Summer’s here, and the kids are out of school! How can we entertain them (and ourselves) without breaking the bank? We’ve put together a huge list of free or nearly free events from San Antonio to Floresville, New Braunfels, Boerne, Schertz, and other local spots. Click on the event title for the event calendar and more information.
FREE (and almost free) FLICKS
Free Family Movie: Toy Story 5 | Presented By Community First Health Plan
When: June 22 at 10 a.m.
Where: Santikos Mayan Palace, 1918 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78221
COST: FREE while tickets last
Enjoy a free family movie day this summer! Community First is giving away 233 tickets, plus popcorn and drinks, to see Toy Story 5 on the big screen. We will be handing out tickets starting at 9 a.m., so plan to arrive early to secure your spot. Be sure to stop by the green Community First booth to check in and grab your snacks while supplies last.
Free Family Movie: Minions & Monsters | Presented By Community First Health Plans
When: July 9 at 10 a.m.
Where: Santikos Northwest, 7600 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230
COST: FREE, while tickets last
Things might get a little bananas at this free summer movie event! Community First is giving away 155 tickets, plus popcorn and drinks, for a fun‑filled showing of Minions & Monsters. We will be handing out tickets starting at 9 a.m., so plan to arrive early. Be sure to stop by the green Community First booth to check in and grab your snacks while supplies last.
EVO Cinemas Summer Movie Mornings
When: Daily from May 29 – August 6 at 10 a.m.
Where: 18658 I-35 N, Schertz, TX 78154
COST: $1 per ticket
Cool off this summer with EVO’s Summer Movie Mornings – back and better than ever! Enjoy 10 weeks of family-friendly films for just $1 per person, featuring a different movie each week. Screenings start at 10 a.m. daily!
Schertz Music & Movies in the Park
When: Select Fridays & Saturdays from May 29 – October 16 (see schedule for times)
Where: Various Park Locations in Schertz
COST: FREE
Launched in 2016, Schertz’s Music and Movies in the Park series brings free, family-friendly entertainment to local parks year-round. Pack your lawn chairs, bring your favorite snacks, and spend an evening with friends and family. They also offer some Saturday evening Float & Flick events at Pickrell Park Pool.
Outdoor Family Film Series Mission Marquee Plaza
When: Multiple dates from May – September at 7 p.m.
Where: 3100 Roosevelt Ave, San Antonio, TX 78214
COST: FREE
From May through August, Mission Marquee Plaza transforms into a vibrant open-air cinema where families, friends, and even pets can enjoy movies under the stars, compliments of H-E-B! The venue opens at 7 p.m., and movies will begin at dusk. They also have movies starting at 6 p.m. in October and November.
Youth Movie Night at First Baptist Church Sutherland Spring
When: Second Thursday of the month from May – September at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 216 4th St., Sutherland Springs, Texas 78161
COST: FREE
Mark your calendar for a fun monthly Youth Movie Night, held on the second Thursday of each month! Youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to hang out, enjoy a movie, and connect with friends. Families are welcome to come early at 6 p.m. for a free community supper, followed by the movie at 6:30 p.m.
TPR Cinema Tuesdays
When: Tuesdays from May 26 – August 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: 618 Northwest Loop 410 Suite 307, San Antonio, TX 78216 (Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Park North)
COST: FREE
Adults can also enjoy a summer of free, classic films with Texas Public Radio’s Cinema Tuesdays series at Alamo Drafthouse Park North. This weekly series features iconic movies in a relaxed, theater setting, perfect for a midweek outing. Visit the link to reserve your seats and explore the full lineup. These are movies for adults, rated PG, R, or Not Rated due to adult content.
Arcadia Theatre Free Summer Movies
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays from June 2 – July 30 at 12 p.m.
Where: 1417 3rd St., Floresville, TX 78114
COST: FREE
Arcadia Theatre in downtown Floresville presents free summer movies on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon from June 2 through July. Arrive early for the best seats!
Free Summer Movies at Santikos
When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays from June 2 – August 5 at 10 a.m.
Where: Various Santikos locations.
COST: FREE
Kick off your summer mornings with free movies the whole family will love! Catch one every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., starting June 2. Tickets are available at the box office the day of the showing, first-come, first-served, while supplies last. Check with your local Santikos theater to see if they are participating.
