We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like Six Flags Fiesta Texas to hidden gems like Kiddie Park at the San Antonio Zoo, there’s something in the 210 for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 24 kid-friendly activities around the Alamo City.
Great outdoors
Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St.
The site of the 1968 World Fair is now a redeveloped space that caters to San Antonians, including its youngest residents. Bring your kids to explore the Yanaguana Garden playground, the Toddler Play Area, the Sand Play Area, Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad (seasonal), and more.
The Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy
A great spot for the entire family, have the kids play in the water at Gustav’s Geysers as the adults sit back with their favorite ice-cold beverage. Explore its vibrant culinary scene at the Food Hall, shop its farmers market on the weekends, and attend free events.
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Rd.
Plan a field trip to this nature center focused on connecting people to the outdoors through conservation + community education on birds and their habitats. Check out the center’s student programs and tours that are available year-round.
The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way
Step into the city’s newest community space on the far northside featuring a splash pad, basketball + pickleball courts, a 40-ft digital screen, and a variety of free + paid events including family-friendly movie nights.
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place
This 38-acre garden in the heart of San Antonio offers kids classes + camps including a Children’s Vegetable Garden, Little Sprouts Hikes, Story Time in the Garden, and more.
San Antonio Public Parks, multiple locations
San Antonio Parks and Recreation manages 250+ city-owned parks including swimming pools, gyms, historic cemeteries, sports facilities, and recreation centers. This department offers free exercise classes, swimming lessons for kids + adults, and a host of family-friendly activities all year long.
Animal encounters
San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. Saint Mary’s St.
Our local zoo offers a variety of children’s educational programming including Kids Wild Night Out, Will Smith Zoo School, Scout Workshops, and Zoo Camp. While at the zoo, kids can experience the zoo train, the Kiddie Park, Kronkosky Tiny Tot Nature Spot, and more.
San Antonio Aquarium, 6320 Bandera Rd.
Since 2014, the city’s only aquarium gives kids the opportunity to learn about thousands of species and exhibits that feature tropical fish, sharks, reptiles, and more. Kids will remember Animal Encounters and Mermaids at the aquarium.
Foodie families
Backyard on Broadway, 2411 Broadway
Since 2018, this spot offers a large selection of beer, pizza, live music, TVs, and a kid’s play area. Pro tip: It’s kid-friendly until 9 p.m.
Chicken N Pickle, 5215 UTSA Blvd.
Keep the family active at this restaurant + athletic venue with its full menu (including a Lil’ Peeps 12 and under food menu), pickleball, cornhole, ping pong, battleship, bocce, and jenga. Pro tip: This is a cashless establishment.
Dog and Pony Grill, 1481 S. Main St., Boerne
Just outside of San Antonio, this spot has a live music stage, dance floor, full drink + food menu, fenced dog park, covered patio, playground for the kids, and a basketball court.
Friendly Spot, 943 S. Alamo St.
This friendly Southtown Ice House is a great outdoor venue to watch sports on the big screen, complete with a kids play area, full bar with beer + cocktails, and a food menu.
The Cove, 606 W. Cypress St. | Ever wanted to grab a bite to eat, listen to live music, bring the dog, and wash your car? This spot has it all, and yes we’re serious, you can wash your car. Try this: The vegan nachos are a divine.
Pigpen, 106 Pershing Ave.
After reopening at the end of 2022, this brunch spot located in Alamo Heights is the perfect place for you and the kids to hang out.
Texas Dog Co., 4302 Hyatt Place Dr.
Opened this past spring, the Northside dog park + beer garden is also kid friendly. As the adults play in their volleyball league, the kids can enjoy the play area. Don’t forget to grab tacos from El Mitote.
Educational activities
San Antonio Public Library, multiple locations
Our local library system offers a variety of programming (childhood literacy, education, culture, economic development, and more) including Services for Children, Early Childhood Services, and Teen Services. Check out the free events on the library’s calendar.
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle
Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, the performing art center’s Generation NEXT Education Initiative strives to connect education + the arts by promoting creative classrooms and culturally relevant learning experiences. Kids won’t want to miss the variety of family-friendly events such as Will’s Cinema on the Plaza featuring free outdoor movies.
YMCA of Greater San Antonio, multiple locations
This local chapter of the national community center offers a variety of public programming from kids including after school care, child watch and kids club, early learning child care, and education + leadership programs for teens.
Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway
Since 1926, this 10-acre campus has been inspiring people through relevant and experiences in nature, science and culture. Even though the museum primarily engages K-12 students, all are welcomed to experience its 320,000 artifacts and specimens. Folks can enjoy free museum admission every Tuesday from 3-6 p.m.
Thrill-seeking fun
LEGOLAND Discover Center, 849 E. Commerce St., Suite 910
Spend the day submerged in the land of LEGOs featuring millions of LEGO bricks, 12+ attractions and rides, and the Ultimate LEGO Experience. Day passes start at $19.99.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 17000 IH-10 West
This theme park featuring DC Comics and Looney Tunes characters located on the Northside of San Antonio offers family + kid-friendly roller coasters and water park. Kids will remember the KID FLASH™ Cosmic Coaster, Fiesta Texas Railroad, and Bugs’ White Water Rapids.
Sea World San Antonio, 10500 SeaWorld Dr.
At this theme park, animals meet roller coasters. Kids can enjoy their own rides — Rio Loco and Super Grover’s Box Car Derby — and learn about animals in the park through education talks and resources. Kids will remember your trip, especially if you add Aquatica to your tickets during the summer.
Sensory-friendly playgrounds
Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Dr.
Founded in 2010, this accessibility-focused theme park is developed by Gordan Hartman. Check out the 25+ accessible rides, play scapes, and interactive elements across the 25-acre area that will keep your family entertained all day long. Kids can’t miss Morgan’s Inspiration Island that features seasonal accessible splash pads.
We Rock the Specturm Kid’s Gym, 9902 Potranco Rd.
Started by a husband and wife duo, this indoor gym features specially designed sensory play equipment that allows kids of all abilities to have the chance to play on trampolines, crash pads + pillows, sensory-based toys, arts and crafts, and more.
After-hours attractions
Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.
This local theater has been providing the city’s children and their families with professional, accessible, literature-based shows and education since 1994. Can’t make it out? Check out the theater’s digital study guides.
Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave.
Located on the city’s Southside, families can enjoy the center’s free movie series, cultural events, and more.
Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, 1178 Kroesche Ln., New Braunfels
This drive-in movie experience is open daily at 7 p.m., features all the newest movies, and offers all the traditional movie treats — popcorn, candy, drinks, and more.
Scobee Education Center, 198 San Pedro Ave.
Bring the kids out to this planetarium on the San Antonio College campus on Friday nights for public presentations about about stars, planets, black holes and distant galaxies. Kids can’t miss the Santikos Micronaut Center that allows them a STEAM experience as they travel through a simulated mission to the International Space Station.
