San Antonio is the top destination in Texas. From the River Walk to the Pearl District to the UNESCO Missions, it blends history and fun into an easy getaway. While in San Antonio, sampling its Tex-Mex cuisine is another must. It is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Then, it offers a selection of top museums for art and history. Here are the top things to do in San Antonio with kids or without.
Top 20 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio
The Alamo
The River Walk
San Antonio River Boat Cruise
Yanaguana Garden
Tower of the Americas
The HemisFair Plaza
La Villita Historic Arts Village
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Breckenridge Park
San Antonio Zoo
Miniature San Antonio Zoo Train
Japanese Tea Garden
Witte Museum
The DoSeum
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
McNay Art Museum
King William Historic District and Southtown
San Antonio Museum of Art
The Pearl
The Best 3-Day Itinerary for San Antonio
The Alamo
Long before the battle that made the Alamo famous in 1836, it was called the Mission San Antonio de Valero. In 1718, it offered protection and sustenance to people.
Secularized in 1793, the original residents continued to live and farm in this area. As the Texas Revolution escalated, the Alamo became the center of the conflict. On March 6, 1836, after a nearly two-week siege, the battle broke out between William B. Travis, commander of the Alamo, and General Santa Anna and the Mexican troops.
Though the Alamo’s defenders were lost in the battle, its history lives on, and now the Alamo reminds people of heroic struggles against overwhelming odds. In 2015, the Alamo and the four other San Antonio missions were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Ralston Family Collections Center is a new facility that opened in 2023 to house the Phil Collins Collection. The legendary singer and Texas Historian has been collecting artifacts for years. He donated his collection in 2014 to the General Land Office and the people of Texas. To enter the new collection, a separate ticket is required. Adults enter for $14 and kids (12 and younger) enter for $10.
The Alamo is located in downtown San Antonio at 300 Alamo Plaza. To enter the church (the Alamo), online reservations are required for a timed entry ticket. There is a guided 45-minute tour several times a day. Tickets are $35 for kids (12 and younger) and $45 for adults. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Alamo Church is free to enter, however reservations are recommended.
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The River Walk
Since 1946, the iconic River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, has delighted San Antonio visitors and locals alike. The most famous section is the river bend section that loops around the restaurants and hotels downtown.
Though it extends for 15 miles in total, The Museum Reach heads north to Breckenridge Park, while The Mission Reach connects the San Antonio Missions. Both sections can be walked, biked, or explored on a kayak.
The stone and iron bridges that cross the San Antonio River add to its ambiance. The River Walk is also a destination for public art.
The River Walk is free to stroll. Open daily 24 hours a day.
San Antonio River Boat Cruise
The fiesta-colored riverboats are an icon on the San Antonio River. A few years ago, the boats switched to electric and are now fully accessible. A River Boat Cruise is as much a part of the River Walk experience as sipping a margarita while listening to a mariachi band.
During our cruise, our boat captain and tour guide piloted us down the river while pointing out the history, infamous residents, and architecture that define the River Walk. Each tour takes about 35 minutes and is great for all ages.
Go Rio operates the Rio San Antonio Cruises. Open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. General admission is $15.50 and $9.50 for kids (1 to 5). Tickets are available online. Several ticket locations: 849 E. River Walk, 706 River Walk and 731 River Walk.
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Yanaguana Garden
This downtown playscape wows even the older kids. Yanaguana Garden, named after the Payaya Indians that inhabited this area, offers challenging climbing structures, a sandscape, a splash pad, public art areas, Ping-Pong tables, changing rooms and restrooms.
The Yanaguana Garden is located in HemisFair Plaza at 434 S. Alamo St. It is free to enter and open every day from 7 a.m. to midnight.
Tower of the Americas
Built for the HemisFair, a world’s fair in 1968, the iconic tower is as much a symbol of San Antonio as the River Walk. Rising 750 feet above the ground, riding the elevator is part of the fun, and my boys pressed their faces against the glass on the way up.
Located at 739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. (on Friday and Saturday). Adults admission is $19.50, $15 for kids (4 to 12) and kids 3 and under are free.
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The HemisFair Plaza
In 1968, San Antonio hosted the World’s Fair. This area features the Tower of the Americas, Yanaguana Garden and the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures,
The HemisFair Plaza is located at 434 S. Alamo St. Open from 7 a.m. to midnight every day. Free to enter.
La Villita Historic Arts Village
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic area protects the first neighborhood in San Antonio from the 1700s. It is a charming area with pedestrian walkways that house galleries, boutiques and several restaurants.
Located at 418 Villita St., between the River Walk and HemisFair Plaza, next to the Paseo Del Rio Hilton. Free to enter.
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Briscoe Western Art Museum
The Briscoe is more than western landscapes, and my boys loved the Briscoe. The life-sized stagecoach, windmill and the Alamo diorama were hits with them. I
The antique guns and military uniforms added to the adventure for them. I liked the western landscapes and the cowboy sculptures.
