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DowntownSan Marcos, Texas
Rio Vista FallsSan Marcos, Texas
Main StreetFredericksburg, Texas
Japanese Tea GardensSan Antonio, Texas
National Museum of the Pacific WarFredericksburg, Texas
River WalkSan Antonio, Texas
FAMILY FUN ABOUNDS IN SAN ANTONIOAND THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
Entertainment for All in San Antonio, Fredericksburg and San Marcos
Day 1: Theme Park Thrills• Six Flags® Fiesta Texas theme park serves up a good time with 200 acres of more fun than
you can imagine, from memory-making musical shows to spectacular fireworks displays and rides including Fireball, featuring a massive 7-story looping frenzy; Superman Krypton Coaster, virtual reality coaster; and Spinsanity, the ultimate whirling adventure. Cool off with a swim in the Texas-shaped pool at the White Water Bay water park.
• Just down the road to the West is SeaWorld® San Antonio. For totally new experiences, head to SeaWorld’s breathtaking coastal-themed bottlenose dolphin habitat, Discovery Point™. And don’t forget to catch the awe-inspiring shows and the thrills of coasters and rides at SeaWorld like The Great White. Take your swimsuit for a visit to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s 18-acre aquatic park with up-close animal experiences, highspeed thrills and relaxing, sandy beaches.
Day 2: Exploring Brackenridge Park and Nearby Areas• The DoSeum – San Antonio’s Museum for Kids is a fun and fascinating place where kids can
create, make, build, invent, discover, think, dream and do. With interactive exhibits designed to help children become creative problem solvers, the DoSeum is regarded as one of the most state-of-the-art learning facilities in the United States.
• Brackenridge Park sits near the headwaters of the San Antonio River with 343 acres of woodland, trails and a historic par-72 golf course. Kids will love riding a miniature train that circles the park.
• The San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, the nation’s third oldest zoo, houses over 3,500 animals of 600 species and is the only zoo in the country with an area for children age 5 and younger.
• Visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden and discover the 38 acres of nature trails, Texas ecological areas, plant conservatories and manicured gardens, including one for the blind.
• Science and natural history exhibits star at the Witte Museum, featuring wonderful interactive displays for children and stellar traveling exhibits from around the world. The museum also boasts the best early Texas art collection in the state. The 20,000 sq. ft. South Texas Heritage Center tells the real-life stories of those who were integral to the history of South Texas.
Day 3: Wonderful, Wild and Wet• Don’t miss the fun at Splashtown, a water park with more than 50 rides, just minutes from
downtown. Loop around the Siesta Del Rio, relax in the wave pool or shoot through the miles of tubing fun.
• Natural Bridge Caverns, just north of San Antonio, is a vast limestone cavern carved over millions of years by underground water. During your below-the-surface tour, you’ll be in awe of formations such as “soda straw” stalactites, waves of “cave ribbon” and hanging “chandeliers.”
• The nearby Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers a safari-like driving experience to view and photograph more than 500 animals from 40 species of native, exotic and endangered wildlife.
SAN ANTONIOSan Antonio’s Unique Attractions Delight All Ages Set your sights on action-packed days of exploration, both outdoors and in. Gear up for a wet and wild time at an amusement park or learn in a museum about the people who helped shape Texas. Whatever you choose, you’ll find the perfect way for your family to spend the days in San Antonio.
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SAN ANTONIO FREDERICKSBURG
Day 1: German Settlement in the Texas Hill Country• The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm illustrates life as it was for many German
families who immigrated to central Texas more than 150 years ago. The park features interpreters in period costume performing household chores as they were in the early 1900’s. Blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking, farming, meat curing and quilting are just a few of the demonstrations taking place daily. The farm is located at LBJ State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall.
• Step back in time to 19th century settlement days at the Pioneer Museum in downtown Fredericksburg to learn how German immigrants worked and lived. The three-acre complex has a one-room schoolhouse, farm implements and other equipment from yesteryear, a Sunday House used during the weekends by German families coming to town from their farms and special events with living history demonstrations.
