Visiting San Antonio

[lil mermaid]

We are planning on visiting San Antonio over Labor Day Weekend. It will be Dh and I along with DD who is 15 months old.

Sea World - DH and I enjoyed Sea World in Orlando (we went there pre-baby.) I am wondering though if it will be good for DD? Will there be anything for her to see? It does not appear from the website that there are any rides for little kids. She does LOVE animals of all types. I am just unsure how she will do waiting for the shows. Can you see a lot of the animals without attending lots of shows? Should we maybe skip Sea World until she is older and go to the SA Zoo instead?

How is the SA Zoo?

What other things do you suggest with a toddler? She usually does very well when we take her places, but I don't want to over do it.

We are staying at the Marriott Rivercenter. We got a pretty good rate. Any recommendations for restaurants in that area that are family friendly?
Thanks y'all!

 

[Serena]

Good question. My daughter is there now and I'm planning on going sometime, probably spring to see her and the sights.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

I'm leaving SA today from a visit. We lived here until last June.

We just got back from Sea World last night. Don't forget to bring sunscreen! There are a lot of things for her to see. You can take her up close for a visit with the dolphins. Be sure to take her at feeding time so you can see them upclose and personal! The Coral Reef is very colorful as are the fish inside. All of the younger kids liken the fish there to those on Finding Nemo--there are a lot of stingrays, and there is one small tank near the exit specifically filled with little Dorys and Nemos.

You can take her to see the clydesdales and have her photo taken, take her to see the shows, and she'll probably really enjoy seeing Shamu. Be sure and get to Shamu about 20 minutes before it starts so you can take part in the trivia at the beginning!

Bring bathing suits...especially if you're going before the waterpark closes. Shamu's Happy Harbour has a huge playground...and even a little area specifically for the littlest ones. Remember, your idea of fun is a little different than hers! The penguins are also a great place to take her.

Outside of Sea World, there are quite a few things to do. Mine loved Mr. Gatti's (Gattiland) for the games. It's more fun than Chuck E. Cheese's. The IMAX theatre is usually running some great documentaries that kids and adults both love--and it's right there at the mall on the riverwalk. We also love the boatride down the river.

If you go to the area around La Margarita and MiTierra restaurants, there are a lot of shops with traditional mexican wear for little ones. It's fun to get the ribboned crowns and dresses. MiTierra has good pastries, but I wasn't crazy about the food. I liked La Margarita better.

If you're a zoo lover, you'll probably like the SA Zoo. But I have to caution you--the temp is still up around 100 degrees here! The animals are pretty lethargic and tend to stay inside when it's this hot.

Feel free to PM me. I'm sure I can point you in the direction of more great stuff in San Antonio.

 

[dejavu]

I hve been to the SA zoo and IMHO I wouldn't go again. I live in chicago where we have brookfield zoo- a world class zoo- I felt sorry for the animals in SA- they have mostly the older type cement enclosures. I found it depressing- SA is a beautiful city. enjoy some of the pretty parks they have or go la vienta(?) little village area on thE river, I never visited with my kids-just Dh & I so I can't be alot of help- there are a alot of travel books on SA, there should be Oif ideas for kid type fun in those-there is also 6 flags over texas there, I hope this helps!

 

[powellrj]

My oldest DS was at Ft Sam a couple of years ago and loved San Antiono. He really like the riverwalk. He was disappointed in the Alamo. I am not sure what he was expecting, it wasn't it! He said there were lots of great resturants and shopping.

 

[VickiVM]

For your toddler I recommend the Children's Museum (downtown) and the Witte Museum - the interactive part is great. We were just at the Children's Museum 2 weeks ago and although it seemed runned down a bit, my kids - who BTW are 7, 9 and 11 - still found plenty to do in the almost 3 hours we were there.

Seaworld is great, you'll enjoy.

My favorite rest. downtown is Rosario's. It's not on the Riverwalk, but a few blocks. It's a bit ecletic and artsy but great food. Margarita's is also excellent.

We just a SA guide in our paper last weekend. I'll be happy to mail it to you. It's more like a guide if someone were moving to SA, but it has quite a bit of touristy type info as well. PM if you like.

Vicki Moreno

 

[lil mermaid]

Thanks for all the info, guys! Just what I was looking for. I think we may skip the zoo but hit Sea World.

We may check out one of the museums as well!

If anyone has more restaurant suggestions, I'd love to hear 'em!

 

[RadioNate]

there has been a few SA threads in the last few months with great info.

I think Sea World would be great. I think the zoo is just ok. No offence to Vicki at all but I think the Witte Museum is pretty boring. The interactive area she mentioned IS cool but really it's the only thing worthwhile. I think it is free on Tuesday's after 3pm otherwise I think it's $7.

I'll look for those other threads.

 

[luvmy2sams]

We returned last Tuesday from an extended weekend in San Antonio. DD6 and DS2 had a ball at both the Riverwalk and during 2 full days at Sea World.

Shamu's Happy Harbor has 2 rides that your DD could do (spinning paint cans & a ferris wheel). There are several water fountain areas and a huge monstrosity of a play area. DS had a ball climbing 25 feet up in the air on the rope ladders and watching DH scramble after him. The shows were fantastic, and don't forget to bring extra $$ so you can feed the dolphins and the sea lions. There's also a water park within Sea World that has lots for the little ones to do.

