San Antonio, the second-largest city in Texas, is an amazing place to visit with kids! There are tons of exciting things to do and see in San Antonio that cater to the whole family, from amusement parks and museums to outdoor adventures and cultural activities. To help you plan your next family vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in San Antonio with kids that are guaranteed to create wonderful memories for the entire family.

San Antonio is the perfect place for families looking to spend quality time together, soak up some sun, and make unforgettable memories. From world-renowned theme parks to historical sites and outdoor adventures, San Antonio has it all. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been here before, you’ll never run out of things to do with your kids in this vibrant city. Need a hotel recommendation? Check out the San Antonio Marriot Rivercenter. Our family stayed there during our trip and loved the large family suites. Get ready to explore the best things to do in San Antonio with your little ones.
Heading to San Antonio with your friends? Don’t miss our San Antonio Girls Trip Guide.
50 Kid-Friendly Activities to Do in San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio Riverwalk
Take a stroll along the San Antonio River Walk to experience the charm and beauty of the city. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options along the river banks.
Photo credit: Photographer Al Rendon
Visit the Alamo
A visit to San Antonio is incomplete without stopping by the Alamo. This historic site is one of the most popular landmarks in Texas and offers the perfect opportunity to learn about Texas history together as a family.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
This amusement park is packed with thrilling roller coasters, exciting rides, and fun attractions for kids of all ages.
Photo credit: Six Flags Fiesta Texas website
Discover SeaWorld
Get up close and personal with marine animals at SeaWorld San Antonio. With exciting shows, exhibits, and rides, this aquatic theme park is sure to delight your kids. The little kids love the Sesame Street-themed section.
Photo credit: SeaWorld website
Dine at Smoke Texas River Walk
Smoke Texas River Walk forms part of the vibrant culinary landscape of San Antonio. Its reputation is built on a foundation of excellent service, delicious food, and a unique dining experience that combines Texas BBQ tradition with the charm of the San Antonio River Walk.
Explore Hopscotch
Hopscotch in San Antonio offers a uniquely curated, permanent experiential art gallery that is perfect for kids to enjoy. Located in the heart of downtown, this immersive 20,000 sq. ft. gallery features 14 distinctive installations that are interactive and created by artists from around the world.
Head to the San Antonio Zoo
With over 750 species of animals and a variety of exhibits, the San Antonio Zoo is a must-visit destination for families. From feeding giraffes to learning about conservation efforts, this zoo offers an educational and fun experience for all.
Photo credit: San Antonio Zoo website
Get educated at The Witte Museum
The Witte Museum features a wide variety of interactive exhibits, from the dinosaurs to the Trailblazers of Texas. Kids can learn about natural history, art, and science in a fun and engaging manner.
Take a tour of Natural Bridge Caverns
Take a deep dive into the depths of Natural Bridge Caverns. This underground wonderland offers guided tours and plenty of opportunities for adventure-seeking kids.
Photo credit: Natural Bridge Caverns website
Experience Morgan’s Wonderland
The world’s first ultra-accessible theme park offers a range of attractions for kids with special needs, as well as those without. From Ferris wheels to water parks, Morgan’s Wonderland is an ideal destination for family fun.
Photo credit: Morgan’s Wonderland website
Dine at Tributary
Tributary at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter provides a delightful dining experience for families. Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant pays tribute to Texas with seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients sourced from regional farms, showcasing the authentic flavors of San Antonio. They offer a variety of menus catering to different meal times, including lunch and dinner. The San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter has also introduced a new family-focused package, ensuring ample space for a much-needed family getaway or staycation.
Visit the San Antonio Museum of Art
Discover the rich culture and art of San Antonio at the San Antonio Museum of Art. With an extensive collection of art from around the world, live performances, and interactive exhibits, this museum is a must-see for families interested in art and history.