• Near downtown, take a self-guided walk around the Fort Martin Scott Historic Site, a pre-Civil War (1848) military outpost, to learn about life at one of the first frontier Army posts in Texas. Next door at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center, view the Ranger Ring of Honor and a monumental bronze sculpture entitled “The Legend, The Lore, The Law.”
Day 2: The Splendor of Country Air• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, just 17 miles north of Fredericksburg, is a favorite
spot for campers, hikers, rappelers and picnickers. Thousands climb to the top of the gigantic granite dome for its spectacular Hill Country views. A loop trail around the rock is ideal for spotting deer and birds.
• Old Tunnel State Park, just 10 miles southeast of Fredericksburg, is a former railroad tunnel that serves as the summer home to a seasonal colony of nearly three million Mexican free-tailed bats. The bats emerge nightly at dusk, starting as a trickle then billowing into the Hill Country sky like a plume of smoke, as they begin their quest for insects and water.
Nightly viewing is provided at two separate areas. The upper area is free of charge. An admission fee is required for the lower viewing area where bat interpretation is offered Thursdays through Sundays, May through October, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Day 3: Return to the 1940’s• From the Hangar Hotel’s Airport Diner, watch airplanes and aircraft of all makes and
models arrive and depart from the Gillespie County Airport. Wednesdays through Sundays, the 1940s-style diner serves lunch overlooking the landing strip (breakfast, too on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays). Planes tip their wings to guests watching below as they rise into the Hill Country sky.
• The National Museum of the Pacific War is a world-class, 6.5-acre museum complex focused on inspiring youth while honoring the military heroes who served during World War II. New exhibits in the expanded George H.W. Bush Gallery offer interaction with state-of-the-art displays and videos, a kid-friendly periscope, full-size planes and other artifacts. An interesting gift shop with games appeals to a younger audience.
• Continuing your trip back in time, try Dooley’s 5-10-25 Store on Main Street for kid-friendly souvenirs of your Fredericksburg visit. This authentic five-and-dime store has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1923.
Outdoor and Old-Time Family Fun in FredericksburgFredericksburg is a picturesque Hill Country community settled in the mid-1800s by German immigrants, many of whom were farmers. Learn about their lives at a living history farm, spend some time in town, then head to the hills to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
SAN MARCOSFREDERICKSBURGIn the River, On the Trails and Around TownSan Marcos is a natural beauty and the most intriguing feature is her river. The San Marcos River bubbles to life from hundreds of springs right in the center of town. Always a refreshing 72 degrees, the river can be enjoyed year-round. Family focused nature activities are the center of popular recreation pastimes.
Day 1: Boats, Planes and Automobiles• Marvel at underwater marine life and watch hundreds of springs bubble up to form
the headwaters of the San Marcos River as you ride a glass bottom boat at Aquarena/Meadows Center. Want a more personal experience? Glass bottom kayak tours are also available on Spring Lake.
• Touch history and climb on board an actual WWII airplane at the Commemorative Air Force Museum. This is a flying museum housed in a 1943 vintage wooden hangar. The Central Texas Wing is home to airworthy historic military war-birds, military museum, and library with one of the largest collections of out-of-print military books.
• Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum contains three decades of the finest cars ever made in the U.S. With pristine models dating back to 1929, the collection is a tribute to the American passion with the automobile, each one a work of art in itself.
Day 2: Cool Off in the Spring-Fed San Marcos River • Shaded by giant cypress trees and a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, the crystal
clear San Marcos River is the perfect place to cool off. Rio Vista Falls has three amazingly fun drops of easy, whitewater rapids.
• Rent a tube at Lions Club Tube Rental and go for a float any summer day (open Memorial Day through Labor Day). This family-friendly short float is a perfect way to spend the day.
• Try your hand at stand-up paddle yoga at SUP Salutations. SUP Glow Night Tours with Paddle SMTX is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Each board is equipped with colored LED lights that illuminate the depths of the clear river.
