Rain in San Antonio is infrequent enough that most families don't plan for it — and then a gray morning shows up mid-trip and the outdoor plans fall apart. Here's the good news: San Antonio has 25 solid indoor options. This is your rescue guide, organized so you can make a decision in five minutes and be out the door.
Best Indoor Museums and Cultural Spots
McKenna Children's Museum is 30 minutes away in New Braunfels, but it earns 4.8 stars from 1,565 reviews — one of the highest-rated children's museums in the Texas Hill Country. Hands-on exhibits across science, arts, and nature; plan 2–3 hours. Budget $30–$50 for a family of 4. Closed Sundays.
SAMSAT AREA 21 on San Antonio's south side is the local hidden gem. Interactive technology exhibits and aviation/military history displays at a former military base. 4.7 stars from 287 reviews. Budget $30–$50; plan 2–3 hours. Far less crowded than downtown attractions — on a rainy day that matters.
Science Mill is an hour out in Johnson City, inside a restored 1880s grist mill. STEM exhibits in a genuinely historic setting, 4.7 stars from 984 reviews. Budget $40–$60; plan 2–3 hours. Open Wed–Sat only — check before making the drive.
Scobee Education Center & Planetarium at San Antonio College puts your family inside a full-dome digital sky show. Named after Challenger astronaut Francis Scobee. Budget $20–$40; plan 1–2 hours. Only open Friday evenings — book ahead, limited seating.
The Discovery Science Place (4.5 stars) is a hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits across biology, physics, and engineering. Note: this listing is technically located in Tyler, TX — it's a 4.5-hour drive from San Antonio, so only relevant if you're already traveling through East Texas.
Entertainment Venues
LiggettVille Adventure Center in Rivercenter Mall downtown is the best indoor adventure option in San Antonio on a rainy day. High ropes, zip lines, and climbing — all air-conditioned. 4.7 stars. Budget $80–$120 for a family of 4; plan 2–3 hours. Combine with SEA LIFE or LEGOLAND in the same mall complex.
ARs Entertainment Hub San Antonio pulls together laser tag, roller skating, and miniature golf under one roof. 4.5 stars from 949 reviews. Budget $80–$130 depending on which activities you stack. Closed Monday and Tuesday — plan accordingly.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games San Antonio is 4.3 stars with 4,449 reviews — the most-reviewed large entertainment facility in the city. Multi-level indoor go-kart track, laser tag, bowling. Budget $120–$200+ for older kids. Minimum height for solo go-karts typically 54 inches. Buy activity bundles online to avoid paying per-activity at the door.
Airtopia Adventure Park in north San Antonio combines trampolines, rock climbing, and ninja courses in one large space. 4.3 stars from 1,759 reviews. Budget $80–$120; plan 2–3 hours. Opens at 9AM on Saturdays.
Altitude Trampoline Park near I-10 northwest delivers foam pits, slam-dunk courts, and dodgeball — 4.4 stars from 1,462 reviews. Budget $60–$90; plan 1.5–2.5 hours. Bring your own grip socks to save $2–$3 per person.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park on Bandera Rd is the premium indoor adventure brand — trampolines, high ropes, rock climbing all in one. Budget $80–$120; always buy online. 4.1 stars.
Ground Control Trampoline Park on the far west side near Marbach Rd has trampolines, gymnastics zones, and ninja courses. 4.4 stars. Budget $60–$90; plan 1.5–2.5 hours.
Planet Party on Loop 410 west is a 4.7-star family entertainment center with open play and party hosting. Budget $40–$70; plan 1.5–3 hours. Good for ages 2–10.
Inflatable and Soft Play Options
Kids Empire San Antonio Park North is one of the most consistently praised indoor play centers in the city — 4.7 stars from 1,267 reviews. Multi-level soft play, foam pits, a dedicated toddler zone. Budget $50–$80 (adults typically free or reduced). Plan 2–3 hours. Buy tickets online.
Inflatable Wonderland — a warehouse of inflatables, 4.6 stars from 1,087 reviews, adults often free. Budget $40–$65 for a family of 4; plan 1.5–2.5 hours. Solid for ages 2–11.
Tiny Town Playland is scaled specifically for toddlers and preschoolers — everything sized right so little ones can move freely. 4.6 stars. Budget $40–$60; plan 1–2 hours.
Maui Maui Kids Play Island in Stone Oak is a Hawaiian-themed soft play space for infants through age 7. 4.7 stars from 595 reviews. Budget $30–$50 (adults often free). Closed Mondays. Plan 1.5–2.5 hours.
Emmazing Play, LLC on the inner west side is a smaller indoor play space for the youngest kids — 4.5 stars. Budget $25–$45; plan 1.5–2.5 hours. Call ahead to confirm hours.
SA Fun Zone on Wurzbach Rd serves the northwest side — 4.3 stars, $30–$50, 1.5–2.5 hours. Good neighborhood option if you're staying on the northwest side.
Aquariums and Interactive Exhibits
LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio in Rivercenter Mall is a paradise for ages 3–10 deep in a LEGO phase. Building stations, 4D cinema, a LEGO miniature of San Antonio. Budget $80–$120; always buy online. 4.0 stars.
SEA LIFE San Antonio in Rivercenter Mall puts families inside an ocean tunnel where marine life swims overhead. Budget $70–$100 (buy online). 4.1 stars. Combo tickets with LEGOLAND save money if you're doing both.
San Antonio Aquarium on the far west side has touch tanks for stingrays and starfish and a shark walk-through. 11,161 reviews at 4.2 stars — local families use this constantly. Budget $60–$90; plan 2–3 hours.
The Amazing Mirror Maze downtown is 30–60 minutes of disorienting fun, $40–$60 for a family. Best combined with other downtown activities. 4.4 stars.
The Rush Fun Park
The Rush Fun Park on the south side is a full-scale family entertainment center with rides, arcade games, and food. 4.2 stars from 399 reviews. Budget $60–$100 for a family including food; plan 2–3 hours. Opens at 9AM on weekdays — arriving early gives better value.
Quick Picks by Age Group
Toddlers (under 5): Maui Maui Kids Play Island, Tiny Town Playland, Emmazing Play, Kids Empire (toddler zone), Inflatable Wonderland
Big kids (6–12): LiggettVille, ARs Entertainment Hub, Airtopia, Altitude Trampoline Park, San Antonio Aquarium, SAMSAT AREA 21
Teens: Andretti Indoor Karting, ARs Entertainment Hub (laser tag + skating), Urban Air, Ground Control
Free or under $50: Scobee Planetarium, SA Fun Zone, The Amazing Mirror Maze (combined with downtown), Emmazing Play
A rainy day in San Antonio doesn't have to derail the trip. The indoor entertainment scene here is genuinely strong — you can fill an entire day without going outside, and a few of these options (McKenna Children's Museum, SAMSAT AREA 21) are worth visiting regardless of weather.