27 FUN Things To Do With Kids In San Antonio! (For 2024)

By Sara Branstetter | May 8, 2023

From free splash pads to ticketed amusement parks, this guide is full of things to do with kids in San Antonio, Texas. This city is VAST, so read through but also use the map below to find all sorts of fun things to do with kids nearby.

Is San Antonio A Good City To Visit With Kids?

Yes, San Antonio is an AWESOME city to visit with your kids!

One of the best parts about San Antonio is that, in addition to the amazing restaurants and award-winning breweries and beautiful places to stay, there's a lot of rich history here.

In fact, more than any of the large cities in Texas (like Dallas, Houston, or Austin), San Antonio has a centuries-old history that can still be witnessed in downtown San Antonio by visiting The Alamo. It dates back to the early 1700s!

So in addition to going to a fun waterpark like Aquatica or getting tickets to an amusement park like Six Flags Fiesta Texas or Morgan's Wonderland, you can find some fun things to do with kids in San Antonio that are culturally enriching. Win-win.

By the way, the hot climate (see: a local's perspective on the San Antonio weather) in south Texas = lots of water rides, splash pads, pools, fountains, and marine parks.

So when you're visiting San Antonio with kids, be sure that you throw some swimsuits, lots of towels, and a change of clothes in the car. There's a good chance that your adventure will include pool time, or at least a splash pad!

But in addition to summer ideas, we’ll include a bunch of indoor activities for kids in San Antonio, in case you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in SA in the winter.

Because YES, it does actually get kind of cold here in the winter months, and those indoor options like SEA LIFE San Antonio and Legoland really come in handy when you're not up for an outdoor amusement park or a trip to a garden or park.

Free Things To Do In San Antonio With Kids

We get that sometimes it's not possible to dine out at expensive kid-friendly restaurants, or get tickets for the entire family to go to Six Flags.

That's why this guide is full of FREE things to do in San Antonio with kids. Not everything on this list is free, but many things are.

Under every paragraph you'll see the cost of the activity. If it's a totally free activity, we'll let you know!

Enjoy exploring San Antonio with your little ones!

Oh, and don't forget to enjoy some "me" time in this fun city, too! If you have a chance to go out on a date night, here are some of the best restaurants in San Antonio. And if you're looking for a fun wine bar to meet up with some friends, here are some of our favorite wine bars in San Antonio.

27 Things To Do With Kids In San Antonio

1. The Splash Park and Playground at Hemisfair Park

The splash pad and playground at Hemisfair is an AWESOME thing to do in San Antonio with young children! Hemisfair Park is an iconic park in the middle of San Antonio that features the tall Tower of the Americas observation tower/restaurant. It's central to the city (in downtown), so it's pretty easy to access no matter where you're staying or where you live in the city. There's paid parking nearby, plenty of space for large crowds, and (best of all) this is a completely FREE thing to do with kids in San Antonio.

And while older kids will probably love it, the splash pad and playground are AWESOME for young children! If you have toddlers (1-3 years old) and it's a warm day in Texas, you can definitely kill a few hours of time here.

If you go to the southwest corner, you’ll find an epic splash park and playground.

There are chairs where the adults can lounge while the kiddos run around in the fountains and lots of natural shade.

And honestly, that's one of my favorite parts about this place: there is SO much shade. They did a great job designing this public space while being aware of the fact that it's a park in south Texas...aka it gets HOT. The sun beats down in the summer months, and that shade is really, really nice in July, August, and September.

Another great thing about Hemisfair? Once the kids are ready for a break, you can order some pizza from nearby Dough Pizzeria. It's on our list of the best pizza spots in San Antonio, but (shhh) it might actually be safe to say it's just be the very best one.

Cost: free

WEBSITE | 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

2. The San Antonio Zoo

More than a MILLION visitors love this one every year! The San Antonio Zoo is so much fun for the whole fam. This zoo is one of the oldest ones in the US. It was founded in 1914, and it sprawls across 35 acres with more than 3,500 animals. (Here are 10 tips for the SA Zoo to help supercharge your visit!)

