5 Fun and Affordable Reasons to Visit San Antonio with Kids

San Antonio is most well-known as home to The Alamo and its famous San Antonio River Walk. But did you know that San Antonio is also the “Theme Park Capital of Texas”? Or, that it is one of two cities in the United States that are designated as UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy? What surprised me most are the number of public parks, festivals, and affordable attractions that you can enjoy when visiting San Antonio with kids.

With fabulous resorts, delectable food, rich culture, fun attractions, and a well-preserved history, San Antonio is a perfect pick for a family vacation that won’t break the bank. And it is especially lovely to visit San Antonio for a winter vacation or spring break when the temperatures aren’t in the triple digits!

Want to know more? Let me give you five compelling reasons why San Antonio is great for families.

Reasons to Visit San Antonio with Kids

Editor’s Note: I visited San Antonio as part of a press trip hosted by Visit San Antonio. All opinions are my own based on my personal experience. This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

Oodles of Theme Parks

Thrill seekers and animal lovers get ready! There are four amusement parks / water parks within a short drive of San Antonio, plus a LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium in the Shops at Rivercenter downtown. You can even add in an afternoon at the San Antonio Zoo to round it off. With this much excitement, you can easily spend a week in San Antonio and never get bored.

Families with kids of all ages and abilities will find their fit with these fun options:

SeaWorld San Antonio

The largest of all the SeaWorld Parks, SeaWorld San Antonio offers smile-inducing animal encounters, 10 stomach-clenching thrill rides, and an area just for the little ones (with Rescue Jr. coming soon.) In addition to the main park, you can buy a joint ticket to also experience the Aquatica water park and Discovery Point, with its Dolphin Lagoon and Explorer’s Reef Aquarium.

SeaWorld is known for its roller coasters, which are always breaking records as the tallest, longest, or fastest something. But what doesn’t get enough attention is that it is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world. Its marine animal habitats and animal practices are independently accredited, reviewed, audited, and certified by premier zoological and animal welfare organizations to not only meet, but exceed, the highest standards of animal care. I spent a good deal of time talking to the animal care teams about their research, feeding, breeding, and care of the animals and walked away impressed.

SeaWorld not only introduces families to marine life, educating kids about the animals and hopefully inspiring a desire to protect natural habitats, but there are also fun ways to interact with the animals. These animal interactions range from behind-the-scenes tours to land-based encounters, all the way to in-water experiences.

I had a chance to take part in a penguin interaction and it left me giddy with excitement! After a short educational program, I suited up to enter the rear of the penguin exhibit alongside the animal caretakers. Since the penguins are fed buffet-style, meaning they can eat whenever they want, there are no incentives or rewards for the penguins to interact with humans.

But penguins are curious and social creatures and many soon waddled over to say hello. Some just want to look, but others enjoy a soft touch on the back. I’m not sure I’ll ever make it to Antarctica, but getting to see penguins up close like this is such a joy.

Just make sure you check the hours and opening days before planning your trip as while SeaWorld is open year-round, it isn’t open every day outside of the summer months.

Pro tip: Save money by eating outside of the park. The Jerk Shack and Suck It (ramen and noodles) are two family-friendly, affordable, and delicious options just a short drive away. Don’t miss the empanadas and the juicy jerk chicken at The Jerk Shack.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

With sixteen roller coasters and thrill rides, plus the Hurricane Harbor water park with its 20-plus water slides, splash areas, and Texas-shaped wave pool, excitement awaits at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Six Flags also offers special events like Kids’ Boo Fest, Fright Fest, Oktoberfest Food Festival, Holiday in the Park, Mardi Gras, Spring Break, and the special Viva La Fiesta!

Just keep in mind that the park has limited hours and opening days outside of the summer and special events so be sure to check the website before you go.

Pro tip: You will save money if you buy your tickets online versus at the gate.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort

The Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort in New Braunfels is located about an hour outside of San Antonio in Texas Hill Country. This enormous waterpark offers a huge variety of river rides, pools, and waterslides, and adventures. It features four sections, each of which is as large as most regional waterparks.

