It would be great if I had an unlimited budget, to whisk the family away to Disney for Spring Break or even spend each day visiting San Antonio’s amazing theme parks. But if you are on a budget—and most of us are—that’s not realistic. So how can we minimize spending AND keep the kids happy over Spring Break? ACMB has got you covered! Check out the list below, chock full of low-cost or FREE activities in the Alamo City, and don’t forget to look over this month’s San Antonio Scoop for even more local events. Also, if you’re looking for camp options to keep the kids occupied, be sure to check out our Spring Break Camp Guide.
Wet and Wild
It is officially splash pad season! Yes, that is a real thing here in an Antonio. Hemisfair, Pearsall, Elmendorf Lake, and several other area parks featuring splash pads are open for your enjoyment. See a list here and schedules here, and be sure to check out Natalie’s post about the best splash pads in SA.
If it is still a little too cold for outdoor splashing, head to the San Antonio Natatorium. This indoor pool is very affordable, with prices ranging from $2–$4 per person during open swim hours.
Park It
In addition to an awesome splash zone, playscape, and sand area, Hemisfair, formerly known as HemisFair Park, is launching new inclusion programming to create recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families and caregivers. Programming will begin on March 9th from 9:00 A.M.–11:00 A.M. and will be held monthly through October.
Starting March 11th, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is inviting you to bring the family and spend some time in nature. All week they will have themed crafts, special animal guests, and family-friendly nature walks. Prices range from $3–$5 per person.
Play, Play, Play
Kiddie Park is now open Wednesday–Sunday and is offering a few deals including Bargain Wednesday Pricing and the Kiddie Park Experience, which allows two free ride tickets at Kiddie Park if you purchase tickets and ride on the San Antonio Zoo Eagle Train. Rides at Kiddie Park are one ticket each. The Zoo Eagle Train is $4 per person (3 and up).
Inflatable Wonderland offers half-price Tuesdays and Thursdays, so your kids can bounce the entire day for $5 each. Plus, they have free wifi—perfect for moms who need to knock out some work on their laptop.
Give your kids some retro San Antonio putt-putt fun at Cool Crest Miniature Golf, offering two family-friendly, 18-hole courses and several Instagram-worthy photo ops. Prices range from $8–$10 per person.
If you are brave and can deal with some bruised knees, The Rollercade hosts bargain days on Tuesdays. Prices start at $3 for admission and $3 for skate rentals.
Movies
Santikos offers Early Bird pricing when you see a movie before 2:00 P.M. at Rialto, Mayan Palace, and Northwest theaters. Plus, Santiko’s Casa Blanca location features a bowling alley that offers half-price bowling Monday–Wednesday. On Thursday, kids 12 and under bowl free with an adult purchase.
Arts and Culture
Just because it is Spring Break doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! At UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures kids can explore what life was like on the frontier in the 1800s. Plus, they will have old-school frontier games like sack races, washers, and more. Admission ranges from $8–$10 per person.
The McNay Art Museum is hosting three days of FREE family fun, crafts, and classic cars during Spring Break. From Wednesday, March 13th–Friday, March 15th, kids can make their own race track routes, create custom art cars, and take in the first McNay exhibition featuring cars as sculptures.
Located a short drive away in the Canyon Lake area, Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country features more than 200 dinosaur tracks and 28 separate trackways made about 110 million years ago. My kids’ favorite part? The fossilized dinosaur poop. Prices range from $4–$5 per person.
Happy Spring Break, everyone!
