San Antonio, TX

SeaWorld San Antonio

Address: 10500 SeaWorld Dr. - San Antonio, TX 78251 - MAP
Phone: (800) 700-7786
Web: www.seaworld.com/sanantonio

Everything's bigger in Texas, and SeaWorld San Antonio is no exception. Located on 250 sprawling acres of Texas Hill country, the marine mammal park is the largest of all the SeaWorld parks and also the largest marine-life theme park in the world.

Baby Shamu was the first orca whale born at SeaWorld San Antonio and is now the star of popular shows like "Believe," along with other killer whales who call SeaWorld home. Funny sea lions provide comic relief in "The Cannery Row Caper," while mesmerizing beluga whales and elegant Pacific white-sided dolphins perform an oceanic opera in "Viva!"

After catching their favorite marine mammals in action, younger family members will want to create a splash in the Lost Lagoon Water Park. Explore the maze of slides in the spectacular "Sidewinders" waterslide or get the whole family wet on your very own river raft ride. Enjoy a wild and wet time in "Splash Attack," a 3-story interactive fun house, or let the little ones tame the tide in the calmer water-play area.

Of course, the fun doesn't end when you change into dry clothes. The amusement park area of SeaWorld San Antonio will transport you to a whole other level of fun. Three of the most popular roller-coasters in Texas are all right here, including "Journey to Atlantis," "Steel Eel" and "The Great White."

Shhhh, don't tell the kids: You can sneak in a little bit of learning while you're here -- all in the name of fun, naturally. Dolphin Cove and Alligator Alley offer a hands-on educational experience. Visitors can stroke a baby alligator's scaley back or tickle the nose of an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Don't miss Rocky Point Preserve, where the seals and sea lions hang out by a sign that reads "Please feed the animals."

If getting goosebumps is your thing, then you'll want to explore the mysterious depths of Sharks/The Coral Reef and stand within inches of a toothsome Hammerhead shark. Dazzling schools of tropical fish dart past, while playful penguins bob and dive down a snowy slide into icy, Artic-like waters.

Looking for even more excitement? Consider booking a sleepover for the family and visit with the animals at night. You might just wake up next to a cuirous penguin or dolphin! Extended summer adventure camps are also available.

SeaWorld San Antonio is open weekends and some weekdays in spring; daily during summer; weekends in fall through Dec. 31. For more information, call 800-700-7786. www.seaworld.com/sanantonio.