In addition to normal zoo stuff, like wandering around and seeing the animals, kids can participate in some interactive events!

Try out giraffe feeding, where you can gaze eye-to-eye with the world's tallest land mammal while you feed it lettuce. It happens nearly every day at the zoo, and children over the age of two are given two pieces of lettuce so they can actually feed these beautiful animals in a shaded, supervised environment.

Or you can book a behind-the-scenes tours with hippos at the San Antonio Zoo. It's a very cool, unique experience because you get to actually feed the hippos...something that's not very common at zoos! Be sure to book this one early, because it is restricted to a certain number of guest.

The SA Zoo has a ton of other experiences too, like an after hours VIP tour, a Flamingo Mingle, a Lory Landing (yes, the bright birds might actually land on your head!), and a lot of other exciting things that kids of all ages love.

Insider tip from a local: As the zoo is located in Brackenridge Park, you can pair it with a visit to the Kiddie Park for some classic carnival rides or get tickets to ride the San Antonio Zoo Train that makes stops at the Japanese Tea Garden and the Witte Museum.

Also worth noting: once a month, the San Antonio Zoo offers $8 tickets for San Antonio locals. See the full list of Locals Day offerings here.

Cost: Free for children under 2 and under, $17.16 for ages 3-11, and $21.73 for ages 12+.

WEBSITE | 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

3. SEA LIFE San Antonio

Not to be confused with Sea World… SEA LIFE San Antonio is a fairly new experience that’s located near the River Walk.

It’s an indoor aquarium where kids can walk through the check out sea creatures and underwater life.

There’s a fun interactive rock pool (great for little ones), a sea tunnel where you can see fish swimming over your head, and a bay full of 5 different types of stingrays.

Be sure to check out the newest addition to the SEA LIFE San Antonio family - a bright orange octopus that was relocated to the aquarium in September 2022.

Cost: Free for children 2 and under, $24.99 for ages 3+

WEBSITE | 849 E Commerce St Suite 600, San Antonio, TX 78205

4. Brackenridge Park

21 Things To Do In San Antonio With Kids!

We can't write a guide to the best kid-friendly activities in San Antonio without mentioning Brackenridge! Not only is this beautiful 343-acre public park park centrally located in San Antonio (making it an incredibly convenient place to bring your kids), it's also a FREE option and packed with so many fun things to do.

While a visit to the park itself is fun (there are playgrounds and plenty of space to have a picnic lunch, kick a soccer ball, etc.), it's also connected to a lot of other fun options located at Brackenridge Park.

While you're here, you can visit the Japanese Tea Garden, the Witte Museum, or the San Antonio Zoo. These things are all located at Brackenridge, so you could easily fill an entire day at this beautiful outdoor space.

But if we're strictly talking about Brackenridge Park (and not the entire district where the park is located), here are a few things that you'll be able to enjoy: a playground, picnic areas, bird watching, walking trails, and (of course) the beautiful river that runs through the park.

It's a spacious, peaceful area that's perfect for a family picnic in San Antonio.

Cost: free

WEBSITE | 3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

5. SeaWorld

We can’t make a list of things to do with kids in San Antonio without mentioning SeaWorld! You probably already know everything about it, but we'll include a few quick facts.

There are three parks in the SeaWorld chain, but the San Antonio location is the largest one, covering over 250-acres. While here, you can enjoy roller coasters and rides, live entertainment, and marine exhibits like the beluga whale and dolphin shows.

There are other exhibits too, like the Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight, in-water interactions (yes, you can pet a dolphin at SeaWorld!), and VIP tours if you want to upgrade and get the whole experience.

SeaWorld also has multiple restaurants, cafés, snack bars, and coffee shops at the amusement park. If you choose to spend a full day here, no need to pack a lunch!

Cost: Free for 2 and under, $39.99 - 64.99 for ages 3+ depending on the day of the week.

