Texas may be hot in the summer, but that doesn’t make it any less of a great family vacation destination. Head to San Antonio this summer for a trip you’ll never forget!
Whatever you’re interested in as a family, from arts and culture to cruises and theme parks, there’s something to delight you in this amazing city. Our favorite San Antonio summer family vacation ideas include:
- SeaWorld San Antonio
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour
- San Antonio Zoo
- San Antonio River Cruise
- Splashtown San Antonio
- Brackenridge Park
- Tower of the Americas & Hemisfair Park
- Alamo Plaza Attractions
Hop-On Hop-Off San Antonio bus tour
The Hop-On Hop-Off San Antonio Bus Tour is the best way to start your trip and get familiar with San Antonio. You’ll see all the top attractions in San Antonio, from the Riverwalk to Southtown.
A hop-on hop-off tour gives you the freedom to hop off at any of the stops along the way to visit attractions or explore a neighborhood by foot - or, you can stay on for the full tour and make a note of areas you want to go back to later. Along the way, you'll enjoy a narrated tour packed with historical information and fun facts about the city.
SeaWorld San Antonio
There’s nothing quite like a visit to SeaWorld, which combines the exhilaration of a theme park with the fun of an animal park. Come here to meet some of the ocean’s most astonishing and impressive creatures, large and small.
Be sure to check out their exciting Discovery Point exhibit, where you can see playful bottlenose dolphins in a natural environment. Then, stick around for some rides, like the thrilling Steel Eel coaster, or the relaxing Sesame Street Bay of Play water fixture.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Another great option for theme park lovers is Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Filled with unbeatable thrills across six different themed areas, this park is a must-visit for adventure-seeking families. Enjoy everything from roller coasters to bumper cars to water rides! There are rides geared towards children of all ages, so don’t be worried if you’re traveling with younger children.
Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour
The Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour is a great historical attraction for families looking for something educational in their vacation. Join up with a day-long guided excursion from San Antonio and head out to Texas Hill Country, some of the most beautiful land in the region.
Learn all about Texas cowboy culture and the history of cattle ranching, as well as about the childhood and legacy of the 36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson. Then, you also get to stop at two historic towns along the way: a traditional German town named Fredericksburg, and Luckenbach, where Willie Nelson is from.
San Antonio Zoo
Animal lovers should put the San Antonio Zoo at the top of their list. Located in the charming Brackenridge Park (more on that below), this 50-acre animal wonderland is home to many critters from around the globe. Their inhabitants are grouped into themed habitats, from African Plains to Amazonia and Big Cat Valley. Don’t miss their Tiny Tot Nature Spot, either, which is a perfect area for the littlest ones to play and learn about nature.
San Antonio River Cruise
Cool off from the sultry Texas heat with a San Antonio River Cruise - a quintessential San Antonio experience. This informative, 30-minute cruise is a perfect introduction to the River Walk and San Antonio’s vibrant waterfront scene. Your guide will point to important landmarks you’ll see along the route, as well as beautiful local scenery.
Splashtown San Antonio
Another fun one for those super hot summer days is Splashtown San Antonio. Located just a few minutes drive north of downtown, this expansive water park offers 20 acres of summertime fun. They’ve got everything from a massive, half-million-gallon wave pool to Kid’s Kove, an area filled with shallow water and fun spray fixtures. Kids of all ages will love it!
Brackenridge Park & the Witte Museum
This historic riverside park is filled with fun attractions and bountiful nature to explore. It’s a great way to immerse the kids in nature while in the midst of a city, and offers plenty to do as well. Whether you want to explore the Witte Museum, stroll through the Japanese Tea Gardens, take in a show at the Sunken Garden Theater, or even play a round of golf, it’s all here.
Tower of the Americas & Hemisfair Park
Hemisfair Park is another important cultural and natural location in San Antonio. It’s home to the important Tower of the Americas, a children’s theater, the convention center, and more. The Tower of the Americas is San Antonio’s tallest building and features two fun attractions inside. There are also a number of special, often free, events that go on in this park during the summer months, so check out resources like the San Antonio CVB to see what’s going on before you visit!
Alamo Plaza Attractions
If you’re in search of excitement, entertainment, and perhaps a side of education, then Alamo Plaza is a must. The commercial is area loosely grouped around the historic Alamo, the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo (another can’t-miss item on your summer vacation itinerary).
Alamo Plaza is filled with fun things to do for the whole family, including quirky museums.
Save up to 50% on San Antonio family attractions
Planning your San Antonio trip? With Go City®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
☀️See all San Antonio attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a San Antonio pass ✈️
