In this article:
-The DoSeum
-Magik Theatre
-GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises
-Food Hall at Bottling Department
-JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
-Natural Bridge Caverns
-SeaWorld San Antonio
-San Antonio Zoo & Kiddie Park
As home to one of the oldest Spanish settlements in Texas, the historic city of San Antonio is also quite the welcoming destination for the very youngest of tourists. And it’s with an eye for families with little kids (babies, toddlers, preschoolers) that we sought out the most kid-friendly attractions and things to do there.
About four hours southeast of Dallas-Fort Worth, this city offers sightseeing above and below ground—and we don’t just mean the Alamo (which is undergoing continued restorations and always a must-see) but also live children’s theater, luxury accommodations, and restaurants with kid-friendly menus (and lots of tacos). Below we highlight what’s especially suited for kids’ big temperaments and bigger interests.
Spark Curiosity & Creativity at The DoSeum
Why go? For its unique blend of interactive learning and purposeful play
This whole place is basically a giant playground disguised as a museum, built for curious little humans to touch, climb, explore, and burn off that endless energy. There’s a pretend town (complete with pint-sized grocery store), a water play zone (bring a change of clothes, trust me), and spaces designed just for kids under 5. Plus, the AC is glorious.
Parents will also enjoy the stroller-friendly walkways throughout the museum, plenty of family restrooms, and diaper-changing stations right where you need them. There is also a private nursing area for moms with babies.
If you’re in town on a Monday, come for the DoSeum’s first Monday Free Family Nights offered each month (you get the free admission with registration), and be sure to visit the café inside the museum for healthy snack options like juices, granola bites, fruits and veggies.
Location: 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas
Cost: $18 for adult and children; free for kids under 1.
Contact: 210/212-4453
Website: thedoseum.org
RELATED: Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Museums in Dallas-Fort Worth
Watch Kid-Friendly Shows at Magik Theatre
Why go? Live literature-based performances that welcome young lively audiences
Located right in the heart of Hemisfair Park, Magik Theatre is an ideal spot for a full day of play. You can catch a morning or early afternoon performance, such as the production Dragons Love Tacos this summer, and then head right outside to the park’s amazing playground. It’s shaded, safe, and designed just for little explorers. Plus, there are plenty of picnic spots and nearby cafés where you can grab a snack or meal.
What’s really special is Magik Theatre’s sensory-friendly performances. If your child is on the autism spectrum or has sensory sensitivities, you’ll feel completely at ease. The lights and sounds are gently adjusted, and the whole experience is relaxed and judgment-free. Your child can talk, sing, wiggle, and dance without anyone batting an eye. Parking can be tricky, so parking in the Hemisfair Garage is recommended.
Location: 420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas
Cost: Tickets range from $23.50–$33.50 and booster seats are available; free for lapsit children under 2 years old but a ticket is needed if they will be using their own seat.
Contact: 210/227-2751
Website: magiktheatre.org
Set Sail with San Antonio River Cruises
Why go? Easy sightseeing through scenic boat rides through the city’s vibrant River Walk
Imagine floating along while you and your little explorers take in all the sights and sounds of the beautiful River Walk. The boats are electric—so they’re nice and quiet—and they’re decked out in cheerful colors inspired by Mexican folk art. Even the youngest passengers will be captivated by the gentle ride and all the ducks, fish, and maybe even Marina the Turtle, a brightly shelled mascot who loves to surprise kids with a quick wave or dance from the riverbank.
No reservations are needed for public cruises. Boats depart every 15 minutes, and tickets aren’t time-specific and can be purchased at any of the three River Walk ticket booths. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for the kids and leave outside food and drink back at your room. Strollers are allowed on the boat but must be folded and stored under your seat, or there’s space to park them near the ticket booths.
Plus, there’s a refreshment bar nearby with cold drinks—including kid-friendly options (and a frozen margarita for mom or dad). It’s worth it to schedule a visit during the holidays. The River Walk becomes magical with lighted cruise boats and Christmas music.
Location: Head to one of three ticket booths and boarding docks at:
Rivercenter: 809 E River Walk, San Antonio, Texas;
Historia: 706 River Walk, San Antonio;
Aztec: 731 River Walk, San Antonio
Cost: $15.50 for adult tickets; $9.50 for children ages 1–5; under 1 free.
Contact: 210/227-4746
Website: goriocruises.com
RELATED: Kid-Friendly Boat Tours and Rides Around Texas
Eat Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner at Food Hall at Bottling Department
Why go: For a delicious line-up of six restaurants with kid-friendly menus
The Food Hall at Bottling Department is a total win for both parents and tiny humans. At each of the individual restaurants inside the food hall, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly food options that even selective palates will appreciate: kids tacos from Chilaquil, gooey grilled cheese from Howdy Child, or crispy chicken baskets from Freight Fried Chicken. Plus, ordering is quick and casual with the QR-code-based tableside ordering.
Once those little bellies are full, they can galivant at Gustav’s Geysers, the Historic Pearl’s community splash pad that’s only steps away and always a hit with the toddler crowd. There’s also a soft turf area with plenty of shade and chairs too, so you can kick back while they run around.
Want to keep the adventure going? Walk over to The Park at Pearl for an easygoing stroll or more space to roam.
Location: 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, San Antonio, Texas
Cost: Food options at six different dining destination at Food Hall are all affordable at nearly all menu items ranging from $5–$30.
Contact: 210/564-9140
Website: bottlingdepartment.com
RELATED: Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth
Slash & Play at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Why go? Luxury accommodations and a splashy escape tailored for tots
As resort guests at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, you’ll get access to the River Bluff Water Experience, a nine-acre water park with a lazy river, tot-friendly slides (like the Pedernales Falls Tube Slide for kids 36” or taller), and year-round heated pools. This resort also features gentle spray zones, bubbling fountains, and shaded play areas designed for kids 5 and under that are all in safe, shallow water.
