15 Best Fun Things To Do In San Antonio
San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the Spurs, is a vibrant city filled with incredible culture along with so many different things to do. You can go see the historical missions that line the city, take your family to the aquarium and zoo, or grab a drink at the Historic Pearl on a nice Friday evening. Take in the beautiful views of the city from the Tower of the Americas or relax on the Riverwalk!
15 Top Fun Activities To Do in San Antonio
Here are the top fifteen fun places to visit in San Antonio:
- Witte Museum of Natural History
- The DoSeum
- Scobee Discovery Center
- San Antonio Aquarium
- San Antonio Zoo
- The Historic Pearl
- The Alamo
- San Antonio Riverwalk
- San Antonio Missions National Park
- SeaWorld
- Six Flags
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
- San Antonio Botanical Garden
- Tower of the Americas
1. Witte Museum of Natural History
Address: 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
The Witte Museum of Natural History is one of the best things to do in San Antonio. The museum combines history, culture, and science for an amazing experience for everyone of all ages.
Tuesdays are free to visit, and current special exhibits include Antarctic Dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, San Jose Tiles: The Art and the Artist, and Texas Art: Kinship and Culture.
Permanent exhibits are the H-E-B Body Adventure (sponsored by H-E-B), South Texas Heritage Center, Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery, and People of the Pecos Gallery. There are also special events every month, so make sure to check their website for those!
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 10 Am – 5 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday- Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
2. The DoSeum
Address: 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
The DoSeum is San Antonio’s Children’s Museum. Located on Broadway, it’s a not-for-profit museum that is perfect for bringing your kids to on a sunny OR rainy day.
Exhibits at the museum include how to communicate safely across digital platforms, a space for physical and mental creation, a little town where kids get to “roleplay the adults in their lives,” Force Course, where kids can learn about force and motion, an imagination station where they can use creative materials to tell a story and an outdoor play space.
They also have programs and summer camps and offer space for private events.
Importantly, they have discounts for educators, military members and their families, seniors, MFA (Museums for All), ASTC, and ACM members. You can also save 35% on admissions with CityPASS.
Hours of Operation:
Monday- Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
3. Scobee Education Center
Address: 1198 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Scobee Education Center at San Antonio College is a planetarium located on campus. There is a planetarium with Friday night shows open to the public when not used by school or community groups. They also have a rooftop star deck and observatory. Tickets to each show go on sale thirty minutes prior to showtime.
The Scobee Education Center was established in memory of the Space Shuttle Challenger and named after commander Francis R. Scobee. He and his wife also went to San Antonio College!
Hours of Operation:
Doors open at 6 PM on Friday nights only.
4. San Antonio Aquarium
Address: 6320 Bandera Rd, Leon Valley, TX 78238
Everyone loves a good aquarium trip! The San Antonio Aquarium is an interactive and exciting thing to do in San Antonio. There are mammals, fish, and other creatures you can interact with and touch, like lemurs, sloths, kinkajous, octopuses, toucans, stingrays, armadillos, and many more.
There is also an arcade for that more animal-averse, a mermaid for those wanting a slice of the fairytale, and the opportunity to snorkel with stingrays!
The aquarium offers so much to do for all interests and ages, you can plan a birthday party there and check their website for different events!
Hours of Operation:
Daily: 10 AM – 8 PM
5. San Antonio Zoo
Address: 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
For those not wanting to see aquatic animals but love all things land, the Zoo is a top thing to do in San Antonio. With seasonal and monthly events, there is no shortage of something special going on and not to mention- animals!
They have several exhibits based around biomes like the Asian rainforest, the Savannah, Big Lake, and Wild Australia. Other animals are reptiles, birds, kangaroos, amphibians, and big cats, and they even have an aquarium exhibit.
Other experiences you can have are feeding the giraffes, the zoo train, several behind-the-scenes for differing animals, the Zootennial carousel, and after-hours viewings. Check them out here for planning your visit.
Hours of Operation:
Sunday-Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 10 PM
6. The Historic Pearl
Address: 1809 Pearl St, Austin, TX 78701
If you are looking for a San Antonio staple, The Historic Pearl is the place to be. Eat, drink, and shop at one of the largest breweries in Texas. The Historic Pearl has a rich history that goes back to 1883, but now houses restaurants, places to drink, and places to shop.
They have farmers and makers’ markets on the weekends, from 9 AM – 1 PM. To promote sustainability, Pearl has vendors that are within a 150-mile radius of San Antonio.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing Sunday morning market stroll or a lively Friday night dinner, the Pearl has you covered.
Hours of Operation:
Saturday-Sunday: 9 AM – 1 PM
7. The Alamo
Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Remembering the Alamo is crucial to your visit to San Antonio, including remembering to visit the Alamo. Home of the famous Battle, the Alamo is one of the top things to do in San Antonio.