Day 3: Hiking Trails, Art & Underground Adventures • Bring your binoculars. Bring your backpack. Native wildlife and migratory birds
abound in the more than 1,000 acres of natural areas in San Marcos’ city limits. Start with Purgatory Creek Natural Area, one of our premier parks. Take it easy on the scenic ADA accessible trails featuring information kiosks and benches, or explore the many miles of natural trails for a more challenging adventure.
• Discover the many outdoor murals located in city parks, downtown alleys and on the walls of area businesses. Walk through the Sculpture Garden to enjoy the stationary and kinetic sculptures on the grounds. Come back often because new murals and sculptures are added regularly!
• Go deep underground in an earthquake formed cave at Wonder World Park. Don’t worry, this is one cave where the kids are allowed to touch! Take the Stratavator high into the sky to the Tejas Observation Tower where you can see for miles. Then be amazed by the topsy-turvy world of the Anti-Gravity House where water flows uphill.
ENJOY THE SEASONSIN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
SPRINGSan Antonio• Fiesta San Antonio, enjoy 11 days of parades and fun for the
whole family.
• Experience SeaWorld® San Antonio and Six Flags® Fiesta Texas thrills and waterparks.
• Valero Texas Open, the 3rd oldest tournament on the PGA tour played in San Antonio since 1922.
Fredericksburg • Blankets of spring wildflowers line the country roads• Great nature photography opportunities • Hiking & climbing at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area • Perfect weather for a Texas bar-b-que
• Hill Country Film Festival
San Marcos• Enjoy Brew Bop, a microbrew tasting tour with stops at local
boutiques, restaurants and merchants around downtown.
• Swing on the Square is a festival weekend featuring Texas Western Swing acts, and other styles of music that are the roots of western swing, including blues, 40’s jazz, big band swing and country.
• MR Fest is a weekend-long showcase of local music art and comedy hosted at numerous venues in and around downtown.
SUMMERSan Antonio• Cool off in plenty of great places, from waterparks to elegant
resorts.
• Fiesta Noche del Rio, Friday and Saturday evening performances from Mexico, Spain and Argentina.
• Culinaria: Celebrate this premier wine and food destination.
• Folklife Festival, revel in all things Texas, including food, music and crafts.
Frederickburg• July 4th celebrations • Weekly Farmer’s Market • Peach stands open daily • Breweries and wineries• Nightly bat emergence at Old Tunnel State Park
San Marcos• Dirt Dauber Festival is a celebration of clay featuring
demonstrations, live music, vendors and a kids clay play table.
• BIGfest is a three-day music festival at the legendary Cheatham Street Warehouse.
• SummerFest is a 4th of July celebration on the banks of the San Marcos River with live music, food booths, children’s activities and, of course, a grand finale fireworks display.
FALLSan Antonio• Día de Los Muertos Celebration, popular day Day of the
Dead event takes place at La Villita and Market Square.
• Luminaria is a multi-day contemporary arts festival featuring regional, national and international artists.
• Diwali San Antonio, experience this colorful event filled with Indian music, dance, food and special lighting ceremony.
Fredericksburg• Oktoberfest • Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest• Corn mazes and pumpkin patches • Dark skies for amazing star gazing • Two steppin’ at Luckenbach Texas
San Marcos• Mermaid Week is all about the river with a Mermaid Ball,
parade and Mermaid Splash festival with live music and art vendors.
• Sacred Springs Powwow is an annual celebration of the Native American culture in San Marcos. Come watch native dancers in their beautiful, hand-crafted regalia and enjoy booths that offer authentic Native American arts and food.
HOLIDAYSSan Antonio• Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony is a
unique parade of holiday lights illuminating the River Walk.
• Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon, run or cheer during San Antonio’s famous half & full marathon course with plenty of live music along the way.
• Celebrate New Year in downtown San Antonio with fireworks, music, food and more.
Fredericksburg• 26’ German Christmas Pyramid at Marktplatz• Light The Night Christmas Parade• Eisbahn (outdoor ice skating daily at Marktplatz) • Fabulous gift shopping • Bakeries and confectioners
San Marcos• The Sights & Sounds of Christmas is a four-evening holiday
festival including carnival rides, arts & crafts, pictures with Santa, local performances, a live nativity scene and a food court.
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