San Antonio-area schools start classes again as early as August 10, even if the sun insists that summer is far from over. For families, that means there are only a few precious days to cram in fond childhood memories before it’s back to worrying about fractals and Fitzgerald. Need a few ideas before the lazy, hazy days evaporate? Here are five things worth checking before the bell rings.
Animal Crossing at Sea Life
Sea Life at downtown’s Shops at Rivercenter has a splashy makeover thanks to Nintendo's Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour. Visitors get to pal around with costumed residents of the smash-hit video game, including Mayor Tom Nook. New aquarium signage and standups keep the illusion going.
Aside from some visual additions and new gift shop loot, the Animal Crossing experience doesn't completely transform the experience, but younger fans are delighted by anything referencing the game. And besides, all Animal Crossing activities are included with general admission — and come with a free stamp card redeemable for 100 Platinum Points on your kids' (or your) Nintendo account.
Zoorassic Park at the San Antonio Zoo
Ask any seven-year-old, and they'll tell you a primary failing of public education is that there simply aren't enough dinosaurs or Spider-men. Parents can solve the first problem by taking in Zoorassic Park at the San Antonio Zoo. For a limited time (through September 7), families will frolic with 22 different animatronic dinosaurs, including the mighty Tyrannosaurus, the Velociraptor, and Triceratops.
The best news is that this exhibit is included in a general admission ticket, along with the new Congo Falls gorilla habitat. It's not every day you can cross off two Michael Crichton adventures in one day trip. And, hey, parents can sneak in a Zoogarita at Longnecks Bar & Grill.
Ooh and aah at Natural Bridge Caverns.Natural Bridge Caverns/ Facebook
Natural Bridge Caverns
Nothing says adventure like exploring a cave. Luckily, one of the best spots in Texas is just outside of San Antonio. Natural Bridge Caverns offers two different tours of its breathtaking underground structures, each filled with jaw-dropping formations.
That's just the tip of the stalactite, though. Above ground, the site has climbing structures, zip lines, and playgrounds aplenty. Be sure to try out the gem and fossil mining activities. While it's one of the more expensive options on our list ($32.50-$36.50), the pizza in the snack shop is relatively cheap.
Dinosaurs in Motion at the Doseum
If the Zoo is a bit too outdoorsy for the current temperature, there is still plenty of paleontological pleasure to be had at the beloved children’s museum. The Dinosaurs in Motion exhibition runs through September 7, offering a new twist on the animatronic animal formula. This time, visitors will learn all about the physics of dinosaur movement through 14 Mesozoic models made from recycled materials by the late artist John Payne. Kids can move the dinos through a set of levers and pulleys, something generally pooh-poohed at most natural history museums.
Morgan's Wonderland
San Antonio is the theme park capital of Texas for a reason. For families, though, it's hard to beat the ultra-accessible Morgan's Wonderland. The whole park is designed with kids 12 and under in mind, and welcomes all abilities. That means there will be no sad faces as the teens and adults make everyone wait for the big rides.
It's also one of the cheaper options in San Antonio ($20-30), with boat cruises, roundabouts, ferris wheels, theaters, and more all part of the price of admission. Guests are also welcome to bring outside food. The park will suspend summer hours this week, so load up your Lunchables now.
