We’re not kiddin’ around when it comes to having fun in town. From major attractions like Six Flags Fiesta Texas to hidden gems like Kiddie Park at the San Antonio Zoo, there’s something in the Alamo City for children of all ages.
You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 30 kid-friendly activities around the 210.
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 and sand play areas, and the Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad (seasonal).
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 at the farmers market on 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 and 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 this community space in the Northwest Side featuring a splash pad, basketball and pickleball courts, a 40-ft digital screen for family movie nights, as well as a variety of free and paid events.
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl.
The 38-acre garden in the heart of San Antonio offers kids classes and camps, including a Children’s Vegetable Garden, Little Sprouts Hikes, and Story Time in the Garden.
San Antonio Public Parks, multiple locations
San Antonio Parks and Recreation manages 250+ city-owned parks that include swimming pools, gyms, historic cemeteries, sports facilities, and recreation centers. This department offers free exercise classes, swimming lessons for kids and adults, and a host of family-friendly activities year-round.
Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd.
This nature tour offers fun above and below ground via five unique tours of its two caverns, as well as 60-ft air rope courses, mazes, and dining + retail options.
Animal encounters
San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. Saint Mary’s St.
Children’s educational programming at our local zoo includes Kids Wild Night Out, Will Smith Zoo School, Scout Workshops, and Zoo Camp. While at the facility, 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 has given kids the opportunity to learn about thousands of species and exhibits that feature tropical fish, sharks, reptiles, and beyond. Kids will remember Animal Encounters and Mermaids at the Aquarium.
Foodie families
Backyard on Broadway, 2411 Broadway
Since 2018, this spot has offered a large selection of beer, pizza, live music, TVs, and a kids’ 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 and athletic venue with a Lil’ Peeps 12-and-under food menu, pickleball, corn hole, ping pong, Battleship, bocce, and Jenga. Pro tip: This is a cashless establishment.
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 and cocktails, as well as 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 we’re serious, you can wash your car. The vegan nachos are an SATXtoday favorite.
Pigpen, 106 Pershing Ave.
This Alamo Heights brunch spot reopened at the end of 2022 and is the perfect place for you and the kids to hang out. Just check out the outdoor space.
Texas Dog Co., 4302 Hyatt Place Dr.
You read that right. Even the furry friends can join in on this family outing. As the adults compete in their volleyball league at the Northside dog park and beer garden, the kids can enjoy the play area. Don’t forget to grab tacos from El Mitote.
Bookmark the special exhibitions tab for the Witte Museum to keep track of upcoming interactive experiences. | Photo via Scitech
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) across 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 Cir.
Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, the performing arts center’s Generation NEXT Education Initiative strives to connect education and the arts by promoting creative classrooms and culturally relevant learning experiences. Kids won’t want to miss the variety of family-friendly performances.
YMCA of Greater San Antonio, multiple locations
This local chapter of the national community center offers a variety of public programming for kids, including after-school care, child watch + kids club, early learning child care, and educational leadership programs for teens.
Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway
Since 1926, this 10-acre campus has been inspiring people through relevant experiences in nature, science, and culture. Even though the museum primarily engages K-12 students, all are welcome to take in its 300,000+ artifacts and specimens. Folks can enjoy free museum admission every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m.
The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway
Play and science come together to create memorable experiences that are fun for the whole family. Plan your trip for the first Monday of every month — Free Family Nights ticket registration is available on this page on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thrill-seeking fun
LEGOLAND Discover Center, 849 E. Commerce St., Ste. 910
Spend the day submerged in the land of LEGOs. Day passes to see millions of LEGO bricks, 12+ attractions and rides, and the Ultimate LEGO Experience start at $22.
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-friendly roller coasters and a water park. Kids will remember the Fiesta Texas Railroad and Bugs’ White Water Rapids.
SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 SeaWorld Dr.
At this theme park, animals and roller coasters combine. Kids can enjoy their own rides — Rio Loco and Dolphin Dive — and learn about animals in the park through educational talks. Plus, 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 was developed by Gordon Hartman. Check out the 25+ accessible rides, playscapes, 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, which features seasonal splash pads.
We Rock the Spectrum 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 jump on trampolines and crash pads, as well as explore sensory-based toys and arts and crafts.
Mitchell’s Landing, 20202 Hardy Oak Blvd.
This playground at Classen-Steubing Ranch Park honors the life of three-year-old Mitchell Chang. It includes sensory-friendly experiences like a wheelchair access ramp, sky run zip track, sensory dome, 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 and 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 opens daily at 7 p.m. and features all the newest movies accompanied by traditional theater treats.
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 stars, planets, black holes, and distant galaxies. Kids can’t miss the Santikos Micronaut Center, where they’ll travel through a simulated mission to the International Space Station.
Be prepared
Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.
- Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device for keepings kids quiet, happy, and entertained during car rides around town.
- Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
- Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to your adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
- Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
- Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.
