San Antonio

Things to do in San Antonio for teens during your Texas vacation

there are plenty of teen-friendly things to do in San Antonio, so it makes a great family destination.

Traveling with teens can be a challenge. They may not be interested in things the family wants to do, or art museums or historical sites that adults find intriguing may bore them.

If you’re in search of some things to do in San Antonio for teens, check out our list of suggested attractions, including:

  • Six Flags Fiesta Texas
  • SeaWorld® San Antonio
  • Battle for Texas: The Experience
  • San Antonio Zoo

💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on San Antonio attractions

San Antonio for teens

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

What teen doesn’t relish the opportunity to spend hours at an amazing theme park? Filled with exhilarating rides, slides, and even bumper cars, there is so much for them to explore at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, they’ll never want to leave!

The whole family can enjoy attractions across several themed areas of the park: Los Festivales, Crackaxle Canyon, Spassburg, Rockville, Fiesta Bay Boardwalk, DC Universe, Thrill Seeker Park and White Water Bay. They each offer different types of attractions, including some for younger kids (which helps if your teens are the oldest).

SeaWorld® San Antonio

Animal lovers are sure to delight in a visit to SeaWorld® San Antonio. It combines exciting theme park fun with educational information about the lives and habitats of some of the world’s most precious creatures.

Don’t miss the new area, Discovery Point, the designed habitat where you can see bottlenose dolphins frolic and play! Or, if you really just came to see Shamu, then check out the "Killer Whales: Up Close" show. A visit here is also a nice chance to see their conservation work in action – a nice opportunity for budding marine biologists.

Killer whale

Another one for the animal lovers is the San Antonio Zoo. They have a wide variety of creatures big and small to enjoy, from alligators to zebras.

A particularly popular exhibit is their Butterfly Garden, where you can walk through a vibrant garden and see these beautiful creatures flutter all around you. If you have little kids as well as teens, the Zootennial Carousel or the San Antonio Zoo Eagle train are fun options.

Natural Bridge Caverns Outdoor Discovery Package

For the outdoorsy teens who love a thrill, take a trip to the Natural Bridge Caverns and enjoy their outdoor package. With this, you can explore Twisted Trails, the largest outdoor sky rails and ropes course, and tackle Texas' largest outdoor maze. It's even got a 60-foot high rails and ropes course.

Natural Bridge Cavern

Alamo Plaza

Alamo Plaza is a great place to hang out with teens. There are plenty of places to eat and small shops, plus plenty of fun attractions. If your teens love a good scare, then Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a haunted house they won’t want to miss. If they prefer more straightforward excitement and adventure, then the Tomb Raider 3-D ride is an exhilarating experience.

Have a teen who loves learning? Then let them test their knowledge and learn new things at the Guinness World Records Museum. If you want to know more about the delightful offerings of Alamo Plaza, check out our post for some fun Alamo Plaza attractions.

The Amazing Mirror Maze

One that’s fun for kids and teenagers of all ages. Even the most skeptical teens will enjoy the disorientation and fun of wandering your way through the Amazing Mirror Maze, over and over again.

Getting in: Buy tickets directly online.

Save up to 50% on San Antonio 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. Grab a San Antonio attraction pass and make the most of your trip!

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Katie Sagal
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Outdoor Activities in San Antonio

