Families of all abilities can take a short trip to big adventure in San Antonio this summer. Hailed as one of the nation’s top family destinations, San Antonio is more alluring than ever with the debut of the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park, new water coasters, a colossal dinosaur gallery and more.
Historic and cutting edge attractions make this Texas gem an appealing getaway for every member of the family. Travelers can enjoy archeological wonders with the World-Heritage-designated San Antonio missions; test their courage with adrenaline pumping rides at theme and water parks; and stroll along the extended River Walk that meanders into neighborhoods, downtown and cultural and historic districts.
Here is a sampling of what’s new for summer family travel in San Antonio:
Six Flag Fiesta Texas celebrates 25 years with the world’s largest rocket blast water coaster
Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an adventure park themed around the distinct culture of Texas, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the world’s largest rocket blast water coaster opening June 3, 2017. Adrenaline junkies will ride the power of a storm with Thunder Rapids, a three-story, 942-foot-long roller coaster and water slide in one with lightning-fast uphill speeds and adrenaline-pumping drops. It’s located in White Water Bay, Fiesta Texas’ water park (included with admission).
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also introducing virtual reality to their drop ride Scream and debuting an all-new fireworks extravaganza, Celebrate! Summer Night Spectacular.
Morgan’s Inspiration Island, the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park
Excitement is peaking at the chance to enjoy the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park, Morgan’s Inspiration Island. Opening this summer, Morgan’s Inspiration Island will be a magical destination that inspires people with special needs to do things previously thought impossible such as a river boat adventure ride with twists and turns through a jungle where bird and animal sounds fill the air. The experience continues with five water play areas offering a variety of splash elements like raintrees, falls, pools, geysers, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets.
SeaWorld San Antonio unveils Wave Breaker™:
The Rescue Coaster
Wildlife enthusiasts can see if they have what it takes to race into action with SeaWorld’s animal rescue team on Wave Breaker™, a one-of-a kind coaster inspired by the award-winning Sea Rescue® program.
Designed exclusively for SeaWorld San Antonio, Wave Breaker™ replicates the adrenaline rush of a watercraft rescue mission. It’s more thrilling than a jet ski as riders hurdle 60 feet in the air over SeaWorld’s lake. Opening June 16, 2017.
Witte Museum welcomes $100 million in renovations to include new Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery
Hailed as an oasis where nature, science and culture meet, the Witte Museum just unveiled $100 million in renovations. One of the most notable additions is the new Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery. Adventurers can follow the large carnivorous Acrocanthosaurus as it leaves tracks along ancient Texas shorelines; explore predator and prey as a mosasaur hunts for dinner in the ancient seas; and behold the massive skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex.
In the new Dino Lab, Witte guests will discover what fossils uncover about the era when dinosaurs roamed Texas, compare the jaws and teeth of meat eaters with those of plant eaters, learn what ancient footprints say about dinosaur behavior and examine links between dinosaurs and modern-day birds.
This is just a sampling of the new experiences in San Antonio. There’s more to discover. While in town, travelers can stop by the Visitor Information Center across from The Alamo to grab a map, get more ideas on what to explore and have San Antonio questions answered.
Getaway packages, discounts and more information can be found at visitsanantonio.com.
