Fun in San Antonio

Ripley's is great for kuds. Also try the mirror maze (close to ripley's), the world record museum, the wax museum-there 12 or so museums close to each other.
Depends on what their lijes are but snake world is not too far either.

OOOH, don't forget Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Spashtown, and the Children's Museum. The Missions are always a treat too.

J. Dirmeyer

Sea World has a water park with it, not as big as a "real" water park, but does offer some wet stuff. Go there first, they only let X number of people in at a time and once it's full, you have to stand in line and wait as people come out. Fiesta Texas also has a water park.

Zoo is great. My parents always liked to take us to the Lone Star Brewery. They have an animal exhibit of dead, stuffed animals.

I love the Mercado near downtown. It's like being in Mexico almost. All sorts of shops, music, and food.

A. --

Here are some of our family's favorites in San Antonio, a bit less commercial than some of the better-publicized attractions but also far more true to San Antonio. I have done all of these with my kids many times, and they've always enjoyed it no matter what their ages at the time (they're now 10 and 6):
* El Mercado: A pretty authentic Mexican market selling hand-made clothes, toys, jewelry and crafts imported from Mexico. The sights and sounds and smells are always fun for kids to see, and give a real sense of being somewhere different. Some very good and kid-friendly restaurants right there, too.
* Witte Museum: great, hands-on kids activities throughout much of the museum, and a good place to cool off on a hot afternoon (also very near the zoo); good for kids of all ages
* San Antonio Mission Trail: This begins at the Alamo, but gets even more interesting just south of downtown, where there is a string of old Spanish colonial missions in differerent states of preservation. Mission San Jose is the most interesting, preserving dwellings, a kitchen, ovens and the old church, with a great spot to run around in a huge courtyard. You can rent bikes to ride between the missions or drive from one to the next if you want to visit more than one. It's accessible enough for your 8-year-old to enjoy the history and the difference from her own life, and will be a fun place for your little one just to run around.
* San Antonio Botanical Garden: They often have interesting kids exhibits -- like big dinosaurs or a display of one-of-a-kind treehouses. And it's always a good place for kids to run around. Also near the zoo.
* Brackenridge Park: This is the park that surrounds the zoo. They have a train that goes to the Witte (see note above) and tons of space to run around and explore, with ducks and fish to feed, trees to climb and great picnic spots.
* Riverwalk: You might think about a boat cruise for lunch or dinner, to see the sights. And you should definitely walk along the Riverwalk to get a feel for it. La Villita, a very old village of shops and restaurants, is another fun place to explore beside the river.
* Hemisfair Plaza: This area, right under the big tower with its revolving restaurant, is a fun place for kids to run around. There are great fountains throughout, with bridges and walkways and other fun things to do.
*Sea World Water Park: If you're spending time at Sea World, this is a can't-miss if you enjoy water parks. Great family fun.
Have a great trip!

I highly recommend the wildlife ranch. It's next to the caverns and about 30 minutes north of san antonio on 35. We usually save our last day for it since it's on the way back anyway. You drive through feeding the animals from your windows. Zebras, ostriches, tons of horned animals that I don't know.... My 2 and 5 year old have the time of their lives and mom and dad get a pretty big kick out of it as well.

My family and I just returned from that area a few weeks ago. We did go to Schlitterbaun, and I think it is overrated. However, we did note (as we drove past) that Splashtown (or Watertown, can't remember) had no lines and very few people during the week. Might be worth checking out if y'all want to get in the water. I would also recommend Natural Bridge Caverns (about 10 mi N of San Antonio, very easy to find). My 4-year old loved it, and it was very interesting to me as well. We also floated on the Comal River in New Braunfels and really enjoyed it. The river was very relaxing and the tube chutes were really fun. If y'all do make it up that way, I would recommend eating at The Gristmill in Greune, TX (just outside of New Braunfels), overlooking the Guadalupe River. The prices are reasonable, and the view and the food are fantastic. We also stopped in San Marcos on the way home and visited Wonderworld. It has a cave, train through petting zoo, and scenic overlook. Another hit with my 4-year old. Anyway, we had a great vacation in the San Antonio area. Hope this helps you and your family decide what to do.

