Last weekend, we packed up the kids, a healthy supply of snacks, and a big sense of curiosity for a trip to the Hopscotch Illusions Museum in San Antonio. I’d been wanting to check this place out for months, ever since I first heard about its mix of interactive art, immersive rooms, and family-friendly fun. Let me just say—it did not disappoint. By the time we left, Leon and Neil were grinning ear-to-ear, their little legs tired from running and bouncing, and my phone was bursting with colorful, magical photos.

Hopscotch isn’t your typical “look but don’t touch” kind of museum. It’s more like walking into a kaleidoscope and being invited to touch, jump, dance, crawl, and explore.

Every room is its own universe—lights, mirrors, colors, and shapes coming together in the kind of way that makes kids’ eyes go wide and adults secretly feel like kids again.

Quantum Trampoline – Our Hands-Down Favorite

The very first stop that completely hooked us was Quantum Trampoline by Kuflex. This space felt like stepping into a futuristic playground. The floor was soft and springy, perfect for both kids and grown-ups to hop around without worrying about tumbles. But the real magic was the projection system that captured and duplicated every movement we made across a giant screen in bursts of swirling light. Neil, being our energetic one, took this as a personal challenge to see how many “Neils” he could get bouncing on the wall at once. He kept giggling every time his projected self flew into view. Little Leon, at first shy, soon found his groove—holding my hand, bouncing in tiny hops, and pointing with wide-eyed amazement at the rainbow of “Leons” surrounding him. We spent so much time here that I had to remind the boys there was more to explore. But honestly, if Hopscotch had only been this one room, they’d have still left happy.

Rainbow Cave – Magical Hideaway

Our next favorite spot was the Rainbow Cave by Basia Goszczynska. This dreamy, glowing tunnel is crafted from thousands of recycled plastic bags, shaped and lit to look like soft petals and glowing crystals. Imagine walking inside a cloud made of cotton candy, with pink, purple, and blue light shifting gently around you.Leon was absolutely fascinated by the colors—he kept pointing at the glowing walls, as if he’d just discovered treasure. Neil, of course, found a way to turn it into a game, pretending we were on an expedition inside a crystal cave hunting for hidden gems. I loved how the space felt calming for the kids yet still full of wonder.

RGB – Infinity Times Infinity

Another highlight was RGB by Carnovsky, an installation that surrounded us with overlapping layers of red, green, and blue projections, combined with reflective surfaces to create a dizzying kaleidoscope effect. Step in one way and the patterns looked like stained glass; turn another way and it was like falling into a vortex of light. Neil couldn’t stop making silly faces at himself, watching them multiply and stretch. Leon leaned over the railing, mesmerized by how the colors danced around us. I got some of my favorite photos here—the kind where you look later and notice tiny reflections you missed in person because there was just so much to see.

The Light Portal – A Digital Playground

One of the most interactive installations was The Light Portal by Tricktronix. Imagine a huge digital canvas that reacts to your movements—every swipe of your hand or step on the floor creates waves of color and shifting patterns. Leon loved chasing the bursts of light, while Neil tried “drawing” with his feet. It was part art, part game, and fully addictive.

Other Wonders We Discovered

Hopscotch is one of those places where every corner has something unexpected. We wandered under the twinkling canopy of lights in Diodic Daydream Hopscotch, an adult-friendly ball pit turned into a glowing, music-synced relaxation zone (we didn’t jump in, but it was mesmerizing to watch). The boys also loved spotting the Rabbit Hole Sculpture by Alli Koch, a giant illuminated bunny that seemed to shift colors as we walked beneath it.And tucked away in a quieter corner, we found GAZE—an immersive maze created in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign, filled with shifting lights and messages of love, unity, and acceptance. It was beautiful, thought-provoking, and a nice moment of stillness in the middle of all our high-energy exploring.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

As much as we loved the attractions, one of the best parts about Hopscotch was how welcoming it felt for families. Sometimes “art spaces” can feel intimidating or too fragile for curious hands, but here, interaction is encouraged. Staff members were friendly and patient, and other visitors seemed to enjoy seeing the boys having fun.Even with a stroller for part of the day, we had no trouble moving between exhibits. There was plenty of space to pause, take photos, and let the boys set their own pace.

Cocktails, Mocktails, and a Little Break for Mom and Dad

Somewhere between exhibits, we discovered that Hopscotch even has a bar area—and not just your standard soda-and-water kind of setup. Their creative cocktails and mocktails were as imaginative as the art installations themselves.I ordered a bright, fruity mocktail that looked like a piece of art in a glass, while my husband enjoyed one of their signature cocktails. The boys got juice and snacks, which gave everyone a nice breather before diving back into the exhibits. Honestly, I loved that they had this—it’s rare to find a place that can fully engage the kids while also offering a little treat for the grown-ups.

For us, it was more than just a fun family outing—it was a reminder of how much joy comes from exploring together, seeing the world (and art) through our children’s eyes, and letting ourselves be a little silly.If you’re anywhere near San Antonio and looking for a family-friendly adventure that’s part museum, part playground, and part dreamscape, Hopscotch is absolutely worth a visit. Go ready to play, ready to be surprised, and definitely ready to bounce.