42 things to do in San Antonio with teenagers

San Antonio with teenagers is a great place to visit. There are so many things to do in San Antonio, Texas, from the Alamo, Riverwalk, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas to the SeaWorld San Antonio and more.

San Antonio is a city in Texas that is famous for its Spanish missions, the Alamo, and the River Walk. The city was founded by Spanish settlers in 1718 and named after Saint Anthony of Padua.

San Antonio has grown to become one of the most populous cities in Texas, with an estimated population of 1.4 million people. You will be sure to find a variety of activities in San Antonio with teens to do, and we have a great list to start you off with.

Know before you go. Our top San Antonio travel tips

Traveling to the San Antonio area can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. Did you know that San Antonio has the largest concentration of Spanish colonial architecture in North America?

There are so many things to do in San Antonio Tx, and having the best place to stay and explore is extremely important. Below you will find some information for planning a hassle-free family vacation in San Antonio Texas.

Where to stay in San Antonio with teens

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in San Antonio for teens, You find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels in the city. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget.

• For luxury family-friendly San Antonio hotels we recommend Hotel Emma, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa and Hilton San Antonio Hill Country. All these amazing hotels have swimming pools and great facilities.

• For more midprice and budget-friendly options in San Antonio Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel, SureStay Hotel by Best Western and Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio North Stone Oak. All these well-priced hotels have easy access to all the best San Antonio attractions.

If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Hotels.com and Trivago to find the best prices in San Antonio.

San Antonio apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation on your holiday with teenagers in San Antonio, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation. There are many apartment choices for singles, families, and those on a budget in this texas city. You can search VRBO for tourist-class apartments in cities worldwide.

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, discover Plum Guide’s exceptional luxury apartments, handpicked for their stunning views, prime locations, and indulgent amenities. With meticulous quality checks and a focus on unique experiences, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Experience the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories in these truly special accommodations

How to get to San Antonio with teens

San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas and is connected by interstate highways, long distant buses, trains, and planes, all bringing people daily to the city. This makes San Antonio one of the easiest family travel destinations to get to in the United States with teens.

• San Antonio International Airport is in Uptown Central San Antonio, about 8 miles (12.87 km) north of the Downtown city area. With 37 non-stop destinations, San Antonio’s International Airport (SAT) serves more than 8 million passengers each year.
  • Book flights to San Antonio today
    • Book your San Antonio airport to city transfer today

• Amtrak has trains running into San Antonio daily. The cheapest day to travel to San Antonio by train is Tuesday. Search trains to San Antonio today

• San Antonio can be reached directly from 6 cities and indirectly from anywhere across the United States. Flixbus tickets are available at great prices. Book your bus tickets to San Antonio with Flixbus
• If you plan to road trip with teenagers in Texas you can hire a car at any International airport and dealership across the country. Book with rental cars for the largest options
• Maybe you want to make a trip cross-country? An RV is a great way to travel to San Antonio with teens.

How to get around San Antonio

VIA Metropolitan Transit is the transport network in San Antonio. The VIA connects all the popular attractions in the city, including the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site, the Alamo, and neighbourhoods like the Pearl, Downtown, Southtown, and the Broadway Cultural Corridor. San Antonio is the largest city in the United States without a metro system.

Weather in San Antonio for Teens Adventures

Spring in San Antonio is pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging 15-28°C (59-82°F). A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings is advisable. Summers in San Antonio are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24-36°C (75-97°F). Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Fall sees temperatures between 19-31°C (66-88°F) and is generally pleasant. Pack a mix of clothing for varying temperatures. Layers are your friend, as it can be warm during the day and cooler at night.

Winters in San Antonio are mild, with temperatures ranging from 6-19°C (43-66°F). Bring a mix of clothing, including sweaters, long pants, and a heavier jacket for cooler evenings. It’s a good idea to have a scarf and gloves as well. A tech organiser is good idea to keep your electronics out of the weather.

San Antonio for international visitors

International travel to the United States requires a bit more thought. You will absolutely need travel insurance as the United States is one of the most expensive countries in the world for medical care.

If you use your bank account from home you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about when travelling to San Antonio with teenagers.

• For international travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses
• Load a Revolut Travel Money card with US dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees
• Make phone calls with an international sim card or a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
• A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively, buy a pocket modem.

Travel accessories for teenagers

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account in order to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

Things to do in San Antonio with teenagers

Now that we have covered all the essential San Antonio TX travel tips for families, here are all the very best things to do in San Antonio with teenagers.

