San Antonio with a toddler: River Walk, museums and splash pads

The River Walk with a toddler

The River Walk sits a level below the street. Many access points are stairs only, and long stretches have no railing at the water's edge. With a toddler who runs, keep a hand or a stroller strap on them, and walk on the side away from the water.

Look for the ramps and elevators at hotels, malls and some bridges, and plan your route before you go down. The busy restaurant stretch downtown is crowded in the evening and can be tight with a stroller. A narrated river boat tour is a good seated way to see it, and most toddlers enjoy the ride. You will usually need to fold the stroller to board.

Museums and the zoo near Brackenridge Park

• The DoSeum is San Antonio's children's museum, with indoor and outdoor play areas, water play and spaces set aside for the youngest kids. It is the best rainy or hot afternoon in town.
• The San Antonio Zoo is in Brackenridge Park. Go early before the heat, and look for the Kiddie Park rides inside the zoo, a long-running set of gentle rides for small children.
• The Witte Museum has dinosaurs, Texas wildlife and a hands-on health and body exhibit. It sits on the river in Brackenridge Park, a short drive from The DoSeum.
• Brackenridge Park itself has shade trees, picnic spots and the free Japanese Tea Garden, which is pretty for a short stroll.

Downtown and Pearl

Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair is the best downtown stop for a toddler. It has a playground, a sand play area and a splash pad, with shade and seating for parents. It is a short walk from the River Walk and the Convention Center area.

The Alamo is a quick visit with a toddler. Entry to the church is free but you reserve a timed ticket online. Keep it short and pair it with Yanaguana Garden. Pearl, north of downtown, has a weekend farmers market, open lawns and restaurants that welcome families, and a quieter stretch of the River Walk.

Theme parks and Morgan's Wonderland

• SeaWorld San Antonio has animal exhibits and a kids area, Rescue Jr., with small rides and splash play.
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas is mostly bigger rides, but it has a kids area with small rides. Check height requirements before you buy tickets.
• Morgan's Wonderland is an ultra-accessible theme park designed so kids of all abilities can play together, with a separate splash park. It is calm and less crowded than the big parks.
• All three are seasonal or have reduced schedules in parts of the year. Check the calendar before you plan around them.

Heat and the best time to go

San Antonio summers are long and intense. Plan outdoor time before late morning, then go indoors or rest through the afternoon. Splash pads and The DoSeum are your friends. Bring water everywhere and a stroller fan.

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Fiesta in April brings parades and crowds downtown; check dates if you want to join or avoid it.

Where to stay

A downtown hotel with elevator access to the River Walk makes evening walks and boat rides easy, and Hemisfair is close. Pearl is quieter and closer to The DoSeum, the zoo and the Witte. A rental car helps for the theme parks and Brackenridge Park.