Can you believe it’s 2018?! Let’s get the new year started with quality family time and free San Antonio events! Take advantage of the awesome things on our list of Free in San Antonio.
We’ve made every effort to ensure that this list is accurate and up-to-date, however, some venues/events/activities make changes without notifying us. We recommend contacting them before visiting to be 100% sure that their free offerings are still available.
Recurring Free Events in San Antonio
Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, San Fernando Cathedral, Main Plaza, 115 N. Main, 78205, at 9:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
San Antonio | The Saga. This free video art installation, created by Xavier De Richemont, plays three times a night, weather permitting, on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on the facade of San Fernando Cathedral.
Wednesdays, 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste 3120, 78258 OR 22211 IH 10 West, Ste 1107A, 78257, 6:00 p.m.
Free weekly group run with iRun. Strollers and/or dogs welcome. Each location has a route with 3 to 5 mile turnarounds, but runners can choose any distance they want.
Fridays, The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106, 78215, 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Pre-weekend Twiglet Storytime is held twice on Fridays during the summer. Enjoy a wild and wacky story time session with Miss Anastasia and make a delightful craft. All ages welcome.
Saturdays, 2602 NW Loop 1604, BLDG 1, Ste.106, 78248, 6:30 a.m.
Free weekly group run with iRun. Strollers and/or dogs welcome. Each location has a route with 3 to 5 mile turnarounds, but runners can choose any distance they want.
Free in San Antonio this January
Tuesday, January 2: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, January 2: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, January 2: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Tuesday, January 2: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, 78209, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free admission to The DoSeum on the first and third Tuesday of every month! Only the first 1,200 guests will be admitted so arrive early. Parking is free but limited – another good reason to be there early. Remember: no outside food allowed and umbrella strollers only inside the museum. The cafe will be open with food and drinks for sale.
PLEASE NOTE: the times have changed back to 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 3: Krispy Kreme (1117 North Loop 1604 East, 78232 | 12328 IH 10 West, 78230 | 2703 S.E. Military Dr., 78223), 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Family Night at Krispy Kreme: donut decorating, crafts, and games for all ages.
Thursday, January 4: McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels, 78209, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join the McNay Art Museum every Thursday to enjoy free general admission courtesy of H-E-B! Remember: kids and teens always get in free. The special exhibition fee will still apply at this time if you wish to experience Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too.
Friday, January 5: Creative Creatures, 1420 S. Alamo St., 78210, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Creative Creatures Presents: In The Style of Wes Anderson – ACT II – (A Wes Anderson Inspired Group Art Exhibition). Free and all ages welcome.
Saturday, January 6: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Rd., 78221, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Bring the kids to come join us for the annual Christmas Bird Count 4 Kids! The Christmas Bird Count itself is a hundred year old tradition, so come contribute to Mitchell Lake’s own family-friendly tradition.
Saturday, January 6: Home Depot locations around San Antonio, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FREE, once-a-month workshops for kids, ages 5 – 12 at participating Home Depot stores. This week, your child will build a Block Calendar. Kids’ workshops are on a first come/first served basis. Register your child online ahead of time to make sure there is room available.
Saturday, January 6: O.P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Rd., 78250, 10:00 a.m.
O.P. Schnabel Trailhead Tour & Bike Rodeo! Get a new bike for Christmas? Come show off you bike skills at the kids bike rodeo and there will also be a guided trail walk along the Leon creek Greenway. Register for the event: http://bit.ly/2CHmjSH.
Saturday, January 6: La Villita, 418 La Villita St., 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The San Antonio Coffee Festival is free and open to all coffee-lovers! Taste amazing fresh, locally roasted coffee from all over the world. Meet local coffee artisans who will roast and brew 40+ coffees. Appreciate the many people who pilot a coffee bean from crop to cup. Admission is free. Speciality Coffee Tasting Flights will be available for purchase.
Saturday, January 6: TMI Episcopal, 20955 W Tejas Trail, 78257, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Free Beginner Lacrosse Clinic for kids in grades: K – 8. Open to players from all schools & no Equipment Required
REGISTER ONLINE: www.tmi-sa.org/lax
Saturday, January 6: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-11. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please dress to dance comfortably outdoors. Parental supervision required, seating provided. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, January 6: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Winter Wonderland Globe.
Sunday, January 7: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Sunday, January 7: McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels, 78209, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy free general admission at the McNay every first Sunday of the month courtesy of the Dickson-Allen Foundation! The special exhibition fee will still apply at this time if you wish to experience Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too.
Sunday, January 7: San Fernando Hall, 231 W Commerce St., 78205, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Every year the Puerto Rican Heritage Society celebrates Three Kings Day with the children of San Antonio. It is a very special holiday in Puerto Rico. On the eve of el Dia de Reyes, children prepare for the visit of Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar. They put grass inside a shoe box for the Kings’ camels, and place the box under their beds. The next morning the grass is gone and the children find the gifts left by the Three Kings. It is a joyful day for all the family. Las Navidades in Puerto Rico are full of tradition, music, joy and friendship. The spirit is contagious. Come celebrate with us!
