Summer is here! As San Antonio parents, we are always looking for great ways to keep our kids entertained during the dog days of summer. Alamo City Moms Blog has compiled a list of activities by age to keep your kids entertained all summer long! We might suggest an activity for a specific age group, but unless otherwise stated, check out the other age listings for activities and fun for all ages. See something we didn’t include? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to add to our list all summer long!
Summer Activities for Infants & Toddlers
The DoSeum Baby Babble Bounce: Through song, dance, and play, learn to communicate in brand new ways! Ages: 0–18 months; Times: Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:15–11:00 A.M. 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair Park: Play the piano, swing the swings, hit the sandbox, splash in the splash pads, and enjoy the playground all at San Antonio’s downtown park. 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Eagle Train at the Zoo: Take a train ride around Brackenridge Park. Runs seven days a week from 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212
Toddler Time at Altitude Trampoline Park: Toddlers jump from 10:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. on Wednesdays. 11075 IH-10 W., Ste. 126, San Antonio, TX 78230
Open Gym at Alamo Heights Gymnastics Academy: Enjoy free play through Open Gym, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30–11:30 A.M. and Saturday from 12:00–1:00 P.M. 14242 Cross Canyon, San Antonio, TX 78232
Tot Time at Aerial Athletics: Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10:00–11:30 A.M.; open to kids 5 and under. 4335 Vance Jackson Rd., Ste. 3, San Antonio, TX 78230
Twig Book Shop’s Twiglet Story Time with Miss Anastasia: Every Friday at 10:30 A.M., includes story time, a craft, and a snack. 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106, San Antonio, TX 78215
Splash Pad and Playground at Fischer Park: Spend the day in New Braunfels at Fischer Park. Find more information from ACMB here. 1820 McQueeney Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130
San Antonio Public Library Baby Time: Taking place at various libraries, babies experience the sounds and structure of language through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition. Recommended for babies up to 18 months with their caregivers. Check website for locations and times.
San Antonio Public Library Toddler Time: Toddler Time is for you and your baby (18–36 months), but we welcome younger and older siblings, as well. We sing, clap, finger play, march, read stories, and play with toys. Check website for locations and times.
Landa Park in New Braunfels: With a train, paddle boats, a spring fed pool, and several playgrounds, this park is also ideal for bird watching. 164 Landa Park Dr., New Braunfels, TX 78130
San Antonio Museum of Art Play Dates: Playdates cultivate, nurture, and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures. Toddlers experience stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement, and music. Reservations required: visit samuseum.org and click events. Ages 2–4. 200 West Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215
Quadrangle at Fort Sam: Bring lettuce and carrots and feed the peacocks. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy! Free admission, open 7 days a week, noon–6:00 P.M., 6:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. on weekends. Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX
Summer Activities for Preschool & Kindergarteners
The DoSeum Doodle Around the World, Little Makers, Exploring the World Through Nature, Emergent Writing and Art: The DoSeum offers eight-week sessions. Classes will meet once every week for eight weeks in an hour-long session for children over the age of 5. 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
San Antonio Botanical Garden: Explore special exhibit Storybook Houses, learn about plants and flowers from around the world, find birds and butterflies, and enjoy the summer air. Open each day from 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Find more information from ACMB here. 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209
San Antonio Fire Museum: Discover the history of the fire department in San Antonio and have hands on fun with vintage fire fighting equipment. 801 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum: Take a visit to one of San Antonio’s most unique museums. Call ahead to set up a time with Mr. Smith to visit. 239 Abiso Ave., San Antonio, TX 78209
McKenna Children’s Museum: New Braunfels’s interactive museum with water play, indoor exhibits, and special exhibits. 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
The Rose Theatre Co: This summer’s productions by this local theater company include Cinderella on July 20 & 21 and Little Red Riding Hood August 15–19. 11838 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78230
