Hot Tips for a Cool Spring Break in San Antonio

San Antonio – San Antonio is bursting with rich history and modern attractions. From the spectacular River Walk to thrilling theme parks, the city has activities for families with children of all ages. Combine that with an electrifying food scene, budget-friendly hotels and festive seasonal events, and family vacationers have all they need for the ultimate Spring Break getaway.

Here are a few tips for families planning a swinging Spring Break in San Antonio:

Tots Love Theme Parks

Theme parks aren’t just for adult thrill-seekers. SeaWorld San Antonio will celebrate Sesame Street’s® 50^th anniversary with a Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend March 2 – 3. Guests can join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and friends for hands-on activities, photos and dancing. The park will also unveil Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, a family-friendly coaster, based on the beloved blue character.

From March 11 – 16, guests will be treated to the “Music, Mutts, Magic and More” celebration featuring musical performances, exhibitions by acrobatic dogs, feats of magic and appearances by butterfly costumed character Joy at ultra-accessible™ theme park Morgan’s Wonderland.

Cowboy Boots Encouraged But Not Required for Western Fun

The Briscoe Western Art Museum will host its first Spring Break Ranch Roundup on March 11 from 4 – 8 p.m. Children’s activities will include games of corn hole, creating their own brand and barrel racing in a secure area, while adults can enjoy grown-up libations and live music.

Beginning March 2, visitors can take in an authentic Western rodeo every Saturday evening at Tejas Rodeo Company. The family-friendly show even has a calf scramble for the kids. Texas-style eats are available on site, and every rodeo is followed by a live country music concert.

Families will explore the role of children on the Texas frontier in the 1800s at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures with activities including log cabin chores, map making, corn grinding and frontier games such as marbles, sack races and washers.

Disguise Learning as Fun

For families hoping to sneak in under-the-radar science lessons during Spring Break, the San Antonio Zoo, The DoSeum and The Witte Museum deliver.

Just in time for Spring Break, one of the most endangered species in the world, Southern White Rhinos, will return to the San Antonio Zoo. These majestic creatures will live in an all-new expanded savanna habitat also home to zebras, crown cranes and waterbucks.

At The DoSeum, San Antonio’s museum for kids, new exhibit How People Make Things teaches children about manufacturing processes and how people and technology work together to create everyday objects.

For an out of this world adventure, The Witte Museum’s Planet Pioneersexhibition will show visitors how to explore, adapt and survive on a new planet. Guests can drive a 4-D surface exploration vehicle, land a rocket, experience G-forces in a spinning capsule and more.

Brush Up on Gaming Skills

The latest, state-of-the-art gaming experiences are taking San Antonio by storm, and even experienced gamers may want to brush up on their skills before taking on these immersive challenges.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ new Pirates of the Deep Sea ride pits the cunning skills of guest buccaneers against marauding pirates. Guests compete with fellow shipmates firing at hundreds of themed targets to tally a score of their victory at sea.

At the all-new Andretti Karting & Games, virtual reality stunner Hologate transports multiple players to another world to take on invading aliens, and XD Dark Ride offers a multi-sensory experience where riders battle on-screen enemies while experiencing movement, sound and intense action.

In Dragonfrost™ VR, Dave & Buster’s exclusive virtual reality experience, players embark on a rescue mission where they must restore sunlight and summer to a frozen kingdom overtaken by the evil Ice Prince.

The Beach Isn’t the Only Place to Find Sand

March 8 – 15 is Sand Week at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Master sand sculptor Ted Seibert will build an amazing sand sculpture, and sand pails and shovels will be available for guests eager to try the craft.

Make Art Interactive

Who says art museums are just for quiet reflection? The San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay Art Museum are turning up the fun this spring with all-ages activities and entertainment including selfie-stations, yoga, gallery games, floral crown making, food trucks, performances and live music. Plus, the San Antonio Museum of Art will offer complimentary admission on March 12, and the McNay will host Free Family Days March 13 – 15 from 2 – 4 p.m. For event details, please visit samuseum.org and mcnay.org.

For more information on Spring Break in San Antonio, go to VisitSanAntonio.com.