Looking for the best free and cheap things to do in San Antonio this week? Check out our guide for fun events across the city for every day of the week, including reptile encounters, story times, outdoor events and more! Put these fun events on your calendar and take advantage of the many things to do!
Daily Fun
The Witte Museum
The Witte Museum has exhibits for the whole family, including the H-E-B Body Adventure, a giant Quetzalcoatlus – the largest flying dinosaur ever found and a whole lot more. Tickets start at only $12!
Go Kart Racing at K1 Speed
K1 Speed’s indoor go-kart racing lets you race friends, family, colleagues or the clock in a fun and friendly environment. K1 Speed is a great place for indoor entertainment. Get your tickets online starting at $17.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum
The American West is alive and as wild as ever at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Through collections of art and artifacts, engaging cultural events, and educational programs, you’ll experience the region’s history and the shared heritage of the individuals who have called it home. Tickets start at $10 for two.
AMC Yellow eTickets
Rain or shine, a movie is the entertainment option that never gets old. With AMC Yellow eTickets, you can stock up on movie tickets and be ready for those nights when there’s nothing else going on, or for that big blockbuster you’ve been dying to see. Tickets start at $9.
Monday
Little Sprouts Mondays at the Botanical Gardens
What: For kids 3-5 years old. Each Little Sprout Monday includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at your child’s pace. A parent or guardian must stay with the child. All children and adults attending must be registered.
When: January 14, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 555 Funston Place, 78209
Cost: $10 per adult | $5 per child
Reptile Encounter at Arctic Ape Wild Desserts
What: Bring the kids out for a free encounter with reptiles from Alamo City Reptile Rescue then head inside to purchase a sweet treat for yourself. Guests will get to learn about, handle, and take photos with several species of reptiles.
When: January 14, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 5221 Walzem Road, Suite 1, 78218
Cost: Free
Tuesday
The Holocaust: Learn & Remember
What: The Holocaust: Learn & Remember is a commemoration and remembrance of the Holocaust. Programs and discussions will be held throughout the month and visitors will have the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of the Holocaust from local survivors, and learn more about the experience from the local and national presenters and scholars.
When: January 15, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost: Free
Story Time Tuesdays at Learning Express
What: Join Learning Express for a fun, free Story Time Tuesdays! We’ll read a book, enjoy a snack, and do a simple craft.
When: January 15, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Learning Express locations at The Village at Stone Oak and The Quarry Market
Cost: Free
“San Antonio | The Saga” at Main Plaza
What: 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.
When: January 15, 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: 115 N. Main Ave.,78205
Cost: Free
Wednesday
Explore the Alphabet at Leon Valley Public Library
What: Explore the Alphabet is a story time geared to preschool age children. Each week you’ll will celebrate a letter of the alphabet with stories that begin with the letter and related activities.
When: January 16, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Story Book Theater at Converse Public Library
What: Story book theater presents a fractured fairytale – The New Little Red Riding Hood – and it is surprisingly different from what you might expect. Wanda Wolf, Granny Red, puppets, songs, lots of interaction, and more make this story a crowd pleaser for all ages!
When: January 16, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: 601 S Seguin Rd., Converse, 78109
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 16, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 6440 Evers Rd., 78240
Cost: Free
Thursday
Story Time at Leon Valley Public Library
What: The Leon Valley Public Library presents Story Time! Join them for exciting stories, songs, and activities. Story Time is geared toward toddlers but the activities can be adjusted for older/younger attendees.
When: January 17, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
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 17, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave., 78209
Cost: Free
Friday
Starting Out Wild at Friedrich Wilderness Park
What:Learn about the parts of cactus including the tuna, pad,flower, spine at this Starting Out Wild program. It is recommended that a child be walking and a parent or caretaker attend with each child. Most classes take place outdoors. RSVP required.
When:January 18, 10:00 a.m.
Where: 5800 Enrique M. Barrera Parkway, 78227
Cost: Suggested donation of $3 per person or $6 per family
Kids Crafternoon at Leon Valley Public Library
What: Leon Valley Public Library invites you to come out and enjoy random crafts from the last few months. If you missed something, this is a great time to participate.
When: January 18, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Saturday
Parenting in a Digital World Workshop at First United Methodist Boerne
What: Join Mandy Majors of nextTalk for a two-way conversation about parenting in a digital world. From social media to strangers, cyberbullying to suicide, to pornography – no topic is off limits. Mandy will arm you with practical advice to tackle these tough issues with your kids through open and honest communication. For parents, grandparents and guardians with kids of all ages. Register here.
When: January 19, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 205 James St., Boerne, 78006
Cost: Free
Builders Group at Leon Valley Public Library
What: Join Leon Valley Public Library for a time of building – with LEGO, specialty blocks and much more.
When: January 19, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Women’s March SA
What: 5 million women lit the world on fire two years ago. The #WomensWave is coming, and they’re sweeping the world forward with us.
Show the world what we can do: support each other, regardless of sexual orientation, religious background, race, and ethnicity, we are here strong and will not be taken down!
When:January 19, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where:231 W Commerce St., 78229
Cost: Free
Winter Princess Night at Chick-fil-A on Babcock at Huebner
What: Come dressed as your favorite Frozen character and enjoy a magical night with Chick-fil-A Huebner and Babcock! They will have appearances from Disney’s Frozen Princesses: Anna & Elsa, picture opportunities, and tons of fun.
When:January 19, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where:5803 Babcock Rd., 78240
Cost: Free
Sunday
Sunday Morning Family Birding at Headwaters at Incarnate Word
What: Family birding is a great way to share nature and learning. Join Tom and Patsy Inglet, expert birders and educators, on a Sunday morning family-friendly bird walk. Learn how to use binoculars and identify birds from calls, behavior, and silhouette. Children must be at least 6 years of age and accompanied by a parent/guardian. Registration required. Restrooms are not readily available.
When: January 20, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 4503 Broadway St., 78209
Cost: Free but donations are welcome.
Gardopia Gardens – Garden & Yoga Class
What: General maintenance in the garden will take place for the first hour. A 30 minute yoga class will occur after the gardening. Everyone is welcome to attend, and bring your friends of family. As dusk lengthens through the year we’ll extend the gardening portion.
When: January 20, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 619 N New Braunfels Ave., 78202
Cost: Free
Total Lunar Eclipse Watch Party at the Scobee Education Center
What: Come out for a rare total lunar eclipse watch party on the top level of the parking garage. Telescopes, fun activities for kids and food trucks.
When: January 20, 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Where: 1819 N. Main Ave., 78212 – Lot 16
Cost: Free
Which things to do in San Antonio this week are you most excited about? Comment below to let us know.