Congratulations—you’ve made it! Summer is upon us and there is plenty to keep the kiddos busy this first month of summer. I’m always amazed at the variety of events. This month there are movies being shown everywhere and lots of outdoor options, as well as free showings at Santikos Theatres.
Thursday, June 1
Indie Lens Pop-Up: Real Boy, 6:00–8:00 P.M. at Pearl Studio—Join local PBS station KLRN for an Independent Lens documentary film screening and discussion featuring Real Boy. Real Boy is the coming-of-age story of Bennett, a trans teenager with dreams of musical stardom. During the first two years of his gender transition, Bennett works to repair a strained relationship with his family. Free.
Friday, June 2
Summer Kick-off Party, 10:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. at Kiddie Park—Celebrate the start of summer with affordable family fun at Kiddie Park. There will also be snack bar specials, carnival games, face painting, pony rides, and more. Enjoy $8 UNLIMITED ride bands.
June 2 & 4
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ in Concert at Majestic Theatre—The Harry Potter™ film series is one of those once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomena that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. This concert will feature the San Antonio Symphony performing every note from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ at the beautiful and historic Majestic Theatre. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in high-definition on a giant screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score. Tickets are $26.75–66.75.
Saturday, June 3
National Trails Day River Cleanup, 8:30–11:30 A.M. at Headwaters of Incarnate Word—Hosted in collaboration with REI San Antonio to honor National Trails Day. Volunteers ages 7+ will team up to remove trash and debris from the waterways, river banks, and trails. After each rain event, an inordinate amount of garbage flows into Headwaters Sanctuary from upstream, and National Trails Day volunteers will remove the litter that has accumulated since the last major river cleanup in February. Special attention will be paid to cleaning the area around the Blue Hole, the sacred source spring of the San Antonio River. Event is limited to 30 participants. You must RSVP through the event page. Free.
Hike Friedrich with the Family!, 9:00–11:00 A.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Park—Enjoy a family-friendly hike along the trails while exploring the flora and fauna along Water Trail and Forest Range with Nature Preserve Officer Thomas Paine. Hike will cover approximately one mile. RSVP required. For more information, email [email protected] or call (210) 207-3782. Free.
Workshop: Tic-Tac-Toe Game, 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Home Depot stores—Join a hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a wooden tic-tac-toe game to play with family or friends almost anywhere. Once the project is complete, your child can personalize his/her game board and pieces with paint and stickers. All kids get to keep their project, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin. Free.
First Saturday at the Alamo, 9:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. at the Alamo—On the first Saturday of every month, the grounds of the Alamo are transformed back in time to the 1830s. Join others for a full day of living history fun that the whole family will enjoy. Learn about life in frontier Texas with special demonstrations and crafts. Free.
Summer Family Fun Festival, 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. at Herff-Rozelle Farm (Boerne)—Hosted by Cibolo Nature Center. Celebrate the arrival of summer and have some good clean fun. Kiddos can take pleasure in winning medals and trophies for competing in traditional field day events including relay races, balloon toss, and watermelon eating contests. Families can also enjoy making and flying kites. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family.
Kickoff Party for Danny’s Dinosaur Devours Summer Reading Program, 10:30 A.M. at The Twig Book Shop—Hey kids, don’t let your brain become extinct! Make sure to read this summer with this summer reading program! The host will be the lovable and kind dinosaur adored by readers for nearly 60 years! Free.
The Pirates: Band of Misfits, 8:00 P.M. at Pickrell Park (Schertz)—Free outdoor movie sponsored by City of Schertz. Free.
Star Party, 8:00–10:30 P.M. at Mission Espada—Join park rangers and the San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers (SALSA). Kids’ activities will be provided and SALSA will provide their expertise while assisting participants in using their telescopes to enjoy the night sky. Additional telescopes are welcome. Participants should bring a flashlight (red cellophane will be provided), snacks, and chairs and dress for the weather. The event is weather permitting. Event cancellation info will be posted on Facebook. Free.