If you're the outdoorsy type, and the beating sun doesn't scare you, check out this list of the best outdoor activities to try in San Antonio. With some thrill-seeking, animal-meeting, and river-riding fun, you're sure to have a memorable vacation! Including: Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio Walking Historical Ghost Tour San Antonio Zoo Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise Go Wild at Six Flags Fiesta Texas Let's start proceedings with some exhilaration! Are you a daring sort? Do you find joy in being absolutely terrified? If so, head to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and test your mettle on some of the fastest rides on the planet. And what says speed quite like superheroes? Six Flags knows this, which is why they have a ton of superhero-themed rides for you mere mortals to enjoy. Hop aboard the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Rollercoaster, and find out why she's the queen of comics as your knuckles whiten at every turn. Join the Man of Steel on Superman: Krypton Coaster, and go faster than a speeding bullet. Join the mega-rich yet mortal Batman on his ride around Gotham. If you like superheroes, Six Flags has you covered. But it isn't all about speed. Six Flags is open to people of all shapes and sizes, so even non-thrill seekers are catered to. Take an easy ride on the Lazy River, catch some of the park's live entertainment, or take the little ones to the kid-friendly rides featuring some of their favorite cartoon characters. With so many options, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is one of the best outdoor activities you can do in San Antonio. Experience thrills and chills on a Walking Ghost Tour! If you want to swap shocks for spookums, then boy, do we have a walking tour for you. San Antonio might seem like one of the finest cities around, but beneath the surface, terrors twist and turn. Or, at least, that's what this ghastly tour of the city's paranormal side will make you think. Supposedly one of America's most haunted cities, you can now join a fearless guide and tour some of San Antonio's paranormal hotspots. Over two hours, you'll delve into the city's historic downtown core, learn about modern paranormal investigation techniques, different types of hauntings, and the creepy tales that go with them. Ooooh! During the tour, you'll visit various haunted locations, where your guide will fill you in on their history, as well as supposed spooky goings on. Ooooooh! And don't worry; even little explorers are welcome on this ghoulish jaunt. Even squeamish adults like you will do just fine. Hang out with some furry friends at San Antonio Zoo Let's shake off those cobwebs with something a little more light-hearted. And sunnier, if you're lucky. If you're a fan of animals, then why not go to San Antonio Zoo and introduce yourself to over 750 species? So what if they don't reply? At least you made an effort. With delightful critters from all over the world, you'll have hours of fun exploring every nook and cranny of this 50-acre sanctuary. A fan of alligators, giraffes, and/or zebras? They've got them. Want to ride a train shaped like an eagle? Yep, they've got one of those too. Go meet some big cats up close at Cat Corner, greet the residents of the majestic plains at Africa Plains, and brave the humidity to see some tree-loving oddities at Outpost Amazonia. They even have a petting zoo, for Pete's sake. What more could you want? Looking for a fun day out for you and the family? Go check out San Antonio Zoo - one of the best outdoor activities in the city! Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour Want to get a taste of San Antonio's delightful ranch scene and see some of the city's history? Of course you do. With the sun shining, head down to Texas Hill Country and take a tour of LBJ's Ranch on this tour! Travel along the beautiful backroads of the Texas Hill Country and learn all about Texas cowboys and the great cattle drives from South Texas to mid-western markets. Then, when you reach Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Visitor Center, you'll get a guided tour of the President's boyhood home before heading to the LBJ Ranch. Known locally as the Texan White House, where you'll learn about LBJ's legacy, his family life, and what he did after leaving the White House. After all that, settle down for lunch at a German beer garden, go to a wine-tasting session, or visit the Nimitz Museum and National Museum of the Pacific War. It's completely up to you! After lunch, you'll head to the town of Luckenbach, before ending the tour at a Texan winery. A fantastic way to spend a day out on your vacation to San Antonio! Relax on a Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise And finally, let's end our guide with a relaxing trip on the water. If picturesque sights and sounds are your thing, take a wonderful river cruise and see the city from a different angle. You'll have plenty of photo ops on your way, so make sure to bring a camera! Snap stunning bridges, old buildings in San Antonio's original neighborhood, and some points of historical significance your guide will expand upon. You'll pass the cannon line from The Alamo, as well as the location where Roosevelt's rough riders crossed. If you want to catch some of San Antonio's most historical landmarks, then this guided river cruise is easily one of the best outdoor activities for your itinerary! And that's our list! If you're looking for other outdoor activities in San Antonio, and some inside ones too, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass, you can see San Antonio's best bits, as well as some of the best museums in the city, at your own pace!
Dom Bewley
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San Antonio Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

