Big kids are done with the toddler play centers. They want to do real things — race karts, feed animals from a moving vehicle, bounce off walls, touch sharks, and earn bragging rights at school on Monday. San Antonio delivers on all of that. This guide cuts straight to the experiences that land with the 6–12 crowd.
Hands-On Science and History
McKenna Children’s Museum earns 4.8 stars from 1,565 reviews. Hands-on exhibits covering science, arts, culture, and nature plus outdoor play areas make this worth the 30-minute drive to New Braunfels on I-35. Plan $30–$50 for a family of 4. Don’t go on Sundays — it’s closed.
SAMSAT AREA 21 is the one San Antonio parents keep overlooking. Interactive technology exhibits at a former military base, 4.7 stars, $30–$50 for a family of 4. Kids who’re into STEM or military history love it. Less crowded than downtown attractions, which alone makes it worth building into your trip.
Scobee Education Center & Planetarium at San Antonio College offers full-dome digital sky shows for $20–$40 a family. Named after Challenger astronaut Francis Scobee. Only open Friday evenings — book in advance, seating is limited. For a kid going through a space phase, this is the real thing.
Science Mill sits in a restored 1880s grist mill in Johnson City, about an hour into the Texas Hill Country. STEM exhibits inside genuine 19th-century history — 4.7 stars, $40–$60 a family. Only open Wed–Sat. Make it the anchor of a Hill Country day trip.
Adventure and Physical Thrills
LiggettVille Adventure Center in the Rivercenter Mall is the best indoor adventure option in the city. High ropes, climbing, zip lines — all air-conditioned, rated 4.7 stars. Budget $80–$120 for a family of 4 and 2–3 hours. Combine with a River Walk lunch for a solid downtown day.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games San Antonio is the splurge for big kids who want to do something that feels grown-up. Multi-level indoor go-kart track, laser tag, bowling — the Andretti brand means the racing is actually serious. Budget $120–$200+ for a family of 4. Minimum height for solo driving is typically 54 inches — check before you go.
ARs Entertainment Hub San Antonio pulls together laser tag, roller skating, and miniature golf under one roof. Rated 4.5 stars from 949 reviews. Budget $80–$130 depending on which activities you stack. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Airtopia Adventure Park in north San Antonio mixes trampolines, rock climbing, and ninja warrior courses into one large space. Over 1,759 reviews. Budget $80–$120 for a family of 4. Opens at 9AM on Saturdays — earlier than most comparable venues.
Altitude Trampoline Park near I-10 northwest gives you foam pits, slam-dunk courts, and dodgeball — 1,462 reviews, 4.4 stars. Buy online in advance; bring your own grip socks (saves $2–$3 per person). Budget $60–$90 for a family of 4.
Inflatable Wonderland delivers exactly what 7-year-olds ask for by name. A warehouse full of inflatables, 4.6 stars from 1,087 reviews, adults often free or reduced. Budget $40–$65 for a family of 4. Monday opens at 10AM instead of 11AM — arrive early on weekdays.
Wildlife and Outdoor Adventures
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is the sleeper hit of San Antonio family trips. You drive your own car through 450+ acres where giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest walk right up to your windows. It’s $80–$110 for a family of 4 and unlike anything else in the area. Kids who’ve done zoos everywhere still find this different. Start here if you’re only picking one paid experience.
Aquatica San Antonio is the full-day waterpark answer for summer trips. SeaWorld’s water park gets 4.5 stars. Buy tickets online — walk-up prices are significantly higher. Budget $200–$300 for a family of 4 including food; you’ll get 4–8 hours out of it. Arrive at opening to hit the major slides before lines build.
San Antonio Botanical Garden (4.7 stars) earns its spot via the Children’s Adventure Garden — a space specifically designed to engage kids with hands-on outdoor science. Budget $50–$70 for a family of 4; under-3 free. Best in spring when the Hill Country wildflower season overlaps.
Animals and Aquariums
San Antonio Aquarium has 11,161 reviews at 4.2 stars — that volume tells you local families use it constantly. Touch tanks for stingrays and starfish, a shark tunnel walk-through, hands-on marine exhibits. Budget $60–$90 for a family of 4. Visit weekdays to skip the weekend crowds.
SEA LIFE San Antonio in Rivercenter Mall puts you inside an ocean tunnel where marine life swims overhead. Budget $70–$100 online (always buy online — door prices are higher). Combo tickets with LEGOLAND Discovery Center in the same complex save money if you’re doing both.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio hits hardest for ages 3–10 who are deep in a LEGO phase. Building stations, 4D cinema, a LEGO miniature of San Antonio. Budget $80–$120 online. Under-2s free.
Discovery Point San Antonio is inside SeaWorld and gives kids a close-up dolphin experience included with SeaWorld admission. Dolphin interaction upgrades cost extra. SeaWorld gate prices are steep — buy online well in advance to make it worth it.
Free Parks Worth the Trip
Phil Hardberger Park (4.8 stars, free) is genuinely great — trail systems, the Land Bridge wildlife crossing, and Blue Playground all in one location. Pack a cooler and spend 2–4 hours at zero cost.
Hemisfair and the adjacent Hemisfair Playground and Splash Pad are both free, both 4.7 stars, and both downtown. The splash pad runs seasonally at no cost. Easy to combine with a River Walk visit.
McAllister Park gives you trails, disc golf, and a solid playground at no cost. 2–4 hours of free time if you bring food and bikes.
Pearsall Park on the south side is free with a seasonal splash pad. The park is large enough to fill a half-day without spending a dollar.
Quick Picks by Interest
STEM kids: SAMSAT AREA 21, McKenna Children’s Museum, Scobee Planetarium, Science Mill
Thrill-seekers: Andretti Indoor Karting, LiggettVille, Airtopia, Aquatica
Animal lovers: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, San Antonio Aquarium, Discovery Point / SeaWorld
LEGO obsessed: LEGOLAND Discovery Center + SEA LIFE combo ticket
Free half-day: Phil Hardberger Park + Blue Playground + packed lunch
San Antonio rewards families who plan ahead. The free parks are legitimately excellent; the paid splurges are worth the money when you pick the right one for your specific kid. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is the one families mention years later. Book it first.