Texas is a larger than life destination for families. The Lone Start State is absolutely huge and there are so many different cities with their own unique and interesting cultures. On our first trip to Texas a couple months ago we spent time in Austin and San Antonio and had a fantastic time with the kids. We spent most of our time in San Antonio (more than a week) and had a long list of activities we wanted to do. Even with 7 + days in the city we didn’t get to see everything we wanted to. Here is a list of our top experiences in San Antonio and a few that we didn’t get to visit.
Brackenridge Park and San Antonio Zoo
One of the natural highlights found in the city districts of San Antonio is the lush Brackenridge park. At 300 + acres, this park has so many features that it’s the perfect destination for family days outdoors. Aside from the great San Antonio Zoo, you will also find the Japanese Tea Gardens and many other highlights that locals frequently visit. With a bounty of open spaces, picnic pavilions and a stretch of the San Antonio River flowing through, this park is a delight and a must see for visitors to the city.
The Alamo & San Antonio Missions National Park
The name Alamo is synonymous with Texas and San Antonio. But many people do not know that the history experiences of Spanish culture and old Texas history extend beyond the Alamo! San Antonio is also home to Missions National Park which is a World Heritage site and features 4 other restored missions, bursting with history and beauty. As a national park you can find such benefits as a visitors center (where children can earn their junior ranger badge), well maintained grounds and free park ranger led tours. Each mission is a short drive or bike ride from the other and free parking is available at each site. We spent an afternoon wandering the grounds of a few of the missions at our own pace on a Sunday afternoon and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Natural Bridge Caverns
About 35 minutes North of San Antonio is the mystical Natural Bridge Caverns. The natural underground caverns, discovered in the early 1960s, are vast in size and there is plenty of room to explore. Here you’ll find a variety of tours into the underground caverns and a host of other family friendly activities including a maze, ropes courses canopy tours and zip lining. There is also a mining activity where you can practice the art of panning for gold and minerals. Visiting the caverns is a truly unique type of natural adventure that is fun for the whole family!
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Next to the Natural Bridge Caverns park is the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. This is a drive through safari type park where you can get up close and personal with a variety of animals. There is also a giraffe conservation exhibit where you can feed the giraffes- always a hit! Little ones will surely love the animal petting zoo area as well as multiple exhibits featuring small primates and birds. The safari drive is easy to complete in your own vehicle and safe animal feed is provided at the gate.
DoSeum
San Antonio’s famous children’s museum is located near to Brackenridge Park. It is highly rated museum focused on creative play and learning. Rotating exhibits, interactive play spaces and a packed schedule of workshops in STEM and Art. The Do Seum is the perfect place for a respite from the Texas heat where the kids can play and learn and grow to their hearts’ content.
Witte Museum
The Witte Museum- “Where Science, Nature and Culture Meet…” is a newly renovated and modern facility that celebrates Texas’ unique history and environment. We absolutely loved our afternoon spent at this museum due to it’s highly interactive exhibits and it’s bright and fresh interiors. Kids have a chance to participate in hands on exhibits where they learn about the history of the state, ancient cultures, and nature commonly found in Texas.
PreciousMommy Tip: Check the websites of the DoSeum and Witte Museum closely before planning your visit. Both museum offer free days or free hours within a day, weekly! We were able to visit both museums free of cost due to our research and planning.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Texas also has one of the world famous Six Flags amusement parks! This 200+ acre park features multiple themed neighborhoods including it’s own water park! Here you will find thrill rides, live shows, great dining options and activities fun for the whole family. Be sure to check out their website
PreciousMommy Tip: Be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip or driving out for the day. Six Flags Fiesta has seasonal operating dates and times.
San Antonio Riverwalk
No trip to San Antonio would be complete without visiting the touristy Riverwalk! It’s a lovely part of San Antonio that is easy to find while in downtown San Antonio. Lined with restaurants and fantastic dining options it is a perfect place to spend an evening as a family, strolling along the riverside under the canopy of trees, and taking in the sights around you. Riverboat rides are available which offer a tour of the entire river district with some history thrown in. The Shops at Rivercenter mall is located across the street from the Alamo and an easy way to connect to the Riverwalk.
This is a list of just a few of the fantastic sights to see when visiting San Antonio Texas! In just seven days in San Antonio we made it to most but not all of these sights and there was so much more I wish we had time to see. I would highly recommend San Antonio as a place to visit with your family. There is something for everyone, fun for the whole family to share in together.
Be sure to check out our Instagram page where we have video highlights of our entire trip to Texas! See our Instagram link below….
Have you ever visited San Antonio Texas? Is there a place that I left off my list that you would highly recommend?
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