Spring Break is upon us, and if you’re like me, the idea of staying cooped up in the house all week with restless, bored kids is enough to make your head spin. My family loves trying new places and activities, and lucky for us, San Antonio is full of them. The beautiful spring weather makes it a perfect time to get outside, explore, and make some family memories. So before you lose your sanity, get out of the house with the kids and try something new (or revisit an old favorite) this spring break! The kids can burn off some energy, and you might be surprised at how much fun you have too.
I could write a list about a mile long of places to visit in (or near) San Antonio during spring break, but I’ve narrowed them down to my personal favorites and places that might be new to you. Plan your spring break with our handy dandy printable planner—click here to open the PDF and save to print! Or make a Spring Break Family Bucket List with this printable.
1. San Antonio Botanical Garden
Play in the Family Adventure Garden, feed the fish/turtles at the East Texas lake, and explore the conservatories. The Garden is hosting several spring break activities, including a plant sale (registration required), “Celebrate Pollinators and Trees” (March 11), Little Sprouts Hike (Tuesdays at 10:00), Nature Exploration in the Family Adventure Garden (Wednesdays at 10:00), Family Night Hike (March 17), Storytime in the Garden (Thursdays at 10:00), and Family Cooking: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (March 18).
2. San Antonio Zoo, Zoo Train, Kiddie Park, and Japanese Tea Garden
One location, four things to do! Plus, there is a playground nearby. (Zoo admission tickets are not required for the Zoo Train or Kiddie Park.) The San Antonio Zoo is hosting Jungle Boogie Break March 11–26. Enjoy music, games, food, and much more. The Japanese Tea Garden is gorgeous and FREE!
3. Cibolo Nature Center
Wade in the creek, catch minnows, explore the trails, walk in dinosaur “footprints,” and check out the turtles and other creatures in the gift shop.
4. San Antonio Museum of Art
SAMA will host Family Day on March 14 (Roman Landscapes). The museum offers free admission for Bexar County residents on Tuesdays from 4–7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
5. San Antonio Missions
Mission San Juan, Mission Espada, Mission San Jose, Mission Concepción—My kids loved visiting the missions as much as I did. There is also a shady boardwalk trail behind Mission San Juan. Or explore the eight-mile Mission Reach Trail with recreational trails, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, and portals to the four missions.
6. The Alamo
This San Antonio classic is often overlooked by locals. Be a tourist in your own city! Reservations are required, but entry is free. Many different tour options are offered.
7. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks
Also near the Alamo. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but I thought these places were the coolest when I was a kid!
8. Briscoe Western Art Museum
Head West without leaving the River Walk! Visit for Spring Break Roundup with arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and more on March 16–18. The museum hosts Locals Day on the first Sunday of each month, with free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents. (Children under 12 and active-duty military members are always free.)
9. Morgan’s Wonderland
This inclusive park for people of all abilities re-opens on March 3! Ride a Ferris wheel, train, carousel, “drive” a truck, and play on some amazing playgrounds. You can also catch a fish at the Wharf. All gear is provided! Tickets can be purchased in advance online. The park is open on select days in March, so make sure to check the calendar before heading out.
10. Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Enjoy the Great Outdoors while birdwatching and exploring nature on one of the trails. You are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Guided bird tours are offered every Sunday morning at 8:00 (except fifth Sunday of the month).
11. Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch
Explore the caverns or take a wildlife safari through the ranch. There are lots of other activities available too, including the Twisted Trails Zip Rails and Ropes Course, a maze, gem and fossil mining, and more. The Hidden Wonders Tour opens Spring 2023 and gives access to a new area of the cave. Save by purchasing tickets in advance online.
12. The Witte Museum
The Witte has many exhibits that are interesting to children, including the H-E-B Body Adventure and the current exhibits, Toys: The Way We Play (through April 2) and Antarctic Dinosaurs: A Forest Frozen In Time (opens February 25). The museum will host STEAM Sunday: Crystal Craze on March 19.
13. The DoSeum
A local favorite for children of all ages. The DoSeum’s current traveling exhibit is Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit, open through April 16, 2023. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. The DoSeum is also hosting several Spring Break camps.
14. Texas Transportation Museum
Tour real train cars, take a train ride, and watch model trains race around tiny cities. An educational and entertaining experience for train lovers. Open weekends in March. Tickets can be purchased online.
15. Hemisfair Park and Yanaguana Garden
Play at the park and grab lunch at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, sweets at Lick Honest Ice Creams or Paleteria San Antonio, or coffee and breakfast/lunch at CommonWealth Coffeehouse. Find more information about BLAST with Judy workouts and Story Time here.
16. Hopscotch
This Instagram-worthy, immersive art experience is fun for all ages. Find out more about this unique and creative gallery here. Advance tickets are recommended. (Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.)
