Looking for fun summer activities for the whole family? There are dozens of budget-friendly options around town that will keep your kids learning and playing until the fall semester begins. Be sure to visit each website below to confirm the most recent hours and pricing.
Art, History & Culture
The Alamo: Summer hours beginning in June are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission. Reserve your timed ticket here. 300 Alamo Plaza, 210-225-1391, www.thealamo.org.
Briscoe Western Art Museum: Art, history, and culture of the American West. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays. $6-$14; free (with ID) for recipients of SNAP, WIC, and MAP. 210 W. Market St., 210-299-4499, briscoemuseum.org.
Downtown Tuesdays: Enjoy free parking downtown at City-owned parking garages, lots, and parking meters. 5 p.m. Tuesdays.
Downtown Walking Tour: Meet in front of the Alamo, across the street from Visitor Information. 10 a.m. daily. Free. centrosanantonio.org.
Institute of Texan Cultures: Learn about the experiences of people from across the globe who call Texas home. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Admission by donation; free every second Sunday. 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd., 210-458-2300, texancultures.utsa.edu.
Japanese Tea Gardens: Educational and cultural complex features walkways, an island, and Japanese pavilion. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free. 3853 N. St. Mary’s., 210-735-4648, https://saparks.org/japanese-tea-garden.
La Villita: Historic Arts Village with galleries, dining, and shops. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m. -4 p.m. Sundays. Free. 418 Villita St., 210-207-8614, lavillitasanantonio.com
Market Square: Historic Mexican market with restaurants, shopping, and live music. 514 W. Commerce, 210-207-8600, marketsquaresa.com.
McNay Art Museum: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays. $15-$20 for adults, free for children 12 and younger. 6000 N. New Braunfels, 210-824-5368, mcnayart.org.
The Pearl: 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. 303 Pearl Pkwy., 210-212-7260, atpearl.com.
The River Walk: The River Walk is a public park and is free to visit. Boat rides, attractions, and other activities will have various costs. 210-227-4262, thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
San Antonio’s Historical Missions: San José, Concepción, Espada & San Juan. Open 9 a.m. daily. Free. 210-932-1001, sanantonio.gov/Mission-Trails/Mission-Trails-Historic-Sites/Missions.
San Antonio Museum of Art: Noted for collections and Latin American art. $10-$20; free for kids 12 and younger, and 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-noon Sundays. Online ticket purchase is recommended. 200 W. Jones, 210-978-8100, samuseum.org.
Entertainment
Art Works: Best for ages 2+. Open noon-7p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays by appointment only, 9 a.m.-noon Fridays. Walk-ins are welcome during scheduled Open Art/Open Play. $10 for the first child, $5 per additional child. Free for adults. 1840 Nacogdoches Rd, 210-826-2787, www.artworksartstudio.com.
Bouncy Places
- Inflatable Wonderland: Ages 11 and younger only; socks and adult supervision are required. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays. $10 for kids; adults free. Wristbands are good for all day in-and-out play. 6909 N. Loop 1604 E. #2063, 210-212-4386, inflatablewonderland.com.
- Pump It Up: Socks required; current activities are listed on the event calendar. Times and dates are subject to change. $8-$9 for 70-minute open jumps, $9-$10 for two hours. Call for open jump times. Two locations: 7723 Guilbeau Rd. #102, 210-523-8883 and 14036 Nacogdoches Road, 210-653-0700, www.pumpitupparty.com.
Bowling
Contact centers for summer specials.
- Astro Super Bowl – 3202 Harry Wurzbach, 210-824-6348
- Bandera Bowling – 6700 Huebner Rd., 210-523-1716
- Bowlero – 4330 Thousand Oaks Dr., 210-654-0031; 2118 Goliad Rd., 210-333-6150; 13307 San Pedro Ave., 210-496-3811
- The Lanes at Oak Hills – 7330 Callaghan Rd., 210-344-6251
Kiddie Park: Rides and attractions designed for ages 1-12. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays-Mondays. $3 per ride; $1 non-riders; $14 unlimited rides. 3903 N St Mary’s St., 210-734-7184 sazoo.org/kiddiepark.
Let’s Swim SA: Indoor swimming lessons for various ages. 1430 W Cesar E. Chavez, 210-207-3299. Register at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/sagov/activity.
Main Event: Bowling, laser tag, video games, and food. Hours and prices vary at two locations. 8514 TX Hwy 151, 210-521-8000 and 1911 N. Loop 1604 E, 210-305-5999. Visit mainevent.com for up-to-date specials and pricing.
Markets
- Farmer’s Market at Mission Marquee Plaza: Vendors, cooking demos, live music, family activities, Zumba. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every first and third Saturday through November. Free admission and parking. 3100 Roosevelt Ave., 210-207-2111, missionmarquee.com/EVENTS/Farmers-Artisan-Markets.
