This post is in partnership with Visit San Antonio.
After the winter thaw is over and you’re yearning to get out in the springtime sunshine, look no further than San Antonio! With its gorgeous weather, delicious food and engaging activities and attractions for everyone in the family, it’s the perfect destination.
San Antonio is synonymous with its glorious River Walk, and for good reason. It’s not only gorgeous, but there is so much to do in this 15-mile area. First, of course, is a river boat tour — and what better way to celebrate spring than on the water? Hear the history of San Antonio as you cruise by shops, restaurants and historic landmarks or enjoy an evening ride while you listen to traditional Mariachi music.
So much of this city is rooted in tradition, culture and history, and no attraction more so than the San Antonio Missions, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. This historic park, made up of five missions — Concepción, San José, San Juan, Espada and the Alamo — makes for the perfect day of exploration for the whole family. Visitors can explore this 8-mile stretch of history by foot, bike or bus, plus admission to the missions is free.
San Antonio culture is so diverse, it only makes sense its food would be, too. The culinary scene in this city is without compare, and there are even culinary trails to help you explore! Think tacos, barbecue, and of course, delectable margaritas. San Antonio knows its visitors of every age come hungry and ready for delicious cuisines, and the city is more than ready to help satiate that need.
Just off the River Walk and brimming with exciting dining options and activities to make the whole family smile is Pearl. Pearl is a mixed use space in the heart of San Antonio offering an upscale food hall, cafes, terrific shopping, fitness classes, open green spaces to run and play and so much more. Pearl is also known for seasonal events, so we highly suggest checking out their calendar before your trip so you can squeeze everything in this exciting area has to offer.
Further down the River Walk you can find Hemisfair, a one stop shop for everyone in the family. There are delectable dining options, a splash pad for the kids, giant Connect-Four, yard games, checker boards, sand areas to play in and more. It’s the perfect place for parents and kids to spend hours and still find something new to do.
While the River Walk area of San Antonio offers countless ways to explore and engage in the city, San Antonio is also home to pretty amazing museums, including some specifically aimed toward kids.
The Doseum, for example, exists to engage children to tap into their creativity and curiosity. It’s highly STEM focused, and with rotating exhibits like the Spy Factory, an interactive robot named Baxter and a musical staircase, you might have a hard time convincing the kids to leave. Parents, too, have a great time watching their kids learn and discover on their own in a kid-friendly environment.
Now for a slightly more traditional museum, head to The Witte Museum. With a 90-year old history, this museum is everything Texas, plus it has a giant exhibit on dinosaurs, which is just the coolest thing no matter what age you are.
If you’re looking for something a bit more hands-on, or if the non-extinct animals are more your speed, you’re in luck. The San Antonio Zoo and the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch are both options you’d regret not taking part in. The Zoo is one of the best in the country, with more than 750 species in the 56 acre park. The daily giraffe feedings make for great memories, and photo opps, and there are so many ways to get up close and personal (safely) with the animals. Go behind the scenes with rhinos, hippos, tortoises and more, or mingle with flamingos — these are the things childhood memories are made of!
For more animal encounters, pack up the car and get ready to snap your pictures at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. This 450-acre area is home to 500 exotic animals from around the world! Yes, think zebras walking up to your car and kangaroos hopping about. It’s a surreal experience you can’t have many other places.
If you’d rather get your adrenaline going or hear your kids excited screams as they plummet on a rollercoaster, San Antonio has that, too! Home to SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the first ultra accessible theme park, Morgan’s Wonderland, you have plenty of options.
SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio offer everything you can think of in a theme park — a water park, thrilling rides and up-close marine life. They have a few must-see new rides this year, too! You can catch a ride on the new Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster, a jet-ski style ride where you get the rush of feeling like you’re part of an animal rescue. Or try out the new Texas Stingray, the tallest, fastest, longest wooden roller coaster in all of Texas. At its top speed, you’ll be going 55 mph! Other new rides include the Sea Swinger, which at its height gives you some awesome 360-degree park views or for the younger members of the family, try the Riptide Rescue. What a perfect way to shake off the winter and leap right into spring!
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is another family friendly theme park option that is sure to have everyone in the family begging to stay. There are kids areas for the younger thrill seekers and rides for the adrenaline junkies. This is San Antonio’s biggest theme park attraction, and for good reason! There’s so much to do, including new rides like the Joker: Carnival of Chaos, one of the world’s tallest pendulum rides, and the WONDER WOMAN Golden Lasso Coaster, the world’s first single rail coaster. In addition to the thrills, catch one of the park’s many shows. Before you go, be sure to check the calendar so you don’t miss out.
Morgan’s Wonderland is another of San Antonio’s claims to fame, and that’s because it’s the world’s ultra-accessible theme park. Afterall, everyone in the family should be having the time of their lives. They have a wheelchair-accessible Ferris wheel, a butterfly playground and Pirate’s Island, where you’re immersed in a pirate make believe world of wonder.
There is clearly no shortage of things to do in San Antonio with the family, but before you start planning your itinerary, make sure the Natural Bridge Caverns is on your list! Take a tour of the massive caverns lying under San Antonio or try a Hidden Passage Tour. If you’d rather be high above ground, check out their Twisted Trails adventure course. You can pan for gems and fossils or weave your way through the 5,000 square foot maze! This is definitely one of those “only in San Antonio” types of experiences, so don’t forget to add this to your must-do list.