2019 – that’s crazy to say, isn’t it?! With a new year comes new family-friendly activities, though! Check out our list of the best free and cheap things to do in San Antonio. You’ll find things all across the city for every day of the week!
Daily Fun
San Antonio Zoo Lights
Zoo Lights is a great place to check out some Christmas lights in San Antonio this holiday season, and time to see it is running out. Groupon is running a 25% off deal now for a limited time!
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Experience the magic of the holiday season with this great family event at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. There’s a variety of exciting interactive activities that perfectly capture the holiday spirit. Open select days, so check their calendar. Right now, Groupon has tickets for about 40% off!
Monday
Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve
What: Join We Rock the Spectrum for a balloon drop and bounce, apple juice toast, snacks and plenty of open play fun!
When: December 31, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: 932 Coronado Blvd., Universal City, 78148
Cost: $12
Baskin-Robbins Celebrate 31
What: Get $1.50 scoops* at your local Baskin-Robbins! Call your store to verify they are participating.
When: December 31, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost: $1.50 scoops
New Year Fun at Leon Valley Public Library
What: Join the library to celebrate 2019! Craft activities include: making hats and shakers. Coloring pages and word search will be provided, too.
When: December 31, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Celebrate SA!
What: Ring in the New Year in at San Antonio’s official NYE celebration. Experience the biggest free fireworks extravaganza in Texas with live music on three stages, carnival games and rides and delicious festival food!
When: December 31, 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Where: 434 S Alamo St., 78205
Cost: Free
Tuesday
Come Play on New Year’s Day at Orsinger Park
What: Come play with PJ Library friends on New Years Day! Weather permitting, there will be a Kosher snack, story, and park time.
When: January 1, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 12230 Huebner Rd., 78230
Cost: Free
Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods Market
What: Join us for our Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods! We will have a story, a snack and some fun activities.
When: January 1, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Both San Antonio locations
Cost: Free
Wednesday
Thin Air Kid Jump
What: If your kids (6 and under) are ready to Dominate our Park without bigger kids around….YOU MUST check-out KidJump. Every day (excluding Sundays) from 9-10am is exclusively for parents and children! We provide a special discount for children 6 & under. One accompanying adult jumps free (one parent per paid child for that same hour, this excludes the 2 and under jump for free).
When: January 2, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: 4902 Fredericksburg Rd., 78229
Cost: $11+
Explore the Alphabet at Leon Valley Public Library
What: This is a story time event is geared toward preschool age children. Celebrate a different letter of the alphabet each week with stories that begin with the letter and related activities.
When: January 2, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 16425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Family Night at Krispy Kreme Donuts
What: Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for family fun! Doughnut Decorating & more!
When: January 2, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost: Free
Astronomy in the Park – Raymond Rimkus
What: SAAA members will have telescopes set up to show you various objects in the night sky. Astronomers will be setup in the large parking lot near the intersection of Cherryleaf St. and Poss Road. *This is a free event open to the public, however it is dependent on the weather so if it is cloudy or raining the event will be canceled. Check the SAAA Facebook page for updates. Note about the start time: It’s a general time – usually they meet before sunset to set up telescopes and then viewing will start as soon as conditions allow (generally about 1 hour after sunset).
When: January 2, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 6440 Evers Rd., 78240
Cost: Free
Thursday
STEM Circus at Leon Valley Public Library
What: Join Oscar Garza, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, and explore robotics, virtual reality, citizen scientist, Lego minecraft and much more!
When: January 3, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Marvel Movie Event at Mammen Family Public Library
What: Join us for the lighter side of Marvel with Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 and Ant-Man and the Wasp. Refreshments provided but registration required. For teens 13 – 17.
When: January 3, 3:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Where: 20475 TX 46 Suite #350, Spring Branch, 78070
Cost: Free
H-E-B Free General Admission at the McNay Art Museum
What: Join us and enjoy free general admission courtesy of H-E-B.
When: January 3, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave., 78209
Cost: Free
Starting Out Wild at Friedrich Wilderness Park
What: Learn about the parts of cactus including the tuna, pad, flower, spine at this high energy, engaging program It is recommended that a child be walking and a parent or caretaker must attend with their child(ren). Most classes take place outdoors. RSVP required.
