San Antonio Weekend Getaways for Families

Morning
Kick off your family's weekend trip to San Antonio with a little education-meets-fun. Spend the morning exploring the Witte Museum, a fantastic science museum where kids can learn at various hands-on exhibits. The H-E-B Science Treehouse overlooks the San Antonio River and provides a two-level treehouse and four floors of exploratory fun for kids.

Afternoon
Visit San Antonio's most famous landmark: The Alamo. Located in the historic downtown area, the old mission and two missions are open for free tours... and your kids will cry: "Remember the Alamo!" for the rest of the day. (Okay, maybe that's not a positive, but any site that teaches the kids part of American history is a win!) Pick up the Alamo Young Courier Program, which is an activity book for kids age 5 to 10.

Just a couple of blocks away from the Alamo is the Amazing Mirror Maze & Vault Laser Challenge, with more than a thousand mirrors to get lost in. Day passes are available and you can go through the maze as many times as you'd like.

Evening
Cross the street to find River Walk, the heart of San Antonio, also known as Paseo del Rio. A number of shops and restaurants line the river, but you can always skip the walk and jump on one of the ferries that glide down the San Antonio River, providing 35-minute guided tours. Some tours provide a dinner opportunity, with food provided by River Walk restaurants like Cafe Ole or Michelino's.

Morning
Get a bird's-eye view of San Antonio at the Tower of the Americas' Flags Over Texas Observation Deck. The observation deck is open daily at 10 a.m., and tickets include the 4D Theater Ride that takes you on a "ride" across the entire Lone Star State.

Afternoon/Evening
No weekend getaway in San Antonio would be complete without making your way 30 minutes outside of the city to one of San Antonio's most popular family attractions: SeaWorld. The park opens at noon on fall and winter weekends (except for January) and closes around 9 or 10 p.m., so bring your swimsuits, rent a locker, and spend the entire day! You'll love wild rides like Journey to Atlantis and getting soaked at Aquatica Water Park.

If you have an extra day and a car, drive out to the Natural Bridge Caverns, about an hour outside of San Antonio. A number of tour options are available, all taking the kids on a deep descent into the Texas ground where illuminated stalagmites and stalactites create a magical world. The more daring may want to go deeper into the caverns with tours that will get everyone down and dirty. This isn't recommended if you're flying out after this tour!

Above ground, the Canopy Challenge is a ropes course with zip-lines for an adventurous finale to your San Antonio weekend trip. Toddlers can even join in on the fun with the Canopy Kids Course.

It may be difficult to leave the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa once you check in, especially when the kids see the resort's four-acre lazy river and pools. The 3,000-acre resort's Ramblin' River & Activity Pool is the main feature, but seasonally, the resort also features a kids' club and teen hangout. One-bedroom suites with pullout sofa beds and dining areas work well for families wanting a bit more space, and many deals can be found during off-season trips. The resort is located outside of the city, but is just across the street from SeaWorld and near Six Flags theme parks, so it makes a convenient and luxurious home base for your family's San Antonio weekend trip.

Located in the heart of San Antonio's historical district and right on its famed River Walk, Drury Plaza Hotel Riverwalk features impressive architecture and offers a number of extras for families. From free hot breakfast to free hors' d'oeuvres in the early evening, the comfortable hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, cable TV and in-room coffee. Kids will love the rooftop and indoor pools, and parents will appreciate that rooms are outfitted with microwaves and refrigerators, as well as the onsite laundry facilities. Optionally, get a two-room suite for a bit of privacy.

Holiday Inn Express is the chain's budget line, and while it is situated a little further from attractions, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Antonio is comfortable, easy on the wallet, and honors a kids stay-and-eat-free philosophy. The hotel is near the airport and provides free buffet breakfast, dinner snacks and drinks, and features an outdoor pool, covering all the basics families would want for a great weekend trip to San Antonio.

What would a San Antonio weekend getaway be without sampling some of Texas' best food? Visit these restaurants for a delicious, family-friendly experience.

1. Republic of Texas Restaurant
Located along San Antonio's River Walk, the Republic of Texas has been serving up Texan fare for more than 40 years. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and caters meals aboard river cruises. Late at night, the restaurant begins spinning tunes and the Colossal 46-ounce Margaritas come out to play, so make this an early dinner spot with the kids.

2. Luby's Cafeteria
Luby's is a cafeteria-style chain scattered across San Antonio, including North Main Street, but don't let that deter you -- the menu provides a fantastic selection of entrees. From Angus chopped steak to lemongrass beef skewers to fried chicken and potpie, Luby's serves up old-fashioned, down-home cooking. Children eat free on Wednesday and Saturday.

3. The Cove
Kids will love the Cove, where Ping-Pong tables and basketball backboards call for fun. Even dogs are welcome at the Cove, where a dog run is available! The Cove offers up large helpings of sustainable, organic and local burgers and tacos, with smaller kids' portions available in a menu of meat or veggie burgers and hot dogs with sides and drinks. Located on West Cypress, The Cove is open all weekend, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It's closed on Mondays.

4. The Guenther House
While there is plenty of dining-with-a-view on the River Walk, the Guenther House is the restored home of a pioneer family with fantastic outdoor dining for breakfast and lunch. You'll feel you have stepped back in time on the property, until you are served a dish from the award-winning restaurant. Try the Champagne Chicken Enchiladas! When you are done with your meal, tour the Guenther House. The home and restaurant is located on East Guenther Street and serves from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

5. Rosario's
When you're this close to the border, you simply must have Mexican when visiting San Antonio, and Rosarios, located on South Alamo Street, is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. You'll find it all here: tostadas, quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos and more in a colorful and artistic setting. Live music is offered on weekends, and kids will love the atmosphere.

Seasonal Events and Attractions
Take a San Antonio weekend trip during the winter and you'll not only avoid the Texas heat, but you'll also get a sampling of a Texas Christmas. The Ford River Holiday Parade and Lighting Ceremony is popular, as are carolers on the riverboats. In the warmer months, May through August, Fiesta Noche del Rio provides Mexican, Spanish, Argentine and Texan song and dance along the river nightly on weekends.

Getting Around
It's a large, spread-out city, with attractions and hotels equally distanced apart, so driving is a good option for your weekend getaway to San Antonio. Roads are well marked and parking lots are plentiful. If you'd prefer to skip driving, consider staying in a hotel near the attractions you want to see, or grab a taxi or Uber, as buses may be hard to maneuver.

Bus
San Antonio's bus system is known as Via, short for Via Metropolitan Transit. Buses and streetcars are just $1.30 each way, with day passes available for less than $3. Children are discounted. The route map is extensive; be sure you review it before you hop on the bus.