Photo credit: San Antonio Museum of Art website
Visit The Rush Fun Park
Exxperience the ultimate indoor fun park at The Rush Fun Park. Enjoy nine unique attractions including a three-story playground, high-flying trampolines, challenging climbing walls, racing slides, and more.
Photo credit: The Rush Fun Park website
Have a picnic at Hemisfair Park
Enjoy a family picnic at the beautiful Hemisfair Park. With plenty of green space, play areas, and a splash pad, your kids will have a great time while you relax under the shade of trees.
Photo credit: Hemisfair Park website
Visit the Tower of Americas
Take in the breathtaking views of San Antonio from the top of the Tower of the Americas. This observation tower features an observation deck and restaurant, both of which offer stunning views of the city.
Photo credit: Towers of Americas website
Discover the Japanese Tea Garden
Explore the beauty of the Japanese Tea Gardens, home to waterfalls, koi ponds, and a beautiful pagoda. This garden is a great spot for families to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Photo credit: Japanese Tea Garden website
Experience the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center offers a wide range of cultural activities, including dance, music, and art. Kids can participate in workshops and learn about various cultures.
Photo credit: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center website
Spend a day at Brackenridge Park
Enjoy a day of family fun at Brackenridge Park, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, and various cultural attractions. From the Japanese Tea Garden to the San Antonio Zoo, there’s something for everyone here.
Photo credit: Brackenridge Park website
Take a boat tour on the San Antonio Riverwalk
Experience the city from a different perspective with a boat tour of the San Antonio River. Kids will love the leisurely ride and the chance to see the city from the water.
Photo credit: Visit San Antonio
Explore Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium
Marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! San Antonio.
Photo credit: Ripley’s Believe it or Not website
Tour the Legoland Discovery Center
Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, this ultimate indoor LEGO playground offers an immersive experience like no other. With 2 rides, 10 LEGO build-and-play zones, a 4D cinema, and more, children can let their imagination run wild and embark on exciting adventures. From building their own creations to taking flight on Merlin’s Apprentice, there’s something for every LEGO enthusiast. The park also offers interactive rides, a 4D cinema, and hands-on activities that guarantee endless fun for the whole family
Photo credit: Legoland Discovery Center website
Spend the day in Downtown San Antonio
Families visiting Downtown San Antonio have plenty of options for fun and exciting activities. Start by exploring the San Antonio Zoo, voted the #1 zoo in Texas, which offers a wide range of attractions for all ages. Another popular choice is to take a tour of the iconic River Walk, where they can enjoy scenic views, seek out historic architecture, and even indulge their artistic side. Additionally, families can check out the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and the Texas Ranger Museum for a taste of cowboy culture and history.
Dine at Rainforest Cafe
Situated in the heart of San Antonio, the Rainforest Cafe is a fun and exciting restaurant that features a variety of tasty dishes. With animatronic animals, a thunderstorm feature, and tropical decor, this restaurant is a hit with kids of all ages.
Photo credit: Rainforest Cafe website
Take a dip at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Beat the heat at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, which features a range of water rides and attractions. From water slides to lazy rivers, this park offers plenty of aquatic fun for the whole family and especially older kids.
Plan a Day Trip to Gruene
The charming town of Gruene is located just outside the San Antonio area and offers plenty of family-friendly activities, from shopping and dining to scenic riverwalks and music events.
Explore the McNay Art Museum
The McNay Art Museum is a great place for families to learn about modern art and contemporary culture. Kids can participate in free art workshops and events that are fun and engaging.
Photo credit: McNay Art Museum website
Spend a day at the Cave Without a Name
Take a tour of the Cave Without a Name, which is home to stunning rock formations and underground lakes. Kids will love the adventure and thrill of exploring this unique natural wonder.
Photo credit: Cave without a Name website
Catch a movie at the Santikos Palladium
The Santikos Palladium is a state-of-the-art movie theater that features all the latest technology and amenities. Sit back and relax while your kids enjoy their favorite movies on the big screen.
