San Antonio is one of our favorite weekend getaways for the whole family. There are so many amazing family friendly experiences and family friendly resorts that we keep going back for more. Two of our favorite family friendly options in San Antonio are the San Antonio Zoo and SeaWorld San Antonio. They both offer unique bucket list experiences for the entire family, regardless of age. Check out what we love about both below.
Family Friendly Experiences in San Antonio
San Antonio Zoo
Open year round, San Antonio Zoo offers visitors the chance to connect with more than 750 animal species on 56 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Visitors of all ages will create lasting family memories with day-long visits, behind the scenes tours, and up close and personal feedings. San Antonio Zoo is family fun that supports education and conservationism to keep all animals and their natural habitats healthy, safe, and thriving for generations to come.
These are just a few of the not-to-be-missed experiences at San Antonio Zoo:
Giraffe Feeding
Are you ready to gaze eye-to-eye with the world’s tallest land mammal while feeding them lettuce? You can cross it off your bucket list at the San Antonio Zoo.
We lined up at the giraffe feeding and took our turn handing them pieces of lettuce while their long, black tongues wrapped around each piece. The zoo staff shared information about these majestic creatures under a shaded overlook and we had plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the moment.
INSIDER TIPS
Giraffe Feeding tickets can be purchased for $5 per person on the giraffe deck on the day of your visit.
Guests two years old and younger are not required to purchase a ticket but are not provided lettuce.
Kangaroo Krossing
Kangaroo Krossing is a new experience at San Antonio Zoo. It’s home to red kangaroos and is an extension of the zoo’s Wild Australia realm.
Guests can get up-close and learn more about kangaroos while feeling like they’re on an outback adventure.
Max was able to pet this momma while she fed her baby. I wore Max in my “kangaroo pouch” and I felt like I could connect with the momma kangaroo.
INSIDER TIPS
Kangaroo Krossing tickets can be purchased at the habitat near Hixon Bird House.
Kangaroo Krossing is $8 per person.
Lory Landing
Lory Landing is an Australian rainforest environment that engages zoo guests with hundreds of brightly colored, nectar-eating lorikeets. Visitors come in close contact with these beautiful and gregarious small parrots. Playful and curious, they are capable of numerous diverse behaviors, including hanging upside-down and dancing.
Max loved their bright colors and inquisitive nature. One of the birds even landed on my head and stayed there for at least five minutes. They are certainly not shy.
INSIDER TIPS
Cups of nectar can be purchased at the nearby Lory Café for $3 per person.
This is a great experience for the entire family.
SeaWorld San Antonio
A water park, marine life, sensational shows, up-close animal encounters, and thrilling rides all in one location is what you’ll find at SeaWorld San Antonio. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for things to do in San Antonio with teenagers or with younger kids.
SeaWorld San Antonio is the nation’s largest marine life park, with more than 250 acres for you to explore. SeaWorld is now open year-round and will feature spacious outdoor events with physically distanced activities. With so many experiences all in one location, we’ve created a short list of our favorite bucket list experiences at SeaWorld San Antonio.
Steel Eel Roller Coaster
This intense coaster features a vertical drop of 15 stories followed by a series of camelbacks that provide periods of weightlessness.
We waited a long time for Athena to be tall enough to ride this one. It was worth the wait. If I could only ride one roller coaster again for the rest of my life, this would be it.
INSIDER TIPS
This is an extreme thrill ride and, in my opinion, the most intense ride at the park.
The height requirement is 48″
Sea Lion Tour
Get up-close and personal with happy-go-lucky sea lions, enjoy a meet-and-greet with one of them, and learn about these delightful animals from the trainers who get to work with them every day.
Before visiting the park, I assumed my favorite up-close experience would be either the beluga whales or the dolphins but the personality of the sea lions totally stole my heart. They were funny and sweet and had us laughing the entire time.
INSIDER TIPS
Group sizes are limited so make sure to book in advance to guarantee a spot.
Sea Lion High Live Show
The live shows at SeaWorld San Antonio are perfect for the whole family. They give you a chance to rest and watch amazing animal behaviors and fun audience interactions.
While all the shows are fun, Sea Lion High was our favorite.
INSIDER TIPS
If there is overcast on the day of your visit, sit far enough back that you’re covered even it is rains.
Strollers are not allowed in the stadium so be sure to bring all valuables in with you.
There is so much to do at SeaWorld San Antonio and San Antonio Zoo that you could spend several days covering the grounds at each park. I’m sure you’ll find many wonderful additions to add to your list, but make sure you make time for our suggestions above.
Take a Safari at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is one of Texas’s most recognized family entertainment attractions. Meander through 450 acres of rolling hills, creek beds, and magnificent live oak trees all while getting up close and personal with wildlife.
Enchanting Texas said their kids love Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
It is an amazing experience to drive through the park and get up close with so many free wild animals.
The safari trek covers over 6 miles and takes most visitors 1-2 hours to meander and enjoy. With ranch admission, visitors can take multiple treks—which is highly encouraged–as every trip through the ranch is a different adventure.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas 
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is San Antonio’s largest, most popular theme park. It offers guests thrilling coasters, exhilarating park rides, splash zones and wave pools, live entertainment, and fair food and adult beverages. Plus, there is always something exciting going on at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. From annual celebrations to Octoberfest and Fright Fest, you’ll always have plenty of reasons to return to Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Insider Tip – Pick up a show schedule at any show venue or at the front gate. Their shows are amazing!
