Wanderlust World Wanderlust World A visit to San Antonio, Texas wouldn't be complete without a trip to the River Walk. Spend a day strolling down the famous stone walkway that runs alongside the San Antonio River. You'll find shopping, restaurants, and hotels, but you'll also find plenty of attractions that kids will find appealing.
Children of all ages will enjoy taking a boat ride down the river. Guided tours run daily, lasting about 35 minutes. You can catch the river boats at several stops along the River Walk. Consider booking your tour early in the day when the River Walk is less crowded. Tours won't be as likely to be sold out and you'll spend less time waiting in line. If you don't think your kids are ready for a narrated tour, hop on a river taxi for a boat ride that is as long or as short as you want it to be.
The San Antonio Children's Museum is just steps away from the River Walk. The museum provides a variety of interactive activities for children from ages one to 10. Children can shop in the Kids' Market, explore the bubble ranch, run an airport and discover three floors of engaging hands-on exhibits. There is even a Tot Spot with exhibits geared towards infant and toddlers. Weekly story times, science and art activities are also available.
If you're looking for a way to beat the heat on your trip to the River Walk, slip inside the Rivercenter Mall. You'll find shopping, a movie theater and food court, but you'll also find some other fun attractions for children. The mall has an IMAX theater where you can watch a movie in 3D. Dinosaur lovers won't want to miss Dinosaur-Quest, a dinosaur exhibit complete with sounds, lights and animation, located on the second floor of the mall.
The San Antonio River Walk hosts parades and festivals year-round. In March, you can attend the St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade -- where the river is dyed green for the parade -- which offers music, food and family friendly games and activities. Don't miss the Children's Festival if you are visiting San Antonio in early April. This free event, held at the Rivercenter Mall, has mascots, face-painting, bounce houses and games for the whole family. November and December events include the Holiday Parade and Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Boat Caroling and Fiesta de las Luminarias, where more than 6,000 candles line the walkways of the River Walk.