San Antonio is fantastic for so many reasons. It’s where centuries-old missions meet modern attractions, where mariachi music drifts past open-air cafés, and where friendly locals welcome the whole family.
This city wears its heritage with pride, but never stops evolving. Even better? It’s genuinely excited to welcome kids. Alamo City prides itself on its kid-friendliness (kid-enthusiasm, really), offering an array of activities that don’t require you to set foot in a ball pit.
From historic missions to modern playgrounds, San Antonio was built for curious kids. (Photo Credit: Rendy Novantino)
Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or hanging with tweens, here’s how to make the most of three days in San Antonio — with plenty of fun built in for the grown-ups, too.
Day One: History, But Make It Really Fun
Morning: Ease into your trip with a little cultural credibility. The best way to begin any family trip, after all, is to gain a sense of place. Learning the history of your destination is a big part of that, because history shapes culture — from the city’s layout to the food, the music scene to the local colloquialisms.
San Antonio’s The Alamo is a must, and it’s surprisingly palatable for short attention spans. Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Lavero, the Mission has existed under six flags of independent nations and served as a garrison for five different armies. It’s best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Take a guided battlefield tour or rent a self-guided audio tour, walk through the historic Alamo Church and Long Barrack Museum, and even participate in living history demonstrations.
History comes alive for kids at The Alamo. (Photo Credit: Eric Francis)
Mission San Antonio de Lavero is a must-see when visiting southern Texas. (Photo Credit: Joshua Cotten)
Afternoon: Walk (or glide on a rented scooter, if your crew is old enough) over to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches nine miles and contains four important 18th-century missions. You’ll learn about people native to this arid region, the early Spanish colonists, and the history of religion and trade in the area.
Or, if you’ve had your fill of history lessons, renting a bicycle to wind your way between the missions, popping inside the courtyards, and admiring the unique flora is a lovely way to spend a South Texas day. The wide open spaces are perfect for roaming kids and elevated-picnic-style lunches from lunch haunts like Southerleigh Fine Food.
Evenings on the River Walk mean dinner, twinkling lights, and a riverboat ride your kids will never forget. (Photo Credit: @westonm)
Evening: Head to the historic Pearl District for dinner — parents can sip their favorite wind-down beverage while kids splash around in the splash pad. It’s a win-win. Don’t forget ice cream at Lick Honest Ice Creams before bed. The goat cheese and thyme flavor might sound questionable, but it’s incredible.
Day Two: Water, Wildlife, and Wonder
Morning: Enjoy a few animal encounters and don’t miss the Africa Live! Exhibit at the San Antonio Zoo. It’s large enough to keep kids young and older wide-eyed for hours, but compact enough that you can finish the loop easily in a morning, without having to make it an all-day affair.
The Butterfly Rainforest is full of butterfly species from around the world, and little ones love it. Younger kids also love hopping on the zoo’s tiny train.
The San Antonio Zoo is full of surprises for every kid. (Photo Credit: Axel Blanchard)
Afternoon: In the summer months, cool off at the DoSeum, San Antonio’s children’s museum, which is a shining example of educational fun. There are water features, a spy academy, a “Force Course” that examines force and motion with balls and air tubes, and a kid-size city that they can explore and interact with. It’s the kind of museum that has adult nights monthly — proof that it’s great for all ages.
The zoo is where animal-loving kids (and grown-ups) can roam free. (Photo Credit: Nukri Bolkvadze)
Evening: If your kids are still vertical after all that adventure, the iconic San Antonio River Walk is a lovely place to end the day. Opt for a casual, riverside dinner, then spring for a boat ride at twilight. Narrated cruises are available until 10pm, and ticket booths are available at the Aztec Theater and other locations along the walk.
Day Three: Wild Cards & Sweet Endings
Morning: Spend your last morning in Alamo City choosing your own exhilarating adventure. The Natural Bridge Caverns offer a guided Discovery Tour 180 feet underground, winding your way through hidden passages in underground chambers. When you find yourself above ground again, kids can navigate the Twisted Trails rope course, mine for faux fossils, and find their way out of the Ranch Roundup maze.
If theme park thrills are more your (fast) speed, Six Flags Fiesta Texas draws travelers in from all over the region with Looney Tunes-themed rides for littles to legit coasters like Superman Krypton Coaster for the brave.
Explore the hidden wonders of the underground caverns in San Antonio. (Photo Credit: Leon Andov)
Afternoon: Trade in the adrenaline for a hearty lunch near the River Walk at The County Line or Casa Rio, the oldest restaurant on the Riverwalk. Then, weather permitting, head up to spend the afternoon enjoying a dip in the rooftop pool at your hotel — Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk which overlooks the city skyline.
If the weather’s not great, browse Latin-American-owned shops near Historic Market Square, lined with colorful papel picado. Alternatively, if you loved The Pearl, catch a ride back to that district to explore in a few locally-owned, kid-friendly shops like The Twig Book Shop.
Wind down with a peaceful family stroll through the lush Japanese Tea Garden. (Photo Credit: Don Ricardo)
Evening: Wind things down with a family stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and the perfect final photo op to commemorate the trip.
Bonus Tips for San Antonio with Kids
Here’s how to make your stay in San Antonio that much better:
- Stay somewhere with a pool between March and November.
- Make dinner reservations when possible, especially at local favorites like Brenner’s on the River Walk, Dean’s Steak & Seafood, Tenfold Rooftop, Southerleigh Fine Food, and Little Em’s Oyster Bar.
- Consider hop-on, hop-off transportation like The Little Runner for a fun way to get around the city.
- In the summer months, high temps hover in the mid-90s. Plan to spend mornings and late evenings at outdoor attractions. Reserve summer afternoons for indoor activities or dips in the hotel pool.
San Antonio hits that rare sweet spot — packed with substance, layered with flavor, and playful enough to keep the kids grinning.
Cool off and enjoy city views from the rooftop pool at Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk.
Because Texas sunshine is meant to be enjoyed outdoors.
Make Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk your home base in southern Texas.
If you do it right, you’ll leave San Antonio sun-kissed, full-hearted, and maybe even a little more rested than when you arrived. (Hey, dreams do come true).
Where to stay: Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk
