What follows, in no special order, are a few of my favorite play places in San Antonio.

San Antonio Children's Museum - What a wonderful place to play and learn. The museum allows children the chance to better understand San Antonio's history through interactive exhibits and workshops. It's a colorful place to ride a train, discover what makes a kaleidoscope work, experience what it's like to ride a jet, and more. 210-212- 4453. Vist them on the web at www.sakids.org.

Hertzberg Circus Museum - This museum contains one of the largest assortments of Circusiana in the world. There's an extensive Tom Thumb collection, rare circus lithographs and engravings, a portion of the P.T. Barnum Collection, and a dress-up room where youngsters can become a clown and other circus performers. 210-207- 7810.

Brackenridge Park - This 433-acre park encompasses a multitude of delightful activities. The park includes among its many diversions the San Antonio Zoo (210-734-7183), Brackenridge Eagle Miniature Train (210-736-9534), a carousel complete with wooden horses and music (210-734-5401), and America's oldest and original Kiddie Park (210- 824-4351).

Witte Museum - The museum's extensive permanent collection includes the H-E-B Science Treehouse where youngsters of all ages launch a tennis ball two stories high, play music with laser beams, lift themselves up with pulleys, and surf the Internet. A two-level treehouse overlooks the San Antonio River surrounded by water exhibits. Feature exhibits include dinosaurs, mummies, Texas ecology, and five historic homes from San Antonio's past. 210-357-1900. Visit the museum's website at www.wittemuseum.org.

Downtown All-Around Playground - Built entirely through volunteer efforts, the free playground contains a massive wooden play area, space tunnel and castle, tot castle, and tire tunnel. (No phone.)

Milam Park - Turrets, tunnels, and a wrought iron gazebo are just some of the fun things to explore in the park. Brightly colored playground equipment entertain youngsters in a free park experience. (No phone.)

VIA San Antonio Streetcars - Clean and inexpensive, the streetcars take visitors nearly anywhere in the downtown area over four different routes. Frequent stops make sight- seeing and stopping a breeze. When I rode, the ride cost 50 cents for adults and 20 cents for children. It's a travel bargain. 210-362-2020.

Seaworld San Antonio - O.K., I'll admit it. Dining with Shamu at Sea World was one truly fun experience for me. Guests who really want to get close to killer whales can enjoy a buffet during an especially exciting family activity. It's held backstage and poolside at Shamu Stadium. Trainers interact with the whales and answer questions about these magnificent animals. Be sure you bring your camera for this fun affair. Note that Dinner with Sahmu is available at an additional charge on selected dates only. 210-523-3630. Visit the Sea World website at www.seaworld.com.

Well, I must admit. I have plenty of more playing to do, and I'm already planning a return visit to this beautiful Texas city. If you go be certain you pick up a copy of JUST FOR KIDS, a guide featuring information about attractions all over town including the San Antonio Children's Museum, Hertzberg Circus Museum, Market Square, La Villita, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Sea World of Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and other kid- and family- friendly places to visit.

For a free packet of San Antonio visitor information, call the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 800-447-3372 or visit their website at www.sanantoniocvb.com.

In the Nearby Area:

• Biking the San Antonio Mission Trail
• When in San Antonio...Mi Tierra