San Antonio combines rich Texas history with modern family entertainment, making it an ideal destination for travelers with children. The city offers numerous attractions for families in San Antonio, where kids and adults alike can explore, learn, and create lasting memories together. From historic sites to interactive museums and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, San Antonio tourist attractions deliver experiences that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Keep reading to discover what to do in San Antonio with CityPASS® tickets.
Start Your Journey at The Alamo
The historic Alamo is a symbol of Texas independence and provides an educational experience for families. Children can learn about Texas history through engaging exhibits designed specifically for young visitors. The large outdoor plaza gives kids space to move around while parents appreciate the historical significance of this landmark.
Families appreciate that the Alamo offers free admission to its main exhibit, making it one of several affordable attractions for families in San Antonio. The grounds feature beautiful gardens that provide a peaceful setting for families to explore together. While some special exhibits may require tickets, you can experience the core of this historic site without spending a dime. This is ideal for allowing budget-conscious parents to allocate their travel funds to other experiences during their visit.
Explore Nature and Fun at the San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo delights visitors with over 3,500 animals from around the world across 56 acres of naturalistic habitats. Children especially enjoy the hands-on feeding opportunities with giraffes and the butterfly garden, where colorful insects might land right on their shoulders.
For families seeking outdoor activities in San Antonio, the zoo offers numerous open-air experiences. The Zoo Train provides a relaxing ride through Brackenridge Park, while the nearby Japanese Tea Garden offers serene walking paths. Active families can rent paddle boats at the park's lake or enjoy hiking trails that accommodate strollers and young walkers. The zoo's splash pad provides cooling fun during the hot summer months, making it a perfect spot for families to balance animal encounters with outdoor recreation in a single location.
Play and Learn at San Antonio Museums
The Witte Museum offers an exciting blend of natural history, science, and Texas heritage that captivates young minds. The H-E-B Body Adventure pavilion encourages children to learn about health through interactive exhibits, while the dinosaur gallery features life-sized prehistoric creatures that fascinate kids of all ages.
Toddlers and young children find plenty to engage them at several San Antonio attractions designed with little ones in mind. The DoSeum stands out as an exceptional children's museum with specially designed exhibits for children under five, including a dedicated toddler area with age-appropriate climbing structures and sensory activities.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden features a Family Adventure Garden where little ones can explore child-sized environments. These attractions incorporate thoughtful elements like family restrooms, nursing areas, and exhibits at child height to ensure even the youngest travelers enjoy their San Antonio experience.
Visit the San Antonio Museum of Art
Located in the historic Lone Star Brewery, the San Antonio Museum of Art houses impressive collections spanning 5,000 years of global culture. Families appreciate the museum's specially designed resources for young visitors, including family guides, scavenger hunts, and interactive tours that transform art appreciation into an adventure.
The museum offers regular family days with hands-on art activities, storytelling sessions, and performances designed to engage children with artistic concepts. The outdoor sculpture garden provides space for kids to move around between gallery visits, making this cultural experience accessible even for families with energetic young children.
Enjoy the Scenic San Antonio River Walk
The River Walk remains one of the most beloved San Antonio attractions, offering a pedestrian-friendly path along the San Antonio River lined with restaurants, shops, and beautiful landscaping. Families can enjoy a stroll or take a Go Rio River Cruise for a guided tour from the water, learning about the city's history while spotting wildlife along the river banks.
Street performers often entertain along the walkway, and numerous family-friendly dining options accommodate young eaters. The Museum Reach section of the River Walk features public art installations that fascinate children, turning a simple walk into an outdoor gallery experience. With multiple access points and rest areas, the River Walk accommodates families with strollers and those needing frequent breaks.
Relax in the Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden offers families a peaceful retreat from the flurry of other attractions. Children marvel at the koi ponds, where they can watch colorful fish swim beneath arched stone bridges. The garden's winding paths lead through lush vegetation, stone structures, and a 60-foot waterfall.
This free attraction provides an excellent opportunity for families to slow down and appreciate natural beauty together. The on-site café offers light refreshments in a picturesque setting, making it a perfect mid-day break during a busy sightseeing schedule. The garden's accessible pathways accommodate strollers, allowing even families with infants to enjoy this tranquil space.
Make the Most of Your Trip with San Antonio CityPASS® Tickets
Families can make their San Antonio adventure even better with San Antonio CityPASS® tickets. You get easy access to the city's top attractions, so you can focus on enjoying time with your family.
Ready to plan a fun family trip to Texas? Start your adventure with San Antonio CityPASS® tickets today.
San Antonio Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in San Antonio, we recommend finding lodging near San Antonio’s top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you: