Budget-Friendly Summer: Your Guide to Family Summer Activities in San Antonio

Summer in San Antonio means sunshine and fun, but keeping young learned engaged can be a challenge. That is why we have put together a list of free and affordable summer activities for families. Get ready to explore San Antonio’s splash pads, museums, parks and more!

For more information, hours, and updates, please visit each location’s official website.

The Alamo

300 Alamo Plaza, 78205. 210.225.1391. www.thealamo.org; Summer Hours (Beginning in June): Monday – Sunday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. FREE. To provide a convenient experience and reduce crowds. Reserve your timed ticket here.

Art Works

1840 Nacogdoches Rd, 78209. 210.826.2787. Art Studio for children. Open Art Program: Best for ages 2+, Adults play for Free! First child $10, each additional child $5, Alamo Heights Location: Monday -Closed; Tuesday – Thursday (by appointment only) 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm & Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturdays & Sundays – Closed for private events. *Do not go to the studio without a current REGISTRATION or calling ahead. *WALK INS ARE WELCOME during Scheduled Open Art / Open Play. Open play is Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Learn more by visiting their website.

Barnes & Noble- Story Time

Visit website for further details and store locations. Enjoy “Saturday Storytime”. Bring Storytime to life in person. Storytime read along, plus free activities for all ages.

Bouncy Places

• Inflatable Wonderland – (NE) 6909 N. Loop 1604 E. #2063, 78247. 210.212.4386. inflatablewonderland.com/ Regular Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00am – 7:00pm; Friday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm; Ages 11 and under only. Socks required. Adult supervision required. Wristband good for all day in/out play. Adults free. Discount Day Every Tuesday and Thursday; All Kids $14.
• Pump It Up – Two locations. (NW) 7723 Guilbeau Rd. #102, 78250. 210.523.8883 & (NE) 14036 Nacogdoches Road, 78247. 210.653.070. Socks required. Stay up-to-date with all current activities by checking out event calendar! Times, dates, and pricing are subject to change. Call for open jump times.

Bowling

Contact Individual Center for Summer Specials

Brackenridge Park

3700 N. St. Mary’s St., 78209. 210.826.1412. brackenridgepark.org/; FREE. Hours: Monday – Sunday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm. Perfect for picnics and walks. Has trails & playground.

Briscoe Western Art Museum

210 W. Market St., 78205. 210.299.4499. briscoemuseum.org/ Hours: Thursday – Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Cost: $14 Adults (12+); $12 Seniors (65+), Retired/Veteran Military, Students (with valid ID); $6 Students $8 Military Dependents with ID. Free for Children 12 & Under & Active Military. FREE Recipients of SNAP, WIC, and MAP (Present EBT card and a photo ID) Preserves art, history, and culture of the American West.

Cibolo Nature Center

140 City Park Rd., Boerne, TX 78006. 830.249.4616. cibolo.org/locations/cibolo-nature-center; FREE. Trails are open 8:00 am – Dusk, 7 days per week. Includes: Outdoor fun designed for families and children. Visit website for events and programs to enjoy with the family.

Downtown Tuesdays

Enjoy free parking downtown at City owned parking garages, lots, & parking meters every Tuesday evening starting at 5:00 pm.

Downtown Walking Tour

FREE. Every day at 10:00 am. centrosanantonio.org; Meet in front of the Alamo – Across street from Visitor Information Center.

Farmer’s Market at Mission Marquee Plaza

2025 Farmers and Artisans Markets every first and third Saturday from March through November! The markets kick off with FREE community ZUMBA classes for all fitness levels at 9 am; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. After the classes, find fresh, locally sourced foods and explore handmade crafts and products from local pop-up vendors. The San Antonio Food Bank Mobile Mercado mini-grocery store will host healthy cooking demos and nutrition education sessions. Enjoy live music, food trucks, fun family activities, and more! The markets are brought to you by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office and the San Antonio Food Bank. Free admission and parking. missionmarquee.com/EVENTS/Farmers-Artisan-Markets

Farmer’s Market at the Pearl

312 Pearl Pkwy, 78215. 210.212.7260. Rain or shine. Saturdays 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; Sundays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Saturdays are dedicated to our local farmers and ranchers. Find fresh produce and meat local to South Texas. Sundays are centered around local artisans. You’ll find unique culinary inspired home goods, like pottery, wood crafts, and more. More information provided on their website.