Photo credit: Santikos Palladium website
Visit the Institute of Texan Cultures
Learn about the diverse cultures of Texas at the Institute of Texan Cultures. This museum offers interactive exhibits and events that showcase the state’s cultural heritage.
Photo credit: Institute of Texan Cultures
Shop at San Antonio Rivercenter Shopping Center
Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, the mall offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Families can explore the underwater world at SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium, and challenge themselves on the Sky Trail® ropes course and Sky Tykes® course at LiggettVille Adventure Center.
Visit Brisco Western Art Museum
The Briscoe Western Art Museum is a cultural hub that celebrates the art, heritage, and history of the American West. With engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events, the museum offers a range of family activities to immerse visitors in the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage. Children can explore interactive exhibits, participate in educational activities focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), and gather around the campfire to learn about various aspects of life in the West.
Photo credit: The Briscoe Western Art Museum website
Play at Landa Park
Landa Park is a vast playground for kids, featuring a range of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. There are also play areas and picnic spots, making it a great place for a family day out.
Photo credit: Landa Park website
Go on a Wildlife Ranch Safari
Take a trip to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and go on a thrilling safari tour through the wilderness. Kids will love seeing the array of animals, from giraffes to zebras, up close.
Photo credit: Wildlife Ranch Safari website
Take a trip to the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Discover the beauty of nature at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. With a variety of gardens, exhibits, and events that cater to children, this is an excellent destination for the whole family.
Taste gourmet food from the garden at Jardin
With its family-friendly atmosphere and delicious food, Jardin is the perfect place for families to indulge in a delightful meal surrounded by the beauty of the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
Visit the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum in La Villita
Engage in a variety of educational and interactive activities. Explore the museum’s exhibits, which aim to collect, preserve, and share the cultural heritage of African Americans in the San Antonio region. Participate in workshops and events organized by the museum to further immerse yourself in the history and contributions of the African American community.
Photo credit: SAAACAM website
Tee off at Monster Mini Golf
Beat the Texas heat and spend an afternoon playing Monster Mini Golf. This indoor mini golf course is filled with friendly monsters and challenging obstacles, all illuminated by black lights for an immersive experience. With colorful and Day-Glo painted golf balls, players can enjoy a unique round of mini golf.
Photo credit: Monster Mini Golf website
Enjoy a show at the Magik Theatre
The Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s premier children’s theater, featuring interactive shows and an array of performances for kids of all ages.
Photo credit: Magik Theatre website
Go on a Segway Tour of San Antonio
Take a Segway tour of San Antonio and explore the city’s historic landmarks and scenic vistas. Your kids will love cruising around on a Segway and learning about the city’s fascinating history.
Photo credit: Segway Tour Facebook profile
Spend some time at the Pearl District
The Pearl District in San Antonio is a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood that offers a plethora of attractions for the entire family to enjoy. Families can enjoy casual dining experiences, relax in green spaces, and participate in special events held throughout the year. Whether it’s trying out new restaurants, discovering architectural gems, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, the Pearl District offers a wonderful blend of history, culture, and entertainment.
Tour San Antonio Missions Natural Historical Park
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Park Service site, offers a rich historical experience for families to explore. With four of the five Spanish frontier missions preserved within its boundaries, the park provides a glimpse into the region’s vibrant past. Families can immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Native American tribes and Spanish settlers who inhabited these missions over 300 years ago.
Head to Pump it Up
Kids can experience the thrill of bouncing, sliding, and playing in the facility’s massive inflatables and obstacle courses. With endless opportunities for exploration and imagination, Pump It Up provides a fun-filled environment for kids to have a blast.
Photo credit: Pump it up website
Discover Historic Market Square
Families can explore over 100 locally owned shops and stalls, showcasing clothing, folk art, piñatas, and more. With its rich Mexican culture, authentic cuisine, and lively ambiance. Throughout the year, Market Square hosts special events with live music, delicious food, and arts and crafts. Don’t forget to visit one of our favorite restaurants named Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia.
