San Antonio is packed with amazing museums that offer something for everyone. There’s the Witte Museum, which has interactive exhibits about dinosaurs, science, and nature. Or the San Antonio Museum of Art, boasting one of the largest collections of Latin American art in the world. Kids will also enjoy the DoSeum, where they can design their own robots and explore an indoor rainforest. And you absolutely can’t miss the McNay Art Museum, where your little ones can learn all about famous works of art from around the globe. No matter what kind of museum you’re looking for, San Antonio has it! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and have some family-friendly fun!
Buckhorn Museum and Texas Ranger Museum.
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Explore the recently remodeled animal hall (featuring taxidermy wildlife from all over the world) and see Old West relics and memorabilia. The Buckhorn also houses a café, saloon, and arcade. See it on YouTube.
Edward Steves Homestead.
This elegant three-story mansion, located in the King William Historic District, was built in 1876 for the founder of the Steves Lumber Company. When visiting, stroll the adjacent sections of the Riverwalk and have breakfast or lunch at the nearby Guenther House, the elegant home of the Pioneer Mills founding family.
Guinness World Records Museum.
Sixteen themed galleries of interactive exhibits bring the world-famous book to life. Galleries include Sports, Science and Technology, Human Achievement, and more.
Institute of Texan Cultures.
Collections and exhibits share and interpret the rich cultural tapestry that makes Texas what it is today. The Institute hosts the annual Texas Folklife Festival each June and the Asian Festival in February.
McNay Art Museum.
Magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival-style home includes works by Gauguin, Van Gogh, O’Keefe, Picasso, Renoir, and Pollock. Check the museum’s ongoing calendar of events for activities and exhibits designed specifically for kids and teens.
Old Time Wooden Nickel Company and Historical Museum.
“Don’t take any wooden nickels.” Forget that advice when you visit this museum, dedicated to making the general public more aware of the history of wooden nickels and their many uses. Over 1 million wooden nickels dating back over 60 years are on display. FREE ADMISSION. See the museum on YouTube.
DoSeum – San Antonio Children’s Museum.
“Move over, kid! It’s Mommy’s turn.” More than 80 engaging, interactive learning experiences for kids (and adults) to enjoy. See it on YouTube.
San Antonio Museum of Art.
Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery built in 1884, the museum’s permanent collections span the continents – Asian art, European and American paintings, Greek an Roman antiquities, Islamic art, pre-Columbian art, Latin American folk art, Spanish Colonial art, and contemporary Latin American art. Check out the museum’s website for scheduled events of particular interest to children and families.
Texas Transportation Museum.
Kids who are hooked on trains will enjoy the full-size operational railroad, a garden railroad, an interior HO-scale layout, and the large vehicle collection. Scheduled train rides are offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Witte Museum.
The museum’s permanent collection focuses on South Texas history, science, and water resources. The four-story H-E-B Science Treehouse offers hands-on activities that both teach and entertain. Check the website for nationally-acclaimed traveling exhibits.