There is a Splashtown off of I-35. Of course there is Fiesta Texas (like a Six Flags) off of I-10. You should tour the Alamo since you are there. It is free although they do ask for donations. The Children's Musuem is downtown as well and is a really good one, the girls can milk a cow (not a real one). There is also the HEB Treehouse next to the Witte Musuem. At the treehouse the children can explore how things work, etc. It is next to Breckenridge Park. If you are going to the zoo be sure to ride the train that goes through Breckenridge Park. The train will let you off near the HEB treehouse and then you can get back on the train when you are done at the treehouse. Breckenridge park recently put new playscape equipment in the park so it is in good condition.

You may have more things to do than time! Have fun!

H.

I hear the Witte Museum is supposed to be awesome! (Science museum)
http://www.wittemuseum.org/

Hi A.,
I dont know much about San Antonio but we took our kids to Seaworld the first week of June (this year) Seaworld has a waterpark & it also has rides. You can buy a Fun Pass for the same price of a one day ticket & can go as many times as you like until Dec 31st.(no hidden fees or charges) free admission to all Seaworld rides, the waterpark & attractions all year long. I advise purchasing the Fun Pass because if your going to be there a week, you may want to go to the waterpark at Seaworld more than once or twice. We went to the Alamo & Riverwalk as well & just walked around for something to do.
I see you gotten great suggestions on things to see & do there :) Wish I had thought of asking all these great people on Mamasource before we had took our vacation :)
But since we have Fun Passes we may be going back & now I can look into some of the suggestions you received.
Have Fun!!

First off be prepared for the heat down here. It has been averaging 103 per day with humidity and it is horrible. So take care while at SeaWorld. You seem to have a lot planned. My suggestion would be to take them on the river and we now have a beautiful new expansion and also take them on a boat ride on the river. It is fun and you learn alot of downtown history. Kids love riding on the boats. As for the wax museum and Ripley's I personally didn't like it and my grandkids thought it was so so. We do have a nice children's museum downtown on Broadway that is very interactive and of course there is the Witte Museum since you are going to the Zoo. There also may be something like this in your town but if you want the kids to have fun and be inside where it is cool, at Blanco and West Ave. there is Incredible Pizza. They have a pizza buffet with lots of stuff and then a huge game room kind of like a Dave & Buster's for kids. Putt Putt golf, bumper cars, kids bowling, race cars and many many games. The kids always love that place. Have fun while you are here but take precautions with the heat.

I see you already have lots of advice, but I wanted to also put in a plug for Six Flags Fiesta Texas...it is expensive and I'm not sure you'd want to do it if you are already doing Sea World, but I think you can get a 2 day pass for the same price (or close to it) as a 1 day, and there is so much to see and do! My kids have always loved the shows (if you go, don't miss the Rockville High show), the music is great and so is the water park. You could do shows one day and the waterpark the next. The Alamo is nice but it has become very commercial and it is a pretty quick trip. You could do it in combination with the Children's Museum which would be a nice day...start out at the Alamo, spend the afternoon at the Children's Museum, and then have dinner on the River Walk. Oh, and I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned the Witte Museum, but it has a great Children's area (called the Treehouse) which my kids LOVE. It is located in Brackenridge park--what we've done in the past is spent the morning at the zoo with a picnic lunch, then ride the Brackenridge Park train over to the Witte and spend the afternoon at the Witte. The Witte has special exhibits from time to time so you might want to check online to see what they have going now. The kids will love it! There is a lot of shade so the heat is tolerable, and of course the museum is indoors. If you are into art the McNay art museum is very nice with great photo ops--the grounds are absolutely gorgeous. Also there is a new-ish Hispanic museum downtown which is supposed to be fabulous (I haven't been yet). There is a new park next to where I used to live (can you tell I'm from SA? :-)) called Voelcker park--it is mostly a nature park with lots of trails and signs posted about all the wildlife and vegetation. It is great if you just want a relaxing, shady walk. My kids didn't like the wax museum when they were younger, it was scary for them--it might be a bit much for your 4-year-old. I have taken a group of children on the Mission Trail, which is more 'authentic feeling' than the Alamo--some of the children loved it, others were bored, so that is a bit of a toss up. I really liked it. Oh, and if you are downtown, take the kids on a Trolley--they will like that! And there is a fantastic park downtown, sorry I can't remember the name of it, but it is all wood and it is right outside the Magik Children's Theater--hopefully somebody downtown will be able to direct you. Oh, and the Institute of Texan Cultures is nice if you have time. Have a great trip--let me know if you have any other questions about SA!