WEBSITE | 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251

6. Aquatica

Next to SeaWorld you'll find Aquatica, an awesome family-friendly water park. It’s different from SeaWorld because Aquatica is an ocean-themed water park, while SeaWorld is more of an amusement park with marine shows and exhibits.

Head to Aquatica for wave pools, lazy rivers, splash parks, and tons of water slides and tube rides.

Cost: Free for 2 and under, $35.99 - $51.99 for ages 3+ depending on the day of the week.

Photo: Michelle H. Yelp

WEBSITE | 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251

7. Splash Pad at the Pearl District

The historic Pearl District is an awesome place for all ages, but kids will love the free splash pad located in the middle of the outdoor area!

The Pearl District features dozens of independently-owned restaurants, bars, retail stores, and coffee shops. It’s home to the beautiful Hotel Emma, some of the best restaurants in the city, and an indoor food hall.

But if you’re looking for things to do in San Antonio with kids, be sure to bring a change of clothes and a few towels and let them run around in the fountains.

This splash pad is located next to the food hall, so you can grab some food and a beverage and enjoy a meal while the little ones splash around.

Cost: free

WEBSITE | 312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215

8. DoSeum

The DoSeum is an epic 2-story kids' museum that was recently named the best children's museum in the nation by USA Today for 2022.

The museum houses all sorts of hands-on and interactive play experiences including the spy academy, an innovation station, an outdoor play area, and more. Exhibits give kids a chance to play while teaching skills and encouraging imagination and innovation (hello, parents love that!).

While you're here, be sure not to miss Little Town - where little ones can hit up a child-scaled HEB grocery store or stop at a kid-sized Whataburger for a pretend snack. There’s also an awesome Sensations Studios exhibit with lights and sound, bouncing lasers, and mirrors. Kids will play and imagine till they are positively worn out!

The DoSeum offers a number of camps, field trips, and various classes to encourage young minds to pursue the joy of learning.

Cost: Free for children under 1, $14 for ages 1+

WEBSITE | 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

9. Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Listen….this can’t be a list of “best kid-friendly things to do in San Antonio” without mentioning the BIG one: Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Six Flags amusement park is home to seven themed areas: Thrill Seeker Park, DC Universe (home to the 51-meter Superman ride), Los Festivales (one of the original sections from 1992), Crackaxle Canyon (where you’ll find the tallest coaster in the park), Spassburg, Rockville, and Fiesta Bay Boardwalk. They’re all included with the admission price.

If you have some thrill-seekers in your group, you've GOT to plan a day at this epic amusement park. Six Flags Fiesta Texas continually ranks as one of the top amusement parks in the country, and a visit to San Antonio isn't complete without spending a day at Six Flags.

Psst: the food at Six Flags isn't all that great, but here are some fantastic local restaurants near Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

{Photo: Yelp, Stan C}

Cost: one day tickets start at $39.99

WEBSITE | 17000 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257

10. Hurrican Harbor San Antonio

Last April 2023, the water park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which was formerly known as White Water Bay, rebranded as HURRICANE HARBOR! (Which makes sense, because there are multiple other Six Flags water parks in Texas called Hurricane Harbor. Now they all match.)

Check the website for open days. It's not open every single day in the summer, so if you have a strict schedule, you might want to look into Aquatica (the other amazing waterpark in San Antonio) instead.

Cost: admission is included with your Six Flags membership or platinum pass. If you buy a Six Flags single day pass, you'll need to pay an extra fee to go to Hurricane Harbor - as low as $7.

WEBSITE | 17000 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257

11. Eat Some Pizza In San Antonio!

Kids love pizza. This is (nearly) a universal fact. If you're planning a fun day out in SA with your little ones and you want a delicious lunch stop, you need to check out our guide to the best pizza spots in San Antonio.

There are a ton of great options, including Dough Pizzeria, located at Hemisfair park (near a splash pad and playground!), Julian's, a classic Italian spot, and Back Unturned, in case you want to stop by a brewery and get a beer with your pizza.

