San Antonio, Texas, is the state’s oldest municipality, with a rich history and wide variety of tourist attractions to choose from. It was founded as a Spanish colonial outpost and mission in 1718 and was the first chartered civil settlement in the history of modern-day Texas. The city has both rich history and cool modernity galore, and is a great choice for a vacation with your family.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit with kids in San Antonio, you will not be disappointed. It has several fun places to take your kids: places of natural beauty, historical value, and childlike fun. You can take a pick among free and paid entertainment options, all the while taking a complete feel of the place.
Given below are some of the kids’ attractions in San Antonio, both paid and free. You can look at the options, plan your vacation thoroughly, and end up having the best time with your family.
Historical Places
First on our list are a few historical places to visit in the city, that will educate you about how the city has maintained its heritage and give your kids an interactive history lesson, alongside the massive fun.
The Alamo Mission 
The first thing to visit in San Antonio is the Alamo. Here, you can learn more about the pivotal battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution. It was established in 1718 and has served as the garrison for five separate armies since then.
Your kids will love to explore a piece of American history in this way by visiting the battlefield, the Alamo Church, Long Barrack Museum, and so on. Unless you want a guided and audio tour, it is absolutely free for all.
Timing
- Daily 9 AM to 5.30 PM
Pocket Pinch
- Entrance: Free
- Audio tour: $7
Japanese Tea Gardens 
Also known as the Sunken Gardens, this site is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. In the early 20th century, it was a rock quarry on a land donated to the city by George Washington Brackenridge, the then president of the San Antonio Water Works Company.
Now, it is a beautiful natural attraction that has walkways, stone arch bridges, a koi pond, floral displays, an island, a lily pond, and a Japanese pavilion, among other things. It also houses exotic plants and waterfalls.
Timing
- Open round the clock
Pocket Pinch
- Free admission
Museums
San Antonio boats of several museums, both historical and interactive. Here is one of each of give you an idea of the marvels to be expected here. Choose the kind of place you want to visit and go ahead.
The Witte Museum 
This historical museum is located on the banks of the San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park. It is the place to visit if you want to learn about the history, land, and water resources of South Texas. It shows you the evolution of this city, right from the Dinosaur Age to the present day.
Giant crocodiles, T-Rex, and other such exhibits will enthrall your kids and also educate them about the earth’s, and primarily the city’s, evolution. There is a treehouse and many little labs around this place to make it more interactive and fun.
Timing
- Sunday: 12 PM to 5 PM
- Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday – Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Pocket Pinch
- Tuesday: Museum Admission Free
- All other days: $9 – $12
The DoSeum
The DoSeum is a fun place to be for the entire family. It has six exhibit halls, two outdoor yards, and lots of fun activities for your kids. They can have the time of their lives in the futuristic arena, play in water, pretend to be a spy, explore Tiny Town, and lots of other things.
This interactive museum is good for your kids’ physical and mental vigor. There is something to do for the whole family, both indoors and outdoors. From babies to toddlers to middle schoolers, every kid will find an activity of choice.
Timing
- Sunday: 12 PM to 5 PM
- Monday – Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Pocket Pinch
- 1 year old and up: $14
Texas Air Museum
San Antonio gives you the choice of learning several things about history. In its Air Museum at Stinson Field, you can learn the history of aircrafts. It is located in a still functional control tower and is the second oldest airport in the country. Volunteers with knowledge of all the aircrafts will guide you through your visit.
Here, you can see vintage aircrafts, weapons, vehicles, uniforms, and many other relics of history. You get to learn about the “Flying Stinson Family” and find out why this city has been called the birthplace of military aviation in America.
Timing
- Tuesday – Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Pocket Pinch
- Adults: $4
- Senior & Military Citizens: $3
- Age 12-16: $2
- Age 11 and under: $1
- School Tours: $2 each
Scenic Attractions
A refreshing holiday is never complete without strolling through scenic attractions, all the while learning new things about the place and nature. Here are some of San Antonio’s scenic beauties and city’s attractions for you.
Natural Bridge Caverns
The fascinating Natural Bridge Caverns are underground chambers having brilliant formations. Here, you can have a spelunking adventure, soar on a zipline, and also visit mines. You can also take a guided tour along the walkways, which are lighted and paved for your safety.
Many tourist plans are available here, like the Discovery Tour, Lantern Tour, Hidden Passages Tour, Gem and Fossil mining, etc. You can also eat and do some shopping with your family here.
Timing
- 9 AM to 6 PM in general; varies depending on the day of visit.
Pocket Pinch
- Depends on activity.
Botanical Garden
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is the place to be during pleasant weather. It has now opened a new Family Adventure Garden, which promises loads of fun for you and your kids. It has a sand enclosure, water features, and also play areas, encompassing more than 38 acres of land.
There are many seasonal activities, events, camps, and lessons for kids. You can also attend unique culinary demonstrations, see flower shows, and also enjoy some music. The Botanical Garden gives free entry to children under 3 years of age.
Timing
- Daily 9 AM to 5 PM
Pocket Pinch
- Members: Free
- Adults: $12
- Children up to 13 years of age: $9
- Senior Citizens above 65 years of age: $10
River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is an unavoidable attraction that will give you an idea of the entire city and places to visit there. It is basically a park and walkway network along the San Antonio River, at a level below the city’s streets. You can visit restaurants, bars, the five historic missions, and many other places during the River Walk.
