San Antonio For the Kiddos

The Magik Theatre
Where Imagination is Education
A family outing that’s fun, affordable, and exposes them to culture and books? No way! The Magik Theatre has a great lineup of children’s plays based on popular children’s books. Why stand in line at an overcrowded amusement park when you can come see a play downtown? The 2009-2010 lineup starts October 6th with “Miss Nelson is Missing”.

Rio San Antonio Cruises
205 N. Presa St., (210) 225-8002 Cruises are 35-minute, historically narrated tours of the Paseo del Rio. Ticket locations are at Rivercenter mall, Historia (under the Market Street bridge and Alamo Street) and the Riverwalk Holiday Inn. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Tour fares: $7.75 adults, $5 Bexar County residents, seniors and active-duty military, $2 children ages 1-5. Rio Taxi fares are $4 one-way, $10 24-hour day pass and $25 three-day pass. Visit riosanantonio.com.

Scobee Planetarium
San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., (210) 733-2910. Planetarium, opened in 1961, is named after former SAC student and NASA astronaut Francis R. Scobee, the commander of the space shuttle Challenger’s final flight. Public programs shown on Fridays: “The Rocket Trip” is a children’s program that explores the solar system. Children younger than 4 not permitted. 6:30 p.m. “Wonders of the Night Sky” examines the current night sky and shows which planets are visible above San Antonio. Children younger than 6 not permitted. 8 p.m. $1-$3 per show; free with ACCD ID. Weather permitting, the Observatory telescope is open for use beginning at 9 p.m. at no charge. More information here.

Children’s Museum San Antonio
The San Antonio Children’s Museum provides engaging hands-on experiences where children and the adults in their lives actively learn through creative play. NEW FALL HOURS: Sept. 8, 2009 – Feb. 28, 2010, closed Mondays, Tues – Thurs: 10am – 4pm, Friday: 10am – 5pm, Sat: 10am – 6pm, Sun: NOON – 5pm. Admission is $7 per person. Check out their calendar for special events!

San Antonio Zoo
This one’s a given. Opened in 1914, the San Antonio Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 600 species of animals on 56 acres. The zoo is open all 365 day of the year from 9am – 5pm. Adults are $10, kids 3-11 are $8.00 and children 2 years and younger are free. Don’t forget to take a train ride too!