San Antonio is a city defined by a vibrant multicultural heritage and strong historical roots, from the Alamo to the LBJ Ranch and beyond. So if you’re contemplating a trip south for your Labor Day excursions, consider San Antonio at the top of your list. If you’re looking for San Antonio Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in San Antonio in September, including: Six Flags Fiesta Texas Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise San Antonio Zoo SeaWorld San Antonio Tower of the Americas The Witte Museum River Walk Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show Hemisfair Park Market Square Outdoor Film Series From all the must-see spots on a San Antonio bucket list to the perfect special events to attend during Labor Day weekend, we've got you covered! 1. Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise This relaxing and informative 30-minute cruise along San Antonio’s riverfront neighborhood is both a great introduction to the city and a fun way to escape the heat for a bit. Enjoy learning about historical fun facts as you cruise by some of the city's best landmarks. The Rio San Antonio River Cruise is a definite must for first-time visitors, too. Plus, the River Walk neighborhood is one of the most popular in the city and this delightful cruise is the perfect way to scope it out. 2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas The whole family will love spending the day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is the most exhilarating theme park in all of San Antonio. Whether you're looking for thrill rides or kid-friendly carnival games, you'll find it here. Take a ride on the new Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster or head over to the water park to cool down on the Bermuda Triangle Slide or Big Bender Raft Ride. And make sure you check out the Celebrate! Summer Nights Spectacular that takes place every night at the park. Once the sun goes down, keep your eyes peeled for a topnotch pyrotechnic show complete with fire and water displays. 3. San Antonio Zoo Another great place to take the kids for Labor Day Weekend (or any weekend, really) is the San Antonio Zoo. 750 different species call the 50-acre zoo home, so there's plenty of things to see and do that will keep you entertained for the whole day. Check out the Butterfly Garden, a crowd favorite, where you can immerse yourself in this gorgeous creature's natural habitat. The Zoo is also conveniently located in Brackenridge Park, a good community center that also features a Japanese Tea Garden, a golf course, and many fields and pavilions. The Witte Museum is also nearby, which is a top artsy option for the creative folks (more on that below). 4. SeaWorld San Antonio Dive deep into the wonders of the ocean at SeaWorld San Antonio. Experience up-close interactions with your favorite aquatic animals. Watch the bottlenose dolphins interact at Discovery Point or catch an awe-inspiring educational show like Killer Whales: Up Close. After you've had your fill of animal attractions, head to the theme park rides! Popular rides include the Wave Breaker, Steel Eel Roller Coaster, and the Sesame Street Bay of Play. A day at SeaWorld San Antonio is a one of a kind experience that the whole family will remember for years to come. 5. Tower of the Americas Tower of the Americas is San Antonio's tallest building and a great landmark to add to your San Antonio sightseeing bucket list. Journey up to the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck for aerial views of the entire city. You'll be able to see all of San Antonio's top landmarks, like the Alamo, from this vantage point. You can also catch a showing of Skies of Texas: 4D Theater Ride. Fly over the Lone Star State in a 4D simulator and see a Friday night football game, a NASA Space Shuttle and more. If you're visiting on a Friday, stay put for Party on the Plaza. Every Friday, Tower of the Americas hosts a free concert that is open to the public. 6. Special Exhibits at the Witte Museum The Witte Museum shares the rich history of San Antonio and Texas as a whole. It's a great place for history buffs to learn more about what makes San Antonio, San Antonio. There are a number of special exhibitions currently on display that will be available this summer. Their thrilling featured exhibit is one for the outdoorsy folks who pride themselves on their handy skills--Survival: The Exhibition, How to Stay Alive Anywhere. Combining science and culture into one sweeping exploration of harsh climates from around the globe, this exhibition evokes STEM principles as it encourages visitors to think, play, and problem-solve. It closes after Labor Day Weekend, so be sure to get there on your trip this summer. Another top exhibition that will be running late this summer is The Art of Texas: 250 Years. From the nineteenth century to the twentieth, and through to our own century, the more than one hundred pieces included in this exhibition showcases the breadth and variety of artwork inspired by and created in Texas. This exhibition closes on August 25, 2019, so it doesn't quite make it to Labor Day but you can still enjoy the artwork if you're in town a bit earlier. 7. Labor Day Artisan Show Walk Visit one of the most beautiful and lively neighborhoods in all of San Antonio with a trip to the Labor Day Artisan Show Walk at San Antonio River Walk. Stroll around soaking up all the amazing sights and sounds, and perhaps come home with a souvenir from local artists and artisans. From unique, hand-crafted household items to one of a kind pieces for your wardrobe, you're sure to find something here. The Labor Day Artisan Show Walk is free and open to the public. The 2019 dates are August 30 - September 2. 8. Hemisfair Park Photo via Heidi Gollub Originally built for the 1968 World’s Fair, this grand park is both a relaxing green oasis in the middle of San Antonio and a bustling hub of activities and events. Come here to picnic and play Frisbee, take in free movies, participate in yoga classes held in the gorgeous Yanaguana Garden, play around with art classes, and much more. Admission to Hemisfair Park is free, but select events may have a separate admission cost. 9. Market Square Photo via Jim Nix Visit the largest Mexican market in the entire country at Market Square. This festive neighborhood is filled with everything from shops and restaurants to performers and art exhibits. Admission to Market Square is free, but be sure to budget for extensive souvenir shopping here! 10. Outdoor Film Series Image credit: City of San Antonio. Hosted by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office at the Mission Marquee Plaza, this free summer film series is perfect for families with kids. In addition to the free film screening, visitors can enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, and more. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an evening of fun. You can also bring your own food and drinks if you'd prefer not to take advantage of the food trucks. Pets are welcome, too! The lineup is different all summer, but the movie dates closest to Labor Day 2019 are August 17 (Captain Marvel) and September 7 (Dumbo). Save on Attraction Admission There you have it - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Antonio in September to help you plan your Labor Day weekend itinerary. There are plenty more options, too, like renting a bike and pedaling around the waterfront, taking advantage of end-of-summer sales at local shopping outlets, strolling through the serene Japanese Tea Garden, and sipping a cool beverage at a waterfront café. Remember, some of these great attraction options are available on the Go San Antonio pass, where you can save up to 45% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. If you need more advice on things to do in San Antonio, we've got you covered there, too! Check out our guide to San Antonio for first-time visitors. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, events and inspiration for your chosen destination too!
Katie Sagal

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