Visit the DoSeum Spy Museum
Check out Semmes Foundation Spy Academy – With an emphasis on digital literacy and digital citizenship, the new SEMMES Foundation Spy Academy teaches spies how to utilize and communicate information across digital platforms, and how to interact safely and respectfully online, while also bridging the gap between the digital world and the real world through cooperative play.
Catch a show at Majestic Theatre
At the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, kids can enjoy a variety of family-friendly shows and events. The theater hosts Broadway shows, concerts, comedians, and other performances that cater to all ages.
Photo credit: Majestic Theatre website
Eat brunch or lunch at Guenther House
The Guenther House in San Antonio is a special destination for families due to its unique blend of history, dining, and family-friendly atmosphere. This stately home, located at 205 East Guenther Street, has been beautifully restored and offers a charming museum experience with displays of baking and cooking cutters from the flour mill, providing insight into the Guenther family’s rich history. The Guenther House serves breakfast and lunch, offering delicious meals in a warm and inviting setting.
Enjoy thrilling slides at SeaWorld Aquatica
SeaWorld Aquatica in San Antonio is a family-friendly water park located next to SeaWorld. It offers a tropical paradise experience with a variety of water rides that cater to all ages, ranging from serene to extreme. Visitors can enjoy thrilling slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and other water attractions.
Explore the San Antonio Aquarium
The San Antonio Aquarium offers a wide range of activities, visitors can hand-feed sharks, stingrays, birds, and other tropical animals. Children can also enjoy feeding and touching crocodiles, holding snakes, and even taking selfies with exotic large breed birds. With its diverse exhibits showcasing rainforests, deserts, and oceanic species, the aquarium provides a unique opportunity to explore and connect with the wonders of the planet.
Photo credit: San Antonio Aquarium website
Jump and Play at the Ground Control Trampoline Park
Find over 20,000 square feet of pure adrenaline with trampolines, a ninja warrior course, dodgeball, stunt fall, and more! The park is known for its family-friendly environment and is often voted as one of San Antonio’s top spots for family entertainment.
Photo credit: Ground Control Trampoline Park
Race at K1 Speed – Indoor Go Kart Racing
At K1 Speed – Indoor Go Kart Racing, families can enjoy a thrilling and exciting experience together. Families can participate in exhilarating go-kart races on professionally designed indoor tracks. Kids love off-track activities like video game arcades.
Photo credit: K1 Speed website
How to save money on San Antonio attractions
Many of the Best San Antonio attractions are included in the San Antonio Pogo Pass. With the San Antonio Pogo Pass you can get free admission to all the venues listed below with a one-time fee of $49.99. It will pay for itself after a few visits to your favorite family attractions. ( Details subject to change):
- San Antonio Aquarium
- Pump it Up – Two locations in San Antonio
- San Antonio Zoo
- The Witte Museum
- Monster Mini Golf and Laser Tag
- The Rush Fun Park
Use code TEXASFUNLIST to save on the Austin/San Antonio Pogo Pass.
Conclusion
San Antonio offers plenty of opportunities for family fun, from amusement parks and museums to outdoor adventures and cultural activities. With this list of the 30 best things to do in San Antonio with kids, you are sure to have an unforgettable vacation with your family. Put on your exploration hats and let the adventure begin!
Check out Visit San Antonio for more San Antonio trip travel tips. Thank you for offering a complimentary stay to our family to check out a selection of San Antonio’s best things to do!
More Things to Do in Texas
- Corpus Christi – Head to Lively Beach for beach and fishing fun!
- Port Aransas – Enjoy one of the best beaches Texas has to offer at Cinnamon Shore.
- Houston – Kids of all ages love Margaritaville Lake Resort.
- North Texas- There are so many fun things to do in Grapevine, Frisco, and The Colony.