Guest Author - Karon Warren

Planning your family vacation, but not sure where to go? Why not head south to San Antonio? This Southern Texas town offers a variety of experiences for families of all sizes and ages.

When planning a family vacation, it’s crucial to plan excursions that encompass every member’s interests, and San Antonio meets this need with ease. History buffs will love the San Antonio Mission Trail, comprised of five missions including the well-known Alamo, which educates visitors on the evolution of these unwalled communities and the spread of Christianity throughout the Indian tribes.

Four of the missions are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (www.nps.gov/saan), and there is a visitor center at Mission San José. The visitor center features a theater showing a 20-minute movie on early life at the mission, a museum and a bookstore. Admission is free.

Those interested in more modern innovations will adore San Antonio’s River Walk (www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com), which surrounds the San Antonio River with restaurants, shopping, hotels and more. This is the place to kick back and soak in the city’s downtown atmosphere. Of course, a cruise down the river must be included in any visit! Available through Rio San Antonio Cruises (www.riosanantonio.com), tours cover two and a half miles of the River Walk and last between 35 and 40 minutes. They offer a unique perspective on the River Walk along with a wonderful way to unwind.

Although kids of all ages can enjoy these activities, they certainly will go home happy if their trip includes a visit to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. At Six Flags Fiesta Texas (www.sixflags.com), get your thrills and chills on such rides as Poltergeist and Scream, or take a break from the action and catch one of the park’s award-winning shows. Park admission also includes a visit to White Water Bay, a water park with more than 10 rides plus Splashwater Springs, a designated area for little water enthusiasts.

For more water-based fun, head to SeaWorld San Antonio (www.seaworld.com). Billed as “the world’s largest marine life adventure park and family entertainment showplace,” this theme park offers more than 25 shows, exciting rides, animal attractions and educational experiences. And don’t miss every SeaWorld standard, Shamu, the killer whale. Just remember: If you want a front-row seat at Shamu’s show, expect to get wet!

As you can see, San Antonio offers a plethora of activities for every family. In fact, there is so much to choose from, the biggest challenge may be deciding what to do. Of course, you always can extend your trip by a few days!

For more information in planning your family vacation, visit www.sanantoniovisit.com.