Three days in San Antonio is enough time to hit the big stuff and still have room for the experiences that don't make the tourist brochures. This itinerary groups activities geographically, includes meal timing, and gives you real cost estimates so there are no surprises. Adjust based on your kids' ages — notes throughout flag what works better for different age groups.
Day 1: Downtown, the River Walk, and Hemisfair
Morning — Downtown Core
Start at The Amazing Mirror Maze on Alamo Plaza when it opens. Budget $40–$60 for a family of 4, 30–60 minutes. It's a short experience, but kids 6+ find it genuinely disorienting and funny. Knock it out before crowds build.
Walk to the Alamo (free, but budget 45–60 minutes). The grounds are free; exhibits inside are free. Then head to SEA LIFE San Antonio and LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio — both in Rivercenter Mall, walkable from Alamo Plaza. Combo tickets save money. Budget $80–$120 online for both; book before you leave home. Plan 1.5–2.5 hours for SEA LIFE and 2–3 hours for LEGOLAND. You probably won't do both in one morning — pick based on your kids' ages (LEGOLAND is best for ages 3–10; SEA LIFE works across age ranges).
Lunch — River Walk
The River Walk has no shortage of spots. Budget $40–$60 for a casual family lunch. Grab a table at one of the casual restaurants along the water — kids love eating by the boats. Eat between noon and 1PM before the line builds.
Afternoon — LiggettVille and Hemisfair
LiggettVille Adventure Center in Rivercenter Mall is right there — high ropes, zip lines, climbing, all indoors and air-conditioned. Budget $80–$120 for a family of 4, plan 2–3 hours. For kids who need to move after a morning of museums, this is the answer.
Walk to Hemisfair and the Hemisfair Playground and Splash Pad — both free, both 4.7 stars, 10-minute walk from the River Walk. The splash pad runs seasonally; the playground works year-round. Let kids decompress here before dinner.
Evening — Dinner and Wind-Down
Walk the River Walk for dinner, or head to the Pearl district (10-minute drive, neighborhoods are Tobin Hill). The Park at Pearl has restaurants, green space, and a farmers market on Saturdays — it's free to walk and good for families who want to browse before choosing where to eat. Budget $50–$100 for dinner at Pearl.
Day 1 cost estimate: $240–$380 (Mirror Maze + SEA LIFE/LEGOLAND + lunch + LiggettVille + dinner)
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Day 2: Wildlife, Nature, and North San Antonio
Morning — Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
This is the one experience San Antonio families remember years later. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 450-acre drive-through safari where giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest walk directly up to your car. Budget $80–$110 for a family of 4, plan 2–3 hours. It's 30 minutes northeast of downtown on I-35 — go first thing to beat midday heat. Bring the car windows down and a bag of animal feed (purchased at the entrance).
Late Morning — McKenna Children's Museum (if you have younger kids)
McKenna Children's Museum is in New Braunfels, which is right on the route back from Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch on I-35. Budget $30–$50, plan 2–3 hours. 4.8 stars from 1,565 reviews — don't skip it if you have kids under 12. Closed Sundays.
Lunch — Pack It or New Braunfels
If you're doing McKenna, eat lunch in New Braunfels. Plenty of casual options near the museum. Budget $35–$55 for a family. Or pack lunch and eat at the Wildlife Ranch's picnic area before heading to the museum.
Afternoon — San Antonio Botanical Garden or North SA Parks
San Antonio Botanical Garden is in the Alamo Heights neighborhood on the way back from I-35. Budget $50–$70 for a family of 4 (under-3 free); plan 2–3 hours. The Children's Adventure Garden is worth specifically seeking out — hands-on outdoor science exhibits designed for kids. 4.7 stars.
Alternatively, hit Phil Hardberger Park on the north side (free, 4.8 stars) for the Land Bridge and Blue Playground. This is the free option that genuinely competes with paid attractions. Bring a picnic; plan 2–4 hours.
