Best Museums for Kids in San Antonio
Last updated by Moms Guide SA
Quick answer
For young kids, start with The DoSeum, a hands-on children's museum. For dinosaurs and science, go to the Witte Museum, which is free for Bexar County residents on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Kids 12 and under get in free every day at the San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay. The Alamo Church and the Missions are free to visit too.
- Free for kids
- SAMA and McNay, ages 12 and under
- Free hours
- Witte Tuesdays 3 to 6 p.m.
- Best for little kids
- The DoSeum
Our picks
1
The DoSeum
Hands-on children's museum. Kids under 1 get in free. Closed Tuesdays.
San Antonio
2
Witte Museum
Dinosaurs, Texas nature and science. Free Tuesdays 3 to 6 p.m. for Bexar County residents.
San Antonio
3
San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)
Kids 12 and under get in free. Free for Bexar County residents Tuesdays 4 to 7 p.m.
San Antonio
4
McNay Art Museum
Kids 12 and under get in free. Free general admission Thursdays 4 to 9 p.m.
San Antonio
5
Texas Transportation Museum
Old trains and cars. Weekend train rides are included with admission.
San Antonio
6
The Alamo
The Alamo Church is free to visit. Reserve a time online first.
San Antonio
7
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Spanish colonial missions on the South Side. Entry is free.
San Antonio
8
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Western art and history on the River Walk.
San Antonio
Free days and kid prices
Checked on each museum site. Hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Witte MuseumFree Tuesdays 3 to 6 p.m. for Bexar County residents. Reserve ahead. Source
- San Antonio Museum of ArtKids 12 and under always free. Bexar County residents free Tuesdays 4 to 7 p.m. and second Sundays 10 a.m. to noon. Source
- McNay Art MuseumKids 12 and under always free. Free general admission Thursdays 4 to 9 p.m. and first Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Source
- The AlamoAlamo Church entry is always free. Reservations required. Source
- San Antonio MissionsFree entry to all four missions in the park. Source
Coming up at these places
The Scobee Planetarium 6:30 Family Presentation - "The Little Star That Could"
Scobee Education Center and Planetarium
Oct 23 · 6:30 p.m.
The Scobee Planetarium 8:00 Presentation - "The Sky Tonight"
Scobee Education Center and Planetarium
Oct 23 · 8 p.m.
The Scobee Planetarium 9:30 Presentation - "Black Holes"
Scobee Education Center and Planetarium
Oct 23 · 9:30 p.m.
Sensory Friendly Night at The DoSeum
The DoSeum
Oct 24 · 6 p.m.
Scobee Turns 12: One Cosmic Celebration
Scobee Education Center and Planetarium
Oct 30 · 6 p.m.
Free Family Night at The DoSeum
The DoSeum
Nov 2 · 5:30 p.m.
Tips before you go
- The DoSeum is closed on Tuesdays. Plan a Witte or SAMA visit that day instead.
- Bring proof of Bexar County residency for free hours at the Witte and SAMA.
- Special exhibits can cost extra, even during free hours.
We post new weekend picks on Instagram. Follow @momsguidesa.
Questions parents ask
Which San Antonio museum is best for toddlers?
The DoSeum. It's a children's museum built around hands-on play, and kids under 1 get in free. It's closed on Tuesdays.
Which museums are free for kids?
Kids 12 and under get in free at the San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay Art Museum. The Alamo Church and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park are free for everyone.
When is the Witte Museum free?
Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for Bexar County residents. Space is limited, so reserve tickets online first.
Do I need a reservation for the Alamo?
Yes. Entry to the Alamo Church is free, but the Alamo asks every visitor to reserve a time online.
Which museum has train rides?
The Texas Transportation Museum runs train rides on Saturdays and Sundays. Rides are included with general admission.
How we check facts
We check the facts in this guide on each venue's official site, and we update the guide when they change.
We don't make up ratings or reviews.