17. Clay Casa
Choose a piece of pottery and paint it to your heart’s desire. Clay Casa also offers themed Story Time and Kid’s Night Out. Also offered: Kids Party To Go, with pottery, paint, and brushes included.
18. San Antonio Public Art
Check out one of the many local public art exhibits, such as the Najo Jām at Comanche Lookout Park or the Pioneers of the Sky Mural at Stinson Airport. Find more information here. Or see how many of the beautiful murals you can find around town.
19. San Antonio parks, playgrounds, and libraries
Check the websites for special spring break programming and activities. Not sure which park to go to? Check out our park recommendations here and here.
20. San Antonio Fire Museum
See fire trucks, fire fighting equipment, and learn about the history of fire fighting. Kids can climb on a firetruck and dress in firefighters’ gear.
21. McKenna Children’s Museum in New Braunfels
Explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits, including my family’s personal favorite, Destination Space. Check out the museum’s website for information about its many special events, including a St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt!
22. Landa Park in New Braunfels
Ride the train, rent a paddleboat (There’s a swan and a dragon!), play on the playgrounds, explore the beautiful grounds, or play miniature golf. Swimming is also available during certain seasons.
23. The Meadows Center Glass Bottom Boat tour in San Marcos
See what lies beneath the water in the beautiful, serene setting of Spring Lake. You can even reserve a private boat tour for up to 20 people. Don’t miss the nearby boardwalk trails. Check out the Spring Lake Outdoor Academy for nature-inspired programs for kids.
24. Wonder World in San Marcos
This unique attraction offers a cave tour, wildlife train, anti-gravity house, observation tower, and more. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.
25. Wildseed Farm and the Airport Diner in Fredericksburg
Explore a gorgeous working wildflower farm, walk the trails, take photos, and shop in the gift shop. (Check the Bloom Update before heading out.) Then enjoy lunch at the Airport Diner and watch planes land and take off as you eat. (Airport Diner is open Thursday–Sunday.)
26. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Animal World & Snake Farm is a fully accredited zoological park where you can get up close and personal with over 500 different species of animals. You can even book a private animal encounter with a snake, fennec fox, American alligator, or common brown lemur. Purchase your tickets online in advance here.
27. The Exotic Resort Zoo in Johnson City
Both drive-thru and guided safari tours are available, with 45+ species of animals. The zoo sells sacks of food to feed the animals as you drive or ride through. Fun for all ages! Purchase tickets in advance online.
28. The Science Mill children’s museum in Johnson City
Explore the 50+ hands-on exhibits focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) topics. Visit for Spring Break Robot Mania—March 11–19.
29. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
While in Johnson City, take a short drive to Stonewall and visit the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, home to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, and then drive across the Pedernales River to take a self-guided tour of the LBJ Ranch, a National Historical Park and burial site of the former President and First Lady.
30. Visit a Texas State Park
There are many Texas State Parks that are near enough to San Antonio for a day trip. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made 30 days in advance for day passes, or up to five months in advance for overnight camping. Find more information on eight of the state parks closest to San Antonio in our post, “The Summer of the State Park: A Guide to Texas State Parks Near San Antonio.”
31. Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek
Walk through the nature trail and discover life-size dinosaur exhibits. Other activities include a fossil-dig, playground, picnic area, and a dinosaur store. Open Wednesday–Sunday; last trail entry is at 3:30 p.m.
32. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin
Explore 284 acres of gardens, natural areas, an arboretum, and more at this gorgeous site. Don’t miss the swings of all sizes in Elisabeth Maxine’s Cathedral of Oaks in the Texas Arboretum and the 4.5-acre Family Garden. Visit at night for an illuminating experience: Field of Light, open through May 2023. Purchase tickets here.
33. Miniature Golf
San Antonio has several great miniature golf courses, with both indoor and outdoor options. Try Embassy Miniature Golf, Cool Crest Miniature Golf, Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods, Monster Mini Golf, or Cosmic Mayhem.
34. Los Trompos at The Shops at La Cantera
On display from March 11–April 9, “discover Los Trompos, an immersive art installation made of vibrant, larger-than-life tops where you can spin, play, relax, and more—welcoming kids (and adults) of all ages, big and small. Here for one month only and free to attend (no ticket required), any way you spin it… you won’t want to miss this!”
And since the weather during a San Antonio Spring Break could range from the frigid 50’s to the warm, humid 90’s, here is a list of indoor play places that will keep you cool (or warm), dry, and entertained. Please check the location’s website or social media for current operating schedules. It’s also not too late to let someone else do the planning and entertaining by signing up for a Spring Break Camp!
GREAT compilation of things to do around SATX! Totally going to reference this constantly. Thanks for all the ideas!