Family-friendly attractions in Texas

When in Texas, don’t miss the fantastic theme parks, water parks and other family-friendly attractions.

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San Antonio

When in San Antonio, don’t miss the fantastic theme parks, water parks and other family-friendly attractions.

1. Six Flags Fiesta Texas

For the best rides in San Antonio, you can’t miss Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This amusement park is home to 15 thrill rides and coasters, 25 rides just for young kids, and numerous family rides, attractions and themed areas. Fiesta Texas is also a terrific location to see a concert and enjoy other seasonal events. For schools, youth organizations, family reunions and other groups, Fiesta Texas offers group rates, catered picnic meals and other activities to make your day special. Park hours vary throughout the year. Visit sixflags.com for details. Additionally, entrance to Six Flags White Water Bay is free with admission to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This family water park adjacent to Fiesta Texas is open from late May through early September.

17000 IH 10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257. Summer hours: Sunday through Friday 10:30am-9pm; Saturday 10am-10pm; Admission: Adults: $49.99; children under 48″: $34.99; children 2 & under free; Season Pass: $59.99; Play Pass: $49.99; Cheaper general admission online rates available.

2. San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. Located on 33 acres, the Botanical Garden is a combination of beautiful indoor displays and outdoor gardens. The Botanical Garden was founded in 1980 and is operated by the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. The Lucile Halsell Conservatory houses plants from the desert to the rainforest in three buildings. The buildings surround a sunken courtyard and beautiful lagoon. You will see everything from a 65-foot tall forest of palms to flowers, cacti and other plants. The Texas Native Trail is made up of plant communities representative of the Hill Country (Edwards Plateau), East Texas Piney Woods, and South Texas, showing the ecological diversity of Texas. The botanical garden is a popular destination for adults and children of all ages. Children can enjoy family theme days with hands-on activities and presentations. Kids can also sign up for a vegetable garden program, nature camp and much more.

555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, TX 78209. Hours: Daily 9am–5pm; Admission: Adults: $7; seniors, active military and students: $5; children ages 3-13: $4; children under 3 free.

3. Tower of the Americas

High above the skyline in downtown San Antonio, you’ll see the Tower of Americas. Designed by local architect O’Neil Ford, Tower of the Americas was built as the theme structure for the 1968 World’s Fair — HemisFair ’68. This 750-foot-tall tower features a cafe and Texas-themed 4-D theater on the ground level, as well as an observation deck, lounge and revolving restaurant at the top. The Flags Over Texas observation deck offers a spectacular vantage point to check out the city below, as well as amazing photo opportunities. The Chart House Restaurant serves delicious food in an upscale atmosphere. This revolving restaurant boasts beautiful 360-degree views of the city. The Tower of Americas grounds are also home to seasonal festivals, concerts and special events.

600 Hemisfair Plaza Way, San Antonio, TX 78205. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 10am–10pm; Friday & Saturday 10am–11pm; Admission: Adults: $10.95; seniors and military: $9.95: children under 12: $8.95.

4. Splashtown San Antonio

Escape the summer sun at Splashtown. Located on over 20 acres, Splashtown San Antonio offers 40 waterslides and tube rides, plus a half-million gallon wave pool — the largest in south Texas. In addition to the fast-paced water action, visitors can also enjoy the Siesta Del Ride, which is a 1/4 mile long lazy river ride. Kid’s Kove is an amazing area for young children which features scaled down rides. The park features over 50 rides and attractions, free life jackets, dive-in movies and restrooms with showers. There is a covered public picnic area, as well as restaurants and concessions. The professionally trained lifeguards and lockers for rent allow you to feel secure.

3600 North IH-35, San Antonio, TX 78219. Summer hours: Sunday through Thursday 11am-8pm; Friday & Saturday 11am-9pm; Admission: Adult: $26.99; children under 48″: $19.99; season pass $49.99.

5. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort

Located just outside San Antonio on 65 acres in New Braunfels, Schitterbahn Waterpark Resort offers over three miles of tubing adventures, seven children’s water playgrounds, three uphill water coasters, 17 water slides and the world’s first surfing machine. Schlitterbahn is a popular summer destination for visitors and residents of San Antonio. When visiting this water park, feel free to pack a picnic basket or ice chest with food and beverages, though concessions are also available throughout the park. If you do bring a picnic, no alcohol or glass containers are permitted. A limited number of life jackets and children’s tubes are available at no charge.

305 West Austin St., New Braunfels, TX 78130. Summer hours: Daily 10am–8pm; Admission: Adults: $39.99; children ages 3-11: $31.99, seniors: $31.99, children under 3 free. Two-day admission, afternoon-only admission and season passes are also available.