There are numerous places to visit in San Antonio, such as the historic Alamo, the vibrant River Walk, and theme parks like SeaWorld and Six Flags.

San Antonio Riverwalk

San Antonio Texas is known for its bustling downtown and the historic Riverwalk. The San Antonio River Walk is a recreational destination in the heart of downtown with various shops, restaurants, and hotels.

It’s known for its architecture which includes the Tower of the Americas, shopping, entertainment, live music, dining, and sightseeing boat rides on the San Antonio River.

San Antonio teenage activities – SeaWorld

SeaWorld San Antonio offers many opportunities for education through seeing marine mammals and fish up close. 

There are also lots of rides and other entertainment mixed in with the animal attractions, including four coasters and other thrill rides. There is also a separate area for younger kids with tamer rides and Sesame Street characters. Keep an eye out for the new ride, Catapult Falls opening in 2024.

For the ultimate experience for animal lovers, book an in-water interaction with dolphins, Beluga whales, or sea lions.

These are pricey and for a very short duration, but if you’re looking for a splurge or a special experience, this one is worth looking into. You can get your skip-the-line tickets here.

Fun things to do in San Antonio for teens – Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 

There is plenty of fun stuff to do in San Antonio and Six Flags is right up there. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a theme park in San Antonio, Texas, the park recently celebrated its 30th birthday. The park has many rollercoasters and other attractions for all age groups.

The most popular attractions are Superman: Ultimate Flight, Batman: The Ride, and Goliath. In the summer of 2022 the world’s steepest dive roller coaster, Dr Diabolical’s Cliffhanger will open at Six Flags Fiesta.

The park currently has 39 attractions to experience, plus an adjacent water park called white water bay for some fun on hot days. Save time and get your Six Flags Fiesta Ticket here with flexible dates!

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San Antonia Aquatica

There are many fun places in San Antonio for young adults, such as the River Walk, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Pearl District and Aquatica San Antonio.

This water park is perfect for hot days in Texas. Aquatica features a large number of water slides and attractions, as well as a lazy river and beach area.

Some of the most popular water attractions are Stingray Falls, Walhalla Wave and the Kiwi Curl. The park is geared towards teenagers and adults, with most of the slides being designed for those over the age of 12.

Aquatica is open from May to September each year, book your tickets today. or secure your skip-the-line tickets now

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San Antonio with tweens – Visit the Zoo

The San Antonio Zoo has long been a favourite of tourists and residents of all ages. San Antonio Zoo is a 50+ acre zoo home to over 750 species, some of which are endangered or extinct in the wild, and an annual attendance of more than 1 million.

The zoo is dedicated to the conservation of animals and participates in many international animal programs. You do animal experiences at the zoo for a few extra dollars such as breakfast with kangaroos and giraffe feeding. You can book your flexible any-day entry ticket here

Things for teens to do in San Antonio – iFly indoor skydiving

It is a safe way to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to go through all the hassle of getting on an aeroplane and going to an airfield out of town.

The iFly indoor skydiving facility in San Antonio has been attracting many teens who are looking for something fun to do while on vacation. Adults and kids of all ages can participate, but this is very popular with teens, especially adrenaline junkies. 

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Japanese tea garden – things for teenagers to do in San Antonio

The Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful, peaceful park and completely not what you’d expect in San Antonio.

There are a lot of ramps and steps and a great deal of the park isn’t ADA accessible but if you have an active teen that enjoys gardens or photography, this might be a good fit. The garden is close to the zoo so could be good to see while you’re in this area of San Antonio.

Watch an NBA game in San Antonio

The city is home to the San Antonio Spurs NBA team. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league’s Western Conference, Southwest Division. The Spurs play their home games at 18,000-seat AT&T centres, grab a ticket for a game today.

The Spurs have won 5 NBA Championships in the last 25 years and regularly play to packed houses at home. This is one of the popular things to do in Texas with teenagers.

The Pearl San Antonio

If you are looking for somewhere to kick back and relax in San Antonio Tx, head to the historic Pearl District.

The Pearl is a multi-functional space with unique shops, live music, and a food hall. You will find a weekend farmers market, The old Pearl Brewery and the Culinary Institute of America.

It is an eclectic neighbourhood popular with locals and visitors alike who come to explore the area. You can easily book a Pearl District walking tour with taco tastings so you can discover the best places to eat in San Antonio.

Sea Life – Things To Do With Kids In San Antonio

Another one of the great San Antonio kid attractions is SeaLife. San Antonio Sea life is part of the ever-popular chain of aquariums that span the world.