The Magik Theatre: Charlotte’s Web, La Cinderella, and Treasure Island complete the 2015–2016 season through the summer. 420 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Cibolo Nature Center & Farm: Take the time to explore the center, and don’t miss special programs aimed at this age group including Little Explorers (Wednesdays from 10:00–11:00 A.M.) and Mother Nature Story Time (third Wednesday of the month from 10:00–11:00 A.M.). Find more information from ACMB here. 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, TX 78006
Briscoe Western Art Museum: This cowboy museum is fun for all ages, but Lil’ Partners Program and the Storytime Stampede aim to serve as educational experiences for younger children. 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Japanese Tea Garden: Step into another world of beauty and peaceful surroundings with a visit to the Japanese Team Garden. 3875 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212
Morgan’s Wonderland: San Antonio’s 25-acre accessible amusement park is the perfect outing for summer fun. Built for children and adults with special physical and cognitive needs, the park is open to all visitors. Open Tuesday–Sunday from 9:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. 5223 David Edwards Dr., San Antonio, TX 78233
ArtWorks Art Studio: Don’t miss the fun drop-in Open Art on Tuesdays from 4:00–7:00 P.M. at the Alamo Heights location or Open Art on Mondays from 10:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. at the Leon Springs location. Alamo Heights, 1840 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209 or Leon Springs, 23535 IH-10 West, Suite 2203, San Antonio, TX 78257
ThinAir Kid Jump: Kids 6 and under are invited Monday–Friday from 9:00–10:00 A.M. to jump with their parents! A special discount is provided at $10 per child and one accompanying adult jumps free. 4902 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229
San Antonio Public Library Kids Time: Books, crafts, and activities recommended for school-aged children. Younger children welcome when accompanied by an adult. Various SAPL locations and times; check the website for details.
Kiddie Park: Take a summer visit to America’s oldest children’s amusement park for some good old-fashioned fun! 3015 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX 78209
Texas Transportation Museum: The Texas Transportation Museum collects, preserves and displays historically significant transportation equipment and related items. With a full working passenger railroad available for daily rides, several model train layouts and many road vehicles, this is a great place to explore in both an educational and entertaining environment. 11731 Wetmore Rd., San Antonio, TX 78247
Animal World Snake Farm & Zoo: With much more than just reptiles, the Snake Farm has a petting zoo, buffalo, camels, a tiger, and TONS of reptiles. 5640 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132
Brackenridge Park: Spanning 343 acres, Brackenridge Park has plenty of fun and activities to keep you entertained like playgrounds, swimming, picnic areas, fishing, bird-watching, a miniature railway, golf, and trails. 3700 N. St. Mary’s St,, San Antonio, TX 78209
Sunset Station: Visit the restored train at Sunset Station and watch the trains pass by. 1174 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Woodlawn Lake Park: Play on the playground, watch the ducks on the lake, feed the fish, or hit tennis balls. 1103 Cincinnati Ave., San Antonio, TX 78201
San Antonio Library’s Summer Programs:
Sanbanks Shadow Factory: June 13–29
Joe McDermott Sing-A-Long: June 23–July 9
Tambo Rhythms: June 20–July 14
Eulenspeigel Puppets: June 13–July 19
Dinosaur George: June 28–July 20
Check website for library locations, dates, and times.
Summer Activities for Elementary Aged Kids
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and The Texas Ranger Museum: The Buckhorn Museum features wildlife from all over the world, and the exhibit halls are comprised of more than 520 species of wildlife. The Texas Ranger Museum displays hundreds of Texas Ranger artifacts and is home to Ranger Town, a recreation of San Antonio at the turn of the century. 318 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Institute of Texan Cultures: Visitors to the museum will learn the stories of immigrants from around the globe who settled in Texas and contributed to what is today the 15th largest economy in the world. 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205
Meadows Center for Water and the Environment: Glass bottom boats, paddle boats, Discovery Hall, and the Spring Lake Natural Area are just a few of the ways to enjoy the Meadows Center, a perfect location for getting in touch with nature! 201 San Marcos Springs Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666
Scobee Planetarium and Challenger Learning Center: The Scobee Education Center at San Antonio College is a 22,000-square foot facility combining the Scobee Planetarium, a first-of-its-kind, next-generation Challenger Learning Center, and a rooftop star deck and observatory. Location: one block east of the intersection of San Pedro Ave. and West Park St. Parking in non-reserved spaces in Lot 21 and Lot 29. Look for the large blue Charlie Cheever Jr Star Tower.