When: January 3, 10:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m.
Where: 21395 Milsa Dr., 78256
Cost: A suggested donation of $3 per person, $6 per family
Friday
Story & Swim Time at the Schertz Family YMCA
What:The Schertz Family YMCA and the Schertz Public Library would like to invite children ages 5 and younger to join their Story & Swim time. The librarian will read a short book and then children will enjoy crafts and swim time with a certified instructor. Parent’s are required to participate with child(ren) and accompany them in the pool.
When:January 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 621 Westchester, Schertz, 78154
Cost: Free
Kids Night Out – StreetFare SA
What: Bring the kids for Kid’s Night Out at StreetFare! There will be something special just for the kiddos.
When: January 4, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 1916 Austin Hwy., 78218
Cost: Free
Family Movie Night at Holy Trinity Catholic Church
What: Join Holy Trinity for a Family Movie Night in the Banquet Hall. This is an E movie and all ages are welcome! Free popcorn and drinks will also be served. Please bring your own chairs or blankets.
When: January 4, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: 20523 Huebner Rd., 78258
Cost: Free
Saturday
Christmas Bird Count at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
What: Bring the kids and come out for the annual Christmas Bird Count 4 Kids! The Christmas Bird Count itself is a hundred year old tradition. Join other young birders to learn about the annual community science event, and see some new birds.
When: January 5, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 10750 Pleasanton Rd., 78221
Cost: Free
Free Monthly Fun Run
What: Recommended for beginning runners of all ages, experienced runners who want to improve their race pace, and scholastic track and cross-country team runners. Water and sports drink will be provided at the Pavilion between events and on the Three-Mile Course.
When: January 5, 8:30 a.m.
Where: McAllister Park Pavilion #1 (Al Becken Pavilion)
Cost: Free
First Saturday at the Alamo
What:Come out for a full day of living history fun that the whole family will enjoy. The grounds of the Alamo are transformed back in time to the 1830s. Learn about life in frontier Texas with special demonstrations and crafts.
When:January 5, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where:300 Alamo Plz., 78205
Cost:Free
STORM Kidz Ride at McAllister Park
What:South Texas Off Road Mountain-Bikers (STORM) hosts this free IMBA Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD) ride at McAllister Park on the dirt trails. This is a great opportunity for parents and children alike to get out on the dirt trails and see how fun mountain biking can be. Kids will learn basic trail skills and trail etiquette during this introduction to trail riding. Participants will meet at the McAllister Park “Dog Park” parking lot. NOTE: This event is weather-permitting.
When:January 5, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where:13102 Jones Maltsberger, 78247
Cost:Free
San Antonio Coffee Festival 2019
What:The San Antonio Coffee Festival is a celebration of coffee where you can taste amazing fresh, locally roasted coffee from all over the world. Meet local coffee artisans from 25+ different coffee roasteries who will roast and artfully brew 80+ coffees. Appreciate the many people who pilot a coffee bean from crop to cup. Stroll through the shops and the history of La Villita, listen to music. eat some good food and learn about coffee in free demonstrations.
When:January 5, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where:418 La Villita St., 78205
Cost:$7 in advance | $10 at the gate
Sunday
Sensory Sensitive Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese
What: Chuck E. Cheese’s is proud to support families who have children with autism and special needs. We now offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month. Our trained and caring staff is there to make sure each guest has a fun filled visit.
The Sensory Sensitive Sundays experience includes:
1. Less crowding and noise
2. Dimmed lighting
3. Show and music turned off or down
4. Limited appearances by Chuck E.
5. Food and games are offered
Call other locations to verify if this is being offered.
When: January 6, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 238 SW Military Dr., 78221
Cost: Free
Racquets Up! for Down Syndrome
What: The San Antonio Tennis Association, Inc. (SATA) and the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas provide free tennis sessions for individuals with Down Syndrome and their siblings (ages 4+). Participants are asked to register in advance and come in comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Equipment will be provided.
When: January 6, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 4111 Pond Hill Rd., 78231
Cost: Free
