Things to do with kids in San Antonio

12 family-friendly places in San Antonio: zoos, aquariums, playgrounds and more.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is roughly 20 miles (30 km) from downtown, close to many good quality amenities for pre- or post-hike activities. The park has a good size parking lot, and parking is free. It also has onsite facilities you can rent if you'd like to have a social gathering on park grounds. The park offers of paved and natural trails through a preserved Texas Hill Country landscape, providing plenty of opportunity to observe local plants and wildlife as well. The park is dog- and kid-friendly (it has a playground and children's rock wall), but bikes and other recreational transport options are not allowed on the trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderately intense -- some trails might be challenging for those who find it hard to climb up and down rocky inclines.
Daily, sunrise to sunsetfree
Do
Friedrich Wilderness Park
Friedrich Wilderness Park has a fairly extensive network of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty through a preserved Texas Hill Country landscape. Total trail length is approximately. Some trails are paved and some are natural, with options for most skill or mobility levels. This is an excellent spot for bird watching or enjoying native plants (including a wildflower area). It's in northwest San Antonio, roughly from downtown, close to many good quality amenities for pre- or post-hike activities. Kid-friendly, but no dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails. The park also offers nature classes for children. The park has a free parking lot, but on busy days it fills up quickly and you might have to park on the street and walk to the trailhead.
Daily, sunrise to sunsetfree
Do
Incarnate Word Cardinals
UIW Cardinals
The teams of the University of the Incarnate Word, whose campus is on Broadway near Breckenridge Park and the zoo, are a fairly new addition to Division I, having joined the Southland Conference in 2013. Unlike UTSA, the football team plays on campus and in the second-level FCS.
Buy
North Star Mall
San Antonio's internationally-acclaimed shopping destination center boasts over 200 specialty stores and restaurants. Adjacent to the San Antonio International Airport, North Star is in the heart of the city. North Star is home to the largest cowboy boots in the world. They stand high and 20 feet (6 m) long! Stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Pottery Barn Kids, Armani Exchange, Arden B., Montblanc, J.Crew, Oakley, The Cheesecake Factory, Talbots, Janie and Jack, Apple, bebe, Coach, Sephora, Guess, and Steve Madden.
Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun noon-6PM
See
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Another peaceful place to walk is in the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. In the spring they have the Spring Children's Vegetable Garden Program.
Daily 9AM-5PM; closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s DayAdults $10; 3-13 $7, under 3 free; Seniors, military and students $8
See
San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium
The zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 750 species of animals on 56 acres (23 hectares).
Open 365 days a year: 9AM-5PM from Labor Day to Memorial Day; 9AM-6PM, Memorial Day to Labor DayAdults $14.25; seniors (62+) and children (3-11) $11.25; under 2 free, group rates available
Do
SeaWorld San Antonio
A marine life theme park which is home to the world-famous Shamu the killer whale. There are also thrill rides, a small water park, as well as sharks, an aquarium, penguins, seals and sea lions, and an opportunity to pet and feed dolphins.
Vary seasonally. See website for hours.$55
See
The DoSeum
A vibrant museum for children, although with exhibits that might also appeal to adults. Groups, parties, events, hands-on learning play.
Mon-Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM$12
See
Witte Museum
Dinosaurs, textiles, natural history, science treehouse, and more. A museum complex with lots of different activities going on - fun with kids!
Mon 10AM-5PM, Tue 10AM-8PM, Wed-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PMAdult $10; seniors and military $9; 4-11 $7; free Tuesdays 3-8PM
Do Not mapped
Fiesta!!!
Fiesta is a yearly event held in San Antonio in late April. Fiesta is a 10-day, city-wide, fun-filled, multi-cultural celebration. Many family-oriented events take place during this time, as well as many events geared towards adults. With over 100 different events, it's the biggest party and greatest community benefit in the state of Texas. One of the most fun events of all Fiesta, is Oysterbake on the St. Mary's University campus. It kicks Fiesta off with a bang, has plenty of food (chicken on a stick, oysters, fried oysters, corn, corn in a cup, meats on sticks, pizza, you name it. Friday of Oysterbake is usually more family-oriented with a 1980s or '90s band headlining the festivities. (Previous headliners: Eddie Money, Loverboy, Night Ranger, Smashmouth) Saturday is a jam-packed day of fun, food, music and booze. More modern acts will headline the main stage, there will be a country stage, and a tejano stage. Previous acts include: Three Days Grace, Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd, Hinder, Lit, 10 Years, Buckcherry (bad year), and The Veer Union. If you're single, Oysterbake on Saturday is your time to shine. Otherwise, you'll have an awesome time with friends or family.
See Not mapped
River Walk
Paseo del Rio
The River Walk area, one level below the street level of San Antonio, is an excellent place to explore by day and party by night. The River Walk has guided barge tours by Rio San Antonio Cruises departing regularly. Numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels line the River Walk on both sides of the most popular and developed downtown loop, which winds its way below the streets bounded by Houston to the north, Alamo to the east, Villita to the south, and St. Mary's to the west. The east end of the River Walk is extended to the Convention Center and to the Rivercenter Mall. Further development of the River Walk is proceeding north and south of downtown. No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the River Walk. Along many sections of the River Walk, there is nothing between the edge of the sidewalk and the river. Be very careful with young children, baby strollers, wheelchairs, intoxicated persons, etc.
See
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
A short two blocks from the Alamo and from the River Walk.
Daily 10AM, closing time varies with season. See website for detailsAdults $19.99; children (ages 3-11) $14.99

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to San Antonio (CC BY-SA 4.0).