Fitness in the Park

Year-round free exercise program in parks and facilities throughout the City. Free. No registration required for most classes. See website for more info.

Japanese Tea Gardens

3853 N. St. Mary’s., 78212. 210.735.4648. (Located next to the Zoo and Brackenridge Park). https://saparks.org/japanese-tea-garden/; Educational and cultural resources in San Antonio. Quarry was shaped into a complex that included walkways, stone arch bridges, an island, and a Japanese pavilion. The restored garden features a lush year-round floral display with shaded walkways, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall and ponds filled with koi. Open daily from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. FREE.

Kiddie Park

3903 N St Mary’s St, 78212. sazoo.org/kiddiepark/; Summer Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Saturday – Monday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Ride tickets start at just. $3 per ride and non-riders is $1 per person. Unlimited Rides for $14.

La Villita

418 Villita St., 78205. 210.207.8614. Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm; Sunday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Historic Arts Village with galleries, dining, and shops. FREE. lavillitasanantonio.com/

Main Event

Two Locations. 8514 TX Hwy 151, 78245. 210.521.8000 & 1911 N. Loop 1604 E, 78232. 210.305.5999. mainevent.com; Monday – Friday, Hours Vary. Specials: Monday Night Madness – $12.99 All you can play activities and games (4:00 pm – Close). Every Tuesday at Main Event, kids under 12 eat FREE when you buy a menu item for $11.99 or more, all day long. Enjoy a night of great games and free food. Bowling, Laser Tag, Video Games & Food. For up to date specials and pricing click here.

Market Square

514 W. Commerce, 78207. 210.207.8600. marketsquaresa.com/; Mexican Market with restaurants, shopping, and live music.

McNay Art Museum

6000 N. New Braunfels, 78209. 210.824.5368. mcnayart.org/; Sunday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Monday, Closed ; Tuesday, Closed ; Wednesday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Thursday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm. Free Admission for children 0-12. Tickets vary by age. Specials: Free general admission every Thursday from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Story Time

Located at The Twig Book Shop. 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106. 78215. 210.826.6411. thetwig.com/event; Fridays at 9:30 am & 10:30 am. Dates on the event calendar are tentative and subject to change. Check back often for up-to-date information. FREE. All ages welcome.

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

10750 Pleasanton Rd., 78221. 210.628.1639. mitchelllake.audubon.org/;

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Cost: Adults $5; Children (age 6-18) $3; Children under 5: Free. Aims to connect people to nature. Advance ticket purchasing recommended before arrival.

Morgan’s Wonderland

5223 David Edwards Dr., 78233. 210.495.5888. morganswonderland.com/; Monday – Sunday, Hours Vary. Guests with Special Needs-Free; Children 2 & Under-Free; Children Ages 3-13 $16,

Adult Ages 14-61 $24; Military with Valid ID $18; Seniors 62+$16. Dual Admission available for both Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island. Ticket purchase online prior to your visit is required.

Movies Theaters

Alamo Drafthouse– Offers Kids Camp screenings for $5 per ticket, with different movie selections each week. They also have a program called “Alamo for All,” which is a sensory- friendly movie experience with lights on and sound down.

Cinemark – Two locations. 5063 NW Loop 410, 78229. 210.522.9660 & 4224 S. New

Braunfels, Suite #601, 78223. 210.532.4459. cinemark.com/series-events-info- pages/summer-movie-clubhouse; Summer Movie Club for kids runs for eight weeks, from June 2 – August 7 (8 weeks) with showtimes every Wednesday at 9:30 am. With tickets priced at $1.75. For movie titles, visit website.

Santikos Theaters– (Starting in June). For movie titles and updates visit: santikos.com/freesummermovies/. Enhance the fun with our special $5 Summer Kids Movie Combo. Below is the days of the week and time that the free summer movie will take place; starts on June 6th and runs for 8 weeks.