But, per usual, we included a map so you can find a pizza spot near you. So check out the guide, find a pizza restaurant in San Antonio that looks convenient and interesting, and prepare to win parent-of-the-year award with your kids.

12. Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park

These beautiful sunken gardens in Brackenridge Park are an amazing place to bring your kids! You probably won’t make a full day of it, but you could definitely kill 30-45 minutes letting them climb the steps, watch the koi, and marvel at the waterfall. Here are 5 interesting facts about the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.

The history of this space is really interesting and definitely worth mentioning to your kids: the space is sunken because it’s an abandoned limestone rock quarry. In 1917, prison labor was used to shape it into the archways, bridges, and islands that you see today.

And in 1919, a local Japanese-American artist lived in the park and raised 8 children. (Yep..crazy!)

After the artist died in 1941, the family was evicted and the name was changed to “Chinese Tea Garden” to prevent vandalism during the rise of anti-Japanese sentiment during WWII.

The official name was changed back to “Japanese Tea Garden" in the 1980s, but you’ll still see “Chinese Tea Garden” on the sign when you walk in.

It’s a breathtaking and historically significant space. Admission is free for everyone, 365 days a year.

Cost: free

WEBSITE | 3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

13. Kiddie Park

Located in Brackenridge Park right near the San Antonio Zoo, the historic Kiddie Park in San Antonio is a total throwback.

It’s America’s oldest children's amusement park, dating back to 1925. But don’t worry…rides have been updated to keep things safe! There’s an old-fashioned carousel, a Ferris wheel, and carnival games like a milk bottle toss.

The Kiddie Park relocated to Brackenridge Park in 2019, but still maintains the old school charm and delight of its original location.

Highly recommend the Kiddie Park as a great place for grandparents to bring their grandchildren to as they can relive some of their own childhood memories of carnival rides and fairs while enjoying time with the grandkids.

Cost: $14 for unlimited rides, or $3 per ride

Photo: Azucena M. Yelp

WEBSITE | 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

14. Eat At A Kid-Friendly San Antonio Restaurant!

The Magic Time Machine: The Weirdest Restaurant in San Antonio

Whether you're visiting SA or you're a local who's looking for some fun things to do with your kiddos, visiting a fantastic local restaurant is fun for both kids and adults!

We have a great guide to some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in San Antonio (that also have GREAT food.)

Here are a few other fun options for kids in San Antonio:

San Antonio's WEIRDEST restaurant

The Best Burgers in San Antonio

13 Best Pizza Spots in San Antonio

By the way, we know BBQ in San Antonio. And while there a LOT of great barbecue restaurants in San Antonio that are worth visiting, Pinkerton's is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in San Antonio.

Sure, you're going to get brisket that practically melts in your mouth, their famous glazed pork ribs, and the best jalapeño cheesy rice you've ever tried...but what makes this spot SO kid-friendly is the location.

A plate of BBQ at Pinkerton's in San Antonio

Pinkerton's BBQ in San Antonio is a downtown restaurant, but it's located next to Legacy Park.

So the restaurant basically has a "front yard" that includes grassy hills, picnic tables, and TONS of space for little ones to run around before/during/after lunch.

Psst: 12 BEST BBQ SPOTS IN SAN ANTONIO

WEBSITE | 107 W Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

15. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

It’s a little bit north of San Antonio, but the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a really cool place to bring your kids!

Named one of the 10 best safari parks in the nation by USA Today, the Wildlife Ranch is a great way to burn a few hours in a really unique way.

It's an “African safari, Texas-style,” meaning you stay in your car and drive through the 400-acre property while you view more than 500 animals.

So you don't have to worry about chasing around your kids as they will stay safely strapped in while being thoroughly entertained.

There's also a covered pavilion available and you can pack your own picnic lunch and bring it into the park.

