Yes, the River Walk San Antonio itself is a great free destination for families. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the water, admire the well-kept gardens and explore public art installations. Just a short stroll from the River Walk San Antonio, The Alamo offers free admission and provides an educational experience about Texas history. Nearby, Hemisfair Park features the creative Yanaguana Garden, where kids can enjoy unique playgrounds and splash pads, all without spending a dime. These spots make exploring things to do in San Antonio with kids affordable and fun.
What Are the Best Things To Do With Kids Near the River Walk?
San Antonio is a popular spot for families, offering a mix of history, attractions and a welcoming atmosphere. With plenty of museums, outdoor activities and family-friendly dining options, San Antonio aims to make every visit enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
The San Antonio River Walk, also called “Paseo del Rio,” is a unique urban area located in Downtown San Antonio. Originally built in the 1920s for flood control, it has grown into a network of pedestrian paths set below street level. The area features restaurants, shops and greenery, creating a peaceful spot away from the city’s busy streets.
What Are Some Fun Things To Do Right on the River Walk?
Go Rio Boat Cruises
Taking a cruise along the River Walk San Antonio is a calm and enjoyable way to experience the area’s rich history and beautiful architecture. Knowledgeable guides share interesting stories and facts that keep everyone entertained, even the youngest or most restless family members. The gentle glide through the water offers unique views of the city and the chance to relax while learning more about this special part of San Antonio. A River Walk San Antonio boat cruise is a must for families looking to combine fun and education during their visit.
SEA LIFE: A Kid's Paradise Within a Mall
The SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium offers an unforgettable aquatic experience for families. Its highlight is the 360-degree ocean tunnel where kids can watch sharks, stingrays and other sea creatures swim all around them, making it truly immersive. Nearby, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is perfect for LEGO fans, featuring hands-on building stations, fun rides and interactive exhibits that spark creativity. For families looking for more active fun, the Natural Bridge Caverns includes the LiggettVille Adventure Center. This spot features ropes courses and climbing walls that challenge balance and strength. These attractions near the River Walk San Antonio bring a perfect blend of learning and excitement for kids of all ages.
Old Town Trolley Tours®
Exploring San Antonio with kids becomes easy and fun aboard Old Town Trolley Tours®! This open-air adventure on wheels lets everyone relax while enjoying the sights without worn-out little feet. Our friendly and knowledgeable conductors bring San Antonio’s rich history to life with engaging stories and fun facts about iconic landmarks like The Alamo, the River Walk and Market Square. With the convenient hop-on, hop-off option, you can explore each stop at your own pace and then hop back on when you’re ready for the next discovery. Old Town Trolley Tours® provides a flexible and stress-free way for families to experience all the best things to do in San Antonio with kids, making it a must for your trip.
The Alamo
The Alamo is one of the most important landmarks in Texas history, originally built in the 1700s as a Spanish mission before later serving as a fort. In 1836, during the Texas Revolution, a small group of Texan defenders, including famous figures like Davy Crockett and James Bowie, held the fort against a much larger Mexican army led by General Santa Anna for 13 days. Though the defenders were eventually overcome, their courage became a lasting symbol that inspired the rallying cry “Remember the Alamo!” This moment helped rally Texans to secure their independence. Families visiting the River Walk San Antonio often include The Alamo on their list of things to do in San Antonio with kids, making it a must-see stop that combines education and history in a way that captivates all ages.
Hemisfair Park
Hemisfair Park is a lively outdoor space filled with history and family-friendly activities. This area was once home to the 1968 World’s Fair and has since become a welcoming place to explore. Families can visit the Tower of the Americas for panoramic views of the city. The park also offers green spaces for relaxing, the Yanaguana Garden playground with interactive features for kids and a variety of public art installations. With regular community events and local restaurants nearby, Hemisfair Park is a great spot for things to do in San Antonio with kids, just a short walk from the River Walk San Antonio.
Hopscotch San Antonio
Hopscotch San Antonio brings art to life with interactive exhibits that invite families to play and explore. The 20,000-square-foot gallery features 14 unique installations created by more than 40 artists from around the country and the world. Visitors can engage with the artwork through light, sound and touch, making each visit a memorable experience. This spot offers a fresh and creative option and is easy to reach from the River Walk San Antonio, adding convenience to your family outing.
La Villita Historic Arts Village
La Villita Historic Arts Village sits along the south side of the San Antonio River Walk and is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Its roots go back nearly 300 years, starting as a Native American settlement before becoming a small community for Spanish soldiers. Today, La Villita has grown into a lively arts district filled with well-preserved adobe buildings, Victorian homes, and traditional Texas limestone structures. With more than 25 galleries and shops, it’s the perfect spot to discover unique handmade pottery, jewelry, textiles and folk art crafted by local artists. Visitors can soak up the mix of cultural history and creativity here, making it a memorable stop on any visit to the River Walk San Antonio. It also offers plenty of things to do in San Antonio with kids who enjoy exploring and finding special keepsakes.