The Sealife San Antonio Aquarium has some great exhibits including Stingray Bay and the Shipwreck.

Experience sharks and turtles, take a 20-minute behind-the-scenes tour or listen in to the talks and feeding session at Sealife. Book your entry tickets today.

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Things to do in San Antonio with family – The Saga

The Saga is a 24-minute light show projected onto the San Fernando Cathedral. Created by world-renowned French artist Xavier de Richemont, the light show tells the rich history of San Antonio through a visually splendid show every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening at 9, 9:30, and 10 pm. This is one of the best things to do in San Antonio at night.

San Antonio attractions for family – Westcreek Trail Rides

San Antonio is hardly the wild west anymore but you can saddle up and pretend you’re a cowboy with Westcreek Trail Rides.

If you are from a city this will be a unique experience for teens who have not had the chance to experience horse riding before.

Westcreek offers guided trail rides for riders of all abilities making it one of the easiest things to do with teens in San Antonio. Check out their website to reserve your time and learn more.

Rodeo in Bulverde for San Antonio teens

The rodeo in Bulverde is a popular event that takes place every Saturday night. Cowboys and cowgirls from all overcome to see the Longhorn cattle entrance, bull riding, barrel racing, and much more.

In addition to the rodeo, there is also live music and a steakhouse on site, so visitors can enjoy a great evening out. Whether you’re a fan of rodeos or not, this event is sure to please every teenager in attendance. Is there anything more Texan than attending a Rodeo in San Antonio? Book your place in the stands for Tejas Rodeo Bulverde.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Wildlife Ranch Texas is a 450-acre wildlife park located in San Antonio, Texas, USA. The park is home to over 500 exotic and native animals from around the world, including giraffes, zebras, lemurs, kangaroos, and more.

Visitors can drive through the park and see animals roaming freely, or take a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.

The park also offers various activities and attractions, such as feeding stations, petting zoos, and safari camps. Wildlife Ranch Texas is committed to conservation and education and works with various organisations to protect endangered species and promote wildlife awareness. Combine this with a visit to the nearby Natural Bridge Caverns

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The Alamo & San Antonio Missions

San Antonio is rich in history, Most visitors to San Antonio are going to be interested in The Alamo (AKA Mission San Antonio de Valero) If you’re staying in the downtown Riverwalk area, you’ll probably walk right by it. It’s smack in the middle of a busy area and hard to miss.

While you can’t deny the Alamo’s historical appeal, it’s the least architecturally impressive and the least photo-worthy. The other four missions aren’t located far from downtown, but they have a much more remote vibe to them with beautiful grounds that are fun to explore.

You might aspire to get your picture taken in front of The Alamo but expect it to have a couple of vendor carts as well as a bunch of tourists in the background.

The IMAX theatre at the Rivercenter) has a movie called Alamo: The Price of Freedom, which tells San Antonio’s early story.

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Family attractions in San Antonio – TopGolf

The top golf concept pits friends against friends, and families against family in a driving range-style target contest.

Up to 6 players can compete against each other in one bay, where your smart golf ball measures how close to the different targets you get and allocates you a score.

The San Antonio TopGolf venue has a bar, restaurant, and the latest arcade games to keep the whole family happy. You will find teenagers in Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and more playing TopGolf.

Painting with a Twist

Painting with a Twist is a painting studio with several locations across San Antonio. My favourite is the location at Artisan’s Alley – it’s a really cute area with lots of other shops to explore. You’ll create your canvas with step-by-step instructions from a painting instructor – or, do your own thing. 

San Antonio Ghost tours

If your teen is brave or likes the macabre, consider a ghost tour that combines history with a little bit of fright. There are lots of companies that offer ghost tours out of the downtown SA area. Check out San Antonio Haunted History Ghost Tour, San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour or Alamo City Ghost Tours. 

Andretti indoor go karting

 Andretti Indoor in San Antonio Tx is a destination for teens in itself. The place is packed full of activities that will keep the whole family entertained for hours.

They offer arcade games, virtual reality, laser tag, a ropes course and three levels of go-karting tracks and more. You grab a burger and drinks and make a day of it at Andretti Indoor.

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Fun things to do in San Antonio for kids – Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

If you are looking for something a little different in San Antonio then Ripley’s Haunted Adventure could be just the place.

Ripley’s has created a haunted house out of a mansion where live actors dress in frightening costumes looking to scare visitors.