Cost: Free for 2 and under, $19.99 ages 3-11, $28.99 ages 12+

Photo: Heather P. Yelp

WEBSITE | 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

16. San Antonio Public Library

No matter where you are in the country, visiting a public library central branch is typically a good idea. Large cities pour millions of dollars into their library’s architecture, programming, and staff, and San Antonio’s public library is no exception.

SAPL is a center for learning, knowledge, culture, and enjoyment for the city of San Antonio. The 240,000 sq ft Central Library has a Chihuly blown glass sculpture, a children's floor, and a used book store in the basement called the “Book Cellar.”

Note: this library is currently getting a multi-million dollar renovation (including a brand new children's area!), so parts of it are closed.

Cost: free

Photo: Warren C. Yelp

WEBSITE | San Antonio, TX 78251

17. Pearsall Park in San Antonio

I'm not kidding when I say this San Antonio park is EPIC. It's on the southwest side of the city, and even if you have to drive a bit to get there, it's worth the trip. It's one of the best FREE things to do with kids in San Antonio and you can make a morning out of this adventure!

This 505-acre park has pretty much everything you could want for a fun day out with kids in San Antonio!

The largest playground in the city with a few EPIC slides. Seriously, they're so tall!

A splash pad that's split into two separate little parks so it doesn't get too crowded

Two basketball courts

Fitness equipment in case you want to squeeze in a workout while your kids are playing at the park

20 picnic tables. Be sure to pack a lunch!

Two dog parks. One for small dogs and one for large dogs.

A 5k walking trail

The largest skate park in the city

It's hard to find a better park in San Antonio than Pearsall! However, if you're looking for a fun playground near you, here's a guide to some of the best playgrounds in San Antonio with a map so you can find one quickly.

Cost: free

WEBSITE | 4838 Old Pearsall Rd, San Antonio, TX 78242

18. San Antonio Botanical Garden

It’s a 38-acre urban oasis in the city. There’s a Family Adventure Garden with an awesome splash area and tons of unique spaces that encourage unstructured play.

On Tuesdays, the garden offers a 30-minute Little Sprouts Hike with a different lesson each week. And there’s even a children’s vegetable garden for ages 7-16.

While you could definitely enjoy this as a fun adults-only activity in San Antonio, a visit to the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a great option for kids, too.

The Botanical Garden offers lots of beautiful free space for kids to just run around and be kids.

Cost: Free for 2 and under, $13 for ages 3-13, $16 for ages 14+.

Photos: Annette Kennedy Art

WEBSITE | 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209

19. Morgan’s Wonderland

This is the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park and a must-visit if you’re in San Antonio with kids. Individuals of any age or ability are welcome to explore, climb, play, and learn in their 25-acre park. There are more than 25 accessible rides, playscapes, and interactions. In addition to the theme park, there’s an adjacent ultra-accessible water park called Inspiration Island.

Created by a dad who wanted a place where children with or without disabilities could all play together, Morgan’s Wonderland is a true gem that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Cost: free for guests with special needs and children 2&under, $13 for children ages 3-17, $19 for adults. They also offer dual park admission if you’d like to visit both the amusement park and the splash park.

WEBSITE | 5223 David Edwards Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233

20. The Witte Museum

The Witte Museum was established in 1926 and it’s still one of the coolest things to do with kids in San Antonio!

It’s an interactive museum focused on Texas nature, science, and culture, so you get a little bit of everything (which is great for families with diverse interests.)

15 Fun San Antonio Museums With Free Admission

Visit the permanent exhibitions (the HEB Body Adventure, a multi-level adventure spread across four floors, is a must-try!) as well as rotating ones.

In recent years, they’ve included outdoor survival skills (with an indoor zipline!), fantasy creatures, and The Power of Poisons, a cool exhibit on poisonous plants, dart frogs, and toxic caterpillars.

Cost: free for 3&under, $10 for ages 4-11, $13 for seniors, $14 for ages 12+

WEBSITE | 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

21. Magik Theatre

One of the best things about this professional children’s theater is that the plays are all geared toward families and kids (in content and duration!) so you don’t have to worry about your little ones getting bored with a 3-hour show.

