San Antonio, the seventh most populous city in the United States, is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun and educational vacation. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and family-friendly attractions, San Antonio has something to offer for everyone. I know because I recently experienced them all. If you plan a trip to this vibrant city, add the following four family friendly San Antonio attractions and gems to your itinerary.
1. Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland is a unique and innovative amusement park designed to be inclusive for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. The world’s first ultra-accessible park features over 25 attractions, including sensory-friendly rides, a carousel, an accessible Ferris wheel, and a splash pad.
One of the park’s highlights is the accessible-for-all playground, where children of all abilities are encouraged to play together. Another highlight is the 8-acre catch-and-release fishing lake, where visitors can fish for free.
So why is Morgan’s Wonderland special? Besides its mission to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors, it is also a non-profit organization that uses all of its profits to help individuals with disabilities and special needs in the San Antonio community.
Admission is only $19 per adult and $13 for seniors 62+ or kids 3 to 17. Guests with special needs and children two and under get in free.
2. San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo is one of the most popular family friendly San Antonio attractions and for good reason. The zoo is home to over 750 species of animals, including many rare and endangered animals.
Some of the highlights of the zoo include the African Plains, where visitors can get an up-close view of giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife, and the Amazonia exhibit, where you can see howler monkeys, anacondas, and other South American creatures.
Something that makes the San Antonio Zoo a spectacular tourist attraction is its commitment to animal care and conservation. The zoo participates in many breeding programs and conservation efforts that help to preserve endangered species and their habitats.
And did we mention that Timothy lives here? He is the hippo “courting” Fiona of the Cincinnati Zoo, the world’s most famous hippo. I sure hope things work out. I’m rooting for them.
If you’ve purchased a CityPASS for San Antonio, the zoo is one of the four attractions offered and will get you 35% off admission.
3. SeaWorld San Antonio
Located 16 miles west of downtown San Antonio, SeaWorld San Antonio is a world-class marine life adventure park that provides a unique experience for visitors of all ages. The park features rides, shows, and attractions and is home to over 10,000 animals from 250 different species.
Some of the 250,000-acre park highlights include the Beluga and Dolphin Discovery shows, the thrilling roller coaster, the Great White Shark exhibit, and the Stingray Lagoon.
I admire SeaWorld San Antonio’s commitment to animal rescue and conservation efforts. The park’s rescue team works tirelessly to help injured or stranded marine animals, and their conservation efforts have helped to save many endangered species.
Visitors can learn more about these efforts by attending one of the many educational presentations and exhibits.
4. Natural Bridge Caverns
Discover the only caving system in Texas at Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio! Explore the breathtaking stalagmites and stalactites that grow in the 70-degree year-round temperature cave. You’ll also marvel at intriguing and picturesque cave formations: soda straws, chandeliers, and flowstones.
Don’t miss the natural limestone bridge spanning the entrance point, which gives the caverns their name!
Choose from a range of guided tours, including Discovery, Hidden Passages, Private VIP, and Adventure. All tours last about an hour and involve some stairs. If you’re looking for further adventure, try the ropes course and zip line or mining for fossils – it’s super fun!
To get the most out of your visit, wear closed-toed support shoes. Natural Bridge Caverns is a must-visit destination – start planning to get underground today!
Adventure Awaits in San Antonio
San Antonio is a wonderful destination for family vacations, and these four family friendly gems are just a small selection of the city’s many great attractions. Whether looking for an exciting adventure at SeaWorld, a meaningful experience at Morgan’s Wonderland, a world-class zoo experience at San Antonio Zoo, or a dose of natural beauty at Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio is where it’s at.
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