We recently took a trip to San Antonio, Texas. While we were there, we spent a day at SeaWorld. I highly recommend spending some time at SeaWorld if you are visiting the San Antonio area. My family and I have been many times and always enjoy it.
You can check out the highlights of our day at SeaWorld San Antonio in this video:
On our recent trip, we spent one full day at the SeaWorld Park. It was just myself and my two boys ages 4 years and 13 years old. As you can imagine, they both have very different interests and yet there was something there for everyone one and every age.
We arrived right after park open and was able to walk right into the park with no wait. We went on a Friday in June and the crowd was light.
Texas is very hot in the summer and I knew we would get splashed by the whales, so we dressed in clothing that would be cool and would dry fast. Definitely don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!
A stroller is a must have when taking little ones! My 4 year old’s little legs get very tired from all the walking, so I always bring a lightweight stroller. I recommend one that reclines just in case they are able to catch a nap at some point during the day.
I also pack a small backpack with sunscreen, baby wipes, a towel, cooling towels and a few prepackaged snacks. When my boys were younger, the bag would also include diapers, sippy cup or bottles. (There are plenty of places to purchase food, snacks & drinks inside the park.) I make sure the backpack is small enough to fit in the basket underneath the stroller. I wear a crossbody purse that I carry my cell phone and wallet in, so that I have my important items on me at all times. There are lockers you can purchase to keep your things in while riding the rides. I definitely suggest packing as light as possible.
Once we arrived, the first thing we did was take a photo. They have this great backdrop with a photographer there ready to take your photo. Once they take your photo, they give you a ticket that you can take to the photo center to purchase your photo. I always take our photo as soon as we walk in and purchase our photos as we are leaving the park. This way I don’t worry that our photos will get lost or bent. Just make sure you don’t lose your ticket.
For our family, the shows are always a highlight of every SeaWorld trip. Two of our favorite shows on this trip were the Orca Encounter and Sea Lion High. I love to get splashed by the Orca whales during the show, so I always sit in the Splash Zone. The Splash Zone is closer to the water and you are very likely to get wet which, in Texas during the summer, is not a bad thing. I think it is fun to sit in the Splash Zone. My 4 year old, on the other hand, did not like it at all! The water is extremely cold and salty. He got very upset when the water splashed on him. He quickly calmed down and was all smiles again but was very verbal about the fact that he did NOT like getting splashed and was not going to sit in the Splash Zone ever again! So, if you are traveling with little ones or others that will not appreciate the freezing cold salty water, just sit a few rows up out of the Splash Zone and you will all stay dry. The Splash Zone is clearly marked so you can choose which section is best for your family.
We all loved the fun Sea Lion High Show. It was super cute and full of Sea Lion talent.
If you are looking for a ride to beat the Texas heat, then definitely head over to Journey to Atlantis. You are sure to get soaked! It is a fun way to cool off.
My oldest son is a thrill seeker and loves all the roller coasters at SeaWorld. But my little guy is not quite tall enough for the bigger faster rides and actually prefers the calmer slow rides. We spent a lot of time in the Sesame Street Bay of Play area. This area is great for the small kids. It features a splash pad area which is great for letting the little ones get wet and cool off while they play. My kids wore their swimsuits to the park so they could play in the water.
Make sure you don’t miss Discovery Point! At this section of the park, you will see dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon and sharks and beautiful fish at Explorer’s Reef. Discovery Point is one of our favorite parts of SeaWorld.
My family and I love SeaWorld San Antonio! We had a great day visiting the park and look forward to our next trip to SeaWorld. Here are a few tips when visiting SeaWorld San Antonio:
Tips to get the most out of your day at SeaWorld San Antonio
- Go on a weekday when the crowds are typically much lighter.
- Get to the park early for closer parking and enjoy the park for the entire day
- Pack light and bring a lightweight stroller that reclines, if traveling with little ones
- Wear clothing that is comfortable, cool and will dry fast.
- Dress children in swim attire to play at Sesame Street Bay of Play area
- Wear and bring sunscreen
- Bring a towel
- Cooling towels are a great way to stay cool
- Stay hydrated in the Texas heat. Drink, Drink, Drink lots of water!!
- Take a family photo as you enter the park and purchase it as you leave