Evening — SAMSAT AREA 21 or Scobee Planetarium
SAMSAT AREA 21 on the south side (4.7 stars, $30–$50) is a technology museum at a former military base — great for kids interested in STEM and military history, and far less crowded than downtown options. Budget 2–3 hours.
If your schedule puts you at a Friday evening, swap in Scobee Education Center & Planetarium ($20–$40, only open Friday evenings). Book ahead — seating is limited and shows fill up.
Day 2 cost estimate: $160–$280 (Wildlife Ranch + McKenna Museum + Botanical Garden) or $110–$190 (Wildlife Ranch + Botanical Garden + free park)
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Day 3: Aquariums, Adventure Parks, and Free Time
Morning — San Antonio Aquarium or Airtopia
San Antonio Aquarium on the far west side has touch tanks for stingrays and starfish, a shark walk-through, and 11,161 reviews at 4.2 stars. Budget $60–$90 for a family of 4; plan 2–3 hours. Under-2s typically free. Buy tickets online before you go.
For kids who want to move and burn energy, Airtopia Adventure Park in Kentwood Manor (north San Antonio) opens at 9AM on Saturdays and combines trampolines, rock climbing, and ninja warrior courses in one space. Budget $80–$120; plan 2–3 hours. Over 1,759 reviews at 4.3 stars.
Lunch — Near Your Morning Activity
The aquarium and Airtopia are both on the west/northwest side. Plenty of casual chains and local spots nearby. Budget $35–$55 for a family.
Afternoon — Kids Empire and Stone Oak Area
Kids Empire San Antonio Park North in North Central is one of the best-reviewed indoor play centers in the city — 1,267 reviews at 4.7 stars. Budget $50–$80 (adults typically free or reduced — only kids pay full price). Multi-level soft play, foam pits, toddler-specific zones. Plan 2–3 hours. Buy tickets online to avoid lines.
Maui Maui Kids Play Island in Stone Oak ($30–$50, adults often free) is the better choice if your kids are under 7. Hawaiian-themed, calm, well-contained. 4.7 stars from 595 reviews.
Late Afternoon — Pearsall Park or Inflatable Wonderland
Pearsall Park (free, 4.7 stars) on the south side has a seasonal splash pad and large park grounds. A free wind-down hour before dinner.
Or: Inflatable Wonderland (4.6 stars, $40–$65 for a family) for one last energy-burning session. Adults are often free or reduced. Best for ages 2–11.
Evening — Kiddie Park or McAllister Park
Kiddie Park near Alamo Heights (open Friday–Sunday, $30–$60 for a family with young kids) is San Antonio's classic small amusement park. Go early — afternoon heat without adequate shade is a real issue. Budget 1.5–3 hours.
Or just wind down at McAllister Park (free, 4.7 stars) for a final evening walk before heading back. Disc golf, trails, playground — pack dinner as a picnic.
Day 3 cost estimate: $125–$255 (Aquarium + Kids Empire + Inflatable Wonderland) or $80–$120 (Aquarium + Kids Empire + free parks)
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Parking and Logistics
- Downtown: Parking is easier than you'd think if you arrive before 10AM. Hemisfair, Rivercenter, and the River Walk all have paid garages ($15–$25/day). Park once and walk everywhere downtown.
- Phil Hardberger Park and north SA parks: Free parking in large lots. No issues.
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch: On-site parking included.
- SEA LIFE + LEGOLAND: Inside Rivercenter Mall — paid parking, but validate in the mall.
3-Day Budget Summary
| Scenario | Estimate | |----------|----------| | Budget trip (maximize free parks, 1–2 paid) | $300–$450 total | | Balanced trip (mix of free and mid-range) | $500–$750 total | | Full experience (all recommended paid) | $800–$1,100 total |
All figures for a family of 4; food is estimated at $40–$60/meal. Doesn't include lodging or transport. Buy everything online in advance to hit the lower ends of these ranges.