We've lived in Houston 5 years and have failed to take our kids to Sea World/Six Flags, etc.

Trying to plan a short trip up there. Any recommendations for best place to get discounted tickets (soda can?), places to visit while in the area, and hotels in the area to stay in? We have a lot of kids, so we have to get 2 rooms.

What's your price range as far as hotels and things to do? (low, medium or money is no object) Also, how old are your kids?

We're not on a set number amount, but we always try to get the best deal on any vacation so the cheapest "nice place" we can get is what we want. The kids are all under 10.

HOTELS: If you book a room 3 months in advance, you can usually get a good deal on just about any place. So pick a date that you want to go and stay at one of the Marriott's on the River Walk. (I've gotten a room there for $109 before by doing this.) It would be a short drive to both Sea World and Six Flags but you'd get to "play" downtown. (River Walk Mall, river boat rides, Alamo, etc.)

THINGS TO DO: Other than the stuff mentioned above, you can also try Natural Bridge Caverns. They have a drive thru Safari which my 4 year old loves and also cave tours. (You can usually get a discount coupon by visiting their website) As far as coupons to Sea World and Six Flags go, eating at a local Sonic will usually get you a decent coupon. If that doesn't work, just bring a coke can with you.

quote:

---

It would be a short drive to both Sea World and Six Flags but you'd get to "play" downtown.

---

I think "short" is a relative term here.

Assuming that the drive is from the time they pull out of the parking spot at a hotel downtown:

- The drive to Sea World is going to be at least 30 minutes when factoring in traffic, stop lights, and getting into the parking area at Sea World (and I'm assuming they would take 35 to 90 to 151).

- The drive to Six Flags is going to be at least 45 minutes based on the above (and I'm assuming they would take 10 to La Cantera).


You could try hotels roughly between the two parks. It would be somewhere on loop 1604, but there isn't much else for a family with a lot of kids to do near there that I am aware of; unless you like miles and miles of chain restaurants.

Depends what the family is into. What types of places have y'all enjoyed visiting in the past? If I knew what your family was into I'd do a much better job of making recommendations.

There are some really nice hotels between Sea World and Fiesta Texas that would make your drive less than 15 minutes to either park.

[This message has been edited by AAM02 (edited 1/13/2013 10:40a).]

I think we plan to make a day of sea world, day at the amusement park, and a day of "other stuff" (drive through animal place) ...and not sure what else is on the agenda yet?

As far as hotels, we want to stay as close to the parks we're going to as possible.

I see six flag discount stuff all the time on coke cans but I think this is the first time I looked and they didn't have any. Bummer. I try to save when I can with a big family.

Animal drive is kinda pricey. Like 18 a person

Doubt it would take 45 to get to six flags
Either way, lots of places to go and eat near their

Drive thru safari ranch is $17.50 for adults, $9.00 for kids 3-11yoa.

As for discounts, just go online and see if there are coupons on their web site. I googled and fiesta Texas has $20 off for online purchase. Check HEB, and call a travel agent. Yeah it's old school, but you'd be surprised all the promotional crap they get.

As for other stuff, the kids will like the Brackenridge park complex which includes the SA zoo, Japanese gardens, train ride, and Witte Museum. Plenty to do at the brackenridge area and Parking is a snap. If you go to the zoo, get there early.

There is also the downtown area - river walk, market, Alamo, Ripley's... Any of which your kids may or may not like. The market is a great place to get hammered while the wife shops.

Natural Bridge Cavern is very cool, but a drive north..






[This message has been edited by Captain Pablo (edited 1/31/2013 7:56a).]

http://www.visitsanantonio.com/visitors/save/coupon-download/index.aspx

Here's one site you could comb through for discounts..

As for hotels, DEFINITELY stay out on the loop near the parks if possible. Do NOT stay downtown and commute out, and back in again.

I don't have a hotel in mind, but just go to Priceline.com or something similar, and narrow your search to the San Antonio - Sea World area. Confirm your selection with google maps to make sure you're as close as you want to be.

My wife got a 4* hotel for about $50 recently using Priceline...









[This message has been edited by Captain Pablo (edited 1/31/2013 8:03a).]