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There’s a near-endless list of things to do in San Antonio with kids, so I’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best.
From artsy experiences to outdoor adventures to kid-friendly museums, I’ve got something for every kind of tot and tyke.
In fact, these children’s attractions in San Antonio are so fun that even the adults will want to get in on the action!
Did you know that this destination is often named one of the most family-friendly cities in the United States? Well, I’m about to prove it.
13 Things to Do in San Antonio with Kids
So ease your planning worries and let me lend a hand; Simply mix and match from the options on this list to build your perfect Alamo City itinerary.
Pssst: Here’s exactly where to stay in San Antonio!
1. Watch Stories Come to Life at Magik Theatre
As the name suggests, this children’s theater is a truly magical place where young audiences can immerse themselves in tall tales and literary classics brought to life onstage.
From beloved seasonal performances like The Velveteen Rabbit to quirky, interactive musicals, there’s always something kid-friendly on at Magik Theatre.
They also offer sensory-friendly performances “designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or may have sensory sensitivities.”
That means early entrance to the venue, smaller audiences, and the freedom to move around, make noise, or take breaks throughout.
Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for kids ages 2-17. Anyone younger gets in free but must be seated on an adult’s lap for the duration of the show.
2. Compete Over Giant Chess at Yanaguana Garden
A self-described “outdoor wonderland,” Yanaguana Garden is overflowing with opportunities to explore, imagine, and connect with nature.
Standard playgrounds are a thing of the past here. Instead, let loose on climbing structures, dual disk swings, and the crowd-favorite blue Boomerang.
The adaptive play equipment allows visitors of all ages and abilities to get in on the fun.
Then, build magical castles in the sand play area, cool off at the splash pad, and compete over small games under beautiful shade trees.
They have foosball, ping pong, chess, checkers, cornhole, and more!
Tired of your travels? Simply sprawl out on the Kelleher Family Lawn, a gorgeous green space perfect for flying kites, throwing frisbees, having a picnic, or enjoying some Southern sunshine.
While there, take a peek at the Hemisfair Host Garden, where little ones can try to spot butterflies, smell flowers, and identify herbs.
When you get hungry, pop into one of the nearby restaurants or dessert shops for a bite. (I recommend the artisanal ice pops and creative add-ins of Paleteria).
Read next: 6 All-Inclusive Resorts in Texas (For Couples and Families!)
3. Get an Adrenaline Boost at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
If you’ve got a family full of thrill-seekers, then there are few better things to do in San Antonio with kids than this.
A visit to Six Flags Fiesta Texas delivers it all: pulse-pumping rides, family bonding experiences, live entertainment, fried fair snacks, and water attractions for the warmer months.
Little ones will love small-scale adventures like spinning teacups, superhero-themed racing coasters, and miniature choo-choo trains.
Meanwhile, older kids can get their adrenaline up with loops, drops, and corkscrews galore on more than a dozen thrill rides.
Seasonal-themed bashes, family-friendly dance parties, concerts, and other larger-than-life events round out the dozens of opportunities for fun at Six Flags.
Daily tickets start at $90 per person, but frequent sales and discounts can make things cheaper.
Read next: 23 Fun Things to Do in Dallas with Kids
4. Enjoy the Outdoors at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Between fascinating classes, nature-centric events, and 38 acres of lush gardens and nature hikes to explore, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is the perfect place to spend a sunny Texas afternoon.
Hit the Texas Native Trail to birdwatch, see local plant species up close, and explore historic log cabins and adobe homes.
Surround yourself with exotic plants from around the world in the Lucile Halsell Conservatory.
The Family Adventure Garden is a clear favorite for little ones, complete with “15 fun spaces that encourage imaginative, unstructured outdoor play and exploration.”
I’m talking hills to roll down, water features to splash through, and tunnels to crawl through.
The special events calendar is filled with storytimes in the garden, guided morning hikes, cooking workshops, and more!
Admission costs $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-13, with a $2 price increase Friday-Sunday.
5. Unleash Your Creativity at Legoland Discovery Center
Big, bold, and over-the-top fun awaits at this space built in celebration of one of the world’s most iconic toys–Legos!
When it comes to things to do in San Antonio with kids, this one is absolutely unforgettable.
Meet some of your favorite Lego characters. See Legos come to life in the 4D cinema.
Soar through lava caves and around obstacles on The Great LEGO® Race Virtual Reality Experience.
True aficionados can even join a hands-on workshop to snag insider tips and building secrets from expert Model Builders.
This is the same team that constructed the onsite MINILAND replica of San Antonio, complete with over 1.5 million bricks!
One of my favorite attractions is the play zone, where little ones will burn off all their energy exploring climbing walls, slides, and a jungle gym.
Meanwhile, the adults are free to grab a quick rest or keep dreaming up their own Lego creations.
6. Cruise Down the San Antonio River
Not only is this next activity one of the best things to do in San Antonio with kids–it’s also one of the best things to do in the city, period!
The iconic Riverwalk is perhaps the area’s most popular attraction, a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
But while many tourists walk these streets, I think the best way to see it is from the water.
Hop aboard a river taxi and simply soak up the ambiance, or opt for a guided tour to learn more about local history and notable landmarks.
If the adults feel up to paddling, you can also hit the San Antonio River in your own watercraft!
Rent tandem kayaks, have the little one sit up front, and take to the paddling trails, which are flat-water and accessible for all levels.
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7. Travel Back in Time at Dino Safari
What other kid activities in San Antonio could possibly compete with dinosaurs?
