Six exciting adventures when vacationing in San Antonio

The lure of summer vacation is still strong, and if you'd like to get in one more family trip  (or if you're waiting until the kiddos are back in school to take an adults-only trip), consider all the things to do in and around San Antonio. There's no limit on fun for the young and young-at-heart. The following information is provided courtesy of San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. www.visitsanantonio.com. Photos are by Larry and Beverly Burmeier.

What could be more thrilling than exploring a cave 180 ft. below the earth's surface? Or waking up with the sea lions at SeaWorld San Antonio? What about meeting real live cowboys and sharing a chuck wagon dinner at an 86-acre working ranch? These are special adventures your family will talk about for years to come.

WILD WEST

Enchanted Springs Ranch Wagon rides, pony rides and a puppet show are all part of the entertainment Wednesday through Sunday at the 86-acre working ranch in a gorgeous Hill Country setting northwest of San Antonio. Every Wednesday and Friday, an authentic chuck wagon dinner and delightful wild west show bring the cowboy days back to life! Get details

SAFARI

San Antonio Zoo
The city's zoo dates to the 1800s, when a collection of animals was assembled in San Pedro Park. Today, the San Antonio Zoo is America's third largest and a center of research, education and conservation. Schedule your visit during early morning for the best opportunity to view animals. Among the zoo's planned activities: Visit with zoo keepers, listen to fun demonstrations, take an evening tour after the zoo closes, or enroll in a summer camp. Get details

CAVING

Natural Bridge Caverns
At 180 feet below the surface, the largest cavern in Texas showcases stunning geologic formations in underground rooms and passageways. Always cool, this is the perfect place to escape lofty summer temperatures. Six types of tours range from easy strolls to four-hour adventures that involve strenous climbing and rappeling. Get details

MARINE ADVENTURE

Sea World San Antonio
Day camps, resident camps and sleepovers at the world's largest marine park introduce children of all ages to the world of the sea and exotic creatures like sea lions and penguins. They learn about marine life through age-appropriate adventures under the guidance of experienced and enthusiastic camp counselors. A variety of excellent shows thrill adults as well as children--and take time to cool off in the water park.  Get details

PLAYGROUND

Downtown All Around Playground and HemisFair Park
What do kids call a 15-acre play area with a huge wooden playscape, swings, slides, sand, water gardens, a castle and a space tunnel? Paradise. What do parents call a place that kids love and there’s no admission fee? Perfect. Get details

TUBING

Rockin ‘R’ River Rides
If your kids are happier on water than on land, lazily floating down the cool Guadalupe or Comal River in an inner tube or raft may just be the highlight of their summer. Trips are available for ages 3 and up. Get details