Looking to add some fun San Antonio events to your spring calendar? The weather is perfect and this season is filled with great options for families to enjoy and explore San Antonio together, so get out and go. Have soaring fun at the Great Texas Airshow, hang out with a mermaid, fly away on a magic carpet with Aladdin, or get rooted—maybe with a good book in hand.
Check out the list below and don’t forget: there are always free museum hours to enjoy and a calendar of fun to explore.
Soar with the Thunderbirds
A weekend of high-flying fun hits April 23–24 as the Great Texas Airshow returns to JBSA-Randolph. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, Military City U.S.A (that’s us, San Antonio!) can enjoy the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron—better known as the “Thunderbirds”—and all things flying from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. There are 20 performances in all, including combat and medical extraction demonstrations, a military jump team, and an artillery salute by U.S. Army North. There are on-ground static demonstrations to enjoy, 20 static displays, and you can get up close to see the Air Force’s newest fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, as well as the Marine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey, a helicopter that flies like an airplane. The event is free and open to the public. Access and parking information is available online, and note: Masks are required to ride event shuttles from the parking areas.
Pro tips: If you go, ear protection is helpful because those Thunderbirds make some noise! Food and drinks are available (and you can’t bring your own, but items for infants and toddlers are OK). Also, if you just want to see some of the aerial shows, some families park in Universal City/off of Pat Booker Road and watch the skies, but be sure to park where it’s safe and don’t park on private property. And if you’re headed to the show, know that Pat Booker Road gets really backed up, so consider alternate routes.
Meet a Mermaid
SEA LIFE San Antonio is adding mermaids to its mix of sea creatures in May. May 6–8 and May 13–15, you can watch as mermaids perform under water next to sharks and thousands of tropical fish. Then, meet a mermaid “face to fin” in a special photo opportunity. And while you’re there, don’t miss Guac, a young, rehabilitated green sea turtle. You’ll find her in the ocean tunnel exhibit along with the mermaids. The 26.4-pound sea turtle was rescued from the Texas coast after she was found with paralyzed back flippers, likely caused by injuries sustained by a boat. After receiving months of treatment at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) in Port Aransas, she now calls SEA LIFE San Antonio home.
Fly on a Magic Carpet
Or at least see some amazing young dancers seemingly fly across the stage in this enchanting, exotic adventure. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s production of “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” debuts at the Majestic Theatre, May 6–7. Set against the mystical background of the Arabian city of Agrabah, the ballet tells the story of Aladdin and how his quest for self-discovery ultimately becomes an adventure in true love. From flying carpets to other BIG surprises, the show takes audiences on a journey to far-off lands where wishes do come true. Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition and performers range from internationally acclaimed classical dancers to gifted special needs artists ages 3–19. The show will feature a combination of the classic Disney orchestral scores audiences loved from “Aladdin,” along with original live scores created specifically for the Children’s Ballet by local French-Lebanese composer Gabriel Nohra.
Play Golf with Woody and Buzz
… and all of their Pixar friends! Pixar Putt is bringing all of your favorite Pixar characters to play putt putt downtown through May 15. This pop-up, open-air mini-golf experience is made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films, including “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “Coco,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Wall-E,” and “Inside Out.” Expect this to be a must for spring fun! Tickets are only available digitally, and tip: there’s a great date-night option, as only 18+ are allowed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
STEAM into Western Fun
The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s education series, “Full STEAM Ahead,” fills the third Saturday of each month with STEAM learning. “Full STEAM Ahead” allows learners of all ages to work together and learn about the American West by engaging in hands-on STEAM learning experiences. May’s “Traversing the West” features railroads, one of the most important technological movements in human history, letting everyone design their own railroad system. June’s session features the moon.
Dig into Roots at the Botanical Garden
Rooted at the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a monumental sculpture exhibition featuring the work of artist Steve Tobin. More than 20 towering, nature-inspired sculptures are on view throughout the Garden through October 30. Tobin selected San Antonio for the world debut of his new sculptures, along with some of his favorites, to create the largest monumental sculpture exhibition of his 40-year career. 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. The sculptures are rooted throughout the garden inviting everyone to see, touch, and experience nature’s power, grace, and complexity. Make an afternoon playdate to find them all and burn some energy!
Curl Up with Hundreds of Great Books
The San Antonio Book Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a day of books, authors, and literary fun on Saturday, May 21, at the Central Library and Southwest School of Art. The free, family-friendly event draws more than 18,000 festival-goers to downtown San Antonio for a full day of author presentations, panel discussions, book sales, signings, children’s and teen activities, and food trucks. The festival showcases debut authors and established writers, introducing everyone to new literary talents and connecting them with their favorite authors. Festival writers are featured online and a schedule of events will be posted before the festival.