Regal Theaters- “Summer Movie Express”: ($2 Movies: Starting in June) For movie titles, please visit regmovies.com/static/en/us/smx. All movies are G or PG.

Movies in the Park at Tower of the Americas- FREE family-friendly motion picture under the stars at the Base of the Tower. Grab a blanket and enjoy with food and drinks available for purchase. For showtimes and dates, click here.

Outdoor Family Film Series at Mission Marquee Plaza- FREE family-friendly evening hosted by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office to include entertainment, food trucks, and a showing of a featured film on the original jumbo screen. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy during the movie. Screenings begin shortly after dusk. Movies are subject to change. For more information, visit their website.

Slab Cinema brings Movies by the Moonlight at Travis Park– FREE outdoor, family friendly event that features an outdoor movie, food trucks and kids’ activities. Enjoy free parking after 5:00 pm at City operated garages, lots, and meters as part of Downtown Tuesday.

Pre-movie programming will start at 7:00 pm and the movie will begin at dusk. Pet-friendly. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and picnics. Movies are shown throughout San Antonio.

Find the location and complete schedule here.

Nature Walks and Trails

All city parks listed.

The Pearl

303 Pearl Pkwy # 300, 78215. 210.212.7260. atpearl.com/; Pearl is a historical district and culture hub in the center of San Antonio. Walk along the river near the Pearl Brewery and view the art, cuisine, and culture.

Planetarium

1300 San Pedro, 78212. 210.486.0100. Friday nights. Doors open at 6pm (Tickets available when doors open). Cost: Adults (18+) $ 6; Children (under 17) $5; Seniors (65+) $5. All ages welcome at 6:30 pm show; 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm ages 6 and up. Find more information on their website.

The River Walk

210.227.4262. The River Walk is a public park and is free to visit. Boat rides, attractions, and other activities will have various costs associated with them. thesanantonioriverwalk.com/

San Antonio Aquarium

6320 Bandera Rd, 78238. 210.310.3210. Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Children (3-11) $ 19.95; Adults (12+) $ 24.95; Seniors (55+) or Military $22.95. Children under 2: Free. Discounts available on-line. Bouncy house, food, and activities available. All educators are free. Foster children are always free.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

555 Funston Place, 78209. 210.536.1400. sabot.org/; Cost: Adults (14-64) $ 22; Children (3-13) $ 15; Kids 2 & under – Free. Museums for All Discount $3 (must show SNAP or WIC EBT card with valid ID; per person, up to four people). 33-acre non- profit botanical garden. Open Year Round. Hours are subject to change. Open Daily 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm.

San Antonio DoSeum

2800 Broadway, 78209. 210.212.4453. thedoseum.org/; Admission: $18; Children under 1: Free. Specials: Free Family Nights, First Monday of every month 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Link for ticket reservations will be posted on page at 8:00 am morning of Free Family Night. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Hours and Times vary. See website for updates and closures. Unique and interactive exhibits for children.

San Antonio Fire Museum

801 E. Houston, 78205. 210.390.7236. sanantoniofiremuseum.org/; Cost: Adults $10; Seniors (60+) $6; Children (3-12) $4; Children under 3 Free; Military (in uniform) and SAFD (in uniform) get in free! Special: First Tuesday of every month- Free admission for all ages between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Submit a reservation request here. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Exhibit artifacts and photos that preserve history of SA Fire Department.

San Antonio’s Historical Missions

San José, Concepción, Espada & San Juan; sanantonio.gov/Mission-Trails/Mission-Trails-Historic-Sites/Missions; 210.932.1001 (Visitor Center). Open Daily. Sunrise-sunset. FREE.

San Antonio Missions Baseball

5757 US Hwy 90, 78227. 210.675.7275. milb.com/san- antonio; See website for games and promotions. Specials vary; Dollar Nights, Science Nights, Math Nights, Post Game Fireworks and Giveaways.

San Antonio Museum of Art

200 W. Jones, 78215. 210.978.8100. samuseum.org/; Cost: Adults $22; Seniors $17; Youth (13-18) $10; Children under 12 – Free; Student/Military $17.00. Specials: Free for Bexar County residents on Tuesdays (4:00 pm -7:00 pm) & Sundays (10:00 am – 12:00 pm). Noted for collections and Latin American Art. Online ticket purchase recommended.