For extra fun kids activities, check with the front desk about the availability of Slime Factory, stargazing with an astronomer, building your own butterfly house or bird house, jumbo backyard games, and nightly s’mores around the fire pit.
If you want a little adult time, take a look at booking the Kids’ Night Out resort activity, offering games and dinner for 4 to 12-year-olds. It’ll run you $80 per kid, with a max of three kids, but it’s four hours includes games and dinner.
Speaking of food, while the resort’s food options are limited for picky eaters, there’s a fridge in your room, so you can easily store your kid’s favorite snacks during your stay and grab and go between outings. And when they’re exhausted after a long day of play, your kids will sleep more comfortably in these rooms thanks to the cribs and roll-away beds, available upon request.
Location: 23808 Resort Parkway, San Antonio, Texas, on the north side of the city, closer to Natural Bridge Caverns.
Cost: Guest rooms run between $400–$600 per night. Suites are available between $750–$1,000 per night. Booking directly through the Marriott site is a safe bet, though deals come up on Groupon sometimes too. It books out fast during holidays, so plan early.
Contact: 210/276-2500
Website: marriott.com
Explore Caves inside Natural Bridge Caverns
Why go? Cool caverns, kid-size ziplines, and gem hunting for aspiring geologists
It’s cool, literally and figuratively, 180 feet underground. You’ll feel the air change with each step downward inside Natural Bridge Caverns. It’s a spectacular sight when the tour guide flips on the spotlights to reveal the jaw-dropping rock formations millions of years old.
Beware that the walkways are slippery in areas, but kids who can walk on those 180 feet securely on their own are welcome to hike along the guided tours. They offer the “Discovery Tour” and “Hidden Wonders Tour” (exploring different caverns) several times a day.
Sorry, strollers must stay above ground at stroller parking, so you will need to hold your smallest kids, such as in a carrier, or hold them close during tight turns on the switchbacks. It’s a journey, for sure, but well worth it to see your kids’ eyes light up anew at each room in the caverns.
Wear comfy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. In the gift shop, look for the adorable light-up helmets that double as nightlights—just bring AAA batteries.
Once you’ve explored the depths, the fun continues topside. Little adventurers can pan for gems and fossils at the Mining Co., conquer the kid-sized Tykes Zip Rail and Ropes Course. This mini activity is built just over the ground and meant for kids under 4 feet.
Location: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, Texas
Cost: Depending on which tour you select, tickets range from $23.75 to $42.75 per person. Free for children under 3 years old. Also, keep an eye out for Groupon deals to save a few bucks. $10 parking.
Contact: 210/651-6101
Website: naturalbridgecaverns.com
Meet Marine Animals at SeaWorld San Antonio
Why go? For the animal interactions, toddler adventures, and taco breaks
As far as animal encounters are concerned, SeaWorld San Antonio does a great job of keeping things gentle and magical with its dolphin meet-and-greets and other up-close animal experiences. One of the biggest highlights is the toddlerly-friendly Rescue Jr., a colorful, new area packed with age-appropriate rides, splash zones, and soft play spaces where your kid can burn off some energy. From a convenience angle, the park is manageable for strollers, and there are family restrooms and changing areas throughout.
As for tickets, children 2 and under get in free, which is a huge bonus for the family budget, and there are flexible ticket options for older kids and adults, including single-day tickets and multi-park passes that include access to nearby Aquatica and Discovery Point. For a little extra, you can purchase Quick Queue passes that allow families to bypass lines and get reserved seating for many of the shows and presentations.
When tummies start to growl, SeaWorld San Antonio has themed dining options like Las Tortugas Taqueria, Great White Grill, or make reservations for an exclusive lunch at a reserved poolside table near the SeaWorld San Antonio orca family.
Location: 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, Texas
Cost: Single-day tickets (ages 3+) are $49.99. Single-day ticket plus all-day dining (ages 3+) is $79.99. Multi-park passes start at $89.99.
Contact: 210/520-4732
Website: seaworld.com/san-antonio
RELATED: A Guide to Zoos in Dallas-Fort Worth
Go Wild at the San Antonio Zoo
Why go? Sightings of lions and tigers and kangaroos…and vintage amusement rides and endless interactives
What makes the San Antonio Zoo so great for small children is that it really understands what little imaginations need: space to move, bright colors, engaging sounds, and the chance to really feel part of the experience. Animal encounters with exotics such as okapi (pictured above), and kangaroos and more, you can walk through their habitat and to gently feed and greet them up close.
The Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot is a must because it’s specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers, giving them a safe place to explore, splash, dig, and interact with nature at their own pace. You’ll find this spot next door to the glass butterfly house, which also houses darling sloths.
Your kid can stomp around in the water, climb on logs, or even pretend to be a zookeeper. Step back in time with your little ones at Kiddie Park, specially designed for kids under 5 with gentle, vintage rides like a charming carousel, mini Ferris wheel, and kiddie-sized roller coaster.
The zoo is stroller-friendly, so feel free to bring your own or rent a single- or double-stroller for a small fee. Lots of shady spots and picnic areas mean you won’t be stressing about finding places to rest or change a diaper.
The cherry on top is the train ride around Brackenridge Park. It’s a calm, exciting ride that toddlers absolutely love. Due to the messy nature of some of the activities, it would be smart to pack an extra change of clothes. Parking is free at the Zoo Parking Garage during business hours.
Location: 3903 North St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, Texas
Cost: $34.99 admission for adults; $29.99 for children ages 3–11; free for children under 3.
Contact: 210/734-7184
Website: sazoo.org
RELATED: Texas Family Getaway to San Antonio
