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Things to Do in San Antonio with Kids
San Antonio is a great family city: river boats through downtown, the Alamo, a children's museum built for play, and Spanish missions that are free to explore. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our River Walk Donut Tour is an easy, tasty way to start a family day downtown.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: The River Walk, the Alamo, Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, the San Antonio Missions, Brackenridge Park
- Rainy day picks: The DoSeum, the Witte Museum, Natural Bridge Caverns
- Sweet treat: Our San Antonio donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in San Antonio, by neighborhood
Downtown and the River Walk
The River Walk
FreeShady paths along the river, with bridges, restaurants and boat tours.
The Alamo
FreeFree to visit the church, with paid tours and exhibits too.
Parent tip: Reserve a free timed entry ahead to skip the wait.
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
FreeA colorful playground and splash area downtown.
Historic Market Square
FreeA Mexican market with music, food and colorful shops.
Parent tip: River Walk boat tours are a great break for tired legs, and kids love waving to people on the banks.
Brackenridge Park and Broadway
Brackenridge Park
FreePicnic spots, the Japanese Tea Garden and plenty of space to run.
The Missions
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
FreeFour Spanish missions linked by a riverside trail, great by bike.
Day trips
Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio
Two big theme parks on the edge of the city.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our River Walk Donut Tour walks downtown with stops for local donuts and stories about San Antonio's history along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste San Antonio's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in San Antonio guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in San Antonio covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown
- Morning: donut tour on the River Walk.
- Visit the Alamo.
- Play at Yanaguana Garden.
- River boat ride at sunset.
Day 2: Museums and the zoo
- The DoSeum when it opens.
- Lunch.
- San Antonio Zoo or the Witte Museum.
- Picnic in Brackenridge Park.
Day 3: Missions
- Bike or drive the Missions trail.
- Lunch at Market Square.
- Natural Bridge Caverns.
- Or a theme park day.
San Antonio with kids by season
Holidays
- River Walk holiday lights: thousands of lights over the river all season.
- Holiday River Parade: decorated floats on the river in late November.
- Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo: a lights display on winter evenings.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in San Antonio.
The rest of the year
- Spring: Fiesta San Antonio, with parades and fun for all ages.
- Summer: hot. Plan the River Walk and splash pads early, museums midday.
- Fall: great weather for the Missions trail.
- Winter: mild days and holiday lights on the river.
San Antonio with kids FAQ
Is the San Antonio donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is an easy walk downtown, and kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in San Antonio with kids?
The River Walk, the Alamo, Yanaguana Garden, the San Antonio Missions and Brackenridge Park.
Do you need tickets for the Alamo?
The church is free. Reserving a free timed entry ahead helps you skip the wait.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The DoSeum, the Witte Museum or a cave tour at Natural Bridge Caverns.