Although we only lived in San Antonio for about nine months I completely fell in love with the city in that time. Since we moved away we’ve even been back there a couple times while traveling. San Antonio has so many family-friendly activities, making it a great travel destination with kids. With Spring here it’s the perfect time to write this up. There is no more gorgeous time to visit Texas Hill Country than when the bluebonnets are in bloom. Keep reading for what do do if you’ve got 72 hours in San Antonio.
72 hours in San Antonio with kids
day one: experience history firsthand
Take a short drive out of the city and visit Fredericksburg, a historical German town that was founded in 1846. The town is also famous for their delicious peaches when they’re in season. So you can enjoy lots of delicious food while you shop the historic storefronts. Our family enjoyed lunch at Hondo’s and some dessert at the Fredericksburg Pie Company. There you can purchase pie by the slice or whole. There are also plenty of authentic German restaurants if you want to try some schnitzel. If you don’t feel like taking the short drive out of town then you could also head over to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park which boasts four preserved missions. Best of all–admission to tour them is free.
| Read: Glamping in Texas Hill Country at Camp Fimfo |
day two: have some wild fun
Before Mike and I moved to San Antonio I had no idea how many amusement parks were in the area. Those of you with younger kids then be sure to check out Sea World. There you can spend a whole day being awed by both the animals and rides. Finish off your day with dinner at Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q with peach cobbler for dessert. Families that have older ones might have more fun at the high thrill rides that Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers. By the way, both those theme parks feature a waterpark if you’re looking to cool down.
However, if you have the time it’s worth it to take a short drive out to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. It first opened its doors in 1979 and has continued to grow, merging new technology with nostalgic experiences. It is unlike any waterpark you’ve been to before.There is definitely something for all ages to enjoy there! However, if you don’t want to devote an entire day to an amusement park then the San Antonio Zoo is another really fun option. You can easily see it in a few hours, then head back to your hotel for the kids to nap or unwind in the pool. We had annual passes to the zoo while we lived there and never got tired of going.
| Read: Exploring Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels |
day three: be a typical tourist
You can’t visit San Antonio without seeing the Alamo, right? Here you can choose to explore on your own or take a self-guided audio tour. It’s worthy of the trip downtown all in itself, but while you’re there be sure to explore the River Walk also. The history of the River Walk is interesting. It was conceptualized to help control flooding and plans were originally submitted in 1929. And even the littlest ones in your group without an appreciation of history will appreciate the 2.5 miles worth of walkways along the river that winds through downtown. You can even take a taxi boat or tour, or dine waterfront while taking a break from window shopping. If time allows head over to the Tower of the Americas in HemisFair park, site of the 1968 World’s Fair.
Have you been to San Antonio before?