- Farmer’s Market at the Pearl: Food and culinary-inspired artisan vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, rain or shine. 312 Pearl Pkwy, 210-212-7260, atpearl.com/weekend-market.
Morgan’s Wonderland: Inclusive, accessibility-focused theme park and water park. Hours vary. $13-$19, free for children ages 2 and younger, and guests with special needs. 5223 David Edwards Dr., 210-495-5888, morganswonderland.com.
Movies
- Cinemark: Summer Movie Club is June 15-Aug. 3 with showtimes 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays. $1.50. Two locations: 5063 NW Loop 410, 210-522-9660 and 4224 S. New Braunfels, Suite #601, 210-532-4459, cinemark.com/series-events-info-pages/summer-movie-clubhouse.
- Santikos Theaters: Eight-week summer movie series begins June 6. Shows are 10 a.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays at seven locations: Mayan Palace, Palladium, Casa Blanca, Westlakes, Embassy, Northwest, and Cibolo. Free. santikos.com/freesummermovies. Super Tuesdays with $4.99 tickets and concessions all day are available at Cibolo, Casa Blanca, Westlakes, and New Braunfels locations.
- Regal Theaters: “Summer Movie Express” series begins in June. Shows are 10 a.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays at Huebner Oaks, Northwoods, Cielo Vista, Alamo Quarry, and Live Oak locations. $1. regmovies.com/static/en/us/smx.
- Movies in the Park at Tower of the Americas: Free family-friendly movie outdoors at the base of the Tower. Bring chairs and blankets. See showtimes and dates at toweroftheamericas.com/event/movie-in-the-park.
- Outdoor Family Film Series at Mission Marquee Plaza: Free family-friendly evening with entertainment, food trucks, and a featured film on the original jumbo screen. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. Screenings begin shortly after dusk; titles are subject to change. missionmarquee.com/EVENTS/Outdoor-Family-Film-Series.
- Slab Cinema: Movies by the Moonlight at Travis Park, a free family- and pet-friendly event with an outdoor movie, food trucks, and kids’ activities. 7 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets, and picnics. Find the complete schedule at slabcinema.com/free-outdoor-films/travis-park.
San Antonio Aquarium: Aquatic life, bouncy house, food, and activities. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays. $17.95-$22.95; free for children younger than 2, foster children, and educators. 6320 Bandera Rd, 210-310-3210, sanantonioaquarium.net.
San Antonio DoSeum: Unique and interactive exhibits for children. Hours vary. $14; free family nights every first Monday, first-come first-serve. 2800 Broadway, 210-212-4453, thedoseum.org.
San Antonio Fire Museum: Exhibits, artifacts, and photos that preserve the history of the San Antonio Fire Department. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. $2-$5; free for children younger than 3, military and SAFD (in uniform), and every first Tuesday from noon-4 p.m. 801 E. Houston, 210-390-7236, sanantoniofiremuseum.org.
San Antonio Missions Baseball: Specials vary; Dollar Nights, $2 Tuesdays, Science Nights, Math Nights, post-game fireworks, and giveaways. 5757 US Hwy 90, 210-675-7275, milb.com/san-antonio.
San Antonio Zoo: Open 9 a.m. daily. $27.99-$31.99; free for children ages 2 and younger. Admission is $8 on Local Days – June 21, July 29, Aug. 12, Sept. 4. 3903 N. St. Mary’s, 210-734-7184, sazoo.org.
Scobee Planetarium: Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday nights; shows are at 6:30 p.m. (all ages), 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. (ages 6 and up). $4-$5. 1300 San Pedro Ave., 210-486-0100, www.alamo.edu/sac/about-sac/college-offices/scobee-education-center/scobee-planetarium.
Skating Rinks
Hours and prices vary by location.
- Carvel Skating Rink – Leon Valley: 6807 Bandera Rd., 210-684-8900, carvelskatecenter.net.
- The Rollercade: 223 Recoleta, 210-826-6361, therollercade.com.
- Skateland East: 8910 Fourwinds Dr., 210-653-5333, skatelandeast.com.
- Skateland West: 2327 SW Loop 410, 210-673-2568, myskatelandwest.com.
Swimming Pools (City of San Antonio): Hours vary by location; outdoor pool pre-season begins May 21. Free admission. 210-207-3299 for updates, https://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Programs-Classes-Fun/Fun-On-Your-Own/Swimming-Aquatics
Texas Transportation Museum: Artifacts and information regarding San Antonio’s transportation history. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. $8-$10; free for children ages 3 and younger. 11731 Wetmore Rd., 210-490-3554, txtransportationmuseum.org.