San Antonio Parks

FREE. sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Parks-Facilities; Have picnic areas, walking trails, and play areas. Dog Parks: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm

• Madison Square Park – 400 Lexington, 78215
• McAllister Park – 13102 Jones-Maltsberger, 78247
• Panther Springs Park – 22635 Wilderness Oak, 78258
• Pearsall Park- 4700 Old Pearsall Road, 78242
• Phil Hardberger Park (East Entrance) – 13203 Blanco Road, 78231
• Phil Hardberger Park (West Entrance) – 8400 NW Military Dr., 78231
• Tom Slick Park – 7400 Highway 151, 78227
• Skate Parks: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm (Not all have lighting available)
• Bellaire Park – 733 Ansley Road, 78221
• Cuellar Park – 5626 San Fernando, 78237
• Falcone Park – 7625 Mystic Park, 78254
• Lackland Terrace Park – 7902 Westshire, 78227
• Lady Bird Johnson Park – 10700 Nacogdoches Rd., 78217
• Martinez Park – 201 Merida, 78207
• Medina Base Road Park – 6303 Medina Base Rd, 78227
• Normoyle Park – 700 Culberson, 78211
• Palo Alto Park – 1625 Palo Alto Rd., 78211
• Perez Park – 8601 Timber Path, 78250
• Rosedale Park – 303 Dartmouth, 78237
• San Pedro Springs Park – 1315 San Pedro Avenue, 78212
• Spring Time Park – 6571 Spring Time, 78249
• Splash Pads: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Benavides Park (1500 Saltillo St)
• Elmendorf Lake Park (3700 W Commerce St)
• Hemisfair Park (600 Hemisfair Plaza Way)
• Lincoln Park (2915 E Commerce St)
• Martin Luther King Park (3503 Martin Luther King Drive)
• Pearsall Park (5102 Old Pearsall Rd)
• Ward Park (435 E. Sunshine Dr.)
• The Park at Pearl- 312 Pearl Pkwy, 78215
• New Parks
• Berkley V. and Vincent M. Dawson Park
• Mitchell’s Landing
• San Pedro Creek Culture Park
  

San Antonio Public Library

mysapl.org; 210.207.2500. Hours vary by location. Digital Library, in person pickup, computer usage, free Wi-Fi, and more. Summer with SAPL is offering people of all ages opportunities to read, learn, explore, and connect. Summer library program is from June 1 – July 3. Activity calendar available on-line. To locate your nearest branch, Library staff is available by phone at 210.207.2500

San Antonio Zoo

3903 N. St. Mary’s, 78212. 210.734.7184. Sunday – Friday, 9am –5pm & Saturday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Open Every Day. Adults $31.99; Children (3-11)$27.99; Children under 2 – Free. Free parking. Additional activities available. See website for additional offers. No outside food or drink allowed, except for small snack sized items, bottled water, and baby food/formula. See website for info and how to obtain your ticket.

Skating Rinks

Hours & Prices Vary by Location. See website for more information and daily deals.

• Carvel Skating Rink– Leon Valley. 6807 Bandera Rd., 78238. 210.684.8900. carvelskatecenter.net/; Hours & Prices Vary.
• The Rollercade– 223 Recoleta, 78216. 210.826.6361. therollercade.com/; Hours & Prices Vary. Specials found here.
• Skateland East– 8910 Fourwinds Dr, 78239. 210.653.5333. skatelandeast.com/; Hours & Prices Vary.
• Skateland West– 2327 SW Loop 410, 78227. 210.673.2568. myskatelandwest.com/;Thursday through Sunday, Hours & Prices Vary.

Swimming Lessons – Let’s Swim SA

(Indoor); 1430 W Cesar E. Chavez, 78245. 210.207.3299. Classes are age specific. See website for registration and closures.

Swimming Pools (City of San Antonio)

Hours Vary. FREE. Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays). sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Parks-Facilities/Allp-Parks-Facilities/Pools; Natatorium is open with limited capacity. Call 210.207.3299 for more information and up to date closures. Outdoor Pool Pre- season opens May 21.