If you are only doing a 1/2 day at the zoo, you might want to make it first thing in the morning because of the heat, and take swim suits for the kids, there is a toddler section with water, but you 8 yr. can enjoy it too.

There is a smaller water park called splashtown, the kids can enjoy, and after 5 pm, I think, it's 1/2 off. You don't need more than 3 hours there.

The San Antonio Children Museum is really great as well. I hope you enjoy your stay and we also have another amusement park call Fiesta Texas.

We just went to San Antonio for our daughter's girl scout bridging:fun! We enjoyed eating at the Alamo Cafe. Also check out, the Mission Trail, the Alamo (go early), the Witte Museum and HEB Treehouse www.wittemuseum.org/exhibits/hebtreehouse.html
the Institute of Texas Cultures www.texancultures.utsa.edu/events/txtrails.html What fun!

Hi, A.,

There is ONE thing that I recommend to ALL visitors (and residents!) It is BEAUTIFUL; it is enjoyed by both children and adults; it does not take long to see it (unless you get mesmerized and WANT to spend time gazing at its wonder); and best of all, it is FREE!

This "not to be missed" attraction is inside the (air-conditioned) San Antonio public library which is, in and of itself, most interesting (it is a giant RED box-shaped building on the edge of downtown). Inside the library is a glass sculpture entitled "Fiesta Tower," by a renowned artist, Dale Chihuly (Chi-hoo'-lee). This enormous tower is constructed of THOUSANDS of individual pieces of blown glass -- of every color, translucence and shape imaginable -- all assembled into the most remarkable glass tower you'll ever see. To quote the SA Express News article when it was unveiled, "Glass is a naturally beautiful and mysterious substance that easily seduces any viewer, and Chihuly has pushed this molten mixture of sand, lime soda and potash to its most creative extremes." I simply think the sculpture is mentally-stimulating "eye candy."

The San Antonio Central Library is located at 600 Soledad Street, so you may want to look it up on MAPQUEST and get your bearings before leaving home (FYI: it's not too far from the Alamo, and I do hope that you will be doing THAT on your visit SA.) The Central Library has a parking building of its own where it is very cheap to park (in the neighborhood of 75 cents). When you enter the library's ground floor, you will see signs that direct you to the right and up an escalator to view the sculpture. The whole experience can be done in 15 minutes, including parking and viewing (but I recommend that you plan to spend at least 1/2 hour). Chihuly's smaller and more affordable works sell in a range of $25,000 to $60,000, individually, so if only to "say you've seen it," it will not be a waste of your family's time to "stop by and run in" to see this masterpiece. The library phone number is ###-###-#### if you want to check hours of operation.

Bring lots of sunscreen and bottled water for our outdoor attractions, and "Enjoy our city!"

Wishing you travel blessings,
K.

You have to find natural bridge cavern's safari. It is a drive through and really cool. Your kids will love it. petting zoo is not so great though - goats.

There is a Natural Wildlife drive-thru park not far from there in New Braunfels. My kids looooved that. You can throw food to the animals & some will come to the window to let you pet them & feed from your hands. Here is their website...

http://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/

There is also a place called Kiddie Park. Not big, not well known, and reeeeally old. But it is a landmark. It's like a tiny amusement park for little kids. We took our kids there with my husband's parents...and all 3 generations had played at that park. Our kids, my husband, and his father...it's that old. So some of the rides look rikity & there are a couple we wouldn't let our kids ride, but the kids had a blast!! They said it was the most fun they had all whole weekend...and we had also gone to Sea World and the zoo. Here is their website...

http://www.kiddiepark.com/

These are just a couple of the things that are lesser known to San Antonio, but some of our favorites. There is always plenty to do there. There are even little roadside exhibits that are fun to stop and check out as your drive along...snake farms, antique car museums, it's all just part of the experience. HAVE FUN!!!!!!