Sunday, June 4
First Sundays for Families: Sense-A-Tional: Multisensory Day, 11:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. at San Antonio Museum of Art—Let your five senses guide your artistic journey at this intriguing, inclusive family day. Participate in multi-sensory tours and art activities, including hummingbird puppets and Gyotaku fish prints. Free with museum admission; children 12 and under are free. Museum admission is free for all before noon on Sundays.
Tuesday, June 6
Movies by Moonlight: Moana, 7:30–10:00 P.M. at Travis Park—Enjoy a different kid-friendly movie in Travis Park each Tuesday evening this summer! Pack a blanket or chairs and grab the family. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-movie entertainment at 7:30 P.M. and showtime at 8:30 P.M. Free.
June 6 & 7
Free Summer Movies: Kubo and the Two Strings, 10:00 A.M. at Santikos Theatres—The first free summer movie of the series happening every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer long at Palladium IMAX, Silverado, Rialto, Mayan Palace, Embassy, Northwest, and Casa Blanca theatres. Arrive early for best seating. Kids Summer Snack Packs available for just $4. Groups are welcome. Free.
June 6–11
Matilda the Musical at Majestic Theatre—Winner of 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards®, this is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway, in London’s West End, and in Sydney, Australia. Tickets are $30–115.
Thursday, June 8
Homeschool Student Workshop: Chinese Dragons, 9:30 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at San Antonio Museum of Art—Designed specifically for homeschooled students and their parents. Participate as a family in a guided experience of the Museum’s encyclopedic collection with a tour and hands-on activity, and extend learning through art at home with materials provided by the Museum. Advance registration required. Email [email protected]. Free with museum admission.
Friday, June 9
H-E-B Cinema on the Plaza: Zootopia, 8:00–11:00 P.M. at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts—Watch the movie on the biggest outdoor screen in SA: the Plaza’s 32-foot LED screen! Full concessions and bar available; please no outside food or drinks. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. Free.
Secret Life of Pets, 8:00 P.M. at Bulverde Community Park—Free outdoor movie. Bring picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets. Concessions available. Free.
June 9–11
Texas Folklife Festival at Institute of Texan Cultures—The three-day event showcases the Lone Star State’s diversity and rich heritage through a wide variety of ethnic food, music, dance, arts, and crafts. More than 40 different cultural groups in Texas are represented at the festival, and each year, more than 250 participants come together to celebrate their culture and history. Tickets: Adults, $12 in advance/$15 at the gate; children, $5; children under 5 are free.
Saturday, June 10
Bicycle Safety & Ride with Trail Stewards, 9:00–11:00 A.M. at Hardberger Park East—Bring your bike to the park for a guided ride on the trail. Start with a lesson on trail safety from San Antonio Parks and Recreation and receive a Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails Companion Guide, then hit the trail. This program is suitable for families with young children. Meet at the Salado classroom in PHP East (13203 Blanco Rd). A donation to the PHP Conservancy of $3 per person or $5 per family is suggested.
Dinosaur George, 10:00–11:00 A.M. at Eisenhower Park—Dino George is back! On display will be amazing replicas of dinosaur skulls and teeth, including giant killer birds and large Texas mammals. Dinosaur George engages adults and children of all ages—there’s something for everyone. No reservations needed. Suggested donation is $3 per person or $6 per family. For more information, call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected].
Kids Club: Family Fishing, 10:00–11:00 A.M. at Herff Farm (Boerne)—Hosted by Cibolo Nature Center for kids of all ages. Join other families down on the Cibolo Creek to do some fishing. Bring your own gear or borrow some gear from CNC. Suggested donation: $5 per family.
Fun Family Art Day, 10:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. at Inspire Community Fine Art Center—Designed as an exploratory experience for children of all ages and their families to try various types of art projects and mediums, Inspire uses inspiration from children’s literature, cultural celebrations, and famous artists for each event. Free.
Inside Out, 7:00–10:00 P.M. at Brooks City Base—Outdoor movie with City Base Entertainment providing freshly popped popcorn for you and the family. Come out and relax, bring your own chairs and blankets, and grab a spot on the lawn before the movie starts at dusk. Free.
