There are so many fun things to do in San Antonio, Texas and in this article, we will highlight some of them. Is visiting San Antonio on your bucket list or do you already live there? Read on to see some of the cool activities that you can leisurely partake in.
San Antonio is located in the south-central part of the state of Texas, and it is the state’s 2nd largest city. According to the 2020 census, its population is about 1,434,625 people.
Below Are Some Of The Top Fun Things To Do In San Antonio, Texas
Explore The Alamo In San Antonio
| Alamo Church | Free |
| Ralston Family Collections Center | Adults $14 Child (Under 12) $10 Adult Military $12 Military Kids $9 |
| Guided Tou | Adults $45 Child (Under 12) $35 Adult Military $40 Military Kids $30 |
| Hour | 9 A.M – 5:30 AM |
Location: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
A visit to San Antonio will seem incomplete without going to the Alamo. It is such a popular tourist attraction that one can assume that it is on top of everyone’s bucket list.
The Alamo was originally founded by the Roman Catholic missionaries in the 18th century.
That makes it popular but that isn’t the only reason why it is so popular. The Alamo is also so dear to the Texans because of the 13-day siege that happened there during the Texas Revolution.
This historic site represents utmost bravery, absolute perseverance in the face of adversity and togetherness till the very last moments.
The Texian soldiers camped and fought here for several months, against all odds.
There is so much to do here, however, there is also a lot of flexibility to what you can do.
There is a guided tour led by very knowledgeable tour guides, musket firing demonstration, free timed entry into the Alamo Church, entry into Ralston Family collection center and much more.
To reserve entry into the Alamo Church, make sure you do so online for free.
Question: Is it free to visit the Alamo in San Antonio?
Answer: Yes, it is free to visit and enter the Alamo Church, but it requires an online reservation. However, it costs some money to access the Ralston Family Collections Center or participate in a guided tour at the Alamo.
Question: How long does it take to walk through the Alamo in San Antonio?
Answer: It varies, but we say it can take anywhere from 90 mins – 2 hours.
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Explore The San Antonio Riverwalk
One extremely common thing almost all tourists do when they visit San Antonio is to explore the Riverwalk, and you should do so too.
The San Antonio riverwalk spans about 15-miles, it is also known as the Paseo del Rio.
River parades are a constant feature of the Riverwalk, there is usually one colorful parade going on or another along the waterway.
There are shops, bars, restaurants, art exhibits and more lined up, flanking the river on both sides.
There is a guided tour available, where you will get into a river barge and float around.
Question: How much does it cost to visit the San Antonio River Walk?
Answer: Admission to the Riverwalk is free but if you would like to enjoy a boat ride or grab a lunch in the area, then applicable costs will apply.
Question: Are dogs allowed in the San Antonio Riverwalk?
Answer: Yes, dogs on a leash are allowed.
Visit The San Antonio Museum of Art
| Ticket Prices | Members Free Adults $20 Seniors (65+) $17 Military $12 Students $12 Youth $10 Under 12 Free |
| Hours | Mon Closed Tues & Fri 10AM-7PM Wed & Thur 10AM-5PM Sat & Sun 10AM-5PM |
| Location | 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78215 |
The San Antonio Museum of Art is located along the River Walk and it was established in 1981.
The museum has a very diverse and wide-ranging collection of objects and artifacts that date as far back as 5000 years ago, which have Greek, Egyptian, Asian, Roman, American, African, and contemporary origins.
In addition to these vast collections, there is frequent different exhibitions going on at the museum.
Question: What day is the San Antonio art museum free?
Answer: The San Antonio art museum is free on Tuesday between 4 P.M to 7 P.M and Sunday between 10 A.M to 12 P.M for Bexar County residents only.
Have Fun At Six Flags Fiesta Park San Antonio
Six Flags Fiesta Park is one of our favorite things to do in San Antonio. The reason is not farfetched, they have a lot of fun activities to participate in.
There are many different coasters, designed with a singular thing in mind, memorable fun! Many of them a truly innovative, each ride promises to provide heart pounding thrill and exhilarating excitement.
This theme park has it all, if you are not going up and down in a roller coaster or thrill ride, you could be plunging down one of the numerous splash slides.
Apart from the splashing thrills and rides, the park has other forms of entertainment with regular shows and events taking place, at various times.
You can spend all day there and do not have to worry about where to get food because the park has a variety of dining and restaurant options scattered throughout the complex, you will very likely find something delicious to eat.
SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio
Another top fun thing to do in San Antonio, Texas is to spend the day in SeaWorld and/or Aquatica.
