The Alamo
add photosSee the old mission where a small band of Texans held out for thirteen days against the Centralist army of General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
27 Reviews for The Alamo
41
29
'11, '12
2 families found this helpful
"History-buff heaven"
It's surreal to walk through downtown San Antonio and then, suddenly, approach one of the famous US historical landmarks. The Alamo is a beauty, lovingly restored as best it can be to a state close to what it was in the late 1800's.
There are many facets of the visit here; aside from viewing the original walls vs. the newer or newest additions, a video explains the significance of the battle, displays of tools and medical instruments are available to be handled, and rooms are reconstructed to approximate their original uses.
It was somewhat confusing to sort out what part of the Alamo was built or added-on when, the complex has had so many varied uses. The guides, however, are knowledgeable and friendly, willing to offer their fount of history with minimal prodding.
The church is meant to be a quiet place, I decided to leave when my baby woke up, but was glad to see Davy Crockett's gear on display before I left.
I wandered the grounds, discovering a pond off to the side of the church and the aqueduct at the back.
I'd recommend The Alamo as an activity for an older child, upwards of 9 or 10, and would advise you to know your kid - one who appreciates history and artifacts will have a better time here, though the display of guns, tools and other such items in the gift shop may appease them.
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1 family found this helpful
"Beautifully Historical"
Just to see this historical site and be in it's surrounding is amazing. The grounds are beautiful but the day we actually entered was the 4th of July which wasn't smart on our part. The line up was huge, it was super hot out and it took forever to get through the building. We didn't really get to enjoy it for all it's worth. But, we've been outside of the building dozens of times, on every trip to San Antonio. It's just gorgeous to see at night and all of our Canadian visitors love getting their photos taken outside of the Alamo. It's also conveniently located by The Riverwalk.
0 families found this helpful
"Loved it"
This is definitely somewhere that anyone visiting or living in San Antonio should visit. It is fascinating to see and very informative. If you have little ones with you then they will most likely be bored but it is great for the ones that are a little older and they are more likely to enjoy it. It does not take long to go through the whole thing so you can easily fit it into your schedule.
0 families found this helpful
"Not for young kids"
We have a 3 year old. My husband and I love the history and items for exibit, but our 3 year old couldn't care any less! Ha! I expected her to be bored. I suggest taking books or drawing supplies (or whatever interests your youngseter) with you and strolling around. The Alamo is a great field trip for older kids/teens for a great learning tool and pretty neat looking scenery.
0 families found this helpful
"The Alamo"
The Alamo is clean and in the heart of San Antonio. San Antonio is a rich historical place with many sites and the The Alamo brings forth beauty in the historical background of the city. It began as a home for missionaries for 70 years. After that, It was home to Revolutionaries and Royalists for ten years during Mexico's fight of independence. The military continued to occupy the Alamo until the Texas Revolution. Then it became a key battleground for Texans. Many of the streets in downtown are named after key men like Santa Anna, William Travis, Bowie and Crockett. It is the shrine of Texas liberty. Around the Alamo you will find local and nationally know restuarants.
Ages: Fun for the entire family. Great place to explore and ground to cover.
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: Donations - Gift Shop on location
Early morning and late afternoon are less crowded; however, it really seems to run smooth anytime. We plan trips to the Riverwalk, River Center Mall and lunch as it is always seems to turn into a fun day!
0 families found this helpful
"Best for older kids"
This is not a great attraction for younger kids. The older kids however, may find it fascinating. Take your time going through in order to savor all of the detail. While you are in the area, take time see the riverwalk. Remember to bring your camera.
1 family found this helpful
"Historic Fun....((Not really for kids of all ages))"
This is a historical site your definitely going to want to stop at while in San Antonio, it won't cost you a thing and it's very interesting. With that being said kids would be bored out of their minds. This would be a nice educational stop on a vacation I'd say starting with kids 8 and up.....the older the better. =) I also think that older adults find this quite enjoyable grandma and grandpa's would love this place.
0 families found this helpful
"Must see in S.A."
The Alamo is an important historic place in our history, so if you're in San Antonio, you have to go. It's free, it's beautiful and you can spend as little or as much time as you want there. There are paths throughout the site for strollers and volunteers were super helpful and friendly. Our kids weren't overly impressed, but that was to be expected. When we were there, they were doing a re-enactment and that seemed to draw quite a crowd. Overall, we enjoyed it.