Real waterpark fanatics can even turn it into a mini-vacation by staying at the Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark Resort, which offers everything from standard hotel rooms to a multi-room vacation home. If you stay during the waterpark season, waterpark admission is included in your reservation.

Morgan’s Wonderland

I have saved the most special of the four theme parks for last because Morgan’s Wonderland is truly unique. Opened in 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s only “ultra-accessible” theme park. It was designed from the ground up for individuals with special needs and their friends and family. There are 25 accessible attractions, plus a waterpark, to create a place where “everyone can play.”

Each ride has at least one ride vehicle with roll-on wheelchair access, except the zip line which requires a transfer. The classic carousel has been reimagined to eliminate flashing lights and loud music for those with sensory issues, and it offers both stationary and moving vehicles, along with bench seating and roll-on access. There are even practice ride vehicles for many attractions, along with videos that you can watch with your kids before you go.

The water park, Morgan’s Inspiration Island, has five splash pads and one river boat ride. Upon entering the water park (which requires a ticket add-on), you can utilize the changing rooms and make use of the waterproof wheelchair valet if needed.

Pro tip: Upon request, guests with disabilities are welcomed with no charge. You can also request a Joy Access Pass, which gives you priority lane access.

Rich History & Culture

San Antonio embraces its rich and diverse culture. Unlike other cities, it strives to repurpose and reuse buildings to maintain the character of its neighborhoods. Everyone has heard of The Alamo (how can we forget, right?) and this historic site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Texas.

In case you aren’t familiar with the Alamo, it is a historic Spanish mission that became the site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836. Outnumbered Texian defenders, including well-known figures like Davy Crockett and James Bowie, held out for 13 days against Mexican forces before being defeated. Despite the loss, “Remember the Alamo!” became a rallying cry for Texas’ eventual independence from Mexico.

If you haven’t been to the Alamo, you may want to get there before May 2025, because that is when construction will begin on the roof of the main church building and it will be covered in a metal structure until 2027. Even now, there is a lot of work being done in the Plaza to create a new museum. That museum will house the entire collection of Alamo artifacts that has been gathered over the years by rockstar Phil Collins. You can see part of the collection today in the Exhibits building (which requires a separate ticket).

Many people visit the Alamo and are disappointed to find it is smaller than they expected and there isn’t much to see inside (remember, a battle was fought there!) However, there are five missions that you can visit in San Antonio and some are much more impressive than the Alamo.

The Missions were built by the colonizing Spaniards and used to protect them and the local indigenous in times of need. Therefore, these are quite large compounds built around a central church. I’d highly recommend visiting the Mission San Jose. The National Park Service operates four of the San Antonio Missions (just not the Alamo) and it is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

If you want to visit more of the Missions, you can easily rent bikes from the BCycle stations and follow the Mission Reach section of the River Walk bike path. Each Mission is about 2.5 miles apart.

To go back even further in the history of the area, visit the family-friendly Witte Museum. The Witte showcases Texas history, science, and natural heritage with many interactive exhibits and hands-on activities (plus outside play areas!). You can go all the way back to prehistoric times with dinosaur fossils, learn more about Texas wildlife, and appreciate the history of the region’s indigenous peoples. 

The Museum is located at the edge of historic Brackenridge Park, which covers 349-acres and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Park is also home to the beginning stretch of the San Antonio River, the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theater, and the San Antonio Zoo.  

Pro tip: To save money on San Antonio attractions, consider purchasing the San Antonio CityPASS, which provides entry into four attractions of your choice including: The Alamo, Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises, San Antonio Zoo, The Tower of The Americas, The DoSeum, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Witte Museum, and the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Delicious Food

Remember how I mentioned that San Antonio was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy? (Tucson is the only other such city in the US) This is a reflection of not just the rich culinary heritage, but also a recognition of the efforts to sustain these flavors and combine them with new influences. In San Antonio you will find everything from your classic touristy restaurants like Rainforest Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, and Dick’s Last Resort, to genuine local gems.

