Tower of the Americas222 S. Alamo210-207-8615 Admission charged.The observation deck and rotating restaurant at the top of the tower afford amazing views of the city. Children will enjoy the elevator ride up to the top and the view.

Kiddie Park3015 BroadwayAmerica's Original Kiddie Park, as verified by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Established in 1925 a highlight of any visit to Kiddie Park is the 1918 Herschell-Spillman Carousel featuring 36 jumping horses and two Chariots. This lovely carousel was created in North Tonawanda, New York and originally located in Miami, Florida. It has been working its magic on the children of San Antonio and many visitors since 1935.

Cascade Caverns Park14 miles NW on I-10 to exit 543Cascade Caverns Road210-755-8080This beautiful park has been a popular visitor attraction since 1932. Skilled guides conduct 45 minute interpretive tours every 30 minutes over well lighted, comfortable walking trails. A water formed underground cavern with spectacular rock formations is the centerpiece of the tour. It has a 100 foot underground waterfall. There is a picnic facility on the grounds of the 10 acre park.

San Antonio Botanical GardensLucile Halsell Conservatory555 Funston Pl.8 a.m. - 5 p.m. dailyAdmission (includes the conservatory): adults $4; seniors $ 2; children (3-13) $1; children under 3 free.210-207-3255 This 33-acre garden represents in miniature, the diverse Texas landscape-from Hill Country wild flowers to the formal rose gardens of East Texas. A biblical and children's garden and a fragrance garden are featured. Enter through the Carriage House to visit the gift shop and have lunch in the tea room (kitchen closed on Monday). The Conservatory, a $6.5 million complex with 90,000 sq. ft. of climatically controlled structures, includes an exhibition hall, tropical house, desert house, palm house, fern room and an orangery. Visitors enter at ground level and follow a tunnel 16 ft. below the surface where architecture separates different environments within a series of tent-like pavilions surrounding a large inner courtyard and pond.

San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium3903 N. St. Mary's St.210-734-7183. Admission charged.Daily 9-5 Summer 9-8The zoo is inhabited by more than 3,000 animals representing 750 species and is one of the top zoos in North America. It is a sanctuary for various endangered species like the whooping crane, snow leopard, and white rhino. Natural habitats have been created and there are special sections for Australian and African animals. Most of the animals reside in outdoor habitats. In addition, there is a children's zoo with a boat ride.

Splashtown - San Antonio3600 North Pan American ExpresswayApr. - Sept.I-35 at Coliseum Rd. Admission. charged 210-227-1100.15 acre water recreation park features water slides, the world's largest surf-tech wave pool, a sandy beach, and a peaceful river. There are a variety of children's activities available. Lockers and showers on premises.

Sea World Of Texas10500 Sea World Dr.210-523-3611 Admission charged.Closed Nov.-Feb.Sprawled across 250 acres of manicured gardens northwest of the city, this is the world's largest marine life park offering more than 25 shows in a 4500 seat stadium. The 300,000 gallon coral reef aquarium features many species of sharks and thousands of Indo-Pacific fish. The shows feature sea lions, beluga whales, dolphins, and penguins, among others. There are water rides and a children's play area. For the more adventurous, there are high speed roller coasters, including the Steel Eel hypercoaster and The Great White inverted coaster. A water park features rides such as the Rio Loco.

San Antonio Children's Museum305 E. Houston Street210-212-4453 Admission charged.A better understanding of the cultural diversity of San Antonio can be gained in this hands on, bilingual museum which is designed to appeal to children ages 2-10. Interactive educational exhibits engage all of a child's senses to make learning an entertaining experience. The museum is located two blocks from the Riverwalk in the heart of downtown just a short walk from the Alamo.

Six Flags Fiesta TexasRoute I-10 at La Cantera Parkway1-800-473-4378Open March-November Admission charged.Set in a limestone quarry, this 200 acre theme park surrounded by 100-foot cliffs celebrates the cultural diversity of Texas. Disney characters entertain with thrilling rides, a water park and live shows. The park is divided into "theme areas" : the Mexican town of Los Festivales, the German village of Spassburg, the 1920 cowboy boom town of Crackaxle Canyon, and the small Texas town of Rockville during the golden age of rock'n'roll, which includes Fiesta Bay Boardwalk, a '50s-'60s seaside boardwalk complete with a 90-foot ferris wheel. Thus, in the course of one visit, it is possible to polka in Germany, participate in a Latin fiesta and move on to riding one of the world's tallest wooden roller coasters. Joker's Revenge sends the rider into a 360 degree loop, a series of corkscrew turns, and into a spiral. All of this rotation is backwards.

IMAX TheatreIn the River Center MallThis state of the art theater presents Alamo ..The Price of Freedom a 45-minute docudrama. The story begins with the arrival of William B. Travis on Feb. 3, 1836, in San Antonio, and tells story of the 189 defenders who chose to die for freedom from Mexican rule. IMAX surround sound and the huge (six story) screen make the battle of the Alamo very realistic. (Small children may be frightened by the vivid scenes of battle and the loud sounds of guns being fired.)

Hertzberg Circus Museum210 West Market Street210-207-7810The museum traces the history of the circus and contains more than 20,000 items. Changing exhibits are also featured. This museum will be of interest to older children who have some familiarity with the circus.

Monarch Collectibles2012 NW Military Highway210-341-3655Admission free.A collection of over 2500 dolls from around the world is featured. In addition there are limited edition collector plates depicting sports figures, movie stars, wildlife scenes and other subjects.