San Antonio is an amazing city for family vacations. In fact, it is the most visited city in Texas. It is safe and there are tons of things to do and see. However, taking a family vacation can get expensive. While San Antonio is not as expensive as other cities like New York, you will have to plan ahead and budget so you have no unexpected surprises. Let us take a few things into consideration:
- $750: what one person spends on an average for a 1 week trip to San Antonio.
- $3,000: The average cost if the 1-week vacation is for 2.
Once you add kids to this, even though their costs may be lower, you’ll be spending a good amount of money. Let us look into a few ways that you can plan an incredible San Antonio Family Vacation that won’t break the bank.
Choose Your San Antonio Vacation Days Carefully
You may think that Summer would be the best time to visit San Antonio. After all, the heat may ward off other tourists that may result in San Antonio hotel discounts. But, the weather can seriously hamper your plans…and with locals and their kids being on Summer holiday, they will be visiting many of the fun family activities where you can beat the heat like Sea World and Six Flags, which means there will be fewer deals for this type of family activity.
Book your trip at the end of Spring or at the beginning of Autumn. The weather will be milder so that you don’t end up stuck in the hotel, and there will be better deals for family adventures.
Flights to San Antonio
Cheap flights are not always a deal. Oftentimes what seems like an incredible price is riddled with hidden taxes. Look for hidden charges like baggage fees, meals that are not included, and cancellation fees. Ask if your family will be seated together or separately and if there is a charge to make sure your family is seated together. When it comes to flying comfort makes a huge difference. Especially when flying with kids.
Cheap Transportation in San Antonio
When you arrive you can always take an Uber or a Lyft. However, you may want to consider a car rental since many of the family-friendly activities in San Francisco are a long distance from the city center. It may actually be cheaper to rent a car for the week. If you’re staying downtown, you won’t need a car. The area is very walkable or you can take the streetcar/trolley for about $1.20 per person.
How to Save Money on Restaurants & Eating Out In San Antonio
Meals in San Antonio can go from dirt cheap tacos to crazy expensive filet mignons. On average, a person vacationing in San Antonio spends $32 per day. An average meal runs at about $13. Multiply this by say 4 and the prices jump (even with kid’s meals being cheaper). Let’s chat about a few ways to save.
I’ll start by talking about accommodations here. I usually suggest two choices for families who are traveling: Airbnb or a good family hotel.
Why Airbnb?
With Airbnb you can get an entire home usually at around the same price as a hotel. Because you’re getting more than just a room, you can have multiple bedrooms, a living room, and most importantly – a kitchen. Breakfasts are seriously overpriced at most hotels, so saving on breakfasts and making snacks at home can really help curb your spending.
Family-Friendly Hotels
In this case, you may only get a room (so you’ll be stuck with the kids). However, if you pick a place with a pool, a few other kid-friendly amenities, and if they offer packages like free breakfast for kids, you can still save (and you won’t have to do the dishes).
San Antonio Restaurant Week
It usually happens in January. While this is not much of a treat for the kids (participating restaurants are usually more sophisticated and grownup), it can be quite nice for you and your partner. The restaurants that participate usually offer a prix fixe menu for lunch and another for dinner at a reduced price.
Restaurant Coupons & Vouchers
You can also check out tons of San Antonio Restaurant Coupons. Through these printable coupons and vouchers, there are possibilities of you saving anywhere from 10%-30% on your meals.
Ticket Packages for San Antonio Attractions
San Antonio is a great family city because of all its incredible attractions. These are a few that we particularly love:
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- Schlitterbahn Water Park
- The San Antonio Zoo
- PLAZA WAX MUSEUM
- 4D Moving Theatre
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- Tower of the Americas
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- San Antonio RiverWalk Boat Tour
However, this is where your costs can really rack up. A daily pass to Six Flags Fiesta Texas costs $84.99 per person when purchased at the park. Group discounts don’t hit until you have 10 people with you.
First, if you are buying tickets, buy online. There are usually some great discounts.
Check out the Go City San Antonio Pass. You have to read the fine print, but it offers discounted admission to more than 25 attractions in San Antonio with savings of up to 52%.
Free Things to Do in San Antonio
Finally, check out all the cool free things to do in San Antonio. Here are a few to get your research going:
- San Antonio River Walk
- The Alamo
- Brackenridge Park
- The Japanese Tea Garden
- San Pedro Creek Culture Park
- Phil Hardberger Park
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- ArtPace Downtown
- Yanaguana Garden
- El Mercado