Sebastian Hernandez-Soihit
San Antonio isn't just a playground for adults—it has plenty to offer for the young (and those who are still young at heart). Whether you're a tourist traveling with little ones or a local parent looking for new ways to spark your child's imagination, Alamo City has something to delight every kid... and even a few surprises for parents!
Kids hold a special place in San Antonio’s heart. And to prove it, here are a few fun facts:
With that out of the way, here are some great spots to entertain the kids!
I spy Hugman’s business cards: To leave his mark, The Father of the Riverwalk Robert Hugman cleverly placed “business cards” with his name near some of the best sights along the way. These little copper placards are scattered throughout the Riverwalk, a fun and engaging activity -especially for kids- to see how many they can find!
Find the tallest tree: As you stroll along the Riverwalk, keep an eye out for the tallest tree on the Riverwalk. It’s not just impressive in height and circumference, it’s also the oldest, standing as a living witness to San Antonio’s rich history. This tree has stories to tell- look closely, and you might also spot a mosaic nearby!
Give the bear a fist bump: Believe it or not, the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum has a big surprise in store for kids (and anyone young at heart!) For years, visitors of the Buckhorn weren’t allowed to touch the bear that greets everyone at the entrance. But recently, the Buckhorn decided it was time to let people get up close. Meet Walter, "The Big, Huggable, Instagrammable Bear!" Keep an eye out for him and make an unforgettable memory.
Lover’s Bridge: We have several of these in downtown San Antonio, usually newlywed couples will come to one of these bridges, place a lock with their names on it, make a wish, and of course, go for a little peck!
The Founders Statues: By the Lady Justice fountain near Main Plaza, you’ll find a statue that tells the story of the earliest European contact in the area. This opens up a great opportunity: This is a great spot to spark kids' curiosity about history. On top of that, it’s the perfect place to snap some memorable photos- so make sure to pose!
Stepping Stone Fountain: This beautiful fountain underwent a surprising metamorphosis- it used to be where runoff water from the Majestic Theatre was drained. As part of his vision for the Riverwalk, Robert Hugman transformed what was once a rather unsightly pipe into a beautiful fountain complete with stepping stones, blending practicality with artistry. Kids will have a blast hopping across the stones- but just make sure they don’t accidentally take a splash!
The Zoo: The San Antonio Zoo is bursting with adorable animal friends! Little ones are in for a treat with not just the unforgettable animal sightings, but kid-focused, interactive areas like the award-winning Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot (with a brand new playground on the exit!)
Add to that a whimsical jungle carousel, a scenic train ride, lively shows, and plenty of ice cream to keep the fun going, it’s a perfect day out for the whole family!
SA Aquarium: Have y0u ever imagined an Aquarium where touching the animals was permitted? Well, the San Antonio Aquarium provides just that! Indeed, this Aquarium is all about engaging the guests with all sorts of sea creatures. When you want to give them a break, The I-guana jump bounce house, arcade, mermaids will also provide entertainment alternatives and heighten your kids' experience and make it unforgettable!
Do-Seum & Witte: These two museums are highly interactive and made especially for younger audiences! Originally the children's museum, The Do-Seum is a non-profit that prides itself on providing kids with hands-on learning and a colorful environment. A few minutes away you can find the Witte Museum, for slightly older audiences, which opens up an opportunity for all ages to dive into history and see the clash between Texas' natural geography and mankind. Not as interactive as Do-Seum - but visually rich and captivating!
Yanaguana Garden: Very outdoorsy and very free. Yanaguana Garden is a visually stunning playground including giant animals waiting to be climbed, a lounge, ping-pong table. This Modern Park has been entertaining San Antonians of all ages since 2015 with unique climbing structures, swings, giant chess & ping pong, and stunning artwork. The best part? You are just a walk away from various ice cream shops!
Bexar County Heritage Center: Located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio in the Bexar County Courthouse and designed to engage audiences of all ages, this hidden gem offers unique and fun exhibits in subjects ranging from geography and Spanish history all the way to contemporary community projects. Not to mention the Bexar County Courthouse's beautiful Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, this is a plan sure to impress all audiences.
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum: Believe it or not, the oldest bar in San Antonio has been entertaining younger audiences since 1997! The inside of the museum features a bizarre art collection and cool artifacts left behind by the Texas Rangers during their travels...as well as a jaw-dropping replica of a Wild West town built in! Got your attention yet? check the Buckhorn website here
Rainforest Café: Located a few steps away from the Alamo, this restaurant is sure to capture kids' imagination through its fun jungle theme. Animatronic gorillas, crocodiles, and exotic birds. Everything is down to the memorable names of the meals; where else can you have Python pasta?! Check out their website for more.
The Cove: This place features not only live events, great food, and a great outdoor setting: But also an innovative outdoors park: "Playscape Area"! This spot is perfect for getting great food for a great price and being able to rest easy knowing your kids are having fun right where you can see them. It truly can't get much better than that!
Alamo living history: Located in the Cradle of Freedom itself, this exhibition illustrates with artifacts, costumes, and talented actors, this exhibition is both informative and captivating, offering insights in how was life in San Antonio during the 1930s at the time the Texas War of Independence was taking place. If you happen to go on a weekend, you might even see Texian Rebels showcasing their might with a musket-firing demonstration!
IMAX production: You can't go wrong with a trip to the theatre! But this is no ordinary theatre: located in Rivercenter, IMAX films feature remasters with much heavier equipment and larger screens, resulting in a breathtaking experience! These films often focus on stunning visuals and immersive experiences, like nature documentaries or epic action scenes, to make the most of the big-screen format. They're designed to make you feel like you're part of the action!
Magik Theatre Production: Making its debut in 1994 under the leader of New York-born threat lifelong theatre student enthusiast Richard Rosen, a group of six actors kicked off this theatre with a showing of "The Jungle Book". To this day this theatre offers not only theatre education but presents a unique opportunity for showcasing their talents
Want to explore more of San Antonio with your family? Join a walking tour with Free Tour Community and discover the city's history, culture, and hidden gems with expert local guides! Book your tour here.
