5 Things to do on Spring Break in San Antonio

What’s the first thing you think to do when it comes to San Antonio?  If SeaWorld San Antonio comes to mind, than this post is for you.  Not that I don’t like SeaWorld (I love it, really I do!!), but there is so much more to do in San Antonio than just meeting Shamu.  Here are 5 Great Ideas of Things to Do in San Antonio this Spring Break. If Spring Break plans have you heading south to San Antonio with the family, for the sake of all your 4th graders learning Texas History this year, please make a visit to the Alamo.   “Non-native Texans”, here is the short version of what happened there and why it is so important to our state:  The Alamo is a Spanish Mission built in what is now San Antonio, Texas.  In March of 1836, a small group of Texans defended the Alamo against Mexico and were defeated.  Because of this loss, Texans came together and won their independence against Mexico a month later under the leadership of Sam Houston.  A visit to the Alamo is historical and fun for all ages.  Before you go, take in the movie, ” Alamo: The Price of Freedom” at the IMAX at the RiverCenter Mall a block away.  It’s a great way to refresh yourself on the story.

While you are downtown, a short walk to the San Antonio Riverwalk is a must.  There are several ways to get down to the Riverwalk level and once you descend the stairs, it is as if you are in a different world.  The lush green trees, calm river, and jolly mood gives you the full San Antonio experience.  Take a river boat cruise or just stroll up and down the river banks enjoying the restaurants, shops, and various mariachi bands.  The River Center Mall, La Villita, and San Antonio Museum of Art are all located there as well. You can’t go wrong with any of the Mexican restaurants that line the river – a great place for lunch or dinner!

Take in a sky-high view of San Antonio from atop the Tower of Americas.  Located in downtown as well, the 750-foot-tall Tower  built for the World’s Fair in 1968, provides guests the most spectacular view of the Alamo City. We all really enjoyed taking our time seeing the c360 degree view of the city from the Observation Deck and then experiencing the thrilling 4D Theater Ride.  It sits in the heart of Hemisfair Plaza that has the Institute of Texan Culture and a terrific park for the kids to burn some energy at.

The San Antonio Zoo is celebrating 100 years in 2013 but certainly doesn’t look like a 100 year old zoo.  WIthin the last few years, the Zoo has opened it’s 20 million dollar Africa Live Exhibit and is the only Zoo in the country to have a separate children's Zoo area, Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot,  designed for kids 5 and under.  Our favorite part of the Zoo is the Nature Encounters, where zoologists hands-on teach you about the animals.  Last time we visited, we learned to walk like a gibbon, held a hog-nosed snake, and learned what eagles like to eat.  While you are there, enjoy the quiet Japanese Tea Gardens next door and take a train ride around Brackenridge Park.

The last “must-see” place is the new all-abilities park located in north San Antonio.  Morgan’s Wonderland opened in 2010 and this colorful and ultra-accessible 25-acre family fun park serves as a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, friends and the entire able bodied and disabled community. Filled with rides, playgrounds, fishing, hands-on experiences, and more, my children loved this park.  It is built in an old quarry and you can easily spend a whole day here. In all honesty, it is hard to narrow San Antonio down to just 5 places to see, so if you are interested, I have a whole collection of Things to Do in San Antonio for you.  It is an amazing city, one of my favorite to visit, full of culture and rich experiences.  Take your time, enjoy the sites and smells and food and fun!