C.

A.-
Don't forget that Sea World has a water park, which you might need since it has been over 100 degrees....Ripleys is good, and inside and out of the heat.

I had a friend go recently and she said the Witte (sp?) museum was great for the kids. Might want to check into that.

Fiesta Texas was a lot fun and there is a waterpark included so wear your swimsuit. The park was family geared. Strongly urge a weekday as weekends I hear are MUCH busier. Have a Wonderful & Memory Blessed Vacation!!

The kids(ages 3 and 10) and I did springbreak in San Antonio. I started by compling a list of activities and descriptions and I let each child pick one activity they really wanted to do while in SA. Well I picked for my three year old but you get the idea I also picked something I wanted to do. My 10 year old wanted to do Ripleys and he enjoyed it but my three year old didn't. What I didn't know about Ripleys was that there are several dark rooms and a lot of gory exhibits one even has a cemetery and a lot of blood. That really scared my three year old and at one point she started crying.

I like to save money whenever I can so I packed a picinic lunch(or subways $5 footlongs), snacks, water, and juiceboxes in my three year olds back pack. This saved a lot of money so I could purchase treats like ice cream or snowcones from the places we visited.

I also alternated days with a paid activity and a free or relatively inexpensive activity like a picnic lunch in Breckenridge Park(I think they have a sprinkler system there) and Hemisfair Park. We also did the children's museum (on the free night) and story time at the library and there is also a childrens theater located downtown that offers inexpensive matinees.
I also ordered the Texas Travel magazine and went to the websites of the activities the kids and I chose and printed up coupons. I'll admit it took sometime and effort but both kids enjoyed themselves. I saved some of my research( I think it came out to be about 10 pages lol) but i wanted to be prepared for anything you know rain, boredom etc. If you would like to have a copy email me.

Check out:
www.wildliferanchtexas.com

What about Six Flags Fiesta Texas? It's just down the road from Sea World & they have great shows & a kids ride area, there's also stuff kids & parents can do together too. You can get discount tickets for any park on their websites, sometimes parks will offer 2 park or 2 day pass for discount. I also liked the Riply museum, it's full of interesting things I think they'd enjoy. I've never been to the wax museum though but I'm sure they'd enjoy that, there's also the River Walk w/the boat tour & the Alamo to visit, SA has a lot of great things, there's also Natural Bridge caverns in New Braunfels just 15 min north of SA they also have the Safari tour nxt to the caverns but I've heard it's less expensive to goto the zoo so I'd just skip the safari, you can see more for less at the zoo. There's also Schlitterbahn water park also in New Braunfels & the waterpark in San Antonio too. You can float the Comal river (just down the road from Schlitterbahn) or other river areas w/several float outfitters & entrances there in New Braunfels, the park that's down from Schlitterbahn is REALLY nice & free, you can go there for a nice picnic or just to pass the time or you can go there to just stick your feet in the water (stairs go right into the water). There's a walk way up & down next to the river you can take a nice leisurely stroll. You can usually find coupons on those flyers you see in hotels or eating places, there's usually a rack of "things to do" & alot of those have coupons for what you want to do. But again, be sure to look online for things to do in that area & you can find a lot of fun things including discounts or best prices if you want to float, good luck & have a great time!

You could visit the missions and the Alamo. Your eight year old will take Tx history in the 4th grade and she can have some insight. The minor league baseball team has fireworks display after their games, and Thursdays is dollar night. There is a spray park(fountains) for the kids to run through at the Main Plaza. It is infront of the Catherdral. It's historic in nature also, the Spanish Governor's Palace is a block from there, and the Children's Museum is about 4 blocks from there also. Good luck and have fun.