Traders Village: A swap meet, treasure hunt, shopping complex, county fair, and festival attraction all rolled into one. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. $5 parking; $11.99 all-day rides wristband, $2.99 single ticket. 9333 SW Loop 410, 210-623-8383, tradersvillage.com/san-antonio/events.
Trampoline Parks
Kid-friendly trampoline park bounces. Hours and prices vary. Check websites for up-to-date info.
- Airtopia Adventure Park: 16628 San Pedro Ave, 210-626-8056, airtopiapark.com.
- Flipz Trampoline Park: 910 SE Military Dr., 210-529-7751, flipzfamilyfun.com.
- Urban Air Trampoline Park: 8600 Fourwinds Dr., 210-446-1238; 618 NW Loop 410, 210-245-4320; 165 SW Military Dr., 210-526-0033; 11791 Bandera, 210-485-1711; urbanairtrampolinepark.com.
- Ground Control Park: 9870 Marbach Rd, 210-783-7200, groundcontrolpark.com.
Witte Museum: Permanent exhibits include dinosaur skeletons and cave drawings.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. $10-$14; free for children ages 3 and younger, and for everyone on Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. 3801 Broadway, 210-357-1900, wittemuseum.org.
YMCA: Variety of summer activities, including free family events, bingo nights, movie nights, and swimming. Hours and events vary by location. Ymcasatx.org.
Nature
Brackenridge Park: Playground and trails are perfect for picnics and walks. 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Free. 3700 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-826-1412, brackenridgepark.org.
Cibolo Nature Center: Outdoor space, events, and programs designed for families. 8 a.m.-dusk daily. Free. 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, 830-249-4616, cibolo.org/locations/cibolo-nature-center.
Fitness in the Park: Year-round exercise program in parks and facilities throughout the City. Free. apm.activecommunities.com.
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center: Connecting people with nature. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. $3-$5; free for children ages 5 and younger. 10750 Pleasanton Rd., 210-628-1639, mitchelllake.audubon.org.
San Antonio Botanical Garden: Thirty-three-acre non-profit botanical garden with trails, activities, and a learning center. Open daily at 8 a.m. $13-$16; free for ages 2 and younger. 555 Funston Place, 210-536-1400, sabot.org.
San Antonio Parks
Picnic areas, trails, playgrounds, and more. Free. sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Parks-Facilities
- Dog Parks: 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Madison Square Park – 400 Lexington
- McAllister Park – 13102 Jones-Maltsberger
- Panther Springs Park – 22635 Wilderness Oak
- Pearsall Park – 4700 Old Pearsall Road
- Phil Hardberger Park (East Entrance) – 13203 Blanco Road
- Phil Hardberger Park (West Entrance) – 8400 NW Military Dr.
- Tom Slick Park – 7400 Highway 151
- Skate Parks: 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily (not all have lighting available)
- Bellaire Park – 733 Ansley Road
- Cuellar Park – 5626 San Fernando
- Falcone Park – 7625 Mystic Park
- Lackland Terrace Park – 7902 Westshire
- Lady Bird Johnson Park – 10700 Nacogdoches Road
- Martinez Park – 201 Merida
- Medina Base Road Park – 6303 Medina Base Road
- Normoyle Park – 700 Culberson
- Palo Alto Park – 1625 Palo Alto Road
- Perez Park – 8601 Timber Path
- Rosedale Park – 303 Dartmouth
- San Pedro Springs Park – 1315 San Pedro Avenue
- Spring Time Park – 6571 Spring Time
- Splash Pads: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Benavides Park – 1500 Saltillo St
- Elmendorf Lake Park – 3700 W Commerce St.
- Hemisfair Park – 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way
- Lincoln Park – 2915 E. Commerce St.
- Pearsall Park – 5102 Old Pearsall Road
- The Park at Pearl – 312 Pearl Pkwy.
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair Park: Four acres of play areas, a splash pad, virtual story time, and live music. Open daily at 7 a.m. Free. 434 S. Alamo St., 210-709-4750, hemisfair.org/visit.
Online
Check out these websites for guides, resources, activities, and family-friendly events.
- Fun 4 Alamo Kids – Resource for finding fun stuff to do with kids in 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 – Something for everyone.
- Kids Out and About – Guide to San Antonio resources, camps, and activities.
Pre-K 4 SA
We will be participating in or hosting events throughout summer! Check prek4sa.com/events/category/family for the latest calendar updates.
Storytime
Barnes & Noble: Enjoy “Saturday Storytime” read-alongs, plus free activities for all ages. Visit stores.barnesandnoble.com for details and locations.
Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Story Time: 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. every Friday. Free. Located at The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106, 210-826-6411, thetwig.com/event.
San Antonio Public Library: Summer with SAPL programming is June 1-July 31. Hours vary by location. Free. 210-207-2500, mysapl.org.