Sunday, January 7: San Fernando Hall, 231 W Commerce St., 78205, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Come and welcome the Three Kings –Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar! Free and open to the public. Villancicos, crafts, merienda for the children.
Tuesday, January 9: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, January 9: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, January 9: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Tuesday, January 9: Travis Park, 311 E Travis St., 78205, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Take your workout outdoors every Tuesday in January for Travis Park’s Fitness in the Park Boot Camp. Classes include a variety of activities geared towards increasing endurance, power, strength, stamina, and speed. Don’t forget your own reusable water bottle! Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, January 10: UTSA, 1 UTSA Circle, 78249, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The River That Remembers: Visions of San Antonio’s Landscape – The opening reception and exhibit are free and open to the public and is located on the 2nd floor of the Art Building on the main campus of UTSA.
Thursday, January 11: McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels, 78209, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join the McNay Art Museum every Thursday to enjoy free general admission courtesy of H-E-B! Remember: kids and teens always get in free. The special exhibition fee will still apply at this time if you wish to experience Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too.
Friday, January 12: 100 Auditorium Circle, 78205, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
H-E-B Cinema on the Plaza. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to the Plaza under the glow of the Tobin Center and enjoy FROZEN! The plaza will open an hour before the movie starts. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but concessions will be available for purchase- including full bar service. No Pets Please.
Saturday, January 13: Cibolo Nature Center, meet at Visitor’s Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join Cibolo Nature Center for their 2nd Saturday Volunteer Day of Service. Volunteers will be helping to spruce up the visitor’s center. If you have gloves, bring them. Also, wear sturdy shoes.
Saturday, January 13: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-12. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, January 13: San Antonio Public Library, 600 Soledad St., 78205, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Our Family Reads: The Mayor’s Book Club kicks off with family-friendly activities for all ages. Activities for children include “Community Helper” themed play experiences and hands-on, collaborative art projects the whole family will enjoy. Activities for teens include a friendship bracelet craft and mural activity. Enjoy refreshments while they last. Check out books for family members of all ages, fiction and nonfiction, that focus on the importance and power of unity. Visit guides.mysapl.org/mayorron for a list of book suggestions and to learn more about upcoming topics.
Saturday, January 13: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Design & Play STEAM Plane.
Sunday, January 14: Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd., 78205, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free admission on the second Sunday of each month. Explore Texas Freedom Colonies through engaging family presentations, activities and more. The day will include a lecture and slideshow on Texas Freedom Colonies.
Sunday, January 14: Trader’s Village, 9333 SW Loop 410 near Old Pearsall Road, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Traders Village will host a toy giveaway in celebration of Dia De Los Ninos, it’s Jugueton 2017. Giving back to the kids of San Antonio. During this annual event, Univision will be handing out toys to hundreds of children of all ages. This event features a family-friendly atmosphere with activities and giveaways for all in attendance. The event is free, but parking is $4.
Tuesday, January 16: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
DreamWeek Story Time: We All Sing With The Same Voice is a joyous read-aloud that embraces the notion that no matter where children live or what they look like, they’re all the same where it counts – at heart! Immediately following this special edition of Story Time there will be a hosted craft activity.
Tuesday, January 16: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, January 16: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, January 16: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Tuesday, January 16: Travis Park, 311 E Travis St., 78205, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Take your workout outdoors every Tuesday in January for Travis Park’s Fitness in the Park Boot Camp. Classes include a variety of activities geared towards increasing endurance, power, strength, stamina, and speed. Don’t forget your own reusable water bottle! Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, January 16: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, 78209, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free admission to The DoSeum on the first and third Tuesday of every month! Only the first 1,200 guests will be admitted so arrive early. Parking is free but limited – another good reason to be there early. Remember: no outside food allowed and umbrella strollers only inside the museum. The cafe will be open with food and drinks for sale.
PLEASE NOTE: the times have changed back to 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 17: Elmendorf Lake Park, 3700 W Commerce St., 78207, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Explore the landmark project where culture, education, ecology and recreation meet by joining the San Antonio River Foundation and San Antonio River Authority for the free Confluence Park Unveiling! Be one of the first to experience the opportunities Confluence Park has to offer the community and the innovative features which makes this environmental educational and community space extraordinary.
Saturday, January 20: Phil Hardberger Park West (Urban Ecology Center), 8400 N.W. Military Highway, 78231, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Be Watershed Wise! Participate in the demonstration of a 3D model of the San Antonio River watershed and learn about the human impact on the river. A kid-friendly activity is included. No registration is required. Free to attend but a donation of $3 per person or $5 per family is appreciated.
