Spring break is almost here! If you’re ready for a break from the daily grind BUT have no idea what to do or where to go while the kids are out of school, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together a list of free and low-cost local events for the entire family. The weather is warm, the bluebonnets and wildflowers are in full bloom, and spring is here – let’s get outdoors!
Experiences
Hemisfair Park – Play, Eat, & Splash
When: Open daily
Where: 434 S Alamo St.
Cost: FREE
Hemisfair Park, located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, is the perfect place to spend a spring break afternoon. Enjoy Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden – an inclusive space for individuals of ALL abilities, cool off in the Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad, play a friendly game of foosball or cornhole, and more. Don’t miss H-E-B’s Super Fun Saturday: Spring is Blooming on March 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring FREE activities and entertainment, and Story Time at Hemisfair on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
FREE Splash Pad Fun
When: Open daily; hours vary
Where: Across the San Antonio area
Cost: FREE
Splash pads are a great alternative to a pool, river, or lake, and still a great way to cool off and have a little fun, and there are several spread out throughout San Antonio and Bexar County! Bring the entire family and enjoy a day outdoors at one of the free splash pads linked above. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
16th Annual Fest of Tails
When: Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd.
COST: FREE
Calling all dog lovers! Bring the whole family, including the pups, to this annual family and pet-friendly event! Featuring a free kite festival and dog fair and more outdoor fun like a pooch parade, canine costume contest, live music, pet adoptions, and more!
Los Trompos Experience
When: March 11 – April 9
Where: Shops at La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Parkway (Forever 21 Court)
Cost: FREE
No tickets are needed to enjoy this free, immersive art installation for kids and adults alike! Spin, play, and relax in vibrant and supersized tops. Don’t forget to take pictures for the ‘gram!
Historic Market Square’s 35th Annual Fiesta Primavera
When: Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Cost: FREE to attend, goods/food available for purchase
Head out to Market Square, where the culture of San Antonio comes alive for this official spring break kickoff. Enjoy live entertainment, food, indoor and outdoor shops, and more!
FREE Movie at the Pearl
When: Monday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Pearl, 303 Pearl Parkway
Cost: FREE
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks and watch a childhood summer classic under the stars with the family – The Sandlot! Be sure to show up early to get a good spot! Movie starts at dusk.
St. Patrick’s Day River Parade, Festival, and Artisan Show
When: Friday – Sunday, March 17-19
Where: San Antonio River Walk
Cost: FREE to attend, goods/food available for purchase
No city celebrates St. Patrick’s Day like San Antonio! Friday’s festivities include family-friendly live entertainment, vendors, and an Artisan Show. On Saturday, watch as the River Walk is magically transformed into the River Shannon as eco-friendly green dye is swirled into the water, and catch the St. Patrick’s River parade featuring Irish-themed floats filled with bagpipers and other entertainers. For specific dates and times, click here. Wear green, so you don’t get pinched!
Arts & Culture
SoFlo Market
When: Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 1344 S Flores St.
Cost: FREE to attend, goods/food available for purchase
Hit the SoFlo vendor market to see the amazing work of 80 local artists and vendors. Enjoy live music and food trucks. This spring break edition of the SoFlo market falls on the same day as the Second Saturday Art Walk in Southtown, so get ready to soak in the creativity, color, and culture!
San Antonio Museum of Art Spring Break Family Day
When: Tuesday, March 14, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Special events 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Where: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 West Jones Ave.
Cost: FREE
Enjoy free all-day admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art and explore art-making experiences, story time, food vendors, performances, and more. The museum will also be showcasing the special exhibit, “Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii.”
Briscoe Art Museum Spring Break Roundup
When: Thursday, March 16 & Friday, March 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and March 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W Market St.
Cost: FREE for ages 12 and under (Adults $8-12)
Your little ones will love arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, story time, and more at the Briscoe during the museum’s come-and-go programming. Different activities will be available each day, bringing the West to life in a variety of hands-on ways! Parents or guardians must accompany children for each activity.
Market Days
Market Days are free to attend, and food/goods are available for purchase.
Garden Ridge Market Days
When: Saturday, March 11, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Northeast Bible Church, 19185 FM 2252
Enjoy 150+ local craft, food, farm, and business vendors. Kids’ activities include a bounce house, face painting, crafts, scavenger hunt, games, chalk art, and more! Food and drink available from local food trucks and vendors.
Pearl Farmer’s Market
When: Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Sunday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The Pearl, 303 Pearl Parkway
On Saturday, shop local food vendors, including fresh produce and meat. Gardopia Gardens – Community First’s community partner – will be in attendance! Stop by their booth to learn about the basics of gardening and how it can help you lead a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. On Sunday, browse the goods of local artisans, including pottery, wood crafts, unique home goods, and more.
Wilson County Trade Days – Spring is in the Air
When: March 18, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: John William Helton San Antonio River Nature Park, 15662 FM 775, Floresville
Spend a beautiful day shopping in the park while the kids play steps away on the shaded playground! Browse goods from local vendors, fresh produce from Wilson County farmers, plants, trees, flowers for your garden, and much more.
CAMPS
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp
When: Monday – Friday, March 13 – 17, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Various Community Centers
Cost: $3/day
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp is a great opportunity for kids and teens (ages 6-14) to stay active and meet new friends during spring break. Campers will enjoy sports, fitness, games, and arts & crafts. Lunch and snacks provided. See which Community Center near you is open for registration.
YMCA Spring Break Camp
When: Monday – Friday, March 13 – 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Various YMCA locations
Cost: Costs vary; scholarship opportunities available
Did you know that many San Antonio-area YMCAs offer spring break camps for various ages? Kids can participate in fun, themed activities, explore nature, and more. Find out which YMCA locations are participating and enroll today.
Girls Inc. San Antonio Spring Break Camp
When: Monday – Friday, March 13 – 17, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Columbia Heights Elementary, 1610 Fitch Ave
Cost: Costs vary; financial aid available
This year’s Girls Inc. Spring Break Camp will be botany-themed, celebrating the beauty and wonder of plants, cultivating curiosity, and exploring connections to the natural world with hands-on learning experiences. Open to girls in kinder through eighth grade. Register today!
Community First would like to wish you and your family a fun and memorable spring break!
Looking for other activities? Check out our Events page for local, free, happenings you don’t want to miss.