Free Things to Do in San Antonio with Kids
School is out and that means summer is here! Every parent, whether foster, adoptive, or biological needs to have a plan for restless kid syndrome. Here are seven free things you can do with your kids to explore, cool off, or learn.
The Witte Museum
Courtesy of the Australian Museum and The Witte Museum website.
The Witte has been a long-time staple for families and school field trips in San Antonio. Per their website, “Bexar County residents enjoy free General Admission every Tuesday from 3 – 6 p.m.” Unfortunately, gone are the days when you could just walk into a park or museum, now you must reserve a spot. You can reserve your free Tuesday tickets in advance on their website.
The Doseum
Courtesy of the Doseum website.
The Doseum, formerly called the Children’s Museum, is packed with learning and playing. They have exhibits and activities for all ages, including a mini-HEB grocery store, an airplane fuselage, and a spy academy.
Normally tickets are $18 per person, but they have free family nights every first Monday of the month! Don’t forget to register ahead of time!
The McNay
Courtesy of The McNay Art Museum website
Admittedly, The McNay is an odd choice and possibly the least family-friendly option on this list. After all, not many kids are going to be into modern art, so consider this a better fit for older kids. In this massive, air-conditioned mansion is room after room of sculptures and paintings from a wide range of history and styles. Challenge your kids to sketch their favorite piece, or work on their photography by taking pictures of the artwork.
The McNay has free general admission every Thursday from 4-9 p.m., and the first Sunday of every month from Noon to 5 p.m. Special Exhibition access is $10 during these times. Tickets can be purchased here.
Bonus: Check out their events page because they post things like story time hour and other free events.
Visit a new park each week
Canva
Bored of the same old slide and swing? Try exploring a new park each week and treat it like an adventure! You don’t have to drive too far out of your way to find a new park using the city park directory.
Our recommendation: Start at Emmitt Park at Community Bible Church. Named after Pastor Emeritus Robert Emmitt, the park is a gift to the city by the church and includes playgrounds, splash pads, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.
Visit a new library each week
Canva
Perhaps you’ve exhausted the options at your nearest library? Go explore a new one! Several of our city's libraries are especially kid-friendly with playgrounds, a good inventory of books, and other activities. Unfortunately, it is necessary to remind our parents to make sure you screen the book choices, even in the kids section, as not all are age-appropriate. Even board books for toddlers have troublesome topics that don't honor God.
Also, if you miss the days of Blockbuster Video, consider the library. Most libraries have a wide audio-visual selection with free movies and TV shows, and some have even started carrying vinyl records to borrow.
Our recommendation: Great Northwest Library because they have a huge kids section as well as toys and games for the littles.
Explore the Alamo and the other missions
Canva
Did you know the Alamo and the other San Antonio missions are free to visit? Take the opportunity to learn about our city’s history by visiting the Alamo, Mission Concepción, and the rest! Make it part of a scavenger hunt, a homeschool assignment, or just a chance to get the wiggles out! There is free parking at all of the missions except for the Alamo, and ranger-led or self-guided tours are free.
The Pearl
Courtesy of The Pearl’s website.
Why include the historic brewery on this list? Because of its massive central lawn for games, a splash pad, access to the river walk where fishing is allowed, and all the dining options. Visit the farmer’s market, catch some live music, or simply let your kids run around while sipping that iced coffee from Local. It is well-patrolled by SAPD and a safe place to enjoy some water fun.