Both are part of the same very large complex; you can purchase a ticket to just go to SeaWorld or Aquatica or dual ticket/pass for the two of them.
Some of the rides and attractions at SeaWorld include but are not limited to “Texas Stingray”, “Steel Eel”, “Great White”, “Tidal Surge”, “Sea Swinger”, “Riptide Rescue” and “Rio Loco”.
On the animal encounter front, there is much fun to be had too.
Visitors will get the opportunity to interact with, feed and/or touch lovely and magnificent sea creatures such as the bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, California seal lions and stingrays.
There is also the opportunity to play and interact with penguins in a chilly environment that contains about a hundred of them. Really, there is so much to do in SeaWorld.
Aquatica is equally very fun to visit, from the various water slides to the splash zones and lazy river, you will certainly have a lot of thrilling and heart thumping activities to engage in.
While at the Aquatica, enjoying the zips and zags, the twists and turns of the slides, ensure that you catch a ride at the “Stingray Falls”.
This one of its kind in the world will take you down to an underwater cavern, where you will see tropical fish and stingrays staring at you.
They also have a variety of food and drink spots, which are mostly open all day and will give you the energy to continue your exploration and adventures.
Question: Can I leave the park and return the same day with a single day ticket?
Answer: Yes, you can but make sure to present your ticket and ID at the main entrance.
Question: How much does the ticket cost?
Answer: There are many ticket and pass options, with deals and discounts always going on. It is best to check their websites for the most up-to-date ticket price. Check SeaWorld or Aquatica Here
Go To The San Antonio Zoo
| Ticket Prices | Adults (12+) $31.99 Children (3-11) $27.99 Kids (Under 3) Free Other options, check here. |
| Hours | All Week, 9AM–5PM or 7PM or 4PM (closing time varies) |
| Location | 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212 |
The San Antonio Zoo which has been operating since 1914 is located in the city’s Brackenridge Park.
The Zoo is very popular with tourists and locals alike, it typically welcomes more than one million visitors yearly.
Amongst its earliest residents were a buffalo, deer, elk, some monkeys, two lions and four bears donated by Col. George Brackenridge, circa 1914.
Now, this 50+ acre Zoo is home to over 750 animal species, some of them being rare, endangered or gone extinct in their natural habitat.
Some of the attractions and experiences in this zoo includes but are not limited to interactive tours with the Aldabra Tortoise, Rhinos, Giraffe feeding, Butterfly rainforest, mingle with Flamingos and the newly opened 4d theatre.
They also have regular events organized with different themes, regularly going on in the zoo.
Question: How long does it take to walk through San Antonio Zoo?
Answer: It varies, it depends on pace and how much time you decide to spend at each animal viewing spot. At a minimum, we expect that it will take you about 2 hrs. to make all the stops but you should really budget around 4 hours, to view and enjoy your time looking at or interacting with these beautiful creatures.
Question: Does the zoo have free parking?
Answer: Yes, the zoo has free parking.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
| Ticket Prices | Members Free Adults $16-$18 Kids (3-13) $13-$15 Kids (Under 3) Free Military(with ID) $14-$16 |
| Hours | Mar-Oct 8AM–7PM Daily 8AM–9PM Wed Nov–Feb 9AM–5PM Daily |
| Location | 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209 |
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is simply beautiful, with a wide variety of flowers, each at a different stage of its lifecycle.
The flourishing bloom and bright coloring of the many petals in the garden remain an attractive draw to visitors.
There are many sections in the garden, each has a well cultivated collection of flowers and plants, giving ample plaudit to the top level horticultural practice in place in the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
Some of the attractions or sections that you should visit while in the garden include the world renowned “Lucile Halsell Conservatory”, “Texas Native Trail”, ”The Display Gardens”, ”Family Adventure Garden”, “Mays Family Display Garden” and much more.
There is a fantastic restaurant onsite with various delectable meals. That will come in handy, in case you need to take a break and recharge.
Question: Does the San Antonio Botanical Garden Have A Restaurant?
Answer: Yes, they do. Jardin is a well catered restaurant that has a variety of appetizing meals.
Question: Is the San Antonio Botanical Garden, wheelchair accessible?
Answer: Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.
Visit The McNay Art Museum
Top Fun Things To Do In San Antonio, Texas
| Ticket Prices | Members Free Adults $20 Teen (13 -19) $10 Kids (0-12) Free Military (with ID) Free Seniors (65+) $15 College Student $15 |
| Hours | Mon – Tue Closed Sunday 12PM – 5PM Wed & Fri 10AM – 6PM Thursday 10AM – 9PM Saturday 10AM – 5PM |
| Location | 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209 |
If you are into medieval and contemporary art, then make sure to add a visit to the McNay Art Museum as one of the top things you have to do while visiting San Antonio.
