Destination SA: Gems For The Whole Fam

Hemisfair Park's Yanaguana Garden offers countless activities and outlets for littles to express their energy. Photo by Michael Barera

As part of the Summer 2025 launch of Culinaria’s new San Antonio Restaurant Weeks website, we’re expanding the way we explore the city—because great experiences don’t happen in a vacuum. These guides are your go-to for making the most of San Antonio in and out of the dining room. Scroll through, get inspired, and start planning your next bite, sip, or stroll.

For family fun, San Antonio has more to offer than the River Walk and theme parks—though we love those too. For families looking to explore the city through a more local lens, there’s a surprising variety of hands-on, high-energy, and totally unique experiences that kids and adults can enjoy together. Whether you’re raising curious creatives, junior foodies, or kids who just need room to roam, this city delivers.

Get the energy out with a visit to The DoSeum, San Antonio’s children’s museum and an absolute must for hands-on learning. It’s locally designed with indoor and outdoor exhibits that cater to all ages, from STEM stations to an imaginative play town. Then swing by The Magik Theatre, a professional children’s theater located in Hemisfair that puts on high-quality productions based on classic books and new stories—with ticket prices that won’t break the budget.

CASA Chocolates is a bean-to-bar outfit.

For families who bond over food, plan a visit to CASA Chocolates at The Alley for a behind-the-scenes peek (and a sample or two), or head to Pullman Market at Pearl. The sprawling market covers 40,000 square feet and features savory to sweet, locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, and house-baked breads alongside multiple dining concepts—making it perfect for food lovers who like to taste everything in one place. Looking for a slower-paced outing? Stop into Nowhere Bookshop, a cozy indie bookstore founded by author Jenny Lawson, complete with a kid-friendly section and regular family events like story time and author visits.

End the day with a little outdoor magic at Yanaguana Garden in Hemisfair—complete with a splash pad, climbing structures, and space for picnicking or people-watching. San Antonio families know: the best memories come from the places where creativity, curiosity, and community come together. And in this city, there’s no shortage of local gems to make that magic happen.