We may not have colorful leaves crunching under our feet, but fall in the Alamo City is filled with fun to explore. Shake up your routine and get out and enjoy fall family fun in San Antonio. From monster fish to wildflowers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore and have fall family fun in San Antonio at some of our favorite San Antonio spots. Looking for more to explore? Check out ACM’s round-up of pumpkin patches for October fun, and this great list of 25+ ways to enjoy fall in the Alamo City. And keep up with the latest fun events through Que Pasa San Antonio, our monthly look at things not to miss. Cooler weather is on the way—at least for a day or two. Don’t miss out on filling your fall with fun!
Enjoy a Photographic Zoo at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
Bears, bison, bald eagles, and more in large format images that draw you into a wild world are a must for any nature lover at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Don’t miss “Thomas Mangelsen: A Life In the Wild,” featuring 40 of the renowned nature photographer’s most resonant photographs—images that take viewers on a journey across the West and around the globe. The exhibition is on view through January 29, 2023, and is included with museum general admission. The classic photographs were personally selected by the photographer for this retrospective exhibition making its Texas debut in San Antonio and are presented in large format, some of which measure 10 feet across. With subjects ranging from an Arctic fox to grizzlies roaming the West, everyone in your family will enjoy being eye-to-eye with these fantastic images, and there’s a children’s area that features learning opportunities about some of the animals in the exhibition.
Don’t forget: Children 12 and under always receive free admission at the Briscoe and the third Saturday of each month is their education series, “Full STEAM Ahead,” allowing learners of all ages to work together and learn about the American West by engaging in hands-on STEAM learning experiences. It’s a fun way to sneak some learning into your family fun day. And the first Sunday of each month is Locals Day at the museum where all San Antonio and Bexar County residents can enjoy the museum for free.
Step into Art and History at SAMA
Opening October 14, the San Antonio Museum of Art presents “Traitor, Survivor, Icon: The Legacy of La Malinche,” examining the historical and cultural legacy of La Malinche, an enslaved Indigenous girl who served as a translator and cultural interpreter for the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, eventually becoming his mistress and the mother of Cortés’ first-born son. She played a key role in the transactions, negotiations, and conflicts between the Spanish and the Indigenous populations of Mexico. And Día de Muertos would not be complete without an ofrenda (altar). SAMA has collaborated with the University of Texas at San Antonio Print Making Club to build an ofrenda in honor of the exhibition. It will be on display October 25–November 6.
Hook a Monster Fish at the Witte
Dive beneath the surface and get an up-close look at the fascinating (and often mysterious) giant fish swimming in rivers all over the world at The Witte. With National Geographic’s Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants, you’ll discover these rare, colossal fresh-water fish and how local people depend on them. From mythical tales and storied traditions to threats and conservation efforts, gain a greater appreciation for the important role of Monster Fish in both culture and ecosystems. The interactive exhibition is based on the Nat Geo WILD series “Monster Fish,” showcasing the results of Dr. Zeb Hogan’s decade-long search for the world’s largest freshwater fish.
Want to hook your own monster fish? Brackenridge Park Conservancy is partnering with Fin Addict Angler Foundation to host Family & Friends Fishing Day, a free fishing clinic for ages 5 to 16 on Oct. 22. Participants and volunteers are exempt from having a fishing license for the duration of the clinic and will have the opportunity to fish the San Antonio River stocked with over 600 native catfish thanks to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Fin Addict Angler instructors and volunteers will educate guests on the basics of fishing.
Get Rooted at the Botanical Garden
Through October 30, don’t miss your last chance to see Rooted at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Rooted is a monumental sculpture exhibition featuring the work of artist Steve Tobin. The exhibition includes the artist’s “Steelroots” and “Bronze Roots” series, as well as new, nature-inspired sculptures sent directly from the artist’s studio. Over 20 sculptures are rooted throughout the Garden, inviting everyone to see, touch, and experience nature’s power, grace, and complexity. Enjoy the fall weather and roam the Garden to see them all.
Celebrate Culture at Diwali SA Festival of Lights Parade
Diwali, the Festival of Lights in India, lights up the River Walk with 2,000 floating candles called diyas and features a festival of food, color, and fun on November 5. Diwali SA showcases the Indian culture in San Antonio. Activities at the festival provide an authentic experience filled with all the joy and wonder you’d experience at a festival in India: colorful handmade attire, delicious authentic Indian dishes, dances from all over India, the ceremonial lighting of candles and then floating them in water—not to mention a tremendous fireworks display to conclude the evening.
Enjoy Fall Blooms at Wildseed Farms
Head out to Fredericksburg and spend an afternoon at Wildseed Farms to enjoy the fantastic fall weather with a splash of wild color. During the fall blooming season, see zinnias, tulips, sunflowers, lavender, poppies, and more put on a colorful show. Check their bloom update to see what you can enjoy—and get a great fall flower picture while you’re there. Check out our post to learn more about Wildseed Farms fun.
See a World Premiere at Magik Theatre
A boy, a girl…and a gecko? No, it’s not a fairytale. It’s the story of “Eddie & Vinnie“, a heartwarming tale of a young boy who desperately wants to raise his grades to avoid attending summer school. The problem is that unless Eddie, who struggles with dyslexia, gets his grades up, his dreams of fun in the sun may be heading for a wipeout. At its heart, Eddie and Vinnie is a buddy comedy about Eddie, a young boy with dyslexia, and his best friend/pet gecko, Vinnie. It seems like Vinnie is always there to distract him or, is he really challenging him to lean into his uniquely beautiful mind?
Unfolding at Magik Theatre Oct. 15-28, this first-of-its-kind show makes its world premiere at Magik during National Dyslexia Awareness Month. The play provides a unique glimpse into the dyslexic brain to lessen the stigma and foster awareness, understanding, and acceptance for not only the children diagnosed with this neurobiological difference, but their families, teachers, coaches, and the community at large as well. It’ss part of Magik’s new “Meaningful Messaging” programming that is designed to shine a light on the social issues children and their families face today. If you haven’t been to Magik before, check out our post on exposing your children to the theater.