If you are not into that kind of art, you should still visit, lol.
On a more serious note, a visit here is well worth your time and buck, it has on display several artifacts and arts of work that are simply magnificent.
The museum pride’s itself with the desire to always deliver outstanding, relevant and balanced artistic programs that will broaden and redefine the visitors art perception.
Question: Is there free parking at McNay Art Museum?
Answer: Yes, there is a lot of free parking at the museum.
Question: Can I take pictures at McNay Art Museum?
Answer: Yes, you can take pictures but certain precautions such as no flash and tripods must be adhered to. In fact, be sure to talk to an attendant before taking pictures.
Question: When is it free to visit McNay Art Museum?
Answer: Admission into the Museum is free on Thursdays between 4PM and 9PM & 1st Sundays of every month between 12PM and 5PM.
Brackenridge Park – Another Top Thing To Do In San Antonio
The Brackenridge Park is super popular in San Antonio, Texas. It is a public park with a land mass of 343 acres and it is in Northern San Antonio.
When I said that this park is super popular here, I was not joking, it is almost as though it is part and parcel of the cultural life of San Antonio.
The San Antonio Zoo is located on the park’s grounds as well as the Witte Museum, Sunken Theatre Garden, Trails, Softball Field, Picnic Areas and Grills, and much more.
There are miniature trains that run through the park daily and the tickets costs about $5.
Go Watch A Show At Majestic Theatre
When it comes to the definition of historical, the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio comes an inch close to it.
This Theatre really lives up to its name “Majestic”, and that is in considering all realms of what is expected at an entertainment coliseum.
It was build in 1929 by John Eberson, it is the home of the Broadway shows in San Antonio and it also plays host to many other live gigs and shows.
It received a National Landmark status in 1993. No matter where you sit, the acoustic, lighting and stage view are usually excellent.
The architecture remains as impressive today and as it was in the 1920’s.
Furthermore, a key feature of the Majestic Theatre that is not found in many theatres is the in-seat service availability.
All you need to do is to scan the QR code that is pasted on your seat and place an order, it will be delivered directly to you, while the show is going on.
Question: Does the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio have ADA Accessibility?
Answer: Yes, the Majestic Theatre has ADA accessibility, they offer seating and other accommodations.
Question: Where can I purchase Tickets To The Majestic Theatre, in San Antonio?
Answer: There are various options available. You can buy tickets from broadwayinsanantonio.com or ticketmaster.com. You can also purchase tickets from the venue’s box office in person or get it by calling their phone number (800-982-2787).
Location: 224 E. Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205
Tour The San Antonio Riverwalk With GO RIO
| Ticket Prices | Narrated Cruises: Adults $14.50 Senior (65+) $11.50 Military $11.50 Kids (1-5) $8.50 Mariachi Sip & Cruise: $60.00 Museum Reach Sip & Cruise: $95.00 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun 10am-10pm |
| Location | Different Load Points |
I know, by now you must have heard or read a lot about the iconic Riverwalk situated in the heart of San Antonio.
There is so much to do both on the river and by the river. With GO RIO, you can have a more immersive experience, exploring the river.
They operate cruises and tours on the river, with different options such as “the narrated river cruises”, “river shuttles”, “Mariachi Sip and Cruise”, and “Museum Reach Sip and Cruise”.
An additional fun thing to do on the river is the kayaking and paddle boating that is available.
The Narrated River Cruise – during this cruise, you will learn so much about the culture and history of San Antonio from the cruise guide.
These cruises run every day and you could join up on one of the three designated boarding docks.
Mariachi Sip and Cruise – Just as the name sounds, this cruise option comes with mariachi entertainment by Mariachi Amador and two drinks per ticket.
So, go ahead, hop on, and explore downtown Riverwalk. Add a souvenir cup to the list of benefits for this cruise too.
Museum Reach Sip and Cruise – Ah! This option is the deluxe cruise amongst the available GO RIO cruises.
With great jazz music playing in the background, this cruise will navigate the Riverwalk along the Museum Reach Area.
You will enjoy three glasses of top-rated wine and a sumptuous charcuterie board from Landrace.
Question: Is the GO RIO cruise ADA Accessible?
Answer: Yes, the GO RIO cruises are all ADA accessible.