Located at 210 W Market St. along the River Walk, Open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $16, $14 for students and kids 12 and younger are free.
Breckenridge Park
As a 343-acre park north of downtown, it is a top thing to do in San Antonio for kids. The park houses the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, the Japanese Tea Gardens, and several other museums in the area.
Located at 3700 N. St. Mary’s. Free to enter and attractions are extra.
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San Antonio Zoo
Since 1914, the San Antonio Zoo has delighted kids and adults alike. With 750 species across 56 acres, it was one of the first cageless zoos in the U.S. It is home to endamaged species and actively breeds several.
The San Antonio Zoo offers an area for animals of the African savannah and plains. In addition, visitors will find a bird house, an aquarium, and a Big Cat Alley.
Located at 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It uses demand pricing, and adult admission starts at $27.73 kids (3 to 11) start at $21.91, and kids under 3 are free.
Miniature San Antonio Zoo Train
Winding through Breckenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo Train stops at the Witte Museum and the Japanese Tea Gardens. It departs from the San Antonio Zoo Depot.
Located at 3903 N St Mary’s St Building A. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday). General admission tickets are $6 a person (kids 3 and younger are free).
Japanese Tea Garden
Set in an old rock quarry dating back to 1899, this garden features paths and footbridges that meander through the tropical oasis. Kids love to walk along the paths and pass shallow ponds filled with Koi fish. The Japanese Tea Garden also features a waterfall.
Located at 3853 N. St. Mary’s, Open daily from dawn to dusk. Free to enter.
Witte Museum
With its expansive dino display, this is the ideal afternoon (indoor) activity with kids. Focusing on Texas dinosaurs, visitors learn about the area’s plant and meat eaters.
It also offers exhibits about Texas History along with the animals of Texas.
Located at 3801 Broadway. Adult admission is $17, students (13 to 18) are $16 and kids (4 to 12) are $11 with those under 3 entering for free. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
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The DoSeum
As San Antonio’s Museum for Kids, my boys loved the DoSeum, with exhibits like spy training and a crazy tree house. The DoSeum had my boys touching, doing and tinkering from one room to the next.
Located at 2800 Broadway Open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. General admission is $18 for everyone over 1-year-old. Babies are free.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
This 38-acre garden features indoor and outdoor exhibits. Although the kids might not read about the plants, it’s an interesting place to explore with them.
Located at 555 Funston Place. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March to October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to February. Adult admission starts at $18 and kids (3 to 13) start at $13.
McNay Art Museum
Named after Marion McNay, the benefactor and founder, the museum’s collections include 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. It features a sculpture garden on the grounds of McNay’s Spanish Colonial home.
Located at 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. is open from Tuesday through Sunday and has varying hours. Adult admission is $20, students (13 to 19) are $15, and kids (12 and younger) are free.
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King William Historic District and Southtown
The historic King William neighborhood features Victorian homes, hip restaurants and food trucks. It is home to art galleries and nightclubs, along with San Antonio’s vibrant restaurant scene. For a home tour, head to the Villa Finale at 401 King William Street.
Located south of Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. and bordered by S. St. Mary’s St. and the San Antonio River. Free to stroll.
The San Antonio Missions
The UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national historical park are dedicated to the four other compounds built by Spanish Franciscan friars in the 1700s. Each of the four missions is two to three miles from the other, close to the San Antonio River.
After visiting the Alamo, visitors can discover Mission Concepión, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. Mission San José features an NPS Visitor Center and guided tours.
Mission Reach Hike and Bike Trail is a great way to visit the San Antonio Missions. It’s a 16-mile round trip. This might be a little too far for a young family, though lots of adults and older kids enjoy the scenic ride along the tiver.
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is open every day, but hours vary from mission to mission. All are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The missions are closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1. All the missions are free to enter.
San Antonio Museum of Art
The San Antonio Museum of Art is located in the old Lone Star Brewery building and houses art from 5,000 years of human history. Its collections span the ancient world and contemporary art.
Located at 200 W. Jones Ave. on the Museum Reach of the River Walk. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (7 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday). Adult admission is $22, students (13 to 18) are $12 and free for kids 12 and younger.
The Pearl
North along Hotel Zone and the Alamo, cultural hounds head to The Pearl along the San Antonio River. The Pearl helped snag the city’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017 for its deep culinary offerings. From the standout Tex Mex classic La Gloria to the weekend farmers market to the Culinary Institute of America campus, eaters can get a whiff of what San Antonians savor at the Pearl.
Located at 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio.
Where to Stay in San Antonio
Take a look at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk hotel, steps from the River Walk, along with the Henry B. Gonzalez Conference Center. Find lots of dining and entertainment within a few minutes of the hotel property, along with the Alamo.
Enjoy well-appointed rooms with white bed linens. The bathroom with accented with marble and features Balmain toiletries. Each room over a large flat screen TV, beverage station, work space, mini fridge and in-room safe. With a year-round outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center, it’s easy to work out during your stay. Take a look at my latest video and be sure and subscribe.
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