3 Days in San Antonio with Kids Ages 6-12

Morning: The Alamo & Briscoe Western Art Museum

Start your first day early at The Alamo, one of the most famous historic sites in Texas and part of the San Antonio Missions. Walk through the historic church, explore the Long Barrack, and browse the outdoor spaces of Plaza de Valero.

Kids in this age range often connect with the personal stories, artifacts, and dramatic displays that bring the battle to life in ways a textbook never could.

After the Alamo, take a short walk to the Briscoe Western Art Museum along the River Walk. Dramatic sculptures, cowboy culture exhibits, and hands-on displays make this an easy stop for curious kids.

Afternoon: River Walk Lunch & Cruise the River Walk

Head down to the San Antonio River Walk, the city’s most iconic attraction.

For lunch, try Casa Rio, one of the oldest restaurants on the River Walk. Lunch under the iconic colorful umbrellas offers great views and delicious Tex-Mex options.

Other family-friendly River Walk options include:

• County Line River Walk – a favorite with incredible BBQ options

• Hard Rock Café – classic American menu with fun music memorabilia

• Paesanos Riverwalk – a hit with Mediterranean flavors like the signature Shrimp Paesano

For even more family-friendly options, check out 12 Family-Friendly Restaurants.

After lunch, hop aboard a GO Rio River Cruise. These narrated barge tours provide a relaxing introduction to the city while cruising past historic buildings, bridges, and vibrant riverfront restaurants.

Evening: Tower of the Americas & Hemisfair

 Later in the afternoon, make time to visit Hemisfair, home of the iconic Tower of the Americas.

Take the glass elevator to the top for incredible views of downtown San Antonio, the River Walk, and the Texas Hill Country from 750 feet above. Older kids usually love spotting places they visited earlier in the day while taking skyline photos.

For an upscale family dinner, reserve a table at Chart House inside the tower. The rotating dining room slowly spins as you eat, offering panoramic views of the city at sunset.

Prefer something more casual? Stay in Hemisfair, where green spaces make it easy to relax after a busy first day. You’ll find Dough Pizzeria Napoletana here with a rotating seasonal menu everyone can enjoy.

Morning: SEA LIFE San Antonio

Start the day at SEA LIFE San Antonio, located at the Shops at Rivercenter in the heart of downtown.

The centerpiece is San Antonio's only underwater ocean tunnel, where sharks, stingrays, and hundreds of tropical fish glide overhead in 155,000 gallons of water. Kids can also get hands-on at the interactive touch pool where sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs live, and explore more than 10 themed exhibits covering everything from seahorses to rescued sea turtles.

Plan to spend about two hours here. Daily feeding demonstrations and educational presentations are included with admission, so check the schedule when you arrive.

Insider Tip: Combo tickets for SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Center are available and can save money if you have younger children in the group.

Midday: Holey Moley

Right inside the same mall, Holey Moley is 27 holes of wildly themed, neon-lit mini golf spread across three courses, and it's nothing like the putt-putt courses of your childhood.

Holes like Making it Rain (battle a wind vortex of fake dollar bills) and Ferris Wheeler's Day Off (evade a spinning Ferris wheel to sink your shot) are genuinely fun for kids and adults alike. The' 80s- and' 90s-themed décor, River Walk patio, and Caddyshack restaurant make it easy to grab lunch here and keep the energy going.

Insider Tip: Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Book online before your trip.

Evening: Pearl Explorations

In the late afternoon, head to Pearl, one of San Antonio’s trendiest districts located just north of downtown.

Walk along the quieter stretch of the River Walk here, browse boutique shops, and explore the lively central plaza.

After dinner, relax in the plaza, watch for live music or pop-up events, and enjoy sunset views along the river.

Or, you can walk the Museum Reach section of the River Walk that runs through Pearl. This stretch is quieter than the downtown River Walk and perfect for sunset photos, a relaxed stroll, and letting older kids explore a bit of the neighborhood.

Morning: Theme Park Adventures

Spend your final day enjoying one of the attractions that help make San Antonio the Theme Park Capital of Texas ®.

Choose between the thrill rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas or the marine-life experiences and coasters at SeaWorld San Antonio, both packed with excitement for older kids to enjoy.

At Six Flags Fiesta Texas, arrive at opening time to ride major coasters like Iron Rattler, Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster, and Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger before lines build.

At SeaWorld San Antonio, you’ll find a mix of roller coasters, animal encounters, and live shows, along with high-speed rides like Steel Eel, Texas Stingray, and the all-new Barracuda Strike.

On warmer days, families can also cool off next door at Aquatica San Antonio, SeaWorld’s water park filled with slides, wave pools, and splash zones or Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Afternoon: Mid-Day Break

By mid-afternoon, take a break from the sunshine.

You can either:

• Stay in the park and focus on shaded attractions and indoor shows

• Head back downtown for a rest before the evening

Evening: Japanese Tea Garden & Farewell Dinner

Before your final dinner, stop at the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park.

Stone bridges, koi ponds, and lush greenery make this a peaceful place to unwind after a high-energy theme park day. It’s also one of the best photo spots in the city.

For your last night, return to the River Walk and choose a restaurant that catches your eye.

Let the kids help pick dessert along the river as you soak up the final evening of your San Antonio adventure.