We ate dinner at Casa Rio on the Riverwalk, and it was very family friendly. The kids also love the water boat tour (not so much the tour, but just being in the boat).

Hope you have a fantastic time! We're planning to make this an at least once a year trip and are even looking into relocating there. It was wonderful!

 

[dennis99ss]

Re: restaurants:

There are 2 Ruth's Chris, but I think the better one is on 281, near Tesoro, out towards the North, Near the Concorde athletic club. It has a southwestern motiff. On the river, there is the Little Rhein steakhouse, not up to spec with Perrys or Flemings though.

There are some mexican restaurants in Market Square. I like La Margarita, but others swear by Mi Tierra. Go to the market, it would be a lot of fun for the little one. The mexican food on the river, and in San Antonio generally, is more like the mexican food place on Kuykendahl, past the new course, rather than cuco's.

Ride the boat on the river. For later in the evening, go to Dirty Nelly's, you can sit outside, (Near the Hyatt) and still hear the piano player with the songlist. The restaurant is no longer there, but be sure to eat some cheesecake (from the old Kangeroo Court) at some of the restaurants in the same area as where it used to be.

There is a county line, the same as we have here.

Mexican on the river, try casa rio, but stay away from the Original mexican restaurant.

There are a number of chain restaurants near the mall, as well as a sports bar type, hooters, etc.

There is a hard rock, and I think Planet Hollywood is still there.

If you are out and about, on St. Mary's street, near Josephine, there is a taco restaurant, like taco cabana, but called taco milago. There is also Chris Madrids, for burgers. The original taco cabana is near Trinity, if you need that.

There is an italian pace on the river, Michelango's (maybe), but I have not been there in a long time. Last time we were there, there were a fair amount of chinese/asian restaurants on the river as well.

La Villita is the art community, which you can get to by climbing up from the river, at the theater, through the rows of seats. La Villita is right there.

For Sea World, bring sun screen, as shade is still limited.

Try the alamo, and, if into history, follow the mission trail, and look at the other missions around town.

Golf, try the Quarry, or La Cantera or Hyatt Hill Country courses.

If you are member of a Club Corp. club, try Fair Oaks Ranch, on the north side of town.

 

[Chris2597]

Hi
I have lived in SA for 30 years.....My dd 26 and family just took their 12 month old to SeaWorld and she loved it....
I agree.....bring your swimsuits as the climate is still very very hot in Sept. I think the Witte might be too grown up for small children, but the Children's museum downtown would be very appropriate....but be prepared....it can get very hectic in there....I dont think the school are into their field trips to the Children's museum at this time of year so it may not be too bad....I would skip the SA zoo if your city has a good zoo....It is an ok zoo but not outstanding.
Here is a list of to do's in SA
1. Riverwalk and boat tour
2. Alamo (doesnt take long but you have to see it if you come to SA)
3. Hemisphere Plaza
4. Institute of Texas Cultures
5. SeaWorld
6. Fiesta Texas
7. Schlitterbahn (#1 waterpark in the US)
8. Gruene, Tx
9. Hill Country
10. McNay Art Museum (even if you are not into art...the ground are great with beautiful photo ops)
11. stroll through LaVillita.....some great shops....Also look for my fav artist in town.....His name is Eric Franke. He has originals and prints in one of the art shops....His painting depict areas of the city. I have several of his prints framed in my family room....

Restaurants
1. Tomatillio's Mexican Cantina
2. Rudy's Barbecue
3. Formosa Garden Chinese
4. Luby's cafeteria
5. Jim's coffee shop ( good for breakfast, great biscuits)
6. Taco Cabana (very good, fast food Mexican rest. )
7. Demo's Greek
8. Sea Island
9. Pompeii Italian Grille
10. Papasito's Mexican

Great dessert and coffee place....they have good food also, but I like to go there for dessert and coffee.....Bambino Huey's.....if you go be sure to try a Bambino Huey, vanilla.....It is a tasting experience....Your mouth will literally pop with flavor.

I didnt give the restaurants in any kind of order, just good clean places that are scattered throughout the city.
Another good place for breakfast is the restaurant that is in the old Pioneer flour mill downtown. It is on the river and they have the best breaskfast in the area....the cinamon rolls are huge and delicious.
Have fun in SA....It is a great city with loads to do....Chris
If you have any questions about SA please feel free to ask or pm me.
I just read the above post and would like to chime in that Chris Madrid's is a great burger place....Looks worn on the outside and isnt in the best of areas but the burger are great....I dont care for MiTierras for dining ( I think they are over priced and have terrible service)but always get a bagfull of the Mexican bakery items....yUMMY....
Some of the Riverwalk rest. are not super kid friendly...in my opinion....I love the Little Rhein but I dont think I would bring a 1 yr old there.

 

[RadioNate]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=875039&highlight=san+antonio

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=839789&highlight=san+antonio

 

[lil mermaid]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, and thank you RadioNate for the links!

I lived in New England most of my life, except for a little over two years in California. I have ALWAYS wanted to visit San Antonio, and we are very excited.

thanks again...