By: Anna Halkidis | From: Parents

While I was in San Antonio, several people told me it's a "big city with a small-town feel." By the end of the trip, I understood what they meant. Much of it has to do with the kindness you feel when you're there—it's been voted one of the friendliest cities in America.1 It's also a vibrant community with many local businesses and a lot for families to do.

Located in South–central Texas, San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the country.2 With about 40 million tourists each year, it's also the most visited city in Texas.

The historic city can be a perfect family vacation if you're looking to explore a place filled with fun, education, and lots of good food. Whether you live close enough to take a family road trip or want to fly in, here's what you should check out once you're there.

Visit Historic Sites

San Antonio is home to five historic Missions: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada, and the Alamo. Each are certified World Heritage and National Park Service sites. To simplify the history: Spanish priests established these missions along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. They included a church and buildings occupied by the priests and local Native Americans, who were forced to convert to Catholicism and adapt to Spanish culture.

I visited Mission San José where Park Ranger Chantelle Ruidant-Hansen gave me a detailed history lesson, including the difficult realities of what these Missions represent. She also pointed out how they can be a wonderful educational opportunity for kids, especially through the National Historical Park's Junior Ranger program.

Kids receive a Junior Ranger booklet for a self-guided tour, and can earn a badge after they complete the numerous activities in the book. Some activities include writing or drawing depictions of their own identity, drawing plants and animals they saw in the park, and taking photos of things they want to remember. FYI, these Junior Ranger programs are available at many of the National Park Service sites across the country.

I also visited the Alamo, the most visited tourist destination in Texas. It's right in downtown San Antonio and you can read all about the history once you're there.

The Missions are open daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Where I Stayed in San Antonio

I stayed at the Omni La Mansion del Rio, which was right on the iconic River Walk, making it very convenient to explore the downtown area. There are suites, deluxe rooms, and accommodations with ADA features, offering options for different types of families.

Spend a Day With Animals

The city is home to the San Antonio Zoo—a 57-acre zoo with over 750 species of animals, some of which are endangered or extinct in the wild. Operated by San Antonio Zoological Society, the non-profit organization aims to protect wildlife.

The zoo is small enough to explore in a few hours and features several fun experiences that bring families up close and personal with animals. I got to experience the Kangaroo Krossing where I hung out with female red kangaroos; the Butterly Rainforest where I walked among many different types of butterflies; and the Giraffe Feeding where I fed lettuce to an adorable giraffe. There's also the Flamingo Mingle (but this experience is currently closed due to bird flu), as well behind-the-scenes experiences with hippos, Aldabra tortoises, and parrots.

The zoo, which will open a two-acre habitat for gorillas in the fall, also now offers a safari-style drive through its largest habitat, the Naylor Savanna.

If your family wants more time with animals, you can then head to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. The wildlife refuge is about a 30-minute or so drive from the zoo and so worth the trip. The Texas-style African safari allows you to see hundred of animals in a picturesque setting. Think giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and many more. I even got to pet rhinoceroses, which are much gentler than they look. You can do a self-guided or guided tour.

Have Fun at Theme Parks

Families that love theme parks have a few to choose from in San Antonio. There's Six Flags and SeaWorld, which recently opened Rescue Jr., a kid-friendly play area featuring a seabird swing, educational rides, splash pads, and a carousel.

San Antonio is also home to Morgan's Wonderland, an ultra-accessible theme park made for guests of all ages and abilities. Gordon Hartman founded it in 2010 in honor of his disabled daughter, Morgan.

Head to a Museum

There are several museums and experiences your family can enjoy in San Antonio, including:

  • Witte Museum: The nature, science, and culture museum is the most-visited in San Antonio. Kids will probably love the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery, which features land, sea, and sky animals of the past, including a Tyrannosaurus rex. Various exhibitions also come and go. I had the chance to see "Staying Alive: Animal Defenses" featuring live animals, such as snakes, hedgehogs, and a popular sloth.
  • The Doseum: This children's museum has a ton of exhibits, such as an innovation station, a bubble lab, and a sensation studio, all encouraging kids to be creative, learn, run around, and have fun. There really is something for every kid here—even ones who prefer quiet with a calm corner.
  • The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum: This place is meant for families who want to dive into Texas history. You'll soak in cowboy culture, see an exotic animal collection, and step back in time in a Texas saloon. There's also an optical illusions section that can be fun for children who like to be perplexed. And there's a restaurant, too.
  • Hopscotch: This immersive experience features more than a dozen interactive and unique exhibits sprawled out in different rooms that are truly fun and memorable. You'll experience so many colors, sounds, and engaging features. Plus, there's a huge ball pit and trampoline that will likely pique your kid's interest.

Do a Boat Tour

A trip to San Antonio isn't complete without visiting the River Walk. A level down from the street, you can walk along the scenic river and enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment. You can also embark on a narrated boat tour (I took a Go Rio cruise) to experience and learn more about the River Walk.

Explore a Cave

Adventurous families can head to the Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest cavern in Texas, which was discovered by local cavers in 1960. There are two tours offered—Hidden Wonders and Discovery. I went on the latter where I descended into a fascinating underground cave with limestone towers, soda straw formations, and other structures. Keep in mind, there's a lot of walking involved and this is better suited for older kids.

You can also have fun above ground here with activities such as ziplining, climbing tours, and ropes courses.

Eat Delicious Food

San Antonio is known for its food scene; it's even recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Of course, there's great Tex-Mex but there's more to explore. Here are a few places I went to and totally recommend.

  • Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery: Located in San Antonio's trendy Pearl District, this place is a must to enjoy comfort food with a twist. The spot, helmed by San Antonio Chef Jeff Balfour, also features a custom-manufactured brewery with 15 different beers on tap. I went for dinner and ordered the Cracker Crusted Gulf Red Fish and it was a 10/10. I was told Southerleigh's Famous Fried Chicken is a favorite. Luckily, I got to try some fried chicken at the place below.
  • Freight Fried Chicken: Also in the Pearl District, this place, launched by James Beard-nominated chef Nicola Blaque, did not disappoint. It was some of the best fried chicken I've ever eaten and the mac and cheese was right up there, too. It's located within the Food Hall At Bottling so it's a perfect casual lunch spot to take the kiddos.
  • Backyard on Broadway: This casual eatery features burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and other dishes. I got the loaded nachos and they were made to perfection. The best part of this place is all the Southern feels and there's live music and a kids' play area in the outdoor area.
  • Box Street Social: If you head to Hemisfair Park, you'll want to stop in this trendy spot, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a kids menu. I ordered the Thicc Boy Pancake (so good!). And parents, you will want to try the coffee here. I am still thinking about the popular Cinnamon Toast Latte, which I got iced. 
  • Viola's Ventanas: You can't go to San Antonio and not have some Mexican cuisine—and this is a perfect option. This family restaurant has been around since 2013 and pays homage to their late mother, Viola Barrios, who founded the first of three restaurants, Los Barrios, in 1979. I tried multiple delicious dishes, including Crispy Flautas and Carne Asada Tacos. I have to mention the famous Puffy Taco, which was even featured on season 3 of Throwdown with Bobby Flay. You can't leave San Antonio without trying it.