The Jungle Book, 8:00–11:00 P.M. at Mission Marquee Plaza—Outdoor movie on the lawn of the former Mission Drive-in. No cars! Bring picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets. Subject to weather cancellation. Free.
Monday, June 12
Superhero Day, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. at McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels)—Calling all Superhero families! It’s time to bring out the superhero in you. Children and adults who arrive dressed as their favorite superhero will receive free admission on Superhero Day. No reservations required. For free admission, guests must arrive dressed in full costume.
Tuesday, June 13
Coding Challenge!, 4:00–6:00 P.M. at Leon Valley Public Library—Presented by The DoSeum and AmeriCorps. An incredible hands-on, active event for the community. Moana, MineCraft, superheroes…just some of the coding fun you will find. It’s not every day The DoSeum comes to the library! Free.
June 13 & 14
Free Summer Movies: Trolls, 10:00 A.M. at Santikos Theatres—Series happening every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer long at Palladium IMAX, Silverado, Rialto, Mayan Palace, Embassy, Northwest, and Casa Blanca theatres. Arrive early for best seating. Kids Summer Snack Packs available for just $4. Groups are welcome. Free.
June 16 & 17
Dinosaur George’s Free Summer Event, 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. at San Antonio Shrine Auditorium—Dinosaurs George’s Traveling Dinosaur Museum is the largest of its kind in North America. It is filled with fossils and fossil replicas of some of the world’s most amazing prehistoric animals. With a collection of over 150 different exhibit items, it boasts a larger selection than most natural history museums. June 16th is focused on children and adults with special needs, but anyone is welcomed; June 17th is open to everyone. Free.
Saturday, June 17
Kids Birding: Getting Outdoors, 8:00–10:00 A.M. at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center–This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to birding, one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. Your child will learn basic binocular skills, how to ID a bird, and basic outdoor safety led by Master Naturalists and educators Patsy & Tom Inglet. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Online ticket sales and preregistration end June 16th at 8:00 P.M. Walk-ins are not guaranteed a space. Registration: $6 per child; $2 per adult.
Amazing Preservation Race for Kids, 8:00–10:30 A.M. at the San Antonio Zoo—Discover, explore, and investigate the many hidden treasures and historic architecture of the San Antonio Zoo while competing for exciting prizes! This race is an architectural scavenger hunt designed for elementary school-aged kids (3–11 years). Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times. Registration includes Zoo admission and a free t-shirt. Online registration ends June 16th, with limited onsite registration on June 17th from 7:30–8:00 A.M. Registration is $15 for adults; children register for free.
Family Drop-in Program: National Dairy Month, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at San Antonio Botanical Garden—Join the Garden for some hands-on family fun with fruit and yogurt parfaits. Programming will vary but will include activities such as planting a seed to take home, creating a simple craft, taking part in garden exploration, and/or a nutritional activity. Free with regular admission.
Manners and Etiquette for Kids, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Leon Valley Public Library—Presented by Miss Heather of Little Miss Manners Etiquette School. This class is for boys and girls ages five and up. Younger siblings may come along. Seating is limited to 48, so kids will have first priority. Free.
Tuesday, June 20
Movies by Moonlight: Space Jam, 7:30–10:00 P.M.—Enjoy a different kid-friendly movie in Travis Park each Tuesday evening this summer. Pack a blanket or chairs and grab the family. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-movie entertainment at 7:30 P.M. and showtime at 8:30 P.M. Free.
June 20 & 21
Free Summer Movies: The Angry Birds Movie, 10:00 A.M. at Santikos Theatres—Series happening every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer long at Palladium IMAX, Silverado, Rialto, Mayan Palace, Embassy, Northwest, and Casa Blanca theatres. Arrive early for best seating. Kids Summer Snack Packs available for just $4. Groups are welcome. Free.
