Spring break is almost here! San Antonio comes alive in the spring with markets, festivals, interactive art, camps, and more fun for the whole family (including dogs)! We’ve rounded up the best local events for family fun during spring break in San Antonio. Most of these events and activities are free, but you can buy food, drink, and other goodies.
Here is our list of spring break fun:
Experiences
Hemisfair Park – Play, Eat, & Splash
When: Open daily
Where: 434 S Alamo St.
Cost: FREE
Hemisfair Park in the heart of downtown San Antonio is the perfect place to spend a spring break afternoon. Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden is an inclusive space for children of ALL ages and abilities. Kids can also cool off in the Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad or play a friendly game of foosball or cornhole. Don’t miss H-E-B’s Super Fun Saturday: Spring is Blooming on March 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring FREE activities and entertainment, and Story Time at Hemisfair on March 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
FREE Splash Pad Fun
When: Open daily
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. San Antonio and Bexar County have a lot of splash pads for the little ones to frolic in. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Hours vary, so always check the website before going.
17th Annual Fest of Tails
When: Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd.
COST: FREE
Calling all dog lovers! Bring the whole family, including friendly, leashed pups, to this annual dog-friendly, family event! The Fest of Tails features a free kite festival, dog fair, pooch parade, canine costume contest, live music, and pet adoptions!
Los Trompos Experience
When: March 1 – April 8
Where: Shops at La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Parkway (Forever 21 Court)
Cost: FREE
Imagine spinning inside of a giant top! You don’t need tickets to enjoy this free, immersive art installation for kids and adults alike. Spin, play, or simply relax in colorful, supersized tops created by artists Esrawe + Cadena. Don’t forget to take pictures for the ‘gram!
Historic Market Square’s Spring Break Fest
When: March 9 – March 17, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Cost: FREE
Head out to Market Square, where the culture of San Antonio comes alive for this official spring break kickoff. Enjoy live entertainment, food, shopping, and more!
FREE Movie at the Pearl
When: Monday, March 9, 6:20 p.m.
Where: The Pearl, 303 Pearl Parkway
Cost: FREE
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to watch a childhood summer classic under the stars with the family — “The Sandlot.” Be sure and show up early to get a good spot! The movie starts at nightfall, or approximately 6:20 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day River Parade, Festival, and Artisan Show
When: Friday – Sunday, March 15-17
Where: San Antonio River Walk
Cost: FREE
No other 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 San Antonio River magically transforms into the River Shannon as eco-friendly green dye is swirled into the water. Then, catch the St. Patrick’s River Parade with Irish-themed floats showcasing Irish bagpipers and other entertainers. For specific dates and times, click here. Wear green to show your St. Patrick’s Day spirit!
Arts & Culture
SoFlo Market
When: Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 1344 S Flores St.
Cost: FREE
The SoFlo vendor market is popping with art by 80 local artists and vendors, live music, and food trucks. The 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 up the creativity, color, and culture of San Antonio’s Southside!
San Antonio Museum of Art Spring Break Family Day: The Age of Armor
When: Tuesday, March 12, 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. Make your own art and delight in story time, food vendors, and live performances. The museum will also be showcasing the new special exhibition, “The Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection at the Worcester Art Museum.”
Briscoe Art Museum Spring Break Roundup
When: March 11 – March 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W Market St.
Cost: FREE for ages 12 and under (Adults $8-14)
Kiddos can participate in arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, story time, and other fun activities at the Briscoe during the museum’s come-and-go event. 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: March 9, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Northeast Bible Church, 19185 FM 2252
Cost: FREE
Check out 150+ local craft, food, farm, and business vendors with goods for sale while the kids participate in free activities including a bouncy house, face painting, crafts, a scavenger hunt, games, and chalk art! Food and drink are available for purchase from local food trucks and vendors.
Pearl Farmer’s Market
When: Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The Pearl, 303 Pearl Parkway
Cost: FREE
Saturdays bring out the local farmers and ranchers to the Pearl. Find fresh, local produce and meat from South Texas. On Sunday, browse local artisans‘ goods, including pottery, wood crafts, and unique home goods!
Wilson County Trade Days – Spring is in the Air
When: March 30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: John William Helton San Antonio River Nature Park, 15662 FM 775, Floresville
Cost: FREE
Spend a beautiful day shopping in the park and watch your kids explore the shaded playground. Browse goods from local vendors, fresh produce from Wilson County farmers, plus plants, trees, and flowers to take home for your garden.
CAMPS
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp
When: Monday – Friday, March 11 – 15, 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 participate in team sports, fitness activities, games, and arts & crafts. San Antonio Parks & Recreation provides lunch and snacks for each day camp. See which Community Center near you is open for registration.
YMCA Spring Break Camp
When: Monday – Friday, March 11 – 15
Where: Various YMCA locations
Cost: Costs vary; scholarship opportunities available
Did you know that many San Antonio-area YMCAs offer spring break camps for kids of all ages? Kids can get active in fun, fitness-themed activities and sports or get outdoors with a YMCA guide and explore nature. Enroll today.
Girls Inc. San Antonio Spring Break Camp
When: Monday – Friday, March 11 – 15
Where: 2214 Basse Rd., San Antonio, TX 78213
Cost: Costs vary; financial aid available
This year’s Girls Inc. Spring Break Camp jumps into S.T.E.M. with weather and natural disaster themes, educating local girls on the power and unpredictability of nature and encouraging investigation of our natural world through immersive learning activities. These camps are open to girls in kindergarten through 8th grade. Register today!
From our families to yours, we wish you and your children a fun, safe, and memorable spring break!
Looking for other activities? Check out our Community First events page for free local happenings you won’t want to miss.