Hi A.,

The Witte Museum and Science Treehouse are wonderful; they're near the zoo, very kid-friendly and hands-on.

Have fun! - J.

Yesterday I found a coupon on the package of white (wheat bread, don't know the brand) for Fiesta Texas. It was for $15 off and good for up to four tickets. Can't beat that. My daughter went yesterday (Thursday) and said there were hardly any lines. I asked if she was miserable hot all day and she said no, because there weren't lines so the little bit they had to wait was in the shade.

go on the internet and look up SA.

San Antonio is LOADED with fun things for the kids.

THey have 6 Flags Fiesta Texas as well as Sea World (SW may only take you 1 day). Also, the zoo will be a whole day. It used to be the #3 Zoo in the country.

Go online and see what is new.

Have fun!

If you want even more ideas check out www.sanantonio.about.com which also lists those temporary current events on their calender of events page.

If your family isn't afraid of heights then visit the Tower of the Americas and the water gardens around it. Also, the riverwalk and eating at Rainforest Cafe is fun.

My husband and I went to Ripleys not so long ago. I think the kids would enjoy that. It dosent cost too much and you can take your time or move threw it quickly. The Almo is very close to Ripleys and would be fun. The River Walk has boat rides I enjoyed them as a kid. Not sure how much those are. The Hemisphere ( I think is what it is called) Its the large tower with a round saucer shape on top, you can see alot of the city from up there. I did not enjoy Feista Texas but I think that was just me. They also have a water park there too. That might be too long of a day for your kids by then. Look up the chamber of commerce on line to view more tourist attractions.

The only problems you experience is height requirements for rides both at the waterpark and at Sea World...

Having said that, Sea World also has a waterpark inside it's doors as well as a water play area that the kids run through and get wet...

Your 7 (almost 8) yo may find somewhere like the WAX Museum entertaining and neat, but your 3 yo will be bored ot of her mind without somethng to interact with.

If you are interested in taking them somewhere Like that I hear the Alamo is great for kids...not sure what ages though...

Unfortunaltely that is the limits of my information...

Good Luck!!!

We went to Sea World last summer when my son was 7. We had a great time, there is a lot to see and do even for the little ones. Although even though they may meet the height requirement for the Steel Eel rollercoaster, I would skip that. We went on it with my son and if I had known how scary it was I wouldn't have let him go on. (but now he has a cool story to tell that he survived the Steel Eel lol.)

We also went to the Alamo and the river walk, both which my son enjoyed. My husband and I go to San Antonio pretty often. We went last September and they have redone the Tower of the America's. They have one of those 4G Imax rides that is good for the whole family and the observation deck where you can see all of San Antonio.

The Ripley's museum would be interesting, the wax museum may freak them out a little. Stay away from the Ripley's Haunted experience, it's a haunted house.

We took a boat ride on the river walk which the kids may enjoy too!

I'm sure you will find lots of fun stuff to do.

The Witte museum is nice. You can take a little train ride ($2.50 for adults) from the zoo and it has a "depot stop" near the Witte and then you can get back on when you are done. There is also a nice playground in brackenridge park that is also a short walk from the Witte.
Splashtown is another water park that you can check on. I think if you bring a coke can there is a discount.
Have fun.

There is a children's museum downtown also. I'm familiar with the one in New Braunfels (we live in Seguin) but my parents were visiting and while waiting for me to meet them downtown, they took the kids (my 4-yr-old and her 7-yr-old cousin) to the San Antonio children's musuem and they had a great time.

