San Antonio Outdoor Activities 

What about gathering around a bat cave at dusk and watching clouds of the tiny creatures wing their way into the night sky? Explore Texas and discover nature as you see it on TV by visiting it in person. Family-friendly San Antonio should definitely be on your vacation radar. Here are just a handful of the outdoor Houston travel guide activities waiting for you.

1. Challenge Yourself at Natural Bridge Caverns

Are you brave enough to take the Canopy Challenge? The Canopy Explorer is a three-part adventure at Natural Bridge Caverns. Climb to the top of the 60-foot tower, scramble over and under the obstacle course and then catch a zip line to the ground. The Canopy Kids Course is a smaller, but still challenging, version. Head into the caves on the Discovery or Hidden Passages tours and find yourself surrounded by natural sculptures. Like bats? Take the evening Bracken Bat Flight Package and watch as clouds of free-tailed bats fly out of Bracken Cave at dusk. They're harmless, unless you happen to be an insect.

2. Tour the Cave Without a Name

Explore the vast chambers of the Cave Without a Name; located roughly 40 miles north of San Antonio—and get a look at Mother Nature's handiwork. One-hour tours lead you through six formation rooms, each filled with oddly shaped limestone columns, sculptured walls and dagger-like figures hanging from the ceiling. Learn how to cut a geode in half to see if brightly colored crystals that are hidden inside the rough, roundish rock. Try your hand at the gemstone and fossil sluice, where you just might find a treasure to take home. You might want to bring a picnic lunch because you'll be tempted to stay a while.

3. Go Fishing at Choke Canyon State Park

Cast a line for an afternoon of fishing at Choke Canyon State Park where healthy populations of largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, catfish and alligator gar flap their gills. You will need a Louisiana fishing license for everyone 17 and older. If you'd rather stay on dry land, find a picnic spot and do a bit of hiking or bird watching. The Calliham Unit section of the park has a lakeside beach. You may come face-to-face with an alligator in these waters, though they're shy and typically avoid humans.

4. Go Wild at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

The last place you'd probably expect to see a zebra or a giraffe is at a Texas ranch. At the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, that's exactly what you will find, along with antelopes, lemurs, kangaroos and camels. Drive through the park in your own car and feed any of the animals that approach you. The zebras tend to be the most social. They've figured out that cars mean food and they'll wait outside your windows for treats. (Special food packets are available at the park.) Natural Bridge Wildlife Park is roughly 30 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio and perfect for a day trip.

5. Find Dinosaur Tracks at Government Canyon State Natural Area

Put your hiking shoes on to tackle the more than 40 miles of trails leading through the Government Canyon State Natural Area. Take the five-mile round-trip Joe Johnston trail leading to dinosaur tracks made more than 110 million years ago. When you get to mile marker 19, begin looking for their etched footprints. Start early in the day to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water and snacks. The trails are rough and most strollers can't navigate them. The nature area is open Friday through Monday most of the year, with extended hours during holidays. Guided ranger tours are sometimes available on weekends.

6. Explore the Countryside on Horseback

Put on your cowboy hat, climb on that pony and head out into the sunset for a leisurely trail ride. Westcreek Trail Rides has horses to suit any age and any skill level. The gentle horses get you out of the city environment for a little peace, quiet and exercise. Yes, the horse does the walking, but you've got to balance to stay in the saddle. After your gallop, check out Westcreek's petting zoo, a hit with kids. The ranch is located roughly 20 miles out of town and makes a great day trip.

7. Paddle a Kayak Along the San Antonio River

Sign on for a tour at Mission Kayak and you'll find yourself paddling along the San Antonio River. Choose from two, three or five-mile trips in either individual or tandem kayaks. Much of the river is calm, but you will find small rapids that are exciting to paddle through. A shuttle takes you to the three starting points and your guide leads you back to the beach at Espada Park. Paddle past waterfront golf courses, San Antonio cityscapes and some of the area's historic missions. Hourly rentals are also available, great for beginners who want to get their "kayak legs" on the calm waters.

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