Happy Thanksgiving week! With the kids out of school, there are plenty of chances to get out and explore! There are so many free and cheap things to do in San Antonio. Check out our guide for events across the city for every day of the week! And don’t forget to check out our guide to the best Thanksgiving events in San Antonio.
DAILY FUN
San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo has more than 3,000 animals from across the world on its premises, and it’s one of the best destinations for families in the city. Plus right now Zoo Lights is going on too. Groupon is running a 25% off deal now for a limited time!
San Antonio Aquarium
The San Antonio Aquarium is a fun spot for the whole family with some great interactive exhibits, fish feeding, and more. Tickets start at just $8.61!
Monday
Big Blue Blocks at Yanaguana Garden
What: Head outside for Big Blue Blocks on the Great Lawn! Big Blue Blocks allow for creativity and use of fine motor skills besides being tons of fun – the perfect play date for your little ones.
When: November 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 434 S. Alamo St., 78205
Cost: Free
MakerSpace at Leon Valley Public Library
What: Join the Leon Valley Public Library and Barnes & Noble, for the chance to have hands-on time with all types of STEM activities – 3D Design and Printing, Ozobots, Circuits, Coding and that’s just the start!
When: November 19, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Tuesday
Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods Market
What: Come out to see Mother Nature during the Little Explorer program. There will be reading, hands-on activities and games about things like snow, groundhogs, birds, rain, and flowers.
Who: Preschool-aged children and their caregivers join a volunteer in the Visitor Center.
When: November 20, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 140 City Park Rd, Boerne, 78006
Cost: $5 per family
Story Time in the Book Garden at Yanaguana Garden
What: A storytime and a fun activity will take place at Yanaguana Garden. The mobile library will also be out in the park, so you can take a free book, or donate any that you’re done with. It’s a free take-a-book, leave-a-book library for your family! Perfect for kids under age 4.
When: November 20, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 434 S. Alamo St., 78205
Cost: Free
Turkey Scavenger Hunt at Leon Valley Public Library
What: Ready for some holiday fun? Find all the turkeys to decode a message. All ages welcome, younger children (5 and under) may need help from a parent or guardian.
When: November 20, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd, Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Wednesday
Ballooning with a Twist
What: Have you ever wanted to be able to create balloon designs? Dragons, life size Cars, UFOs, Godzilla, and more? Learn the basics at this event! Super Awesome Balloon Animals company Expert will walk you through step by step. Meet us at the Main Stage.
When: November 21, 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Where: 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., A1 inside Little Shops, 78201
Cost: $10 per session (2 balloons per session)
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 set up 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: November 21, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 6440 Evers Rd., 78240
Cost: Free
Thursday
RedLine Family ‘Gobble Gauntlet’
What: This is a special family event that’s sure to be ALL fun! RedLine Athletics will host this special family workout on Thanksgiving morning. The workout is completely customizable for all fitness levels and will include a combination of:
– 1 to 1.5 mile run/walk
– Push-ups (or modified push-ups)
– Pull-ups (or inverted rows or similar)
– Walking Lunges
– Plank
When: November 22, 8:00 a.m.
Where: 14886 Tradesman, 78249
Cost: Free
Old Wild West Christmas Fest
What: Christmas Light Fest is back! It’s bigger, better and brighter than ever, too. Old West Christmas Light Fest brings the Christmas season to life with light displays, food, fun and family activities under the beautiful star-filled Texas sky at Enchanted Springs Ranch.
When: November 22, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: 242 State Highway 46 W, Boerne, 78006
Cost: $27 per vehicle or $15 per person for hayrides
Friday
International Peace Market
What: One of the oldest open-air international markets, the Mercado de Paz offers a community-centered alternative shopping destination. Peace Market provides a family-friendly safe environment that honors the importance of moments and spaces where people gather outdoors and indoors together as a community.
When:November 23, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: 922 San Pedro Ave., 78212
Cost: Free
The Nutcracker (Sensory-Friendly) at the Tobin Center
What: Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create performing arts experiences that are welcoming to all families and friends with children and adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities. While the integrity of the performances remains the same, certain elements are modified to create an inclusive audience experience. Get your tickets today!
When: November 23, 10:00 a.m.
Where: 100 Auditorium Circle, 78205
Cost: $10
Dickens on Main in Boerne, TX
What: The 19th annual Dickens on Main celebration is back and officially kicks off the holiday season in Boerne this weekend! Shop for unique holiday gifts on Black Friday along Boerne’s Hill Country Mile, then in the evening the whole family will enjoy live musical entertainment, snow on Main Street, Dickens-era theatrical performances, a variety of children’s activities including Santa, live ice sculpting shows, horse-drawn carriage rides, a 60-foot snow slide, and more. Dickens on Main promises to be another spectacular, joyful experience.
When: November 23, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: 100 S Main Street, Boerne, 78006
Cost: Free
Saturday
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Open House
What: Enjoy free entry to Mitchell Lake all day. Bring your family and friends for bird-watching, picnicking, and hiking through our gardens and trails. Not a hiker? We offer several miles of driving trails as well (weather permitting).
When: November 24, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: 10750 Pleasanton Rd., 78221
Cost: Free
Free Kids Workshop at Home Depot
What: Sign your kids up for a free workshop. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop.
When: November 24, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations across San Antonio
Cost: Free
PieFest
What: PieFest will have a pie contest, pie painting party, pie throwing, pie eating contest, lots of vendors and fun games for the family.
When:November 24, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where:300 W Quill Dr., 78228
Cost: Free
Art in the Park at Hemisfair
What: Hemisfair’s 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!
When:November 24, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where:434 S Alamo St., 78205
Cost: Free
Sunday
Free Admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art
What: Enjoy free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art!
When: November 25, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 200 West Jones Ave., 78215
Cost: Free
Free Family Art Play at the McNay Art Museum
What: The McNay offers a program for families that involves looking carefully at works of art and investigating a studio or performance component afterward. No registration required.
When: November 25, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave., 78209
Cost: Free with museum admission