Ripley's/Wax are not worth the money. There is a great children's theatre downtown called Magik Childrens Theater. Google them for the schedule. Ride the boats on the river to avoid heat/crowds. YOu see all the sights and hear history on the boats. YOu get on at the Rivercenter Mall which has a parking garage for ease of finding parking. I would include one entire day for downtown. Do the Alamo early in the morning while cool (even though someone said it is commercial-your kids can relate to it when they mention it in school)Then the boats, then lunch in the mall where it is air conditioned. Then do the Kid's musem in the heat of the afternoon - allow 2-3 hours here for play. Across the street from the kids museum is the Buckhorn Saloon. If you want the Texas experience, it is fun but pricey. YOu can just go sit in the bar (kids also) and have RootBeers. They have many stuffed animals (huge white bear) that you can see from the bar. On weekends, at high noon, they have shoot outs.
Then in the evening hours, plan to go to the tower. You want to be able to do this a little before dark so you can see the city in daylight. The tower has an air conditioned observation tower and outside level. They remodeled 2 years ago and have a 4D movie. The movie is about 15 minutes but has great affects that the kids will love.
Did you know Sea World is the most expensive park in SA? Check out the local Girl Scout website for discount tickets if you have not gotten them yet. Splashtown was dirty and not well run the last time I went which was 3 yrs ago.
Personally email me if you have more questions.

Sounds like a blast. We went to sea world 2 years ago with my then 4 year old, and the neighbor's 9 year old girl. What I had not counted on was my little one not being tall enough to do anything but the "baby rides". She was so discouraged, and my husband and I had to split up for the day so that the older one could do the fun rides, and we could do the baby rides. The truth of the matter was...it was HOT, and we spent most of our time in the sprinklers....that's when I vowed that Sea World was a Spring/Fall place...not a 100 degree Texas Summer place. You mentioned all the other fund stuff except the Mueseums. San Antonio has wonderful museums and they are INDOORS AND COOL.

Yes, to Witte Museum and the HEB Treehouse! Absolutely yes to Natural Bridge Caverns. Always a cool 65 degrees in the caverns! Yes, to Sea World. Two days there is more economical than the one day regular admission. That's a good plan. It's going to be hot and sunny. You might want to split those 2 days apart a little.

Going to disagree with the Six Flags post-er though. There are packs of teens that roam 6 Flags. They run, they cut in line, they swear, they show lots of public affection!!!
When my kids were young, we found the atmosphere at 6 Flags not family friendly at all. (Teens do NOT go to Sea World to hang out.)
Secondly, our problem with 6 flags is that not all the rides are open all the time. They move staff and lifeguards around a lot to cover a large area, and all rides take a turn "going down" at some point, when you least expect it. 6 Flags has very little shade. Sea World does.
Sea World keeps all the rides and attractions open during all the hours they post on their schedule.

I noticed no one mentioned the International Museum. That was always a favorite of mine. Make sure you promise rock candy from the museum gift shop when you're done. *Wink*

The Japanese Tea Gardens (or sunken tea house or whatever they all it these days) is nice. That was another fave of mine growing up.

There's another museum (can't remember the name) but my aunt told me she really didn't think it was geared towards kids.

There's a 3D Imax theater.

If you are going to spend a day in downtown by the Alamo or Riverwalk, you might check out the house of mirrors. http://www.amazingmazes.com/
We went during Christmas break and our kids loved it. They probably spent around 2 hours there off and on on the evening we were there. It is also inside in the A/C. It is in the same area as Ripley's and the wax museum. You get an all day pass so you can come and go between the Alamo, Riverwalk, Children's Museum, IMAX theater in the Rivercenter Mall. Also the three year would be free but someone would probably need to walk with her so she would not panic if she felt lost in the maze.

We also enjoy the Witte Museum and HEB Treehouse (adults enjoy this also especially if you enjoy hands-on science stuff).

We have gone to the Institute of Texan Culture and our daughters enjoyed it. We thought we would be there maybe an hour or two and ended up spending the entire day and most of it is inside in the A/C. They normally have special exhibits such as how things were made in the frontier days and it was hands on. Our girls made rope, spun yarn, and ground corn and I'm sure other things but that was a couple of years ago. The time we went they were having a special exhibit over the history of video games. My oldest couldn't believe that we were excited when we were one of the first families to get a Pong game. (I'm showing my age now.)

Their website is http://www.texancultures.com/.

Make sure you check out San Antonio's visitors website. They will have a lot of coupons, most are only a dollar of two person but every little bit helps. Also check out their events calendar.

Have fun, drink lots of water, and put on lots of sunscreen.

A.

