to create amazing dishes your family will love. They serve breakfast (all day!) and offer tons of lunch and dinner options on their menu, too. The kids menu offers various tacos and enchiladas, and daily dessert specials are always a hit.

    The Witte Museum
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     (1598.3 mi)

    Price

    $10/child; $14/adult

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  Families can explore all things nature, science, and culture at The Witte Museum. A big family favorite is the Dinosaur Gallery where kids can see the same type of dinosaur that left the footprints at Government Canyon State Natural Area! Kids love the hands-on "digging for dinosaurs" exhibit in the Dinosaur Lab, as well as the Rock Art lab where families can learn about local, native Rock Art. Exploring this museum is a wonderful way to learn about San Antonio's rich cultural history.

    Willie's Grill & Icehouse
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     (1598.6 mi)

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  Willie's Grill & Icehouse offers delicious food in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The big backyard patio has a play area and sandbox to keep kids happily entertained while grownups chill with cold drinks and tasty apps. The kids menu has lots of variety, and the regular menu is built around jumbo burgers with all the fixin's, po' boys, tacos, and more, as well as shakes and desserts.

    The Alamo
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     (1598.8 mi)

    Price

    Free (tickets required)

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  Remember the Alamo with your family by touring the iconic, historical site that represents freedom and liberty in Texas. The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution in 1836, where heroic men, including Davey Crockett, fought and gave their lives. Free films, exhibits, and live historical recreators make the history come alive for all ages.

    Tower of the Americas
    Pin

     (1599.0 mi)

    Price

    $11.50/child, $14.50/adult

    Ages

    All ages

    Shila:  One of the best things to do in San Antonio with kids is spending an afternoon at the Tower of the Americas. Located in Hemisfair Park, and originally designed for the 1968 World's Fair, this prominent tower now features fine dining, a 4D Theatre experience, and an observation deck with sweeping 360-degree views of the city.

    Go Rio Cruises
    Pin

     (1599.0 mi)

    Price

    From $7.50 -$13.50/ticket

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  There's a reason this is one of the top tourist attractions in San Antonio! Go Rio Cruises provides a gorgeous journey through the downtown River Walk area. Whether you choose a narrated river cruise or a river shuttle, it is the best way for families to take in the sights and sounds of the world-famous River Walk.

    Hemisfair Park
    Pin

     (1599.1 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Ages

    All ages

    Vanessa M.:  Exploring Hemisfair for an afternoon can be one of the best things to do in San Antonio with kids and families. The site of the 1968 World's Fair, today Hemisfair is a popular urban park and home to the Mexico Cultural Institute and the Institute of Texan Cultures. The water gardens are beautiful to walk through (great family photo spot!), but the Tower of the Americas is the main tourist attraction standing over 750 ft tall with an observation deck & 4D theatre ride. Kids can play in the splash pad and sand area, explore the wooden playground and the jungle gym-like playscape, or get in on any special programs available, like storytimes or yoga.

Primary photo:   Haley Phelps on Unsplash

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