The scene is set with special effects and mood music to keep you on your toes and wondering what is around the corner. Ripley is a good bit of fun for teenagers in San Antonio. Book your Ripley’s tickets today.

San Antonio Museums

If your teens are interested in museums, San Antonio has several to explore. The most popular is The Witte Museum, which has both static and rotating exhibits and lots of outdoor spaces.

The Witte is popular with all ages and has a nice mix of Texas natural history, histories of early Texans and current exhibits that may focus on art or science. 

If you’re looking for an art museum, check out the San Antonio Museum of Art, The McNay Art Museum, or the Briscoe Western Art Museum. I think the McNay is the most teen-friendly because of its interesting architecture, vast grounds and outdoor sculptures. 

Fun activities for kids in San Antonio – The Tower of Americas

If you are visiting the city of San Antonio for the first time, one of the first things you should see is the Tower of the Americas. It is an architectural landmark that provides views of 360 degrees of the city. The history of this building is just as interesting as its beauty.

The original architect was Santiago Calatrava who designed it to look like a flying saucer that had landed on Earth. San Antonio is a popular destination for families who want to spend time together.

The tower allows you to see all around San Antonio and even into Mexico if you’re lucky. The tower also has a restaurant, gift shop and engaging 4D movie experience ride. This is a great option for indoor activities in San Antonio if it is too hot or raining and as part of a night tour with dinner.

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Family fun adventures in San Antonio – Segway Tour

There is nothing more fun than zipping around a city on a Segway and for teens, this has to be one of the best things to do in San Antonio. A Segway tour in San Antonio Tx is a great opportunity to have fun and learn about the city.

Segway tours are for the whole family, you will be given instructions and a short amount of practice time before you set off on your adventures in San Antonio with teenagers.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

San Antonio and the surrounding area have miles of hiking trails and nature trails to explore. To see a full list of city parks, click here.

If you want something a little more challenging or lengthy, try Mission Reach, Eisenhauer Park, Friedrich Park, or Government Canyon State Natural Area.

If you want to venture a little further from San Antonio, check out Lost Maples State Natural Area, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. 

San Antonio Hop-on hop-off bus

The San Antonio hop on hop off bus is always popular with family travellers. A sightseeing bus tour in San Antonio is a great way to give you an overview of the city.

The bus route takes you to all the Alamo City attractions, so you can see everything from HemisFair Park, and Tower of the Americas to the Alamo and more. This San Antonio Hop-on hop-off tour bus allows you to get out and visit attractions and hop back on the next bus when it appears.

San Antonio scavenger hunt

If you are looking for great vacations with teen ideas, then look no further than a family scavenger hunt. A scavenger hunt in San Antonio for families is an alternative to a traditional sightseeing tour, get to know San Antonio uniquely with a scavenger hunt.

On your hunt, you will discover popular and lesser-known sights of the city as you solve clues and tackle challenges to complete the adventure.

Scavenger hunts are completely unique things to do in San Antonio with teenyboppers. Book your scavenger hunt in San Antonio, Texas today.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is a captivating underground adventure located just outside San Antonio, Texas.

It’s approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown San Antonio. When you visit, you and your teenagers can explore stunning underground chambers adorned with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique geological formations. The caverns offer guided tours that take you deep into the earth, showcasing the incredible natural beauty that has been forming for millions of years.

It’s an educational and awe-inspiring experience visiting the caverns that’s suitable for all ages, making it a fantastic family outing during your San Antonio visit. If you like climbing there is a high ropes course to try while there.

Experience the food of San Antonio

Embark on a food adventure with your teenagers and discover the flavours of Texas through a food tour. These food experiences not only teach your teens about local foods but also offer a gateway to culture. 

From savouring local delicacies to learning traditional cooking techniques, food tours can ignite a lifelong passion in teens for cooking and eating global cuisines.

Some of the best food tours in the San Antonio area, the Historic Downtown San Antonio Food and Culture Tour and San Antonio Pearl District Food and History Tour and

Take a scenic helicopter flight over San Antonio

Soaring over San Antonio and taking in the beautiful view of the city is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Going up high on a panoramic helicopter flight and seeing everything from the San Antonio River to the Tower of the Americas can be one of the most exciting things to do in San Antonio with teens.

The most Instagrammable places in San Antonio

With Instagram and social media playing an important part in the lives of teenagers, we have some great places for Instagram photos in San Antonio.

We recommend visiting The Alamo, Mission Espada, The Rainbow Wings and the Denman State Park for the best Instagram shots in San Antonio.

