No need to put the brakes on learning during the summer months. Keep young minds active with exciting and entertaining activities that provide a bit of education, too. Whether your child is passionate about animals, art, nature or history, you’ll find the perfect blend of leisure and learning to make your San Antonio visit even more memorable!
Museums
This summer Witte Museum visitors can explore even more thanks to a $100 million expansion. From now-Sept. 5, explore historic culture at the Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed exhibit, and for kids, the permanent H-E-B Body Adventure exhibit features four floors of fun activities with themes relating to health IQ, empowerment and wellness.
For a look at the life of more recent Texans, the new South Texas Heritage Center at the Witte features interactive displays and intriguing stories about the cowboys, settlers, Native Americans and others who shaped our state from 1850-1950.
The DoSeum, San Antonio’s Museum for Kids, is an interactive learning laboratory for all young children allowing them to learn through play and helping them become creative problem-solvers through hands-on activities. The DoSeum offers exhibits unlike any other children’s museum in the country, including an interactive robot named Baxter, a spy academy filled with math challenges, an interactive puppet parade, a musical staircase, an ADA-accessible treehouse, a Children’s River, and a significant outdoor exhibit area with plenty of shade and water features.
Texans are a diverse group, and the Institute of Texan Cultures is a great place for kids to gain an appreciation of the various cultures that contribute to the makeup of this great state’s population.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum is devoted to the art, history, and culture of the American West, with a contextual emphasis on San Antonio, South Texas, and the Southwest.
History
Close to 300 years ago, five Spanish missions were established in San Antonio. While the Alamo is the most famous, the other four, Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada are equally captivating. All five have received UNESCO World Heritage status. To give kids a better understanding of the 1836 battle at the Alamo, don’t miss the 42-minute film, “Alamo: The Price of Freedom” at the Alamo IMAX Theatre in Rivercenter Mall.
Outdoor/Eco Learning
Chill out with an intriguing underground tour of stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, chandeliers and soda straws in the stunning Natural Bridge Caverns, where you can choose the level of adventure that is just right for your family.
Paved pathways, a lake with ducks and turtles and a popular restaurant are three great reasons to visit San Antonio Botanical Garden. See, smell and touch plants found in regions from South Texas to Japan.
Explore and tour cave and attractions at Wonder World Park. See the Earthquake Cave and experience the devastations of a major earthquake close up.
Animal Interactions
While visiting SeaWorld San Antonio, take the animal lovers in your family on a behind-the-scenes tour for interactive experiences with water-loving residents such as penguins, sea lions, dolphins and beluga whales.
Open 365 days a year, the San Antonio Zoo is situated in an old limestone quarry and is home to more than 8,500 animals of 779 species.
The San Antonio Aquarium provides an up close chance to learn about jellyfish, sea horses, colorful corals, stingrays, sharks and more.
Info? Click San Antonio Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
