Summer is flying by and before you know it, the daily grind of school schedules, after school activities and all the things will be here filling your calendar. So what San Antonio summer fun should you fit in before school starts?
San Antonio is bursting with excitement this summer, offering an array of blockbuster exhibitions and activities that promise fun, education, and adventure for visitors of all ages. From fascinating encounters with sharks to playful dog-themed exhibits or exploring the ruggedness of survival to immersing in a whimsical hunt, there’s something sure to close out your summer with a blast.
Whether your summer has flown by or you’re desperate for something different to do because you’re tired of hearing, “I’m bored” 10 times (or more) a day, check out this San Antonio summer fun before the season slips away:
1. Dive into the Deep at the Witte
Get ready for an underwater adventure at the Witte Museum‘s Sharks! exhibition. Journey through the mysterious world of sharks, unveiling the secrets of these majestic predators. Learn about different shark species, their evolutionary history, and the myths that surround them. Interactive displays, life-size models, and real fossil specimens make this exhibition a thrilling and educational experience for both kids and adults.
And while you’re at the Witte, don’t miss the current exhibit, Surviving Space: Astronauts & Asteroids. It’s great for any space lover and includes hands-on fun and learning. Both Surviving Space and Sharks! close September 2nd, so be sure to visit the Witte soon or you may miss out. If sparkles are your thing – or you just need a Fiesta fix to make it through the summer – stop by Fiesta Looks to the Skies to see a collection of stellar Fiesta gowns and coronation robes from the last 115 years.
2. Unleash Fun at The DoSeum
Calling all dog lovers! The DoSeum presents Dogs! A Science Tail, an interactive exhibition dedicated to our furry friends. This family-friendly exhibit delves into the science behind the bond between humans and dogs, exploring topics like communication, behavior, and the incredible capabilities of canine senses. Kids can engage in hands-on activities such as training a virtual puppy, clock their running speeds against the world’s fastest dogs, and exploring careers that involve working with dogs. The exhibition also closes September 2, so stop in soon.
3. Embrace the Wild at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
Step into the rugged world of the American West at the Briscoe Western Art Museum‘s Survival of the Fittest exhibition. The exhibition’s title references Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, which had a revolutionary impact on how people from Western cultures envisioned our relationship with the other animals on Earth. Following Darwin’s work, a group of classically-trained painters now known as the “Big Four” emerged and helped establish a vision of wildlife and nature that remains with us today. While that sounds like a mouthful, what it really means is stunning artwork of an array of wildlife. To provide more wildlife perspective, the exhibition includes taxidermy mounts of Cape buffalo, Dall sheep, javelina, bison, Scimitar oryx, turkey, elk and pheasant, as well as a hands-on area that features animal skins, fur and tracks to understand more about wildlife. A special mini-drawing lab also offers step-by-step instructions to draw animals and landscapes that all ages will love. The exhibition is open through September 8.
Tip: The Briscoe welcomes locals FOR FREE on the first Sunday of each month through its Locals Day program, and offers a scavenger hunt for everyone to explore the museum while you’re there. And don’t miss Full STEAM Ahead, hands-on educational sessions 1 – 3 p.m. that also happen on that day. If you have younger littles, Storytime Stampede on the third Saturday of each month offers half-price museum admission for caregivers bringing littles to enjoy stories and activities designed for kids 5 and under. And kids 12 and under are always free at the Briscoe, making it a great family destination.
4. Hop into a Whimsical Adventure at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
For a magical outdoor experience, head to the San Antonio Botanical Garden‘s Huntopia: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies exhibition. Flitting and hopping across the Garden’s 38-acres, Huntopia features a series of monumental pieces and installations from internationally acclaimed artist Hunt Slonem. The larger-than-life outdoor sculptural installations are Slonem’s first major garden exhibition, and the stunning effect is whimsical and enchanting for all ages. The artist’s vibrant creations bring new color and fun to the Botanical Garden, which is in its full glory thanks to our unexpected summer rain!
Head out and explore, wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, discover hidden treasures, and enjoy activities that engage all the senses. Even better: it’s on display through November 3, giving you the opportunity to visit multiple times – and see the seasons change around the sculptures – before it hops away. It’s a perfect outing for families, offering a blend of creativity, nature, and adventure in the lush setting of the Botanical Garden.
Tip: Learn more about family adventures and all you can see and do at the Botanical Garden.
5. Adventures with DORA! And Dinosaurs at the San Antonio Zoo
Always a family favorite, the San Antonio Zoo has some added fun this summer thanks to its Dino Adventure Park featuring animatronic dinosaurs roaming and roaring across the zoo grounds. Transporting visitors back to the age of dinosaurs, you’ll discover life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar as you visit your favorite zoo animal friends. Perfect for families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike, Dino Adventure Park includes activities to engage kids and get a glimpse of prehistoric creatures.
The dinos are in residence through September 2, but you can add more fun to your summer every Saturday through September 14 with DORA!, Nickelodeon’s latest series. Enjoy exclusive DORA episode screenings and participate in a DORA scavenger hunt.
Tip: No two zoo visits are the same. It’s why we have a family membership so we can pop in any time. Read why we suggest gifting – and getting – memberships to enjoy the zoo and other fantastic San Antonio institutions. Love dinosaurs? Check out some summer – and year round – dinosaur fun, here.