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Professional photoshoot in San Antonio

As our kids get older, we spend less and less time with them making family memories. One excellent way to capture some of these important family vacation moments is to hire a professional photographer for a few hours to make some lifelong memories for you.

The photographer will supply everything, your family just needs to provide the smiles for your San Antonio photoshoot. Book your memory-making shoot today.

Pin Bowling in San Antonio with teenagers

Nothing like a good bit of family competition to get everyone going on your holidays with teenagers. 10-pin bowling in San Antonio Tx is a great family activity for all. You will find bowling alleys all over the city for your family to have some fun at.

Most bowling alleys these days are more entertainment centres featuring amusement, food, and drink options. You will find some of the best bowling locations in San Antonio below.

• Bowlero – features 48 bowling lanes, arcade games, a sports bar
• Bowl & Barrel – is an upmarket venue featuring bowling, food and drinks

Fun family activities in San Antonio don’t come any better than going bowling.

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Axe Throwing – things to do in San Antonio for young adults

Axe Throwing is a new phenomenon that is sweeping around the world, San Antonio is home to Class Axe Throwing. No experience is required, as the staff at Class Axe Throwing will run you through the safety precautions before giving tips and hints on how best to throw an axe.

If you are looking for unique experiences for teenagers in San Antonio Tx, then axe throwing could be it. Axe Throwing is one of the awesome things to do in San Antonio on your family vacation. For more information, click through to the Class Axe Throwing website.

Bike riding in San Antonio with older kids

San Antonio bike riding is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. Bike riding allows you to experience your location, either in town or out in the surrounding areas. You will find bike tours are the best way to go if you want to get an up-close and personal experience of the city.

You will either have a guide to point out all the important attractions in San Antonio or a map to follow. The bike tours will take you on a family vacation 2-wheeled adventure.

Alternatively, you can find locations that hire bikes and let you explore on your own. Plan a San Antonio things to do with teens bike tour today.

Family holidays in San Antonio – Going to the cinema

Watching a movie is popular with teenagers anywhere in the world. Going to the cinema on your vacation is a good thing to do at night in San Antonio with teenagers’ activity. You will find state-of-the-art screens and sound for you to watch the latest blockbusters in the Alamo City cinemas.

In San Antonio, you will find multiplex, Imax, 3d and specialty cinemas showing art-house and indie films. You can use this Trip Advisor guide to the best cinemas in the city.

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Fun things for young adults to do in San Antonio – Escape rooms

For those new to Escape rooms, this is a quick run down. An escape room, also known as an escape game, is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives at hand. Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room, or span multiple rooms.

Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. If your teen likes this stuff it is definitely one of the fun things to do in San Antonio for teens.

Shopping with teenagers in San Antonio

Teens love shopping, whether it is for the latest fashions or just for memories of their trip to San Antonio. There are a lot of shopping options in San Antonio including local boutiques, specialty stores, international brands, markets, and shopping malls. Below you will find some places to whip out the credit card in San Antonio.

San Antonio Market Square is a shoppers’ paradise with over 100 stores in this Mexican-style marketplace. The locally-owned shops sell products influenced by San Antonio’s Mexican heritage.

The Riverwalk shopping centre has over 100 retailers and is the top shopping and entertainment centre in San Antonio. Restaurants at the River Walk include the Margaritaville, Yardhouse, Chilis, Hooters and Maria Mia’s Mexican Bistro. Shops include Footlocker, H&M, The Disney Store and Victoria’s Secret.

Free things to do in San Antonio with kids

San Antonio offers, some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free city of San Antonio activities are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money.

There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free family activities in San Antonio Tx are as follows.

Things to do in San Antonio this weekend with teens

There are numerous things to do in San Antonio this weekend, such as visiting historical landmarks, attending cultural festivals, and exploring renowned museums.

On any given weekend in San Antonio, you will find any number of events and sporting activities to see. Search the Visit San Antonio website for things to do in San Antonio today.

Annual events in San Antonio that teens will love

San Antonio is a city with a rich culture and history. There are many annual events that take place that can be enjoyed by families and teens visiting Texas. Some of these events include:

• Fiesta San Antonio: Fiesta is San Antonio’s biggest party, featuring parades, music, food, and cultural celebrations. Teens will love the colourful and lively atmosphere, along with events like the Fiesta Flambeau Parade and the Fiesta Carnival.
• San Antonio Book Festival (April): If your teenagers are book enthusiasts, this literary event is a must. It features author panels, book signings, and activities for young readers.
• Dia de los Muertos (November): Experience the rich Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead in San Antonio’s historic Market Square. Teens can enjoy colourful altars, face painting, and live music.
• Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony (November): The holiday season kicks off with this festive parade along the San Antonio River Walk. The dazzling light displays and holiday-themed floats are sure to delight your teenagers.
• San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February): If your teens are interested in rodeo events and concerts, this annual show is a great choice. It features bull riding, barrel racing, and live performances by popular artists.
• Poteet Strawberry Festival (April): Teens with a sweet tooth will appreciate this festival, which celebrates Poteet’s renowned strawberries. Enjoy live music, a carnival, and of course, delicious strawberry treats.