What Nearby Places Can Families Explore From River Walk San Antonio?
San Antonio Zoo
Located inside Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo is a favorite spot for families and animal lovers. It houses more than 750 species from around the world, including some rare and endangered animals. The zoo features engaging exhibits like the African Plains, where you can see giraffes and zebras, Amazonia’s lush rainforest habitat, and the Asian Forest with its unique wildlife. Kids especially enjoy getting close to animals during feedings, like hand-feeding giraffes or meeting colorful lorikeets. Don’t miss the Richard Friedrich Aquarium, which offers a glimpse into underwater life, or the historic San Antonio Zoo Train that takes you on a scenic ride through the park. This makes the zoo a fun and educational stop filled with things to do in San Antonio with kids near the River Walk San Antonio.
The Amazing Mirror Maze
The Amazing Mirror Maze Escape in San Antonio offers a fun and tricky challenge for families. The multi-level maze uses mirrors and special lighting to create endless reflections that confuse the eyes and make finding your way a real test. Along the path, surprises keep visitors engaged and laughing, making it an entertaining experience for all ages.
This attraction stands out for its clever illusions and playful design that encourage teamwork and sharp thinking. Many families combine this visit with other nearby activities, making it an ideal part of a day filled with things to do in San Antonio with kids near the River Walk San Antonio.
The DoSeum - San Antonio's Children's Museum
The DoSeum is a lively space where kids dive into hands-on learning and play. It focuses on STEM, arts and reading with fun exhibits like the Spy Academy that challenges kids with math puzzles and the Innovation Station that sparks creativity for young engineers. Outside, there’s a large play area with water features and an ADA-accessible tree house that invites exploration and adventure. The DoSeum turns education into an exciting experience that kids and families love, making it one of the best things to do in San Antonio with kids.
Magic Saloon
Step into The Magic Saloon in San Antonio and get ready for a family night filled with wonder and laughter. This magic show blends the feel of an old-time saloon with incredible illusions and interactive moments that captivate all ages. Before the show, guests can explore Billy’s Magical Parlor, a fun pre-show area with hidden surprises, puzzles, and even mocktails for the whole family. Then, watch as world-class magicians perform jaw-dropping tricks, involving the audience and keeping everyone entertained. The Magic Saloon offers a unique, unforgettable experience perfect for families visiting River Walk San Antonio.
Witte Museum
The Witte Museum in San Antonio offers a rich and engaging experience for kids and families. Visitors can explore the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery, where life-sized skeletons bring the prehistoric world to life. The McLean Family Texas Wild Gallery showcases the state’s varied ecosystems, helping kids learn about local plants and animals. In the interactive H-E-B Body Adventure, children discover how the human body works through fun, hands-on exhibits.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Located just a short drive from the River Walk San Antonio, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is one of the city’s best places for families to explore nature together. The 38-acre garden features the Family Adventure Garden, a large area designed just for kids with water features, climbing zones and trails. There’s also a children’s vegetable garden and seasonal exhibits that offer hands-on fun. It’s a space where kids can move, learn and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and welcoming setting. If you’re looking for things to do in San Antonio with kids, this garden is always a good choice.
What Should You Know Before You Go?
San Antonio is full of family-friendly spots that make it a great destination for kids. The River Walk San Antonio is at the heart of it all, surrounded by places where children can learn, play and have fun. From interactive museums and exciting outdoor activities to unique shows and animal encounters, there are plenty of things to do in San Antonio with kids that keep every visit fresh and exciting. Taking the time to plan your visit helps ensure you see the best the city has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the River Walk With Kids
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient door-to-door transport to attractions beyond the River Walk San Antonio. For families looking for an easy way to see the city, Old Town Trolley Tours® provides hop-on, hop-off service with a route connecting many of the top family-friendly sites. Public transit via VIA Metropolitan Transit, including the VIVA route, covers key areas and makes getting around the city manageable. These options make exploring things to do in San Antonio with kids more accessible and stress-free.
The ideal seasons for visiting the River Walk San Antonio with children are spring and fall. Between March and May or September and November, temperatures are comfortable for walking, boat rides and dining outside. During these months, the city hosts special events such as Fiesta San Antonio in April and the festive holiday lights from November through December, adding extra magic to things to do in San Antonio with kids. These times provide a pleasant climate and plenty of family-friendly activities.
The busiest and most popular parts of the River Walk San Antonio are well-lit, patrolled and full of visitors even after dark, creating a secure environment for families. Parents can feel confident exploring restaurants, shops and boat tours in the evening hours. Like any urban area, it’s important to stay aware and cautious, but the lively crowd and visible security make it a safe place for things to do in San Antonio with kids after sunset.
