Road trip: 3 San Antonio amusement parks and events that will keep you cool and entertained this summer

All parks and events are family friendly

Six Flags Fiesta Texas waterpark. ("mikie farias", Six Flags Fiesta Texas.)

Summer is finally on the horizon, which means it’s time to start considering what you and your family can plan for coming months.

Just a short drive from Houston, San Antonio has a variety of family-friendly attractions and events for people of all ages.

Theme parks and family attractions

The city of San Antonio is home to three full standalone parks, each of which offers its own unique blend of excitement and entertainment. They include:

1. SeaWorld San Antonio.

SeaWorld offers aquatic adventures unlike any others, and it’s not just about the entertaining shows and presentations. The theme park’s newest addition, Catapult Falls, lays claim as the world’s first launched flume coaster with the steepest drop in any flume ride.

SeaWorld San Antonio Catapult Falls ride. (SeaWorld San Antonio.)

Plus, the new Tikitapu Splash keeps guests cool with 106 new spray-and-play elements, four slides and three giant water dumping buckets.

The park has also recently welcomed giant tortoises to the family, and you can get an up close, behind-the-scenes encounter with them.

2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

This park is no stranger to adrenaline-pumping rides, but it has made some recent additions for thrill seekers:

  • CYBORG Cyber Revolution: This ride gives guests a visually stunning and air-time-filled ride experience with four individual arms rotating in fast, intermeshing orbits. Riders stay seated upright as the arms swing in a circular motion and the tower rotates around itself.
  • SHAZAM! Tower of Eternity: This rotating family drop tower takes riders of all ages to a height of 70 feet before a series of bounces and drops.
  • METROPOLIS Transit Authority: With room for 16 passengers, this ride gives guests a chance to relax and enjoy an aerial view 17 feet above the DC Universe aboard two art deco-covered monorail-style trains.

In addition to dozens of rides and a full waterpark, Fiesta Texas has plenty of captivating shows throughout the day.

3. Morgan’s Wonderland.

Designed with special needs in mind, Morgan’s Wonderland ensures everyone -- regardless of ability -- can enjoy a day of fun and excitement. To name just a few, guests can experience the:

Morgan’s Wonderland recently underwent its most extensive expansion yet, with new attractions and park-wide upgrades.

Morgan's Wonderland Rocket’s Sky Flight Adventure. (Morgan's Wonderland.)

We can’t leave out the San Antonio Zoo, which was voted Best Zoo in Texas. Guests can engage in a completely immersive wildlife experience on the Spectacular Savannah Expansion. The experience allows them to enjoy an unforgettable overnight stay surrounded by majestic giraffes.

The San Antonio Zoo is the perfect kind of adventure for animal lovers of all ages.

Cool and splashy San Antonio

Even with all the major parks in San Antonio, there is still much more to do and celebrate in the city. For instance, anyone can take part in Salute at Sunset, a River Walk parade that honors all branches of the military. There is also the nation’s largest LGBTQ Pride River Parade in June or the Fourth of July extravaganza on Houston Street.

If you’re a music lover, the city is debuting the River Walk Live! Summer Concert Series this summer.

With a variety of attractions, there’s no shortage of ways to stay cool and entertained in San Antonio, and it’s just a short drive from Houston. It’s the perfect place for those seeking thrilling rides, interactive exhibits, immersive wildlife encounters and so much more.

To learn more about what kind of fun events and attractions you can explore in San Antonio, visit VisitSanAntonio.com.


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