Cinema Nights with the San Antonio River Authority
When: Various dates from June 5 – August 19 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Helton Park: 15662 FM 775, Floresville, TX, 78114 | Branch River Park: 445 S. Commercial St., Goliad, TX, 78216 | Escondido Creek Parkway: 208 N. Sunset Strip St., Kenedy, TX 78119
COST: FREE
Enjoy free night screenings of different kid-friendly movies in Floresville, Goliad, and Kenedy! Arrive early to grab a good spot and enjoy free popcorn. The San Antonio River Authority hosts these family Cinema Nights at local parks.
H-E-B Cinema on Will’s Plaza
When: Second Saturday of the month from June – December at 7 p.m.
Where: 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: FREE
Saturday movie nights at the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza are back with themed films, food, and drinks. The plaza opens at 6 p.m. and movies start at 7 p.m. on a giant 32-foot LED screen. Events are rain or shine (will move indoors if needed). Please note that these films are rated PG or PG-13 for older children and teens.
Regal Summer Movie Express – $1 Movies
When: Mondays through Thursdays from June 1 – August 13 at 11 a.m.
Where: Various Regal Theater Locations
COST: $1 per ticket
School’s out, and summer fun is in! Regal’s Summer Movie Express brings family favorites back to the big screen for just $1 per person. Catch these special morning showings every Monday through Thursday! Ticketholders can also get a discount on a snack pack combo.
Blockbusters & Bites – Outdoor Movie Nights at the Rock
When: Monthly from June through September at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1 Spurs Wy, San Antonio, TX 78256
COST: FREE
This free outdoor series features themed snacks, drinks, and interactive activities that match each movie, creating a fun, immersive atmosphere. Bring a blanket, gather your crew (and even your pup), and settle in for a memorable evening.
Tower of the Americas Movie in the Park
When: Monthly through December at sunset
Where: 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: FREE
Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars at this free, family‑friendly movie night at the base of the Tower. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, settle in, and take in a great film in a fun outdoor setting. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, making it an easy and enjoyable night out for all ages.
Boerne Movies in the Park
When: Monthly through August at 7 p.m.
Where: 106 City Park Rd, Boerne, TX 78006
COST: FREE
Boerne Parks and Recreation hosts Movies in the Park throughout the Summer, offering free, family‑friendly screenings everyone can enjoy. Movies begin at sundown, but the fun starts earlier with pre‑movie activities that make it a great evening out for all ages. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite snacks!
FREE LIVE MUSIC
Party on the Plaza at Tower of the Americas
When: First Friday of the month from June – October at 7 p.m.
Where: 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: FREE
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.
Seguin Central Park Summer Concert Series
When: Sunday evenings from June 7 – July 5 at 7 p.m
Where: 201 S Austin St, Seguin, TX 78155
COST: FREE
Get ready for the hottest nights of summer with the Central Park Concert Series – five unforgettable evenings of live music under the open sky. Every week brings a fresh sound, from hometown favorites to electrifying performances that’ll have you dancing in the grass!
Summer Night City Presented by Texas Public Radio
When: June 12 – July 3 at 7 p.m., Every Friday
Where: 321 W., Commerce St., San Antonio TX 78205
COST: FREE
Enjoy live music all Summer long at Summer Night City, a free weekly concert series presented by Texas Public Radio. Featuring talented Texas artists, each evening offers a lively mix of music, local vendors, art, and food pop‑ups. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night enjoying great tunes and community vibes.
FREE AND LOW-COST SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
San Antonio Parks & Recreation 2026 Summer Youth Leagues
When: Begins June 15 at eighteen Community Centers across the city
Where: Various Community Centers
COST: $10.00 Per Athlete (Includes a game shirt)
Get ready for a summer of fun and fitness with the 2026 Summer Youth Sports Leagues! Starting June 15, kids ages 3-17 (age ranges vary by location) can join basketball, soccer, T-ball, or volleyball at one of eighteen Community Centers across the city. Registration is $10 per athlete and includes a game shirt. See the website for more details.
San Antonio Parks & Recreation Summer Teen Club
When: Various dates from June 1 – July 31
Where: Frank Garrett Multi Service Center; Garza Community Center; South San Community Center; Woodard Center
COST: FREE
The 2026 Summer Teen Club offers a fun and engaging space for teens to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) projects, e-sports, fitness, fine arts, and more at four locations in San Antonio. Designed for ages 13-17, it’s a great way to stay active, creative, and connected all summer long. Register online!
Comal County Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Sheriff’s Academy
When: Camp 1, June 8 – June 12; Camp 2, July 13 – July 17
Where: Camp 1 at 370 Hubertus Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132; Camp 2 at 29975 Wiley Rd., Bulverde, TX 78163
COST: FREE
The Comal County Sheriff’s Office is proud to mentor the next generation through their Junior Deputy Sheriff’s Academy. An exciting, hands-on program where kids (ages 9-11) learn safety, leadership, and respect for the law. Enroll your future leader today.