Visit The Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort
The Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark and Resort is a summer must do thing in the Greater San Antonio area.
This waterpark has a wide array of thrilling slides, pools and river rides. It has four different sections and each section is big enough to be a standalone waterpark, by itself.
The resort is open all year round and provides visitors with plenty of exciting and memorable activities to partake in.
There is a suitable ride or more for everyone, if you like high adrenaline activities, the park has got you but you if prefer something more moderate and serene, then you are at the right place too, the park’s gotchu.
If your plan is to spend a few days at the resort, don’t worry, the park has got you again, they have a range of accommodation options, from lofts to cabins, luxury suites to vacation homes.
K1 Speed – Indoor Go Karts
| Ticket Price | Speed Pass $64.95 1 Race $25.95 2 Races $46.95 3 Races $59.95 |
| Hours | Mon-Thurs 12pm-10pm Friday 2pm-12am Saturday 10am-12am Sunday 10am-10pm |
| Location | 6955 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238 |
K1 Speed is a popular “Go Karts” brand in the United States and the one in San Antonio lives up to its billing.
The karts are all electric and can get up to a top speed of 45MPH on the 20HP karts for adults and up to 20MPH for the junior karts for kids.
Question: What is the minimum height for kids to drive a go Kart in K1 Speed?Answer: Kids need to have a minimum height of 48” to race in the junior Karts which have a top speed of 20MPH. Those who are 58” or taller can race in the adult Karts, which can reach a top speed of 45MPH on a 20HP electric motor. Also, meeting the height requirement alone is not enough to guarantee a race. The establishment’s management will have to make the final approval decision.
The Escape Game San Antonio
| Ticket Price | $36.99 |
| Hours | Mon–Sun 8am-12am |
| Location | 5822 Worth Pkwy, San Antonio, Tx 78257 |
The Escape Game @ The Rim in San Antonio should be on your fun things to do in San Antonio, Texas list.
It is a big and popular hit to almost all who have participated and it is a clear testament to the creativity and genius of the creators.
At this location, they have uniquely created 5 distinctly themed games which are designed to challenge you in interesting ways.
Their games include “the depths”, “gold rush”, ”playground”, “special Ops : mysterious market”, and clearly their most difficult game “prison break”.
The location is close to a commercial center, so you can fit and finish other activities in your schedule before heading to the escape game for a night of splendor and thrilling escape maneuvers.
Witte Museum
| Ticket Prices | Adults (19–64) $15.00 Kids (4-12) $10.00 Kids (Under 3) Free Teen (13-18) $14.00 Seniors (65+) $14.00 Military $14.00 |
| Hours | Monday 10am-5pm Tuesday 10am-6pm Wed-Sat 10am-5pm Sunday 12pm-5pm |
| Location | 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 |
(Free from 3 p.m – 6 p.m) on Tuesdays
The Witte Museum in San Antonio prides itself as being the confluence of science, culture and nature.
It is also located in the Brackenridge Park, where the Zoo and many other city attractions are.
The exhibits in this museum include permanent galleries and temporary ones.
Some of the permanent ones include but are not limited to “Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery”, “McLean Family Texas Wild gallery”, and more.
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Looking For Where To Stay While Having Fun In San Antonio, Texas? Check Out the Hotels Below
Like cities typically of this size, there are many options for accommodation while visiting. Where you ultimately decide to stay may depend on what you have on your trip’s itinerary but all the same, look at the following.
- Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Free Breakfast? – Yes
Pool or Hot Tub? – Yes
Price Range? $130 – $250 (prices can vary with deals)
Location: 105 S Saint Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX. 78205
- Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
Free Breakfast? – No
Pool or Hot Tub? – Yes
Price Range? $320 – $500 (prices can vary with deals)
Location: 123 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX. 78205
- Drury Inn and Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
Free Breakfast? – Yes
Pool or Hot Tub? – Yes
Price Range? $130 – $250 (prices can vary with deals)
Location: 201 N Saint Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX. 78205
Summary of Top Fun Things To Do In San Antonio, Texas
- The Alamo
- Explore The San Antonio Riverwalk
- San Antonio Museum of Art
- Six Flags Fiesta Park
- SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio
- San Antonio Zoo
- San Antonio Botanical Garden
- McNay Art Museum
- Brackenridge Park – Another Top Thing To Do In San Antonio, Texas
- Majestic Theatre
- Tour The San Antonio Riverwalk with GO RIO
- Visit The Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort
- K1 Speed – Indoor Go Karts
- The Escape Game San Antonio
- Witte Museum
