Living in San Antonio means that we are blessed with perfect weather for adventurous and fun family outings year-round. Our family, just like thousands in San Antonio, rely on local destinations that are accessible for wheelchairs and other adaptive devices. This brings on a lot of trial and error, planning, and research.
I am hoping to alleviate some of those problems for our readers. Online reviews that claim to have accessible seating or walkways that turn out to be more gravel then one can push wheels through, and bathrooms that don’t have enough room to turn around in are some of the biggest complaints I hear from other families. Below are our family’s top five places to visit in San Antonio that are accessible and fun for the entire family.
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, Texas 78205
Heading downtown can seem daunting when trying to plan for crowds, paths, and amenities, but located right in the heart of Hemisfair is Yanaguana Garden, which opened in 2015. There are activities for both children and adults, and it is all adaptive for wheelchairs. There are play structures that look more like pieces of art, separate areas that are geared more towards younger children, and games for teens and adults. The entire surface is made for rolling!
In the summer, an accessible splash pad is open to cool off after playing. This is our favorite splash pad in the city because we can get wet and then change in clean changing areas afterward before heading out to eat or home.
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205
Playing tourist in the city that you live in is so much fun and something that we do not do nearly enough. We just recently visited the Alamo. I hadn’t been to the actual grounds since a middle school field trip, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much was very easily accessible. The pathways around the grounds are even, though narrow in spots, which can be tricky during peak crowd hours, but the courtyards and restrooms have been updated and made ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant. There are designated entrances for wheelchairs in the original buildings which take a little more planning time if navigating through a bunch of “real” tourists. My kids loved it so we will be making it a regular downtown outing.
Morgan’s Wonderland
5223 David Edwards Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78233
We are beyond lucky to have this gem of an attraction in our own city. Known as the first fully accessible theme park in the world, Morgan’s Wonderland is impacting people from all walks of life and letting them experience things that they have never been able to. Individuals with disabilities get free admission, and the park offers passes and weekly daytime hours if you need to avoid larger crowds. Beyond amusement park rides, there are playgrounds, outdoor picnic areas, entertainment, and a fishing pond.
Inspiration Island
5223 David Edwards Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78233
Located next door to Morgan’s Wonderland is a fully accessible waterpark that opened in 2019. Splash pads, multiple water parks, and even a riverboat ride are available to beat the summer heat. Waterproof wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come basis and admission also has a capacity, so be sure to reserve your tickets online before heading out.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, Texas 78209
With over 30-acres of sprawling green grass, native plants, blooming flowers, and water features, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is what my backyard dreams are made of. It also might be the only green we see between the months of July through September. Kids can run and enjoy themselves while we slowly stroll on the beautifully kept walkways (wide enough for wheelchairs and double strollers). The pavilions are the perfect place for a picnic, which saves money versus finding a restaurant nearby. The garden also hosts family nights and special exhibits throughout the year. Admission is free for children under age 3 and there is a military discount.
Please let us know your experience with accessible attractions in San Antonio by leaving a comment below!