Saturday, January 20: Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredricksburg Rd., 78201, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Wonderland of the Americas is very happy to announce our second annual PokéFest here in San Antonio, Texas. A Pokémon Themed mini-con at Wonderland of the Americas Mall that will include: Cosplay contests, console gaming & competition, ComiCon vendors from around Texas, Pokémon GO – 10k coin raffes (use the coins for incubators & lucky eggs) and much much more to be announced!
Saturday, January 20: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-11. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, January 20: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Rd., 78221, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Doggy Day at Mitchell Lake! For one day only, bring your canine companion! We will highlight specific trails available for our furry friends, to minimize any habitat or avian disturbance. Usually our doggy friends are not allowed at Mitchell Lake because they can get excited and disturb the birds and habitat. Free entry with a canine companion & free doggy waste bags.
Saturday, January 20: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Melting Snowman.
Sunday, January 21: Trader’s Village, 9333 SW Loop 410 near Old Pearsall Road, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Rodeo Warm Up with Johnny Rodriguez. Traders Village knows the Rodeo isn’t until February but they want to prepare you with great dancing music provided by Johnny Rodriguez and his band. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this great music. His 35 albums and 45 singles will provide plenty of great music. Music will be in Brown Expo but show times have not yet been posted. The event is free, but parking is $4.
Sunday, January 21: Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredricksburg Rd., 78201, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wonderland of the Americas is very happy to announce our second annual PokéFest here in San Antonio, Texas. A Pokémon Themed mini-con at Wonderland of the Americas Mall that will include: Cosplay contests, console gaming & competition, ComiCon vendors from around Texas, Pokémon GO – 10k coin raffes (use the coins for incubators & lucky eggs) and much much more to be announced!
Tuesday, January 23: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
CNC: Little Explorers! Little Explorers will come for fun and adventure using their five senses to discover nature. They will listen to stories, sing songs, play games, explore the outdoors, and make crafts to take home. $5 per family. For more information, contact Stephanie Colvard at st*******@ci****.org or 830-249-4616.
Tuesday, January 23: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, January 23: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, January 23: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Tuesday, January 23: Travis Park, 311 E Travis St., 78205, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Take your workout outdoors every Tuesday in January for Travis Park’s Fitness in the Park Boot Camp. Classes include a variety of activities geared towards increasing endurance, power, strength, stamina, and speed. Don’t forget your own reusable water bottle! Free and open to the public.
Friday, January 26: Cowboys Dancehall, 3030 NE Loop 410, 78218, 4:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
The free 40th Annual Cowboy Breakfast kicks off rodeo season and provides free food (including breakfast tacos, biscuits and gravy, sausage, juice, coffee, sweet rolls, and more) along with live music.
Saturday, January 27: Brooks City Base, 7902 Challenger Dr., 78235. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Are you dreaming of a storybook winter? Join us for more than 100,000 pounds of snow will fall at Brooks, transforming FLYTE into a free magical winter wonderland with snow slides, play areas and fun for the whole family!
Saturday, January 27: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St., 78205, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hemisfair’s Second Saturday Art in the Park series presents free art workshops for kids ages 4-11. Each workshop features a fun, themed art activity. Please dress to dance comfortably outdoors. Parental supervision required, seating provided. Please allow extra time for parking, as the workshop begins promptly at 11 am. To find us once you arrive, just follow the “Art in the Park” signs!
Saturday, January 27: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Crafty Bobsled.
Tuesday, January 30: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
CNC: Little Explorers! Little Explorers will come for fun and adventure using their five senses to discover nature. They will listen to stories, sing songs, play games, explore the outdoors, and make crafts to take home. $5 per family. For more information, contact Stephanie Colvard at st*******@ci****.org or 830-249-4616.
Tuesday, January 30: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.
Tuesday, January 30: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Tuesday, January 30: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).
Tuesday, January 30: Travis Park, 311 E Travis St., 78205, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Visit Travis Park for this month’s “An Evening In” with music provided by O.M.G. Sounds, food trucks, a mechanical bull and more! Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, January 30: Travis Park, 311 E Travis St., 78205, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Take your workout outdoors every Tuesday in January for Travis Park’s Fitness in the Park Boot Camp. Classes include a variety of activities geared towards increasing endurance, power, strength, stamina, and speed. Don’t forget your own reusable water bottle! Free and open to the public.
Which activity are you most looking forward to?
Did I miss something? Let me know!
Sara Phillips writes about her kids and husband, recipes, life, and activities on her blog, Sensibly Sara. She also enjoys writing reviews and hosting giveaways. Sara and her family live in San Antonio, TX.
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* San Antonio Mom Blogs occasionally invites guest contributors to write for our site about topics of interest to our readers. All contributors are financially compensated. For more information, contact San Antonio Mom Blogs.
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