The River Walk along the San Antonio River belongs on everyone’s list of best things to do in San Antonio for families. Known for its waterfront shopping, dining, hotels and nightlife, many people are surprised to learn that the San Antonio River Walk is actually a public park.

The San Antonio River is the heartbeat of this great city we call home. And a favorite way for families to explore this vibrant area built to celebrate it is, of course, by boat.

Be sure to check out the River Walk’s Events Calendar before you visit, too. With lively festivals throughout the year and a beautiful holiday lights display from around Thanksgiving through the first of the new year, you’ll find some of the most popular family-favorite things to do here in the heart of San Antonio.

San Antonio is one of those great towns whose past is so intertwined with our nation’s history that, for many people, just saying the name conjures up visions of the old west. The Alamo is one of the main reasons, drawing more than 2.5 million visitors from around the world ever year. Being just a short distance from the River Walk and with free admission, it’s must-see addition to your list of things to do in San Antonio.

Many people only visit the Alamo, yet miss so much by not visiting the city’s other missions, where people often get a more complete picture of the history of this great city. In 2015, the San Antonio's Missions were declared a World Heritage Site.

One of the most popular historic sites in San Antonio is Mission San José, built in 1720. Known as “Queen of the Missions,” today this National Historic Park is one of the largest and best restored missions in all of Texas. On Sundays, this mission even offers a mariachi service.  

San Antonio Missions National Park is a nine-mile historical area that is home to the city’s other four important missions. Their beautiful architectures hold the secrets to a tumultuous past, where invasions, drought and disease changed the course of history for natives to this region. It’s a part of America’s story not to be missed. Admission is free, and buses downtown offer a great way to get there.

The AT&T Center is an entertainment destination for the entire family. Home to the San Antonio Spurs, the San Antonio Stars of the WNBA, the San Antonio Rampage hockey team, and hundreds of concerts and special events each year, the Bexar County-owned building offers something for everyone just minutes from downtown San Antonio.

Where do you think you’d find the largest marine-life park in the world? Yep, Texas! And the biggest Shamu Stadium? Right again. But like the sea itself, what’s incredible about its size is just how much there is here to explore, with something fun for everyone.

Some favorite things to do if you’re an animal lover? Shows like One Ocean really celebrate the human/animal connection, but the most fun is in the water right along side a dolphin, beluga whale or sea lion during one of our signature swims. Be sure to sign up ahead of time since only a few places are available each day.

Coaster lovers and thrill seekers can test their courage on three of the best roller coasters in Texas: Steel Eel, one of the tallest at our SeaWorld parks and a legend among coaster enthusiasts, and The Great White, a floorless B&M inverted coaster that keeps riders coming back for more, year after year, and Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster, the newest family ride at SeaWorld San Antonio. 

SeaWorld partners with many great hotels to bring you an affordable family vacation. So be sure to check out our Vacation Packages when planning your trip to San Antonio.

Next door you’ll find Aquatica, the kind of water park only SeaWorld could create. Inspired by the carefree vibe of the South Seas, this popular South Texas water park is the perfect place to quench the heat of the warm San Antonio sun.