Texas Transportation Museum

11731 Wetmore Rd, 78247. 210.490.3554. txtransportationmuseum.org; Hours: Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Cost: Adults (13+) $10; Children (age 4- 12) $8; Children (under 4) Free. Preserve artifacts and information regarding San Antonio’s transportation history.

Traders Village

9333 SW Loop 410, 78242. 210.623.8383. Traders Village San Antonio is a swap meet, treasure hunt, shopping complex, county fair, and festival attraction all rolled into one. There are high-flying midway rides, like the towering, all-new Star Dancer where riders soar 80 feet into the air as well as an Allan Herschell-designed antique carousel and much more. Saturday & Sunday – Market Open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. $6 Parking. All Day Rides Wristband is ONLY $11.99 | Single Ticket= $2.99. Find up-to-date info and events here.

Trampoline Parks

Kid-friendly trampoline park bounces. Check website for update to date info.

• Airtopia Adventure Park– 16628 San Pedro Ave, 78232. 210.626.8056. airtopiapark.com/; Hours & Prices Vary; (ages 6 & under) $10.99/$11.99 Weekend; Toddler Time (2 – 6 Years) $7.99: Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Prices starting at $7.99 include Parent and Child Pass.
• Flipz Trampoline Park– 910 SE Military Dr., 78214. 210.529.7751. flipzfamilyfun.com/; Tuesday – Sunday; Hours Vary. Specials; Regular Prices: $15 (1 hour /per person); $20 (2 hours /per person); Socks required.
• Urban Air Trampoline Park– 8600 Fourwinds Dr. # 8510, 78239. 210.446.1238. 618 NW Loop 410, 78216. 165 SW Military Dr, 78221. 210.526.0033. 11791 Bandera Road Suite A, 78250. 210.485.1711. urbanairtrampolinepark.com; Hours & Packages Vary by Location. Cost: Children age 5 & under: $11.99 (for 1.5 hours); Parent Pass: $6.
• Ground Control Park- 9870 Marbach Rd, 78245. 210.783.7200. groundcontrolpark.com/; Monday – Sunday; Hours and Pricing Vary. Weekday Cost: Children age 5 & under: $12 (for 1 hour); 6 & up: $15 (for 1 hour); Grip Socks: $3.

Witte Museum

3801 Broadway, 78209. 210.357.1900. wittemuseum.org/; Hours Vary; Cost: Adults (19-64) $ 16; Seniors (65+) $ 15; Military with ID $ 15; Children (4-12) $ 11; Under 3: Free. Permanent exhibits include dinosaur skeletons and cave drawings. Free. Museums for All Discount $3 (must show SNAP or WIC EBT card with valid ID; per person, up to four people). Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Tuesday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Yanaguana Garden @ Hemisfair Park

434 S. Alamo St., 78205. 210.709.4750. Open 5:00 am – 12:00 pm. Free. 4.1 acres of play areas. Splash pad, virtual story time, and live music available. See website for calendar of events.

YMCA

Variety of Summer Activities including Free Family Events, bingo nights, movie nights, swimming, and fun all summer long. ymcasatx.org/

UPCOMING Pre-K 4 SA EVENTS: Stop by events Pre-K 4 SA will be participating in or hosting this summer! See website for the latest. Calendar is kept up to date with new events added often!

FAMILY FRIENDLY LINKS: Check out these websites for families to include guides/resources, activities for your child, and family friendly events happening around town for the entire family.

• Fun 4 Alamo Kids – Resource for finding fun stuff to do with kids your area.
• National Geographic for Kids – Learn about animals and the environment.
• Sesame Street – Site with activities and age-appropriate videos for children.
• KLRN – Site for the entire family; education, activities, events, and resources.
• PBS – Features videos, resources, and educational games for children.
• City Calendar of Events –Your Guide to Events the Whole Family Will Enjoy
• Kids Out and About – Guide to San Antonio resources, camps, and activities.
• Community First Health Plans – Free or low-cost things to do in and around San Antonio