Pre-Trip Fun for San Antonio, Texas

"The Alamo" (1960) -- Study up with this rootin' tootin' John Wayne version. (Pre-Teens and Up)

"The Alamo" (2004) -- The more recent installment stars Billy Bob Thornton and Dennis Quaid. (Teens)

"Miss Congeniality" -- The Alamo and the River Walk guest-star in this 2000 comedy led by Sandra Bullock. (Teens)

"Davy Crockett" -- Watch the King of the Wild Frontier's adventures through his last days at the Alamo. (School age and older)

Lime Chicken Soft Tacos -- Being so close the Mexican border, the Lone Star State is all about the Tex-Mex.

Chicken and Corn Chili -- Like a backyard barbecue in one easy dish -- toss ingredients into a slow cooker and let them simmer all day.

"Susanna of the Alamo, a True Story" by John Jakes -- The real-life role model puts an inspirational face to the historical spot, especially for girls. (Ages 4-8)

"The Boy in the Alamo" by Margaret Cousins -- 12-year-old Billy Campbell tells the story of the Alamo in a way kids can relate to. (Ages 4-8)

"It Happened in Texas" by James A. Crutchfield -- Ready yourselves for the sights with more than 30 fun, easy-to-read tales of famous events in Texas history. (Ages 6 and up)

"In the Shadow of the Alamo" by Sherry Garland -- Offers a view of history from both sides of the border through the heroic story of a Mexican boy-turned-soldier. (Ages 9-12)

"A Time to Stand" by Walter Lord -- Ponders questions about the Alamo text books might not ask, such as "Did Davy Crockett surrender?" (Ages 15 and Up)

Playful Pinatas -- Little eyes will grow wide at the surprise candy inside these Spanish-Mexican toys.