Top Ten Free Activities in San Antonio, Texas for Budget-Conscious Fun Seekers
San Antonio, Texas, offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that are either free or low-cost. Here's a guide to help you explore the city with your little ones without breaking the bank.
1. Pearl's Farmer's Market
Situated near other attractions at Pearl, this vibrant market runs on Saturdays from 9am-1pm and Sundays from 10am-2pm. With over 40 vendors, it offers a variety of produce, free samples, and a kid-friendly restaurant, La Gloria's, serving street tacos.
2. San Antonio River Walk
Explore the city's heart along the San Antonio River Walk, where you'll find various attractions, restaurants, and shops. This unique and scenic route provides a fun and educational way for both kids and adults to discover San Antonio.
3. The Pearl Brewery
Located in the heart of the city, The Pearl Brewery is a mixed-use development featuring a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, including the Pearl's Farmer's Market.
4. Yanaguana Garden
Young visitors will love Yanaguana Garden, which offers spinning bowls, a rotating net climber, toddler swings, and a sound art exhibit, all nestled beneath big, shady trees.
5. San Antonio Museum of Art
The museum offers kid programming such as art crawls, playdates, and activity backpacks for children aged 0-18 months, 2-4 years, and 6 years and older, respectively. Admission for adults is $22, while kids 12 and under are free. The museum offers free admission on Tuesdays from 4-7pm and Sundays from 10-Noon.
6. Kiddie Park
America's oldest children's amusement park, Kiddie Park, located in San Antonio, offers a fun-filled day for kids. While admission for adults is free, a kid ticket is $18. Adults can ride the carousel and helicopters with their children for free. The park is shady and caddy corner to The DoSeum, but all rides except for the pony ride are included in the bracelet, which is good for the entire day.
Beyond Paid Attractions
While well-known attractions like the San Antonio Zoo, SEA LIFE San Antonio, and LEGOLAND Discover Center are excellent for kids, they typically require paid admission. For strictly free activities, public libraries, city parks, and scheduled free community events are the best options.
7. Natural Bridge Caverns Bat Flight & Cave Tour
Explore amazing underground caves and witness the largest bat colony emerging at dusk (note: select dates, some tours may have fees but the bat viewing can be free to observe nearby).
8. The DoSeum
While generally not free, The DoSeum offers interactive educational experiences focusing on exploring emotions and science for kids.
9. Briscoe Western Art Museum’s “Island Cowboys” Exhibit
Free to visit, this exhibit is great for kids to learn about local history and culture in an engaging way.
10. Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and Texas Ranger Museum
Free admission days may be available, offering a fun and educational glimpse into Texas history and wildlife.
Bonus Activities
- Landa Library Park: A library adjacent park great for reading and outdoor play, free for families to enjoy.
- Free Family Events at the San Antonio Public Library and City Venues: Storytimes, summer dances, outdoor movies, and community festivals happen frequently and are often free.
- Southtown and Downtown Walks: Exploring historic districts and family-friendly public art can be a free cultural experience.
- Seasonal Free Outdoor Events: These include back-to-school bashes, summer story hours, and children’s theater performances held in parks or community spaces regularly during summer and beyond.
Lastly, don't miss the free, 24-minute light show on the cathedral called The Saga, happening in San Antonio with showtimes at 9, 9:30, and 10 P.M. on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
This list synthesizes recommendations from VisitSanAntonio.com’s blog and local family activity guides to highlight free or very affordable, kid-friendly happenings in San Antonio. Enjoy your family adventure!
- While exploring the San Antonio River Walk, one can discover various home-and-garden stores and lifestyle boutiques along the scenic route, offering souvenirs and travel mementos for your journey.
- For your home back in town, you may even find shopping inspiration for home-and-garden items at the Pearl's Farmer's Market or The Pearl Brewery, which features a mix of home-and-garden stores and other businesses, continuing your family-friendly travel experience from San Antonio back home.