This larger-than-life attraction is perfect for little ones who love the Jurassic Period more than the present day.
Dig up fossils, embark on a gravity-defying VR adventure, and get up close and personal with more than 2 dozen giant, animatronic prehistoric creatures as you learn more about how they lived.
Insider tip: Parents can find a downloadable Activity Guide on Dino Safari’s website, which features coloring pages and simple games to make the little ones’ visits even more engaging.
General entry tickets start at $18.50 per person. This educational experience takes about 45 minutes to walk through, and the last entry is 1 hour prior to closing.
8. Make Learning Fun at the DoSeum
As San Antonio’s premier children’s museum, this spot is an easy inclusion on any itinerary of things to do in San Antonio with kids.
Tinker with blocks, balls, and simple machines at the Innovation Station.
Younger inventors can play with building sets, while older kids are free to use recycled materials and wood or even VR tools and CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) programs!
Bring light, sound, and color to life in Sensations Studio, where creative kids can make music at the DJ station, explore the physics of light and sound waves, and bounce lasers off of mirrors.
The DoSeum also boasts an events schedule full of fascinating, interactive activities for kids, like family art + STEM workshops, readings and talks with children’s authors, and exclusive overnight adventures.
Tickets typically cost $16 for kids and adults over the age of 1, but they host free family nights on the first Monday of every month.
9. Play At Brackenridge Park
If you’re on the hunt for free things to do in San Antonio with kids, look no further than the beautiful Brackenridge Park, a downtown oasis full of opportunities for family fun.
Ride a miniature train around the area, with hop-off stops at attractions like the Witte Museum and the Japanese Tea Gardens.
The tracks were laid all the way back in 1956, and it was even the longest miniature railroad in the world at the time!
Prefer to explore on foot? Three short walking trails–clocking in at 1.5, 1, and 0.75 miles long–offer the perfect chance to burn off some energy and observe local flora and fauna.
Brackenridge Park is also home to playgrounds, softball fields, picnic tables, and an open-air amphitheater that holds free concerts and other events, especially during the warmer months.
Read next: 16 Fun Things to Do in Austin with Kids
10. Immerse Yourself in Experiential Art at Hopscotch
As one of the most unique things to do with kids in San Antonio, a visit to Hopscotch promises a wondrous exploration of light, space, and optical illusion through a series of interactive installations.
Their website puts it best, saying, “We aim to elicit a sense of joy and wonder in the spaces we curate, where our guests may participate in a playful manner and explore beyond their day-to-day reality.”
A color-changing ball pit, a pulley-controlled thunder and lightning simulator, and a neon display that gets brighter the louder you scream are just a few of Hopscotch’s past and current attractions.
Admission costs $24 for adults and $15 for kids ages 4-15.
You must buy tickets online in advance, so keep that in mind before you go.
11. Climb to New Heights at Liggettville Adventure Center
There’s an adventure awaiting everyone at Liggettville! This indoor amusement park boasts ropes courses, zip rails, and colorful climbing walls–all right in the heart of downtown San Antonio!
Tackle crisscross angle rope ladders, zig-zag swinging beams, cargo nets, bridges, and more on the Sky Trail, then fly through the air on the Sky Rail.
Little ones don’t have to miss out on the fun! Children 48” and under can hop on the Sky Tykes course to stay closer to the ground and build climbing confidence under close supervision.
Meanwhile, Clip ’n Climb walls spice up the typical rock climbing experience with fun themes and creative handholds.
Prices are super affordable, at $18 for the Sky Trail + Sky Rail, $9 for Sky Tykes, and $13.50 for Clip ’n Climb–plus some excellent combo deals and a BOGO offer on Wednesdays.
12. Grub on Gourmet Street Food at The Block
Between all the things to do in San Antonio with kids, you’ll certainly have to eat. And why not make your family meals an activity within themselves?
At The Block, the delicious food is definitely the star of the show.
Some of the area’s most creative chefs and tastiest bites all come together in a sprawling outdoor space with a festive atmosphere.
Choose from Venezuelan fare, indulgent grilled pizzas, pita wraps, Mexican fusion, and more at the rotating lineup of food trucks.
For extra bonding, let everyone choose one dish and then dig in family style–a proper San Antonio picnic!
In addition to delicious grub, the grounds also feature grassy lawns, cornhole, giant Jenga, bean bag toss, table games, and other fun activities for the entire family.
On a sunny San Antonio day, there’s no better place to be.
13. Explore the State’s Rich History at the Alamo
Although this may seem like a more adult-oriented activity at first glance, The Alamo is a must-see while in San Antonio and has plenty of elements to keep it interesting for all age groups.
Stop by the living history encampment to meet guides dressed in period costumes, enjoy hands-on demonstrations of daily life at the time of the Texas Revolution, and learn about essential skills like fire-starting and leatherworking.
On weekend mornings at 10:30 and 11:30, you can catch a fascinating 15-minute presentation that includes a discussion of the history and use of flintlock firearms, a quick tutorial on how to fire, and live firings.
Make sure to bring earplugs if your little ones are easily startled by loud noises!
Visiting the Alamo is free, and guided tours and self-guided audio tours are available onsite for an extra charge.
San Antonio With Kids
Here are a few more things you might consider checking out when visiting San Antonio with the little ones:
San Antonio Zoo
At The Pier Arcade games
Morgan’s Wonderland
Hemisfair Park
Natural Bridge Caverns and its underground chambers
Beautiful landscapes of Texas Hill Country
Splashtown San Antonio Water Park
Kiddie Park, America’s oldest children’s amusement park