Santikos Free Summer Movies: Head over to your nearest Santikos theater every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. from June 7–August 3 and catch a fun family movie. Various Santikos Locations; find your closest location here.
Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 A.M., movies are just $1. Various locations around San Antonio found here.
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center: Explore the birds and wetlands of San Antonio with a trip out to Mitchell Lake. Find more information from ACMB here. 10750 Pleasanton Road, San Antonio, TX 78221
Free Bowling All Summer Long: Kids can enjoy up to two free games of bowling per day all summer long! Astro SuperBowl, 3203 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209; Bandera Bowling Center, 6700 Huebner Rd., Leon Valley, TX 78238; Oak Hills Lanes, 7330 Callaghan Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229
Tour the Art Installations on the Riverwalk: Starting at the Pearl, take a stroll down the San Antonio River and enjoy the art installations like F.I.S.H. by Donald Lipski, Grotto by Carlos Cortés, Hemisfair Panels, Maverick Tile Mural by Ethel Wilson Harris, and more.
San Antonio Public Library Summer Reading Program: Children of all ages are invited to join the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club beginning Wednesday, June 1. By keeping track of the books they read (or listen to) children can earn a Summer Reading Certificate signed by Mayor Taylor and can select a free paperback book to keep! San Antonio Public Library Locations
Attend a Missions Baseball Game: Hit a home run with the San Antonio Missions by attending a home game! Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, 5757 US-90, San Antonio, TX 78227
Tejas Rodeo: Happening every Saturday with the Rodeo at 7:30 P.M., enjoy an hour-and-a-half of rodeo action. 401 Obst Rd., Bulverde, Texas 78163
The Witte Museum’s Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed: The debut exhibit for The Mays Family Center, Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed is the largest exhibit about the Maya to ever tour the United States. 3801 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX 78209
Painting with a Twist Alamo Heights: Tap into your artistic side with a painting class. 1248 Austin Hwy., Suite 216, San Antonio, TX 78209
Altitude Trampoline Park: Bounce off the summer energy at this trampoline park. 11075 IH-10 W., Ste. 126, San Antonio, TX 78230
Natural Bridge Caverns: Explore the largest known commercial caverns in the United States. While you’re there, mine for gems, take a zip line ride, or find your way through the maze. 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, TX 78266
The Alamo: If your kids are in elementary school, this is the perfect age to start learning about the rich history of The Alamo. Make sure to either book a tour or take the audio tour to enhance the educational factor. 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Schlitterbahn Water Park: Spend the day splashing in the park, riding rides, tubing the lazy river, and having some serious summer fun. 400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Luis Tussaud’s Waxworks: Explore the odd, the outlandish, the shocking, and the world of wax figures. 301 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Swim at the Blue Hole: Take a short drive out to Wimberley to enjoy the beauty of The Blue Hole Regional Park. Open daily from 10:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M. 100 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX 78676
Enchanted Rock: Grab your hiking shoes and climb to the top of Enchanted Rock. 16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Summer Activities for Tweens & Teens
Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Get your thrills and let the wind rush through your hair on the roller coasters at San Antonio’s theme park. 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257
Aquatica Water Park: Get wet and wild at SeaWorld’s waterpark. 10500 SeaWorld Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251
San Antonio Museum of Art: Visit the largest collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art in the southern U.S. Check out the events page for special activities like Mediation in the Japanese Gallery, First Sundays for Families, and their film series: Family Flicks. 200 West Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215
San Antonio Star Trail: Take a downtown walking tour using the Texas Star Trail. Throughout downtown San Antonio.