The Magik Theatre holds family friendly performances year round at their main theater, including sensory-friendly performances for children with special needs. They also regularly send traveling troupes to schools and other special events around the city so kids who may not otherwise get to experience the theater can still be exposed to the performing arts by a professional and well regarded organization.

Located in Hemisfair Park, this is a great one to tag on to other fun things to do in the area, like the free splash pad, dinner at Dough, or a trip up the Tower of the Americas.

Cost: about $17-25 per ticket. They also offer occasional “Pay What You Wish” performances. See website for details.

WEBSITE | 420 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

22. The Twig Book Shop

This darling indie book store at The Pearl is a sweet place to visit for kids and adults of all ages.

Little ones will love the weekly story time, which happens every single Friday morning (and extra story times in the summer!)

By the way, they also have author appearances and book signings for the big kids and adults in your family. If you have a family full of readers, definitely stop at The Twig Book Shop.

Cost: free

WEBSITE | 306 Pearl Pkwy UNIT 106, San Antonio, TX 78215

23. Tower of the Americas

If you want your kiddos to get one of the best views of San Antonio, take them up to the top of the Tower of the Americas where you can view the city from the 750-foot tall observation platform.

Once you're back on the ground, you can go see a Texas-themed 4D movie and visit the gift shop with San Antonio souvenirs and a Build A Bear workshop.

Cost: free for children 3&under, $12 for children ages 4-12, $13 for seniors and military, $16.50 for adults.

WEBSITE | 739 Tower of the Americas Way, San Antonio, TX 78205

24. Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns are REALLY cool for school aged kids (the cave isn’t great for strollers, so if you’re visiting with really little ones you should plan on carrying them.)

Explore Texas’ largest show cave with guided tours illuminated by world-class lighting, or experience the many other activities like an outdoor maze, a rails and ropes course, and treasure mining.

Cost: prices fluctuate, but it’s about $18 for children and $30 for adults.

WEBSITE | 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

25. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

If you’re in San Antonio with kids and you have a Lego fan with you, plan a trip to this ultimate indoor Lego playground. Attractions include a 4D lego cinema, two rides, and a large Lego play zone where kids can both build and climb. The highlight of the Legoland Discovery Center is Miniland San Antonio, a replica of the city of San Antonio made entirely out of Legos!

Note: you can get a combo ticket and pair this with entrance to SEA LIFE San Antonio which is right next door.

Cost: Free for children 2 and under, $27 for ages 3+

WEBSITE | 849 E Commerce St Suite 910, San Antonio, TX 78205

26. Visit The Alamo (Or The Other 4 Missions)

The Alamo is one of the top tourist destinations in San Antonio. If your kids haven't visited it yet on a school field trip (which, if they go to a Texas school, they've most likely already been to the Alamo!), it's an important historical landmark and worth visiting.

But did you know there are actually FIVE MISSIONS in San Antonio? They're all worth visiting (you can actually bike to all five of them in one day!) but you might only want to visit one or two if you'r min San Antonio with kids, depending on how long their attention span is.

Which San Antonio mission is best to visit with kids? The answer might surprise you...

Cost: Free

300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

27. Walk The Riverwalk

Yeah, it's super touristy...but it's actually kind of fun (try to go on a weekday morning when it's not too crowded!) and kids love the Riverwalk in San Antonio. You can walk around, enjoy the water, and maybe even eat some Tex Mex on the Riverwalk.

The main Riverwalk portion is downtown near The Alamo. But the actual Riverwalk is 15 miles long! Here are 27 fun things to do on The Riverwalk.

Don't want to deal with the crowds, overpriced margaritas, and mariachi bands? Here are 5 beautiful (and quiet!) parts of the San Antonio Riverwalk that you could visit instead.

Cost: Free

441 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

There are clearly some fantastic things to do with kids in San Antonio. If you're looking for more fun ideas, we have an entire section of the website devoted to kid-friendly San Antonio.