To find the local favorites, it helps to break away from the downtown River Walk and explore some of the other districts and neighborhoods. Southtown is where you will find authentic Tex Mex cuisine that is affordable and family-friendly, such as Burgerteca, LaLa’s Gorditas, Eddie’s Taco Shop, and Nicha’s Comida Mexican. A perfect opportunity to give these a try is when you visit the Missions or Confluence Park.

The Pearl District is a vibrant, revitalized area that was once home to the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 until it closed in 2001. Today, it is a trendy neighborhood featuring a mix of restaurants, boutique shops, residences, and cultural spaces. There is plenty of open space for kids to run around and a mix of eateries from a casual food hall to local Tex-Mex to international cuisine.

In addition to restaurants, the Pearl hosts a weekend farmers market, live music events, and the Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio campus. Best Quality Daughter is a cute Chinese-American restaurant with plenty of family-style dishes and tasty appetizers that kids will enjoy.

Downtown is more than just the restaurants along the River Walk. If you head to the street level, you will find local favorites like La Panaderia. This bakery and cafe is a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch.

If you have a car, you can also sample some of the great spots in the city outskirts. I already mentioned The Jerk Shack, but another not to be missed is Stix and Stone, a Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant from Chef Leo Davila. The Sticky, Sticky Ribs, Big Red and Barbacoa tacos, and churro bread pudding are all fantastic.

Amazing Art

You will find fun public art throughout downtown San Antonio, but one experience you can’t miss is The Saga. This unique video art projection by international artist Xavier de Richemont depicts the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio. Set to music, this display is projected onto the San Fernando Cathedral and takes place every Tuesday through Sunday at 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in the Main Plaza.

If you are visiting San Antonio with teens, they will appreciate the Instagramability of the interactive art exhibits at Hopscotch. Hopscotch is an immersive art space with highly interactive exhibits like a giant ball pit, an interactive trampoline that controls digital projections, digital “spray painting”, perspective-bending displays, and more. This unique art space is truly memorable.

For more traditional art lovers, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) houses an extensive collection of over 30,000 pieces. Located in a former brewery complex along the River Walk, the museum features a diverse array of art, including ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian works, Latin American art, Asian art, and contemporary pieces. Its collection also includes significant works of American and European art, as well as folk and regional art. Just remember: admission is included in the San Antonio CityPASS!

Public Parks

San Antonio also is home to many public parks that offer family-friendly activities which blend nature, culture, and recreation — for free! I’ve already mentioned Brackenridge Park, one of the city’s largest and most popular parks that is home to the San Antonio Zoo and the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. The Japanese Tea Garden is lush and serene, it is a perfect zen escape with koi ponds, stone bridges, and greenery. The park also offers picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds, making it perfect for a day out with kids.

Hemisfair Park, located in downtown San Antonio, is a vibrant urban park that includes a creative play space filled with playgrounds, splash pads, and climbing structures for children of all ages. The park also hosts family activities like story time, activity carts, and blocks.

Confluence Park, located on the southern stretch of the San Antonio River, focuses on environmental education and sustainability. There are open spaces and trails that are perfect for biking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Beyond biking, walking, and playing in these public parks, you can also enjoy the city from the water with a kayak excursion with Texas River Company. Along the Mission Reach section of the river, you can even spy wildlife such as heron, hawks, turtles, and more.

Where to Stay in San Antonio with Kids

There are many great family-friendly hotels in San Antonio, whether you choose to stay downtown or at a resort further out. Some top picks include:

• Intercontinental San Antonio River Walk – if you want to stay in town but on the quieter section of the Riverwalk, the brand-new Intercontinental is a perfect luxury choice with a full service restaurant, coffee shop, and rooftop pool and bar.
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa – enjoy San Antonio and relaxation in Texas Hill Country. The Hyatt Regency is a family-friendly resort complete with a lazy river, golf course, and even a FlowRider wave machine.
• J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa – this luxury hotel is close to wineries, SeaWorld, and the Shops at La Cantera. On property, you can enjoy the River Bluff Water Experience, a nine-acre water park featuring a 1,100-foot lazy river.

Find other places to stay in San Antonio:

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