These events help to make San Antonio a vibrant and exciting city to visit on your next family travel vacation.

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Day trips from San Antonio with teens

While staying in the city with teenagers may be the easiest option on your family vacation to San Antonio there are some fun trips for teenagers to make out of the city too. The best vacations for teenagers usually include at least one day trip.

Below we have a couple of day trip recommendations for families travelling with teenagers. There are also so many more things to do on your vacation with teenagers when you add a day trip from San Antonio.

Houston Texas

Under 3 hours away from San Antonio lies Houston, Texas. Houston makes a great day trip from San Antonio with teenagers if they love anything to do with Space. Houston is home to the Explore Space Center Houston with over 400 space artefacts and different exhibits.

This is Houston’s top attraction and home to the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Centre.

Alternatively, you could take a trip on the Houston hop on hop off bus or do a city highlights tour.

Fun restaurants in San Antonio for teens

Vacationing with teens absolutely needs to include a brilliant meal to remember the family holiday. Family travel with teenagers is a wonderful thing, and bonding over a meal at the end of the day or even during it is a great way to connect with your teen travellers. Having a meal with family is one of the top things to do in San Antonio with teenagers.

Teenager things to do in San Antonio – eat at Hard Rock Cafe

Dine at the Hard Rock Café in San Antonio and be surrounded by Rock music memorabilia while dining down on ribs, burgers, seafood and more. Catch the latest sports and live music in this centrally located 2500-seat venue. eating at Hard Rock is one of the fun things for teens to do in San Antonio. Book your meal at Hard Rock San Antonio.

The Magic Time machine

At the Magic Time Machine in San Antonio, you will be seated by service staff dressed in costumes representing popular pop culture icons from the past, present, and future. You will take a seat at themed areas such as Sweethearts Table, in The Attic, a Thatched Hut or even an old Refrigerator.

The Tee-Pee, Lunchbox, a Dunce-cap and a Carousel where you will be served hand-cut steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood and more. The Time machine can be one of the fun things for families to do in San Antonio.

Street food in San Antonio

Street food is a popular way to eat in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get some delicious local food without having to go to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.

Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries. Street food in San Antonio often has its origins in the cultural history of people who have immigrated to Texas in the past. Some of the most popular street foods include:

 Puffy Tacos: These are a Tex-Mex specialty and a San Antonio original. The tortillas are fried until they puff up, creating a crispy yet airy texture. They are typically filled with seasoned ground beef, chicken, or other delicious fillings

Gorditas: These thick, stuffed cornmeal pockets are popular street food in San Antonio. They’re filled with a variety of ingredients, such as picadillo (spiced ground meat), beans, cheese, or guacamole

Elote (Mexican Street Corn): You’ll find vendors selling elote in many parts of the city. It’s grilled corn on the cob slathered with a combination of mayonnaise, crema, cheese, chilli powder, and lime juice.

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Frequently asked questions about San Antonio

There are so many frequently asked questions about San Antonio, especially from families travelling with teenagers. Below we try to answer some of the most asked questions about travel in San Antonio

Where are the best places to stay in San Antonio for teenagers?

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices when doing things to do with teenagers in San Antonio, please find below an interactive map from Booking.com for you to find your perfect stay in San Antonio

Booking.com

Are you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance and more? Are you just not sure what companies you can trust to book your travel online? We have a resource page that is full of companies that we personally use and book through for all trips from a weekend away to long term travel around the world. Click here to search our travel resources page.

This article was written in conjunction with Jill Robbins from the Ripped Jeans and Bifocals website. We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel inspires you to visit San Antonio with teenagers.

Travelling with young adults, teens and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations,  working out a budget, what bags and suitcases to take, travel essentials and more can be so time-consuming. Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful, and finding the best tips for travel is essential. 

Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation, making it an epic adventure with your teens.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in the USA click through to our United States Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.

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More travel inspiration for your trip to the USA

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