Carefully preserved by experts, visiting the Alamo is a fun history lesson and experience. You can take a guided tour, wander it yourself, or watch living history recreations about life in the 1800s.
Tourist or not, visiting the Alamo is something that every person visiting San Antonio should do. Entry to the church is free, but a reservation is required, so hop on to their website before you go to make that.
Hours of Operation:
Daily 9 AM – 5:30 PM
8. San Antonio Riverwalk
Address: Downtown San Antonio, TX 78205
Like the Alamo, the Riverwalk is another San Antonio staple to go do and see. It’s perfect to stroll on a breezy evening or to cool down by the river after a long hot day. Along the Riverwalk lie restaurants, markets, hotels, and museums.
In total, it ranges from 15 miles, and you can choose to walk it, bike it, or go on a hop-on-hop-off cruise. At Christmastime, the lights add a whole new level of beauty to the already scenic Riverwalk. Overall, it would definitely be one of the best things to do in San Antonio or even Texas!
Hours of Operation:
Open 24 hours Daily
9. San Antonio Missions National Park
Address: San Antonio, TX 78214
The San Antonio Missions National Park is a great way to experience the history of San Antonio and appreciate the natural beauty of Hill Country.
It’s the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, and the national park is about 10 miles long and contains four missions, all about 2.5 miles from each other. You can walk in the park, but driving is also an option.
Admission is free, and the National Park Service offers a map and directions to guide you throughout the park. Remember always to bring water if you plan on hiking the trails since it gets hot.
Hours of Operation:
Daily: 9 AM – 5 PM
10. SeaWorld
Address: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
Looking for something to do that combines animals, water, and a theme park? SeaWorld is the perfect activity to do in San Antonio for you, then. Most known for its animal encounters, SeaWorld offers the opportunity to swim, feed, and pet several different animals, including dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, and tortoises!
They also host a variety of rides, from high thrill levels to family-friendly water rides. They also have camps and programs and restaurants in the park.
SeaWorld offers holiday events and even vacation packages if you are interested in a vacation (or staycation!)
Hours of Operation:
Daily: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
11. Six Flags
Address: San Antonio, TX 78257
Six Flags over Texas is another fun thing to do in San Antonio for all ages. There are food, rides, and seasonal events for the whole family! In the fall, they have Oktoberfest and Fright Fest, and during the holidays, they have Holiday in the Park. Six Flags is an all-ages attraction.
However, since it is family-friendly, make sure to review their park policies before you leave and stay hydrated!
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 8 PM
12. Natural Bridge Caverns
Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
The Natural Bridge Caverns are a way to cool off from the San Antonio heat- by going underground! They are the largest known commercial caverns in the state of Texas, and tours take about 70 minutes to get through the caverns.
There is a sound and light show to depict the story of the caverns and even a ballroom to rent out for events!
There are two different tours, the discovery tour and the hidden passages tour. There is also an adventure tour that encompasses the above-ground attractions as well.
Hours of Operation:
Sunday- Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
13. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Address: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
Located adjacent to the Natural Bridge Caverns, the Wildlife is one of the most FUN things to do in San Antonio. It is a drive-through safari located on a Hill Country Ranch, and you can feed animals from the safety of your own vehicle! They have over 40 species of wildlife on the ranch, and it takes 1-2 hours to travel the six miles.
Admission to the park includes several trips through the park because it offers a different adventure in the free-roaming environment. Animals you can see are Scimitar Horned Oryx, Bongo Antelope, Red Ruffed Lemur, An Addax, a Crowned Crane, and so, so much more!
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM
14. San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Address: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens is an excellent thing to do if you are a nature lover. There are flowers all year round, along with trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants. It serves as a fun classroom to educate yourself in the great outdoors.
There are several events and exhibits at the gardens, fun for all different interests and ages. You can also rent out sections for private events, and guided tours are offered that last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Hours of Operation:
Thursday – Tuesday: 7 AM – 7 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM – 9 PM
15. Tower of the Americas
Address: 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205
One of the most prominent landmarks in the San Antonio skyline, the Tower of Americas is a 750 ft tower that has the best view of San Antonio. At the top is a revolving restaurant, an observation deck, and also a 4D theater.
The Tower of Americas also offers space for private events as well! All upcoming events held there are available to view on their website.
Hours of Operation:
Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Conclusion
There are so many fun things to do in San Antonio, Texas. From a wildlife safari to multiple aquariums and a zoo, this city is great for animal lovers! For history buffs, the missions national park and the Alamo have you covered. And if you are just wanting to take in the vibrant culture of San Antonio itself, the Riverwalk is the perfect place to relax and take in the views. We hope you enjoy this list as much as we do and find your new favorite thing to do in San Antonio.