This walk connects many important places, such as the Arneson River Theatre, Marriage Island, the Tower Life Building, the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Pearl, and also the Alamo. The River Parade showcases flowery floats along the river during the annual springtime Fiesta San Antonio. Check out the website to plan your trip.
Timing
- Depends on your activity of choice
Pocket Pinch
- Depends on your activity of choice
Activity Areas, Amusement Parks, and Shows
After having your fill of nature and natural activities, if you feel like taking your children to activity areas and getting a bit of rest for yourself, San Antonio has plenty of options in that field as well. Check out these activity areas that your kids will love and also some entertaining shows that the whole family can enjoy.
Just Add Children
This indoor playground is a perfect place to take your kids in summer and let them enjoy to the fullest, sheltered from the heat. Their motto “Rain or shine, it’s party time.” perfectly sums up the spirit of the place. They specialize in birthday parties and play events for kids.
This place has several themed rooms with millions of toys to keep your kid occupied. The colorful décor of the place and kid-friendly activities will please you and your little ones.
Timing
- Monday to Friday all day
Pocket Pinch
- $5 per person
Kiddie Park
Kiddie Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the US and caters to kids of all ages. It is unlike the high-risk, adrenaline pumping amusement parks which may scare kids. Instead, you can take your little ones here and let me them enjoy the rides with full safety.
Older kids will also find things of interest, like carnival and arcade games and rides. Ride prices vary and you can also get an unlimited rides package. Parents are also allowed to ride some of the attractions. So, your kids can have fun with you as well as alone.
Timing
- Spring and Summer (from March):
Wednesday-Sunday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Other seasons:
Friday-Sunday: 10 AM to 7 PM
Pocket Pinch
- $2.50 per head
- $11.25 for 6 tickets
- $13 for unlimited ride band
- $60 for 50 ride tickets
- $80 for 100 ride tickets
Check here for price variations.
The Magicians Agency
This world class theatre has one of the best magic shows in the state and offers variety of entertainment for all people from 7 to 70 years of age. You can see award winning magic shows, illusion displays, and variety shows here. The magical atmosphere and intimate setting of the theatre is sure to wow anyone.
Your kids can also take a few magic lessons here to learn their favorite tricks and impress their friends and family. It has often been called the best entertainment arena in San Antonio. So, checking it out can never be a loss.
Timing
- Daily 1 PM to 3 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 6 PM to 8 PM
Pocket Pinch
- Between $25 to $50
Sea World
Sea World is much more than a regular water amusement park. It also houses aquatic animals and attempts to forge a connection between the intelligent animals and humans. They also donate a percentage from every ticket towards animal rescue and conservation.
In Sea World, you and your kids can go on rides, swim with dolphins, sea lions, and belugas. You can also meet penguins and have a wonderful time bonding with these creatures. There are also live entertainment shows for visitors here.
Timing
- 10 AM to 6 PM in general, with variations
Pocket Pinch
- Depends on the activity. Check
Unique Attractions
Apart from zoos, gardens, and amusement parks, San Antonio is also the home to some unique experiences that you can boast about to others after your vacation. Check out some of these magnificent places that you might want to visit with your family.
Amazing Mirror Maze
One of the newest tourist attractions in San Antonio, this mirror maze will be a unique experience for your entire family. Right from checking weird reflections in the “funny mirrors” to navigating an endless maze, you will find several great ways to spend time.
This 4D amusement area is a one-of-a-kind place that you cannot afford to miss. You can also navigate laser obstruction courses here, making you feel like a spy on a high level mission. It’s not just fun for kids; even adults can have the time of their lives here.
Timing
- $17.99 for an All Day Pass
Pocket Pinch
Summer Hours (Memorial Weekend until Labor Day)
- Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Off Season Hours
- Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland is not just a theme park. It is a non-profit theme park that is built to serve and entertain people of all ages and abilities, which makes it unique. The entire park is wheelchair accessible and was built by Gordon Hartman, previously a homebuilder in San Antonio. He built it for his daughter Morgan, who is physically and cognitively challenged.
This park has an endearing story that can teach your kids compassion and indiscrimination. It has parks, rides, and also a food and gift shop. Here, you can donate for your birthday and also become a volunteer.
Timing
- Varies, according to the calendar
Pocket Pinch
- Varies, according to admission plans.
Alamo City Ghost Tour
There’s nothing better than a good old scary ghost tour for a thrilling adventure. In this tour, you get to visit the sites considered the most haunted spots in San Antonio. You can pretend to be a ghost-catcher, with cool ghost detecting equipment at hand.
Although it is not advisable to bring toddlers here, school children and teenagers will have the time of their lives here. San Antonio’s history serves as a rich backdrop for spooky stories of the past. You can enjoy the expert story-telling and attempt to find spirits with your cool gadgets.
Timing
- Daily 8.30 PM
Pocket Pinch
- Adults: $18
- Children between 5 to 12 years of age: $13
- Military: $16
San Antonio offers places of interest for everyone, from kids to senior citizens. Drop by here for a perfect, well-rounded trip with your family and explore as many places as you like. Apart from the best kids attractions already mentioned, you can check out its zoos, water parks, and several other cool places.