We went and see the Alamo. If was really cool all three of my children really enjoyed it. Even my youngest which was 3 at the time. We also went to a cave and explored it. I honestly think that was the best.

Best of luck.

H.

Sea World has its own water park and there is also Fiesta Texas which is fun and it has a water park and lots of rides and shows. Have fun!!

The zoo is great, we always spend the day when we go. It is large and has a lot to see. You can ride the little train from the zoo over to the Witte Museum. It has the H-E-B Science Treehouse that kids really like. And the exhibits at the museum are great. Just ride the train back to the zoo when you're done.

You can also go to the San Antonio Children's Museum. It is a lot of fun, with interactive things for kids to do. It's designed for kids ages 2 - 12 years old.

There is also Splashtown water park. I've never been there, but have heard from friends that it is a lot of fun and not too expensive.

Hi A.! I don't know if anyone has mentionend this but there is a S.A.V.E. (http://www.visitsanantonio.com/visitors/save/index.aspx)

program offered for tourists in San Antonio. You can look it up online and download some coupons for the zoo and some other local attractions. There is Splashtown off of I 35 and they have a special if you take in a label or empty can of big red soda you get a discount off of the regular price to enter. It's a fairly large waterpark. You might want to also check out woodlawn park, the missions in San Antonio (the actual missions San Jose, Concepcion etc are free to go look around) the Alamo is downtown in front of Rivercenter mall free entry and of course you can visit the Rivercenter mall and it leads right out to the riverwalk and you can take the kiddos on the "boat ride" it's a little shuttle boat that takes you up and down the river with a guide, it's really neat for the kids! If your girls like dancing, take them to the market square downtown (market street) there is an indoor flea market with lots of gadgets and knick knacks and usually there are local folkloric dance troupes that perform both inside and outside not to mention the occasional strolling mariachis (: On the riverwalk there is a Joes crab shack that's pretty neat, and also there is a rainforest cafe that is a definete must see for the kids (pricing is not that much different than that of joes) if you guys like burgers go check out chris madrids home of the super burger..(gotta see it to believe it) there are some dollar cinemas if y'all are on a budget off of evers and wurzbach and there are lots of theatres all over San Antonio, i'm sure San Pedro Playhouse is offering a summer play, they usually do. I'd strongly recommend check out the S.A.V.E website there should be a list of events on the website, also visit the city of San Antonio homepage there's usually a calendar of events there too. I believe there is no longer a fee to take the kids to a local swimming pool..let me know if you need anymore info!! (: God bless you and have fun!!!

There is Six flags, that you can actually spend two full days there since in this time of the year they have the water park open and is absolutely great! Is like two parks in one. Both kids and grown ups can have lots and lots of fun!

You can also visit the Alamo, I have not been there but they say is really nice.

And the river walk, is really nice, go at night and walk to find the restaurant that looks good to you! Just the walk is a treat in itself and you can take a boat tour too!

Have fun, San Antonio is a great place to go!
M.

There's so much to do here that is fun and free. The new Riverwalk extension of awesome with tons of public are,bats to see and easily connects to San Antonio Museum of Art. The barge rides are priced reasonalby and are good for 24 hours. Southtown, literally just south of downtown is great and very family friendly, lots of shops, restaurants and Blue Star Gallery. Also, the Mission Trails is great. Most of the missions have had some restoration work with great displays and all are free. The connections off of the San Antonio River in that area provide picnic areas, places to fish and waterfalls to see. It's so much fun! Enjoy and good luck!

P.S. Just finished reading some of the comments. In me opinion, to enjoy S.A. with kids and get a real feel of the place there's so much more to be offered not just downtown but just south of downtown. It's safe, virtually free, and less crowded with great sidewalk, walking trails and huge shade trees. Don't limit your children's experiences the "tourist" traps.

Google the Witte Museum. I just did. Sounds like fun for kids. It is near the zoo. Have a great vacation. Watch out for the heat, plan for some periods of rest, take your vitamins while you are gone. Stay well. Blessings, B.

the San Antonio Zoo is great--and there's lots of shade!