It’s official: school’s out! Dive into summertime fun with the family with this list of free or low-cost things to do in and around San Antonio. These activities are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Start making core memories together today!
You can also start your summer with a splash with our local guide to FREE splashpads and spraygrounds in and around San Antonio so you can stay cool while you’re having fun. Please always check the calendars before heading to these events, because some details may change.
FREE (and almost free) FLICKS
Summer Movies at Santikos
Cost: FREE
Santikos offers FREE, family-friendly movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., from June 11 until the last week of July. Arrive early because tickets are only available at the theater on the morning of the show. You can also buy discounted summer snack packs for your movie, including a small drink and popcorn.
H-E-B Cinema at Will’s Plaza
Cost: FREE
Enjoy free movie nights every second Friday of the month through the end of the year at the Tobin Center’s outdoor Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Movies begin at 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for the ultimate family movie-going experience!
Outdoor Family Film Series at Mission Marquee Plaza
Cost: FREE
The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office sponsors free outdoor movies at Mission Marquee Plaza three times a month from now through November. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, or purchase food on-site from local food trucks. The venue opens at 7 p.m., and movies begin 15 minutes after dusk. Pet-friendly!
Arcadia Theatre Summer Movies
Cost: FREE
Arcadia Theatre in downtown Floresville presents free summer movies on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon from now through the end of July. Arrive early for the best seats!
Schertz Music and Movies in the Park Series
COST: FREE
Schertz Parks and Recreation hosts the Music and Movies in the Park Series, featuring movies and live music events at different area parks through October. They even have Float & Flick nights at Pickrell Park Pool. Neighbors and friends can bring lawn chairs and refreshments for free fun and entertainment.
KidFlix Summer Movie Series at EVO Entertainment
COST: $1 per ticket
Enjoy dollar movies every day at 10 a.m. from June 7 through August 17 as part of EVO Entertainment’s KidFlix Summer Movie Series at all EVO locations.
Regal Summer Movie Express
COST: $1 per ticket
Regal is bringing back popular family films every Tuesday and Wednesday this summer, from June 11 to August 7, at 10 a.m., for just $1 a ticket.
Summer Movie Camp at AMC Theaters
COST: $3 per ticket on Mondays and Wednesdays
AMC presents Summer Movie Camp again this year at select theaters. Moviegoers can experience popular family titles for only $3 per person. Summer Movie Camp runs every Monday and Wednesday from June 24 through August 14.
Kids Camp at the Alamo Drafthouse
COST: $5 per ticket; ages 3 and up*
Alamo Drafthouse is showing Kids Camp films throughout the summer and at each of their San Antonio movie theaters. Tickets are $5 per person. Most Kids Camp screenings are for children ages 3 and up, but some locations are open to all ages. Check drafthouse.com for local policies and the calendar.
PARKS & MUSEUMS
*Museums with the symbol * participate in Museums for All, an access program offering a reduced admission fee of $3 or less with the presentation of your photo ID and WIC or SNAP EBT card for up to four people per card.
Wonder awaits at the Witte Musuem, a great place for the whole family to learn about Texas nature, science, and culture. Admission is FREE for Bexar County Residents every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Access to some exhibitions may require a special ticket for purchase, like Surviving Space: Astronauts & Asteroids for $6 during Free Tuesday.) Reserve your free Tuesday ticket online.
Come curious and leave inspired at the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA). Bexar County residents can enjoy free admission on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Families that qualify for SNAP can purchase tickets for $3 per person any day of the week. (Special exhibitions during SAMA’s free general admission hours require purchase at a discounted rate.)
Experience a variety of exhibits at the McNay, including paintings, sculptures, and more. The McNay offers free admission on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the first Sunday of every month from noon to 5 p.m. Children under 12, active duty military, veterans, and their families are always free. (Special Exhibitions can be accessed for $10 during these hours.)
Discover the power of play and create incredible memories this summer at the Doseum. This unique children’s museum encourages visitors to open their minds and participate in hands-on learning activities. The Doseum has FREE Family Night, sponsored by Community First and H-E-B, on the first Monday of the Month. Registration begins on the Doseum website at 8 a.m. that day. Space is limited, so sign up as early as you can.
The Japanese Tea Garden is a classic, beautiful San Antonio public space. This natural paradise features a year-round garden with floral displays, an incredible 60-ft waterfall, and a koi pond. It is free, open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, and wheelchair accessible.
Take a trip to the wild, wild west at the Briscoe Western Art Museum and enjoy free admission on Locals Day, the first Sunday of the month. Browse artwork and artifacts that tell the story of cowboys, vaqueros, Native Americans, and the landscape that served as the canvas for these Westerners. Children under 12, active duty military, and SNAP/WIC/MAP recipients are always free.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden serves as a 38-acre living museum for people of all ages and abilities to explore, observe, and experience the tranquility of nature. The Museums for All admission includes access to the Garden’s 38 acres of garden space, including the Family Adventure Garden with 15 fun spaces that encourage unstructured play and exploration.
Live Music
Shops at River Center Free Concert Series
COST: FREE
Head over to the world–famous River Walk in downtown San Antonio to hear local Texas musicians perform every Saturday through August as part of the Shops at River Center Free Concert Series. You can find the music in the lagoon area. Tunes begin at 6:00 p.m.
Party on the Plaza at Tower of the Americas
COST: FREE
Every first Friday of the month, starting in June and going until October, visit the base of the Tower of the Americas to hear the best local sounds of San Antonio for free. This monthly free concert series welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy the music. Additional activities available for a fee on-site will be lawn games, a moon bounce, caricature drawings, and bull riding.
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