We will be spending a few days in downtown San Antonio with our kids (ages 2 through 7). Anyone have any recommendations on hotels in downtown SA that would be good with young kids? We're hoping to stay on/near the riverwalk.

Also, if anyone has any recommendations on restaurants, things to do, etc. that would be good with kids, I'd love to hear them. I've been to SA several times but it's been several years since my last visit and it wasn't a trip with kiddos in tow.

Remember the Alamo

If you walk the Riverbend, you can spend a lot of the day pretty easily. Of course the Alamo is on the list as it a ride up the Tower. The food is pretty good up there and worth the visit - especially in the evening to watch a sunset. The Alamo currently has a 10x10' Lego model of the whole scene during the battle with lots of little details for the kids to find - Davy and a Bear - thinks like that. Several places along there for food for the family. At nights, there is a projection of San Antonio history projected on the Cathedral. Starts for several shows at around 9:30 - may be too late for your kids.

Also there are river barges that take you on the whole route. I have seen them, but not sure if they run every day.

The hotels are all about the same so choose by price and be sure they are actually on the river.

This site is pretty comprehensive:

https://www.sanantonioriverwalk.com/

The DoSeum and the Witte Museum are a short ride North of downtown.

lamo
DoSeum
Witte museum
Yanaguana Park
Pearl food hall/play area
Boat rides
Kiddie Park
SA zoo
Sa zoo train
Friendly spot (at end of day)

We often stay at the Marriott that is connected to the mall. Many times we go down to the food court in the mall and eat at the express ihop (assuming it' is still there).

Just took our 4 year old down to SA in January and visited Sea World. Stayed on the Riverwalk so we could see the Christmas lights and just to walk around a little bit. There's not much really cool stuff for kids (or most people) on the Riverwalk. They have some of those bootleg attractions like the little aquarium or the Ripley's spot. I guess kids get a kick out of that stuff regardless... Our kid liked our morning stroll along the Riverwalk and said it's "so, so beautiful." We took her to the Alamo for a quick picture and to confirm her as a Texan.

But you're walking distance to Hemisfair park which has a really cool playground on the west side (Yanaguana Garden). And if you're there, you might as well continue walking to Rosarios.

Grant Pinkerton's flagship barbecue spot is now downtown too, so if you need meat, that's your spot.

The light show on San Fernando is really cool: https://www.mainplaza.org/san-antonio-the-saga/

Get on a boat at the Riverwalk. Even if it's just the shuttle, it'll be fun for the kids. Take it up to the Pearl District if you want to hit the food hall and the park/splash pad there. Check to make sure they're running though. When we were there last, they were still offline, with the exception of tours and speciality cruises.

You've got the Zoo and the Japanese Gardens in Brackenridge Park. And the Doseum is right down the road, which is probably the best kid's destination in town.

If you stay on the Riverwalk, park at the Convention Center garage (41 Bowie St, San Antonio, TX 78205), which should be $10 a day and will save you some $$.

We took our kids (8 and 10) to the Alamo for the first time a few months ago (end of October I think). There was a big BLM group (I think they were Black Hebrew Israelites) right in front of the place with mics and amps screaming about how how my kids and all the other whiteys were still slave owners or some such. Freaked the hell outta my kids and pretty much ruined the experience for us. You could hear them all throughout the place because they had their PA system turned up so loud.

Just got back two days ago as did my son who was at the same meeting. For what it is worth.....

Son stayed at the Hilton - hated it. room was loud according to him.

I stayed at the Homewood Suites which as $70/night less. Hotel was ok but lots of homeless around and a guy got shot outside of the hotel during our stay. Would not recommend.

Westin is next to the Homewood. Have stayed there multiple times in last 4 years (son was at Randolph AFB) and it was great....but again, homeless population a block away is up.

Both Marriotts are good and have also stayed in them a number of times in last few years. Would stay at either with Rivercenter being first choice - if the price is right and they are in the middle of everything.

Thank you all for the recommendations!