A family ranch and Old West town where kids can pan for gold, take pony rides, and explore an authentic-looking frontier village. The ranch houses rescued exotic animals that kids can meet up close during guided tours. Special event weekends add themed activities but the regular visit is engaging enough on its own. Located in the scenic Hill Country between San Antonio and Boerne.
A 1,800-acre wildlife conservation center where families drive a 9.5-mile scenic route through open pastures with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and over 50 other species roaming freely. Kids can hand-feed giraffes from the car window which is an absolute highlight. Behind-the-scenes tours and the Children’s Animal Center offer closer encounters. It is significantly more immersive than a traditional zoo because the animals roam across natural Hill Country terrain.