San Antonio Attractions
San Antonio Attractions
 | Alamo 300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX • 210-225-1391 There is no way you can visit San Antonio and not stop to visit the state's most-famous historic site. Here fell Davy Crockett and 188 other defenders of the Alamo after repeated attacks from Mexican armies in 1836. Originally established as the city's first mission in 1718, free tours are available. It must be noted: The Alamo is smaller than you think. And much more crowded. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Aquatica San Antonio, TX SeaWorld's water park features sandy beaches, a giant wave pool, a lazy river, a family raft ride, three-story splash area, toddler pool, water slides and a surf area. Changing rooms, showers, storage lockers and cabanas are available. This portion of SeaWorld is in addition to a SeaWorld single-day ticket. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Natural Bridge Caverns 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road San Antonio, TX • 210-651-6101 When driving along and seeing signs for attractions a little out of the way, I sometimes cringe and wonder if they are actually worth the drive off the beaten path. These caverns are definitely worth the extra drive. Go deep into the Earth for a subterranean tour through vast chambers, deep passages and thousands of beautiful formations that have been slowly building (an inch a year!) for centuries. Guided Discovery Tours lasting 75 minutes give you insight into the formations, and for those truly adventuresome, join the Discovery Adventure Tour or the Hidden Passages Adventure Tour. Yes, you're going to get dirty on these spelunking adventures! Guests 10 and older can join the three-hour Discovery Adventure Tour, which includes climbing a 25-foot, mud-covered slope and belly-crawling through "Birth Canal" tunnel. For kids 13 and older (and their dirt-loving parents), try the four-hour Hidden Passages tour where you'll be lowered by rope into deep caverns. Caution: Although my toddlers had no problem entering the dark caves that are well lit throughout the Discovery Tour, we did see one older child just outright refuse to enter due to fear. Be sure your child can handle it before purchasing tickets. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Natural Bridge Wildlife 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd. San Antonio, TX • 830-438-7400 The longest running safari park in Texas features 50 species of animals from around the globe, including zebras, rhinos and giraffes, over 400 sprawling acres. Located just beside the Natural Bridge Caverns, make it a two-for day and take a four-mile driving tour of the Texas safari to see more than 500 animals -- some of which may approach your car -- then hop out of the car with the little ones to play in the petting zoo. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12) |
 | Ripley's Believe It Or Not! 301 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX • 210-224-9299 After remembering the Alamo, walk across the street to the largest, most-interactive Ripley's in the U.S., featuring plenty of oddities to make the kids scratch their heads. Louis Tussaud's Wax Works features more than 250 life-like wax figures from history and Hollywood. And just next door is Ripley's Haunted Adventures, a multi-million dollar haunted house; the Guinness World Records Museum, which brings the book to life; and Tomb Rider 3D Adventure, an interactive ride and arcade. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | River Walk 110 Broadway Suite 500 San Antonio, TX • 210-270-8748 Below street level, winding through downtown San Antonio, is a two-mile stretch of shops and dining known as River Walk. One of the first of its kind in the country, the beautiful stroll has had other cities imitating the revitalization project that made San Antonio a must-visit destination in Texas. Shaded by buildings and trees, the area also works well to keep you off the hot streets of San Antonio. At night, twinkling lights add a romantic flair. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | San Antonio River Cruises 205 N. Presa Building B. Suite 201 San Antonio, TX • 210-244-5700 Although you can easily walk along the meandering river, stopping to shop and eat in the many River Walk stores and restaurants, elect to ride a scenic cruise in a colorful cruiser for a 45-minute, guided tour. Learn about the river and San Antonio's history, and scope out which restaurant to hit for lunch. Purchase tickets at the Historia or Aztec Ticket Stations on River Walk levels, just across from the Hilton or at the corner of Crockett and St. Mary's Streets. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | SeaWorld San Antonio 10500 SeaWorld Drive San Antonio San Antonio, TX • 800-700-7786 By far one of the main family attractions is SeaWorld, located just outside downtown near plenty of hotels in Hill Country. The world's largest marine life park -- and largest SeaWorld -- be sure to dedicate an entire day here. Spread out over 250 acres are wet and wild water rides and rollercoasters for children of all ages (my toddlers were able to ride three main rides, which were plenty with the number of water park attractions, as well). The Lagoon area in itself is enough reason to visit with a lazy river, splash zone, wave pool and water slides galore. The kids can also catch sea lions, dolphins, penguins, alligators, sharks, and, of course, the star of the show, Shamu the Killer Whale. (No child will let you leave the park without a stuffed Shamu!) Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Tower of Americas - Hemisfair Park 600 HemisFair Park San Antonio, TX • 210-223-3101 Visible from any entry into San Antonio's downtown is the Tower of Americas, a 750-foot structure left over from the 1968 World's Fair. At the top, catch panoramic views of the city and dine in its rotating restaurant. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12) |
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