17 Incredible Things to Do in San Antonio With Kids
San Antonio quickly became a favorite for our family after our recent trip! From historic sites to hands-on attractions, there was so much to explore—and plenty of things that kept our kids entertained and engaged.
In this post, I’m sharing the best fun things to do in San Antonio with kids so you can plan an unforgettable family trip too.
👉 I’ll cover everything you need to know before you go—like whether there are restrooms nearby, if you’ll find shade (a must during those hot Texas days!), the parking situation, and my honest, personal recommendations based on what worked well for our family of six. Let’s dive in!
*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
1. The Alamo
- Parking: There are paid lots nearby. We paid $27.50 for up to 4 hours.
- Restrooms: Yes — Located outside the Alamo Gift Shop
- Shade: Partial
- Cost: Entry to the church is free; Guided Tours are $48 for adults, $38 for kids 12 and under
- Time to Allow: 1-2 hours
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A visit to San Antonio wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Alamo—this iconic site is definitely a must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
It was smaller than I expected and surprisingly nestled right in the middle of downtown.
Admission to the Alamo Church is free, but I recommend reserving your (free) tickets online in advance to guarantee your entry time, especially during busy seasons.
There are paid guided tours available if you want a more in-depth experience, but we opted to explore on our own and still got a lot out of it.
Our kids were especially captivated by the costumed interpreters dressed as soldiers. They loved hearing them talk about the famous battle and seeing history come to life in a way that felt fun and interactive.
One of the highlights was the free musket demonstration—bring noise-cancelling headphones if your kids are sensitive to loud noises!
2. The Other San Antonio Missions
- Parking: Free, convenient parking located right outside each mission
- Restrooms: Yes — Located at the visitors center
- Shade: Only inside the churches
- Cost: Free
- Time to Allow: 3-4 hours
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Okay, this is my favorite part of San Antonio!
While the Alamo gets most of the attention, there are actually four other historic missions in San Antonio that are absolutely worth visiting: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.
I recommend starting your visit at the Visitors Center, located right outside Mission San José, the largest of the missions and my personal favorite.
➡️ Be sure to grab Junior Ranger booklets for your kids—completing them is a fun way for little ones to engage with the history, and they’ll earn their very own Junior Ranger badge by the end!
We joined a free ranger-guided tour of Mission San José and learned so much about the people who lived and worked there, the architecture, and the culture of the time. Our kids really enjoyed it—and so did we!
These tours leave from the visitor’s center at 10:00am and 11:00am daily.
While it’s possible to rent bikes and ride the scenic Missions Trail that connects all five missions, we found it much easier to drive between them since we had younger kids with us.
👇 Want to see these family-friendly attractions come to life? Check out our video below! 👇
3. Riverwalk River Cruise
- Parking: Paid lots and garages nearby (around $25)
- Restrooms: Yes — Located near check-in
- Shade: Very little
- Cost: $15.50 for adults, $9.50 for kids (You can save $ with the CityPass)
- Time to Allow: 1 hour
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of our kids’ favorite experiences was taking a river cruise along the San Antonio River Walk.
It’s a relaxing, 35-minute boat ride that winds through the heart of the city, offering a unique view of the shops, restaurants, and historic buildings that line the river.
Boats board throughout the day from 10 AM to 10 PM, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule.
We didn’t have to wait long at all, and once we were on board, we were treated to a fun and informative ride.
Our tour guide was hilarious and full of great stories and facts about the architecture and history of the area—keeping our kids engaged the whole time.
This was one of those rare activities that everyone in our family enjoyed equally!
➡️ Save up to 38% on the River Cruise with CityPass! ⬅️
4. The Pearl
- Parking: Paid lot across the street
- Restrooms: Yes — Located in the food hall
- Shade: A little
- Cost: Free to visit, but you’ll want to purchase some delicious food or snacks!
- Time to Allow: 2 hours
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Pearl is a trendy, revitalized area just north of downtown that’s become one of San Antonio’s top spots for food, shopping, and relaxing with the family.
It was once a historic brewery, but today it’s home to a lively mix of restaurants, boutiques, and open spaces that are perfect for kids.
There’s a wide open green lawn where our kids loved running around and playing tag while we took a breather.
On hot Texas days, the splash pad is a lifesaver—definitely have your kids wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet!
We also sampled a variety of delicious bites from the food hall, and everything we tried was a hit.
The Pearl is a great place to unwind, let the kids burn off some energy, and enjoy some really good food all in one stop.
5. DoSeum
- Parking: Free parking lot located right at the entrance
- Restrooms: Yes
- Shade: Mostly indoors
- Cost: $18 per person for all ages, babies under 1 are free (save $ with CityPass!)
- Time to Allow: 2-3 hours
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The DoSeum is San Antonio’s hands-on children’s museum, and it’s such a fun spot for younger kids to explore and play.
Since most of the exhibits are indoors, it’s a great place to go if you need to escape the heat or if the weather isn’t cooperating—definitely keep it in mind for a rainy day.
Our kids especially loved the outdoor stream area, which was full of buckets, shovels, and little boats.
➡️ Just a heads-up: your kids will probably get a little wet, so plan their outfits accordingly.
Note: The museum is really geared toward younger kids, so while our little ones had a blast, our 9- and 13-year-olds weren’t quite as into it. Still, it’s a solid stop if you’re traveling with toddlers or early elementary-aged kids who need to burn some energy or escape the Texas heat.
➡️ Save up to 38% on the Doseum with CityPass! ⬅️
6. Hopscotch
- Parking: Free parking lot located right at the entrance
- Restrooms: Yes
- Shade: Indoors
- Cost: $24 for adults, $15 for kids 4-15, 3 and under are free
- Time to Allow: 2-3 hours
Hopscotch is an immersive art experience filled with interactive, mind-bending installations that are fun for both kids and adults.
It gets great reviews and looked like such a cool spot to explore as a family.
I had it planned for Tuesday on our itinerary… and didn’t realize until the last minute that they’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Oops! So we didn’t get to check it out this time, but it’s definitely at the top of our list for our next trip to San Antonio.
If you’re planning a visit, double-check the hours so you don’t make the same mistake I did!
➡️ Purchase Hopscotch tickets here! ⬅️
7. Hemisfair
- Parking: A paid lot nearby for $2 or a parking garage
- Restrooms: Yes
- Shade: A little
- Cost: Free
- Time to Allow: 1-2 hours
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hemisfair is a beautiful urban park in the heart of downtown San Antonio, and it’s home to a great kid-friendly spot: Yanaguana Garden.
We actually visited the playground there twice because our kids loved it so much!
The playground is not only super fun and creatively designed, but it’s also an inclusive space built to meet ADA standards.
There’s also a splash pad, which was perfect for cooling off on a hot afternoon.
👉 And here’s a little bonus for the grown-ups—Commonwealth Coffee is conveniently located right by the playground, and their lavender latte was a total win while the kids ran wild.
Overall, Hemisfair is a great spot to relax and let the kids burn off some energy in a thoughtfully designed, family-friendly space.
8. Witte Museum
- Parking: Free parking at the parking garage
- Restrooms: Yes
- Shade: Mostly indoors
- Cost: $17 for adults, $16 for teens, $11 for kids 4-12, free for kids 3 and under (save $ with CityPass!)
- Time to Allow: 2-3 hours
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Witte Museum is a fun mix of science, nature, and Texas history—and it’s another great spot for families in San Antonio.
Our kids were especially into the dinosaur skeletons and the cowboy exhibit. There’s plenty of hands-on learning and cool things to see, so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here without anyone getting bored.
➡️ And if you’re looking for a treat afterward (or just need to bribe your crew to behave in a museum—no judgment), Black + White Modern Creamery is right around the corner. Their ice cream is SO good and was one of our favorite sweet stops of the trip!
➡️ Save up to 38% on the Witte Museum with CityPass! ⬅️
9. Historic Market Square
- Parking: Paid parking lots nearby (around $20—you’ll need cash this time!)
- Restrooms: Yes — located inside the indoor market
- Shade: Partial
- Cost: Free to browse, but you may want spending money
- Time to Allow: 1-2 hours
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Historic Market Square is such a fun spot to soak in San Antonio’s rich Mexican culture—you’ll find bright colors, festive decor, live music, delicious food, and tons of unique shops.
➡️ It’s actually the largest Mexican market in the U.S.!
We ate at La Margarita Mexican Restaurant while we were there, and it was a solid Tex-Mex spot with all the classics—perfect for a casual family meal.
Our kids also had a blast picking out a few small souvenirs. We gave them each a little spending money, and they loved browsing the different stalls and making their own choices.
One even got a lesson in bartering. 😉
It was a fun mix of culture, food, and shopping—and a great way to experience another side of the city.
10. San Fernando Cathedral
- Parking: There are a few spots of free street parking, or paid lots nearby
- Restrooms: No
- Shade: Indoors
- Cost: Free
- Time to Allow: 15-20 minutes
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
San Fernando Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S. (opened in 1750) and a beautiful place to visit.
The cathedral sits right on the Main Plaza, and there are plenty of benches if you want to sit for a bit and just take it all in.
You can visit and go inside during the day—Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 6:30 PM (closed Sunday to visitors during Mass). It’s so peaceful to take a seat in a pew and admire the beauty.
➡️ Don’t forget to come back at night and check out San Antonio | The Saga, a free light show projected onto the cathedral after dark.
It’s a mix of music, storytelling, and jaw-dropping visuals that share the story of San Antonio’s history.
The show usually runs Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9, 9:30, and 10 PM, but check the schedule before you go.