10 years of Play at Pearsall Park
When: June 13 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: 5102 Old Pearsall Rd., San Antonio, TX 78242
COST: FREE
Celebrate 10 years of fun at Pearsall Park during this special anniversary community event! Explore all the ways the park brings people together with activities like a fun run, fitness sessions, music, art, giveaways, and more. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the park, connect with your community, and be part of its future.
San Antonio Parks & Recreation Sports For All – Inclusive Summer Clinics
When: Various dates and locations from May 30 – July 29 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Fairchild Park, Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, Woodlawn Lake Park Gym
COST: FREE
Sports for All offers free, inclusive summer clinics in partnership with Special Olympics Texas. Designed for ages 12 and up, these clinics welcome participants of various skill and ability levels to learn, play, and build confidence in a supportive environment. From pickleball and flag football to basketball, soccer, and floorball, each clinic provides a fun, active way to stay engaged and connected. Register today!
Texas Parks & Wildlife Kids Events and Activities
When: Available year‑round with seasonal programs and special events
Where: Texas State Parks across the State
COST: FREE
Enjoy the great outdoors with Texas Parks & Wildlife’s “Kids Play Free” program! Children 12 and under get free admission to more than 90 Texas State Parks, making it easy for families to explore nature all Summer long. Beyond park entry, there are kid‑friendly activities, educational programs, interactive games, and outdoor adventures that help children learn about wildlife, conservation, and the natural world.
FREE Museum Days & Parks
These museums are all part of the Museums for All program. This means they offer free or discounted admission if you receive food assistance (SNAP). Present your EBT card and a photo ID. Exclusions may apply to special exhibits. Visit each museum website listed below for detailed information.
The DoSeum
When: First Monday of the month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
COST: FREE
The DoSeum opens up for a 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.
Free Tuesdays and Second Sundays at the San Antonio Museum of Art
When: Every Tuesday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Second Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: 200 W. Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215
COST: FREE for Bexar County residents
Bexar County residents can visit the San Antonio Museum of Art for free on every Tuesday and every second Sunday each month! Just bring proof of residency and enjoy the museum’s incredible galleries. Please note that some special exhibits may have an extra charge. Bring proof of residency, like a driver’s license or utility bill.
Free First Sunday of The Month at The Briscoe Western Art Museum
When: First Sunday of the month
Where: 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: FREE for Bexar County residents
Locals Day at the Briscoe Western Art Museum offers free admission to all Bexar County residents. Explore the art and heritage of the American West at no cost on the first Sunday of each month. Bring proof of residency, like a driver’s license or utility bill.
Free Tuesdays at The Witte Museum
When: Every Tuesday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209
COST: FREE for Bexar County residents
Bexar County residents can explore the Witte Museum for free every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m.! Make sure to reserve your tickets online in advance, as tickets are limited. Bring proof of residency, like a driver’s license or utility bill.
Free Thursdays at the McNay
When: Every Thursday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209
COST: FREE
Everyone can enjoy free general admission to the McNay on Thursdays! Military members, veterans, and students from local colleges and universities also receive free entry with proper ID any day of the week. Some special exhibits may have an additional charge. Don’t miss the chance to explore incredible art and culture for free!
San Antonio Botanical Garden
When: Daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, TX 78209
COST: FREE for children 3 & under. Check website for ticket prices for other age groups.
Discover the beauty of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, featuring 38 acres of lush landscapes, themed gardens, and scenic walking trails. Explore the Texas Native Trail, wander through the tropical conservatory, or enjoy seasonal exhibits. The garden also offers educational programs, family activities, and a café to savor a relaxing bite.
Japanese Tea Garden
When: Daily from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m..
Where: 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
COST: FREE
Escape the chaos of city life and find your inner Zen Master at the Japanese Tea Garden! This beautiful, lush, and relaxing public space is a delight and a true San Antonio classic. 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.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
When: Daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Click to see all locations
COST: FREE
Explore the historic San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park Service destination, and take a step back in time. Entry to all five missions, including Mission San José and Mission Concepción, is completely free and open to the public every day.
FREE SPLASH PADS & SPRAYGROUNDS
Start your summer with a splash with our local guide to FREE splash pads and spraygrounds in and around San Antonio. It’s a great way to stay cool while having fun.
Remember: Always check event websites before heading to these events, as details may change.