Friday, June 23
Family Flicks: Boy and the World, 8:45–10:30 P.M. at San Antonio Museum of Art—Brazilian artist Alê Abreu’s Academy Award-nominated masterpiece is a riotous explosion of music and color. Cuca’s cozy rural life is shattered when his father leaves for the city. Determined to reunite his family, Cuca embarks on a journey that unfolds like a tapestry: the film’s stunning visuals becoming more complex as his small world expands. The story of a changing world through the eyes of a curious child, Boy and the World depicts a clash between village and city, nature and industry, the rich and the poor—and despite the tumult, the heart and soul of the people beats on as a song. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Film begins at sundown. Free.
Saturday, June 24
Family Drop-in Program: National Iced Tea Month, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at San Antonio Botanical Garden. Join us for some hands-on family fun with mint and flower infused teas. Programming will vary but will include activities such as planting a seed to take home, creating a simple craft, taking part in garden exploration, and/or a nutritional activity.
Sunday, June 25
Family Art Play: Invention Convention, 1:00 & 3:00 P.M. at McNay Art Museum—Juan Mora uses printmaking to explore how everyday objects can become fantastical inventions. Check out his prints in the exhibition Juan Mora: Culture Clash, and design an innovative Lego machine. McNay members can reserve space by calling (210) 805-1768 by noon the Friday before the activity. Nonmembers, pick up remaining passes the day of the activity. Free with museum admission.
Tuesday, June 27
Movies by Moonlight: Surf’s Up, 7:30–10:00 P.M. at Travis Park—Enjoy a different movie in Travis Park each Tuesday evening this summer. Pack a blanket or chairs and grab the family. Pre-movie entertainment at 7:30 P.M. and showtime at 8:30 P.M. Free.
June 27 & 28
Free Summer Movies: The Secret Life of Pets, 10:00 A.M. at Santikos Theatres—Series happening every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer long at Palladium IMAX, Silverado, Rialto, Mayan Palace, Embassy, Northwest, and Casa Blanca theatres. Arrive early for best seating. Kids Summer Snack Packs available for just $4. Groups are welcome. Free.
Through June 3
The Emperor’s New Threads at Magik Theatre—Based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson, adapted by Frances Limoncelli. Music and lyrics by George Howe. A groovy ‘60s take on the famous tale! The Emperor is beloved as a chic trendsetter, but his ridiculous fashion tax is bankrupting the country. Determined to be a hero, one young girl travels to the royal palace to confront the superficial ruler and teach him a lesson about what really matters but is soon faced with a decision: should she save “His Royal Groovyness” from a world of embarrassment? Sensory-friendly performance is Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 P.M. Tickets: $12–15.
June 6, 13, 20, & 27 (Tuesdays)
Lil Partners Preschool Program, 10:30–11:30 A.M. at The Briscoe Western Art Museum—Enjoy storytelling, art making, and gallery play. Explore a new theme each week. No reservations required. Caregivers must accompany children. June 6: This week’s theme is Stagecoach Adventures!; June 13: Outlaws & Bandits; June 20: Giddy Up!; June 27: Campfire Cooking. Free Museum admission for program participants.
June 7, 14, 21, & 28 (Wednesdays)
Summer Matinees, 1:00–2:00 P.M. at Scobee Education Center Planetarium—For nine consecutive Wednesdays this summer, the Scobee planetarium will open for an additional one hour public program. June 7: Accidental Astronauts (no age restrictions); June 14: Tales of the Maya Skies (children must be 6 yrs or older to attend); June 21: Ice Worlds & Experience the Aurora (children must be 6 yrs or older to attend); June 28: Little Star That Could (no ages restrictions). Ticket booth opens at 12:30 P.M. Credit, cash & check sales ONLY. Sorry, no debit sales. Tickets are $5 for adult; $4 for children/seniors/military.
June 16-25
Junie B. Jones The Musical at Empire Theatre—Presented by Magik Theatre. It’s time for first grade, and Junie B. can’t wait to see all her friends! But over the summer old friends have drifted away, and new ones have moved in. Junie B. soon learns that things don’t always stay the same, and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Tickets are $20–30.
June 30–July 30
Shrek The Musical, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 P.M. and Sundays at 3:00 P.M. at Woodlawn Theatre—”Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand…and his name is Shrek. Tickets are $15–29.