The McNay Art Museum: Texas’s first modern art museum; today their collection focuses on Medieval & Renaissance art and 19th–21st Century European & American art. High school students can apply to be a Teen Art Guide. 6000 North New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio, TX 78209
SAPL Teen Time: Teens can meet at area San Antonio Public Library locations for games, crafts, food, and fun. Various library locations.
Old Time Wooden Nickel Co: Over one million wooden nickels dating back 60 years are on display at the Wooden Nickel Historical Museum. Plus, check out the World’s Largest Wooden Nickel. 345 Old Austin Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209
Tour of Villa Finale and Steves Homestead in King William: Step back in time with visits to these San Antonio historic homes in beautiful King William. Villa Finale, 401 King William St., San Antonio, TX 78204; Steves Homestead, 509 King William St., San Antonio, TX 78204
Ghost Tour with Sisters Grimm Ghost Walks: Discover Old San Antonio’s darkest secrets with a night tour. Learn about the ghostly happenings in our very own city. Advanced reservations required. Meets at Alamo Plaza.
Hill Country Science Mill: Take an hour drive out to Johnson City for this hands-on science museum that is geared toward tweens. Kids can explore biology, physics, chemistry, botany, archaeology, and more with the interactive exhibits. 101 S. Ladybird Ln., Johnson City, TX 78636
The Rollercade: Take a spin around the rink! 223 Recoleta, San Antonio, TX 78216
Laser Quest: Hide and Seek meets tag, with fun laser guns. Embassy Oaks, 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78216; Ingram Park, 6420 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238
For more Tween & Teen San Antonio Fun, check out our full post here.
Summer Activities for the Whole Family
Visit a local Farmers Market: Grab a coffee, a tasty pastry, and get your local farm-to-table on at San Antonio’s variety of farmers markets. Find more details from ACMB here. Check out a location close to you here.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch: Check out all 450 acres of this drive-thru safari. Explore more than 40 species of exotic animals including giraffes, zebra, rhinos, ostriches, and more. 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, TX 78266
Market Square: Take a trip to historic Market Square. Visit the shops at El Mercado and grab a bite to eat at San Antonio favorite, Mi Tierra. 514 W. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78207
San Antonio Missions Hike and Bike Trail: Visit four of San Antonio’s historic missions—Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada—on a biking or hiking adventure with your crew. Begin at the Visitor’s Center at Mission San José, 6701 San Jose Dr., San Antonio, TX 78214
Miniature Golf: Hit the mini-links at Embassy Golf or Cool Crest. Embassy Golf, 500 Embassy Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78216; Cool Crest, 1402 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78201
Riverboat Tour: Enjoy downtown San Antonio by water and learn a little of our city’s history with a Rio San Antonio River Boat Tour. Historia: Under Market St. Bridge & Alamo St., across from Hilton Palacio del Rio; Street level ticket location: Street Level at the Trolley Stop on Losoya between Commerce and Market, across from the red “Torch of Friendship” sculpture; Clearwater, Rivercenter Mall, Commerce & Bowie St., River level of Rivercenter Mall; Aztec Theater, River Level Aztec Theater: Crockett & St. Marys St., Lock & Dam, Near Brooklyn St. Bridge (this location currently offers beverages and Rio Taxi tickets only)
Breakfast at the Guenther House: Enjoy the historic setting of Guenther House. Sit on the patio and scarf up tasty waffles and don’t miss the museum while you are there. 205 E. Guenther St., San Antonio, TX 78204
Guadalupe River State Park: Tube, canoe, swim, hike, and explore with a day trip to Guadalupe River State Park. Find more from ACMB here. 3350 Park Rd. 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Ride the City Siteseeing San Antonio Bus: Play tourist and hop on the open air bus to take a spin around San Antonio. 216 East Crockett St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Family Night at Krispy Kreme: Every Wednesday night from 6:00–8:00 P.M., visit all three San Antonio Krispy Kreme locations for free donuts, games, and family fun. Sonterra Store: 1117 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78232; DeZevala Store: 12328 IH-10 W., San Antonio, TX 78230; City Base Store: 2703 S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78223
