San Antonio has made its mark on the United States as a historic city with a long-standing colonial heritage. From the 18th-century Alamo, where Texas gained independence from Mexico, to the famous San Antonio missions, there’s no doubt that those looking to explore history, culture, and patriotism will enjoy this landmark city. But is it kid-friendly?
You might be surprised to learn that the San Antonio kid attractions are one of the things that put this city on the modern map! In fact, it’s easy to plan a trip to this crowd-favorite Texas city and fill it with things for children of all ages to do. Just how family-friendly is San Antonio? We’ll share the most popular reasons families love to visit here, and let you decide for yourself!
Safety First
Every parent wants to feel confident that their family vacation won’t be full of danger and worry at every turn. Since San Antonio is rated as one of the safest cities in the country, that fear is safely tucked away when you plan a trip here. As the 7th largest city in the United States and one of the 32 biggest cities here, San Antonio is the 8th safest. In an area with over 1.5 million residents, that’s something to be proud of!
Still, there’s always “that one” person who ruins it for everyone else, so don’t be that person, and don’t fall for them, either. Keep your valuables locked up and out of reach, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your little ones in arm’s reach at all times.
Find Ground Zero for Kids
Even Orlando, with its focus on Walt Disney World, has areas that are kid-friendly and places that you’d rather your children not visit. San Antonio is no different. When you find ground zero for kids, though, you’ll have pretty much everything you need within a short distance.
Two of the most popular kid-friendly places in the area are The Pearl and Hemisfair. These two destinations are different, but designed similarly.
The Pearl is the go-to place if you’re trying to step back in time. This historic district has revamped the Pearl Brewery and updated the amenities, but you can still feel the laidback atmosphere of the past. From boutique hotels and shops to the Pearl Farmers Market and the well-known Hotel Emma, you’ll find plenty for your little ones to keep busy with.
For a more contemporary stay, check out the Hemisfair. Made famous as the site of the 1968 World’s Fair, this district hosts an urban park, a plethora of dining, arts, and culture, and an assortment of family-friendly activities.
To Walk or Not to Walk?
The next consideration of family-friendliness depends on whether you’re driving around or walking to your destinations. There are plenty of rideshare options available in San Antonio, along with public transportation via the VIA Metropolitan Transit bus services.
Consider renting a Segway bike if your kids are old enough, which not only gets you where you need to go quickly, but also shows your little ones the importance of going green. Places like Hemisfair, the Alamo, and the Riverwalk are pedestrian-friendly. However, if you plan on exploring beyond those limits and hitting popular attractions like the San Antonio Zoo or The Pearl, you’ll need a car.
Finding the Family-Friendly Attractions
Now that you’ve determined where you’re staying and how you plan to get around the city, the next question is whether there are enough kid-friendly attractions near you to make the trip worth it. Short answer? Definitely!
Where are these popular and not-so-well-known places? Here’s a list of our favorites:
- Hemisfair, where you’ll see the history of the 1968 World’s Fair in a modernized version. Budget-conscious parents will love this area because of the many free and inexpensive things to do. On a hot day, visit the Civic Park wading pools or the splash pad and playground at Yanaguana Garden. Grab some pizza and an ice cream before ending the day with a movie or a trip to the top of the Tower of the Americas.
- Breckenridge Park, where the kids’ museum called the DoSeum is one of the largest attractions in the area. Here, you’ll also get to visit the San Antonio Zoo and Kiddie Park. Be sure to visit the Japanese Tea Garden for free, where your little ones can ask questions about culture and horticulture.
- Bus tours, while not exactly a location, are great for families. The Hop-On Hop-Off San Antonio Bus Tour gives you more bang for your dollar because it drives you past all the major attractions in the city, starting from Riverwalk to Southtown. From there, you can decide which ones pique your family’s interest. As a bonus, this saves you on rideshares or public transit costs.
- Theme parks are a can’t-go-wrong. SeaWorld and Six Flags are near San Antonio. Take a day off from your busy itinerary and head to one of these thrilling parks. SeaWorld is ideal for those who enjoy attractions and rides and are passionate about animals. Six Flags in Fiesta, Texas, is for adventurous thrill-seekers. Jump on a roller coaster, soar down the water rides, and hit the playground with your little ones for an action-packed day appropriate for every age.
Finding things to do in San Antonio isn’t the hard part — it’s narrowing them down to what you can fit into your schedule.
Finishing off Your Trip
What’s left to check off on our family-friendliness list? Getting to the city and home!
With a posse of little ones exhausted from all the fun they had, going home is one more journey that needs some extra TLC for the parents to help them survive this last hurrah. The good news is that if you’re flying into San Antonio, the airport is just a hop, skip, and a jump from where you’re probably staying. At 8 miles from Uptown Central and 10 miles from the Riverwalk, it’s easy to grab public transport or a rideshare to get to your flight on time. There’s also an Amtrak train station for those who want to relax and keep their feet on the ground.
So, is San Antonio good for families? From the pedestrian-friendliness to the city’s safety ratings, as well as the many attractions geared towards kids, millions of people say, “Yes!”
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