11. Japanese Tea Garden
- Parking: Free parking lot right out front
- Restrooms: Yes
- Shade: Minimal
- Cost: Free
- Time to Allow: 30-60 minutes
- My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Japanese Tea Garden is a peaceful little oasis tucked right in San Antonio, and it’s totally worth a visit—especially if you’re looking for something calm and beautiful to break up a busy day of sightseeing.
Our kids had so much fun spotting koi fish in the ponds and snapping photos of the gardens with their own cameras (future travel bloggers, maybe?).
The garden is free to visit and has winding pathways, stone bridges, waterfalls, and native Japanese plants. It’s a great place to let the kids explore a bit while you enjoy the scenery.
Note: The following attractions that I’m including we didn’t actually do during our San Antonio getaway, but I researched each and am including all the info for you to decide if you’d like to add any of them to your itinerary. 🙂
12. San Antonio Zoo
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes — located throughout
- Shade: Partial
- Cost: $27.73 for 12+, $21.91 for 3-11, free for under 3 (save $ with CityPass!)
- Time to Allow: 2-3 hours
If your kids love animals, the San Antonio Zoo is a fun option to consider.
It’s located right across from the Japanese Tea Garden, so it’s easy to pair the two in one outing.
The zoo is home to hundreds of species and offers plenty of opportunities to see animals up close.
Just a heads-up—when we visited, a large portion of the zoo was under construction, so it might be worth checking ahead to see what areas are open before you go. Still, it’s a solid stop for animal-loving kids and families
➡️ Save up to 38% on Zoo Admission with CityPass! ⬅️
13. Six Flags
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes — located throughout
- Shade: Partial
- Cost: $35
- Time to Allow: 3-4 hours, up to a full day
We’re not really big amusement park people, but if your family loves roller coasters and thrill rides, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a great option.
It’s a large, well-known theme park with everything from high-speed coasters to water rides and kid-friendly attractions.
The park is located on the northeast side of town, so it’s a bit of a drive from downtown San Antonio.
If you’re up for a full day of rides, snacks, and theme park fun, this could definitely be a highlight for your crew.
14. SeaWorld
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes — located throughout
- Shade: Partial
- Cost: $51.99
- Time to Allow: 3-4 hours
SeaWorld San Antonio is a fairly popular attraction in the area, especially for families interested in marine life and live shows.
That said, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t always get the best reviews—some guests mention that it feels a bit outdated and that there are long lines, especially during busy seasons.
Many people also question the quality of care of the animals.
If you’re considering a visit, it’s a good idea to check recent reviews and plan accordingly.
15. San Antonio Botanical Garden
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes — located throughout
- Shade: Partial
- Cost: $22 for adults, $18 for kids 3-13, free under 3 (save $ with CityPass!)
- Time to Allow: 1-2 hours
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot for families who enjoy nature, wide open spaces, and a slower-paced outing.
It features multiple themed gardens, walking trails, and a family adventure garden designed just for kids to explore, climb, and get a little messy.
It’s a great place to let little ones run around while taking in the scenery, and there are often seasonal exhibits or special events happening throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this could be a perfect pick.
16. Natural Bridge Caverns
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes
- Shade: Totally shaded in caves, outdoor activities in mostly sun
- Cost: Cave tour start at about $25 per person (save $ with CityPass!)
- Time to Allow: 2-4 hours
If you’re up for an underground adventure, Natural Bridge Caverns is one of the most popular natural attractions near San Antonio.
Located just outside the city, it offers guided tours through massive underground cave systems filled with incredible rock formations.
There are different tour options depending on your comfort level, from well-lit walking paths to more adventurous, off-trail explorations.
Above ground, you’ll also find a maze, gem mining, and a ropes course—making it a fun all-day outing, especially for families with curious kids who love exploring.
➡️ Note: If you have kids sensitive to darkness, a cave tour might not be a good fit. One of ours had a rough time getting through it in parts due to being scared of the dark.
17. Morgan’s Wonderland
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes — located throughout
- Shade: Partial
- Cost: $28 for adules, $22 for kids 3-13, free for under 3
- Time to Allow: 2-4 hours
We didn’t make it to Morgan’s Wonderland on our recent trip, but it’s high on our list for next time.
This ultra-accessible theme park is designed for individuals of all abilities and gets incredible reviews—especially from families looking for a fun, inclusive space where every child can play.
With rides, playgrounds, and interactive attractions thoughtfully created to be accessible to everyone, it’s a one-of-a-kind spot that really stands out in San Antonio.
Plan Your Family Trip to San Antonio!
San Antonio is such a fun city to explore with kids—there’s truly no shortage of family-friendly things to do, from historic landmarks to hands-on museums and outdoor adventures.
If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen and take breaks in the shade.
Use these ideas to help plan a San Antonio itinerary that fits your family’s interests—and get ready to make some amazing memories together.
➡️Save on our Favorite San Antonio Attractions with CityPass!⬅️
