Famous for the beautiful River Walk, the Alamo, and its Tex-Mex vibe, you’ll find plenty of fun family things to do in San Antonio, TX. Whether you’re a local, preparing to relocate here, or just visiting, this guide can help you uncover the top family activities San Antonio offers to create lasting memories with your loved ones!

Summary:

• Top 10 Fun Family Things to Do in San Antonio, TX, Overall

• Family Events in San Antonio, TX

• Free Family Fun in San Antonio, TX

• Conclusion

Top 10 Fun Family Things to Do in San Antonio, TX, Overall

San Antonio has a laundry list of attractions, events, and activities, but we’ve narrowed it down to some of the best in our book. Here are our picks of the top 10 family-friendly things to do in San Antonio.

1. San Antonio Zoo

Home to over 750 species and spanning 56 acres, the San Antonio Zoo® features exhibits like the Kangaroo Krossing and giraffe feeding, where kids can interact with the animals. The zoo also emphasizes conservation and education with various programs geared toward youngsters. As one of the best family things to do in San Antonio, it's no surprise reviewers give the zoo a high rating of 4.5 stars on Google as of December 2024.

2. The Alamo

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alamo™ is a historic Spanish mission and the site of the famous 1836 battle for Texan independence. Visitors can explore the grounds, view artifacts, and participate in guided tours. With a stellar 4.6-star rating and over 59K reviews on Google (December 2024), the Alamo is one of the top family activities in San Antonio, Texas, and it’s within 22 miles of Pulte® new construction homes in Bison Ridge, perfect for a fun-filled day trip and history lesson for all!

3. Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Six Flags Fiesta Texas® features over 50 rides, including big-time roller coasters and water rides. Exciting shows and events happen throughout the year, making it suitable for all ages. With over 33K reviews on Google as of December 2024, Six Flags is a popular place and undoubtedly one of the most fun San Antonio, Texas, attractions for families. The park is a little further north from downtown, which is great for those living in the suburbs, especially the Pulte Davis Ranch community, just 12 miles away. 

4. San Antonio River Walk

Stretching for 15 miles, the San Antonio River Walk is a scenic network of pathways along the San Antonio River, lined with shops, restaurants, and public art installations. Enjoy picturesque views, spot local wildlife, and access nearby parks. The River Walk also has boat tours and hosts seasonal events, such as the annual River Walk Holiday Lights and the Fiesta San Antonio celebration. As one of our favorite things to do and a top spot among visitors, the San Antonio River Walk also earns 4.7 stars with over 47K reviews on Google. It truly sets the stage for a low-key yet lovely day out.

5. Natural Bridge Caverns

The intricate Natural Bridge Caverns® caverns are the largest commercial caves in Texas, featuring breathtaking formations and guided tours. The adventure park offers all-ages adventures like the zip rails and ropes course or gem and mineral mining. This spot garners lots of praise from visitors, with a remarkable 4.7-star rating and 15K reviews on Google (December 2024), and stands out as one of the best family activities in San Antonio. For those in North San Antonio, the caverns are only 13 miles from the Pulte Sendero at Veramendi community, perfect for a day of exploration.

6. San Antonio Botanical Garden

This 38-acre garden showcases a diverse collection of plants, themed gardens, and interactive exhibits for children. The San Antonio Botanical Garden also hosts seasonal events and educational programs, making it a great learning experience. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, the garden is rated 4.7 stars on Google as of December 2024. 

7. The DoSeum

As San Antonio’s only children’s museum, The DoSeum offers interactive exhibits designed for children. Highlights include a kid-friendly city, a robotics lab, and outdoor play areas, in addition to camps and special events and programs. The DoSeum is one of the top San Antonio attractions for families.

8. SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld® San Antonio combines thrilling rides with marine animal exhibits and live shows. Visitors can watch dolphin and sea lion performances, explore aquariums, and enjoy the water park during the summer months. This attraction is only eight miles from the Pulte Davis Ranch, offering residents an exciting day trip.

9. Mission Reach

Part of the River Walk and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Mission Reach features a 10-mile stretch of trails connecting five historic missions. You can bike or stroll while learning about Texas history, enjoying incredible works of art, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. There’s also a paddling trail for outdoor adventurers who love to canoe or kayak. Plus, numerous community events are held here, helping make it an ideal place for family fun in San Antonio, TX.

10. Witte Museum

Blending Texas history, culture, and natural science, the Witte Museum offers engaging exhibits and hands-on activities. The museum features dinosaur fossils, Texas wildlife, and rotating exhibitions. Not only do we think it’s one of the most fun things to do in San Antonio for families, reviewers on Google give it 4.7 stars. The museum is also conveniently about 16 miles from the Centex® Vista Real new home community, giving residents easy access to an exciting and educational experience. 

Family Events in San Antonio, TX

For more family stuff to do in San Antonio, add these great events to your calendar. This city offers fun experiences year-round. Here are a few of our favorite picks:

• Fiesta® San Antonio: This annual city-wide festival held in April features over 100 events, such as colorful parades, live music performances, art shows, and food tastings. The festival originated in 1891 to honor the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto and draws millions of visitors each year.

• Outdoor Family Film Series: Enjoy free family movie nights at the Mission Marquee Plaza from May to November, showcasing food trucks and family-friendly films on large outdoor screens.

• San Antonio Holiday Season: This festive holiday celebration in December transforms the city into a winter wonderland, featuring the lighting of the River Walk, the Holiday River Parade, and seasonal activities like ice skating and visits with Santa.

• San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo®: An annual event every February, this event attracts over two million visitors. It includes rodeo competitions, live country music performances, livestock shows, carnival rides, and educational exhibits, all focused on celebrating Texas agriculture and culture.

• Artpace: This contemporary art space in San Antonio offers family-friendly events, such as art workshops, exhibitions, and community art projects throughout the year, designed to engage people of all ages in the creative process.

Free Family Fun in San Antonio, TX

Be sure to plan some free family fun in San Antonio with these no-cost attractions:

• Brackenridge Park: This park spans 343 acres and offers a variety of amenities, including multiple playgrounds, scenic pedestrian and biking trails, and picnic areas equipped with grills. Home to several attractions, such as the San Antonio Zoo and the Japanese Tea Garden, the park also features a historic golf course and beautiful landscapes that are perfect for outings with your loved ones.

• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses four historic missions—Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada—each with insights into the Spanish colonial period in Texas. Explore the well-preserved architecture, visit the interactive exhibits, and participate in ranger-led programs. The park also features trails that connect the missions, making it a great spot for a stroll while learning about Texas history.

• Market Square: El Mercado, or Market Square, is the largest Mexican market in the United States, featuring over 100 shops and restaurants that celebrate Mexican culture. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing while enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine. The square hosts free events year-round, including live music performances, dance shows, and cultural festivals, creating a lively atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
  
  

• Travis Park: Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Travis Park is a historic public park that serves as a community hub. It features a playground, a splash pad, and ample green space for picnicking. The park regularly hosts free concerts, outdoor movie nights, and cultural events throughout the year.

Conclusion

For fun family activities, San Antonio offers countless opportunities to bond and create lasting memories together, from educational experiences to thrilling amusement parks. Whether you're exploring the River Walk or taking in history at the Alamo, you’ll find plenty of reasons to love San Antonio.

Explore new construction homes in San Antonio, TX, today, or browse more Pulte blogs. 

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated:3/6/25