100,000 lights draped through the tall cypress trees lining the San Antonio River. This magical, free experience is a perfect example of why San Antonio is a top choice for those seeking affordable family vacations in Texas! Your family can also take a 30-minute narrated river boat cruise, but be sure to book online in advance to avoid lengthy waits. The Ford Holiday River Parade , complete with music and illuminated floats, takes place the day after Thanksgiving, so consider purchasing dinner and ticket packages at a participating restaurant for this evening if you want to enjoy a delicious meal during the event.
After dinner, don’t miss “The Saga,” a spectacular outdoor video art show projected across the majestic façade of the San Fernando Cathedral , the oldest church in the Lone Star State. This 24-minute show highlights the history of the city and is free to the public with 9 and 9:30 p.m. shows, Tuesday through Sunday evenings.
(ABOVE) TO ENJOY UNIQUE PLAY STRUCTURES IN THE OUTDOORS, STOP BY THE PEARL FARMERS MARKET FOR LOCAL EATS, AND THEN HEAD TO YANAGUANA GARDEN AT HEMISFAIR (RIGHT).
DAY TWO Tobin Hill and historic missions North of the city lies one of San Antonio’s oldest urban neighborhoods, Tobin Hill, and the biggest draw here is the iconic Pearl complex. This once prominent brewhouse has been transformed into a mixed-use space of restaurants, retail shops and green spaces. If you visit on the weekend, there’s a large farmers market offering home-baked goods and fresh produce, a worthy way to experience local foods. A popular brunch spot at Pearl is Bakery Lorraine, serving authentic French pastries and an all-day breakfast menu, including quiche, avocado toast and handcrafted espresso drinks. After your morning at Tobin Hill, take a short drive south to Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair , a modern playground artfully designed with innovative climbing structures, a sand play area, a game plaza with giant chess and checkers and a designated toddler play zone. This urban oasis is the perfect place for adults to sip coffees while teens play ping pong or corn hole and younger kids climb and play. Several cafés and coffee shops are located nearby for a convenient snack or drink. Just a 15-minute walk away is the most famous landmark of San Antonio, the Alamo , an iconic symbol of Texas pride and resilience and one of the top things to do in San Antonio with kids. Built as a mission in 1718, it was later converted into a military fort during the Texas Revolution. The Alamo has witnessed many chapters of America’s history and draws millions of visitors each year.
ENJOY INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS AND ARTIFACTS ON A FREE TOUR OF THE ALAMO.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024 59
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