When most people picture San Antonio, Texas, in their minds, they envision a diverse Mexican-American atmosphere set in a slow-paced, historic location. While this is partially true — the Mexican-American culture is rich, the food scene is one for the foodies to drool over, and history is everywhere you look — it’s also a great place to visit if you love being outdoors.
From the picturesque River Walk area to the zoo in San Antonio, here are some of our favorite things for outdoor enthusiasts to do when they visit this massive Texas city.
Family-Friendly Adventures
Millions of families visit San Antonio every year. Home to more than 1.5 million residents, the 467-square-mile metropolis makes the most of its unique heritage, combining cultural and historical sites, such as the Alamo, with modern attractions and entertainment. Shopping, dining, and fun are right at your fingertips, and many of the best things to do are family-friendly!
When you come with children, be sure to explore these memorable outdoor adventures:
● Market Square: The country’s largest Mexican outdoor market, Market Square hosts dozens of vendors in an indoor and outdoor facility. Children can view local, authentic artisans making Talavera pottery and other handcrafted artwork, dive into the tastes of “old” Mexican cuisine, and enjoy the live entertainment and festive vibe.
● San Antonio Zoo: Home to over 750 different species of animals, the San Antonio Zoo is a perfect way to spend a day in the city. Visitors can learn about giraffes, hippos, African wild dogs, and many other well-known and rare animals (we see you, okapi!). Hands-on encounters, immersive exhibits, and shows, plus a train ride around Brackenridge Park, all make this zoo one of the most famous in America.
● River Walk: Stroll around the area for a while, watching passersby and breathing in the waters of the famous San Antonio River. The river begins at a spring, flowing from north-central to southeast along a network of waterways that are often flooded. The River Walk was built to stop the river from overflowing, and now the area is nearly as famous as the river! Restaurants, public art gardens, boat tours, shopping, picnicking, and biking are all fun outdoor activities here.
And, of course, you can’t miss the world-famous Alamo and its sister Missions (in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Learn about why we all “remember the Alamo” from school history lessons as you and your children visit the four separate sites of Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. Explore a colonial ranch, discuss the inventions of the aqueduct and acequias and how they changed life for us today, and more. You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time!
For The More Active Folks
Whether your goal is to wear your little ones out a bit through some good old-fashioned exercise or you just want to see what nature San Antonio has to offer, here are a few must-do activities that are perfect for the more active crowd.
● Government Canyon State Natural Area: Recharge and refresh in this 12,000-acre wilderness full of over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Government Canyon is a conservatory and refuge that keeps the city’s clean drinking water safe from pollution, but throughout the years, officials have developed it into a fun place to geocache, attend guided programs and hikes, camp, and search for wildlife. Children are welcome to play at the playscape and hands-on Discovery Trail. Hiking and biking trails take you through the canyon lands and grasslands, to the 1880s Zizelmann House on the Joe Johnston Route, and even past dinosaur tracks dating back 110 million years!
● Natural Bridge Caverns: Famous for its “choose your own adventure” style of action, the Natural Bridge Caverns take you underground to learn about the massive limestone formations and chambers beneath our feet or above-ground to soar across the air through the Twistes Trails Ropes Course. Pan for treasure at the Natural Bridge Mining Company, where what you find, you keep! Or, be the first person to the other side of a 5,000-square-foot maze, the AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup. Just right for adults and older children, you won’t want to miss this unique stop during your trip.
● Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch: No, you’re not in Africa, but you might think you are while you’re on the safari at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch! This wildlife refuge in Texas has been in the same family for more than a century. The land encompasses over 400 acres of Texas Land Heritage Property, and visitors come to enjoy seeing animals in their “natural” habitat. You’ll travel through the land in your vehicle during the self-guided six-mile tour, where you’re sure to encounter some of the 40-plus species living on the ranch. Every trip is unique, as free-roaming animals are rarely predictable!
Theme Parks
Too much education and not enough fun in your trip yet? Check out one of the various theme parks in San Antonio for a day of thrills and excitement! Sea World San Antonio hosts marine life shows, rides, and up-close dolphin and penguin encounters in this world-famous aquarium.
Take a trip to Morgan’s Wonderland, designed with accessibility for all in mind. It’s a theme park full of rides, playgrounds, splash pads, a zipline, and water activities for everyone. The inclusive, accessible atmosphere ensures everyone feels welcome here.
A more adult-friendly theme park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is part of the chain of amusement parks known for thrilling roller coasters and nail-biting rides! Life shows, a children’s area, a water park, and plenty of food options make this a great place to spend the day. Adults can enjoy beer at this park.
Don’t Take a “Raincheck” on San Antonio Outdoors – There’s Plenty To Do Here!
Get some fresh air, burn some calories from the authentic TexMex and other yummy cuisines you can’t resist here, and have fun while you’re in San Antonio! It’s no wonder so many visit, making it the number one city in Texas for tourism. Come see what millions of people are talking about!
Check out our Travel Adventure videos below!
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Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