0 families found this helpful
"Very educational"
I have had the chance to go the Alamo 2 times in the last year. Both times it has been educational for me and my kids. There are people outside that give you plenty of information on the history of the Alamo. Also the first time I went we found people dressed up and portraying people from that time. It is a great place to visit.
1 family found this helpful
"Would love to take the kids back!"
I went here before my oldest was born. My mom, sister and I visited, and we had a nice time. I would love to be able to take the kids, mostly so they can have that experience. When we went, there were TONS of families there, and it was the week after Christmas! A must visit place.
I have not taken my kids here, but when we went, there were a lot of families with children, so it appears to be quite family friendly. I know my children would enjoy the displays with the weapons and stories that are told there.
The grounds are beautiful, and we saw a lot of people taking pictures with the beautiful background.
0 families found this helpful
"The Alamo"
Before we moved to Texas, I was warned that the Alamo is right in the middle of town. I was really glad I knew that before we went or it would have been a big disappointment. The history at the Alamo is of course amazing. We enjoyed the tour of the other missions as well. The part we really don't care of is the touristy side (which of course many people love.) The Wax museum just isn't really our style. Neither is seeing the Alamo and grabbing a sno-cone and lunch at Hooters. Great place to teach your children some Texas/US history if you can tune out the chaos of 2010.
0 families found this helpful
"History!"
Okay, who thought the Alamo would be bigger? I think it's beautiful but in a now very commercialized area. The gardens are gorgeous and the whole area well kept. History abound in this little place and is so worth the visit even if you just saw it from the outside. The archways are shorter than expected but the architecture is superb.
0 families found this helpful
"Remember (to Visit) the Alamo!"
There is so much rich history to encounter when you get a chance to visit the Alamo, albeit a small site surrounded by modern-day San Antonio. It is a must-see if you're ever in the area - it is the Alamo after all! Not only is the site itself a great place to visit, but there are many attractions and activities surrounding it in San Antonio that it can easily be incorporated into a day trip for the family.
0 families found this helpful
"It's our Alamo!"
What can I say? It's our Alamo!! There is so much real history there!! It's a little weird being surrounded by downtown San Antonio, while walking through where so much history occured. My kids have done the treasure hunts, watched the informational movie and looked at all of the amazing teaching displays... It's a great place to visit and a MUST!! FREE!!
0 families found this helpful
"Remember the Alamo!"
We just moved to San Antonio so naturally my husband and I had to take our son to visit the Alamo, even if he is too young to know what it is all about. The site was much smaller than I had imagined, but it was great to read about the history. They also had a narrator tell the story for those who wanted to sit and listen. The exhibits were neat and young boys will love the chance to see some of Davy Crockett's personal belongings.
0 families found this helpful
"We love the grounds at the Alamo"
We love to take our daughter to the Alamo to walk the ground. There is a small creek and fountains in areas and lots of beautiful landscaping to look at. She enjoys walking the grounds, although we don't often go into the sanctuary, AKA, the Alamo itself. There is kind of a revered silence inside and we often feel like our child disrupts it, so we take her in sometimes but most of the time we just enjoy the grounds.
0 families found this helpful
"Great Historical Stop"
My boys loved this site. Get there right at opening to avoid any waiting in line to get in and beat the heat. Kids will lose interest fairly fast but it is an important stop. The gift shop is a bit over priced, but what gift shop isn't? Parking is also a bit trickey, but choose to walk a bit further and pay less, its worth it so you don't get scammed. Also, avoid bringing a stroller if you can.
0 families found this helpful
"Don't want to miss it!"
Like the other reviewers said, this is definitely a piece of history that you don't want to miss. That being said it gets very crowded and the line to get in can get very long. My husband and I had both visited it on other trips, so with our two children under the age of 6 we decided to just walk by it. It was beautiful during the sunset and all lit up. If you are just walking by it, I would recommend that you get there early enough to snap a few photos in the sunlight, and then to see it as the sun is going down as well.
0 families found this helpful
"Wow, what history"
Just being near The Alamo sends chills up my spine. This was a place where many great men fought and died, and is an icon of Texas. A family visit here would be beneficial to young children, for it would make learning fun and exciting. I know I was excited, when I first came here, for I have heard stories of what had happened at The Alamo. A great place to visit, highly recommended.
0 families found this helpful
"Wonderful"
This is a must see if you are in San Antonio. All children learn about the Alamo in history and it's so neat to see it in person. It is free to go inside the Alamo and walk around the grounds. There is also a small gift shop and additional museum on the grounds. The grounds are beautiful as well!
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