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Outdoor Family Fun
San Antonio has 14,282 acres of parks and 114 miles of mostly urban hike-and-bike trails. The city is also on the cusp of one of the country's most popular outdoor areas, the Texas Hill Country. Also take a look at the list of family fun activities, many of which include outdoor adventure.
Downtown
The River Walk
HemisFair Park
This 15-acre urban retreat with strolling paths has something for everyone. Highlights include a children’s Magik Theatre, a playground built like a fortress, cascading waterfalls and diversions such as the Institute of Texas Cultures, the Instituto Cultural de México and the 750-foot tall Tower of the Americas.
Brackenridge Park
Hugging the headwaters of the San Antonio River are 343 acres of woodland, trails and a historic par-72 golf course. You will also find the San Antonio Zoo, an elegant Japanese Tea Garden and the Witte Museum, which features historic and science artifacts and the H-E-B Science Treehouse. Kids will love riding a miniature train that circles the park.
Missions National Historical Park
A chain of four Spanish colonial missions — Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada — are linked by the San Antonio River and eight miles of paved cycling and walking paths. The trails wind along the river, through old neighborhoods and past farmlands. Drinking water is available at each mission and a visitor center is located at Mission San José. Don’t miss the Espada Aqueduct, built in the 1700s and still in use.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Anchoring the eastern end of Mahncke Park, which runs through a historic neighborhood, this verdant 33 acres of floral displays and exotic plants offers nature trails, Texas ecological areas, plant conservatories and manicured gardens, including one for the blind.
San Pedro Springs Park
The second oldest municipal park in the nation (only Boston Common is older), San Pedro Springs is the quintessential urban oasis. The 46 acres feature strolling paths and a lake that’s a free summer swimming hole.
Parks and Wilderness Areas
Eisenhower Park
North of town lie 320 acres of wooded hills, rocky canyons and dry creek beds. The park includes five miles of hike-and-bike trails, a playground with a climbing wall, an interpretive house and picnic pavilions.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
Five miles of hiking trails through this heavily forested and hilly 232 acres include paths for disabled hikers and access to nature study and bird watching.
Phil Hardberger Park
Phil Hardberger Park is an oasis in the heart of San Antonios north side. It is an island of green in a sea of urban development. The 311-acre former dairy farm is San Antonios newest city park and the largest to be opened here since the 1800s.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
This 8,622-acre spread encompasses historic ranching sites, rugged trails, steep slopes, scenic overlooks and an interpretive center and gift shop.
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Bird-watchers come from around the world to see more than 300 species — such as pelicans, egrets, roseate spoonbills, wild ducks and hawks — at this deep-water lake and surrounding brushland. This 624-acre preserve is located on a migratory bird route and includes 7.5 miles of trails winding through wildlife habitats.
Choke Canyon State Park
A population of breeding alligators is one major draw at this park, which is on the shores of a 26,000-acre reservoir about two hours south of San Antonio. The park also has superb boating, fishing, birding, hiking trails and camping.
Enchanted Rock
To call Enchanted Rock, about an hour and a half north of San Antonio, a “pink granite exfoliation dome” is beside the point. The fact that the dome rises 425 foot above ground and covers 640 acres also seems irrelevant — until you climb it. At the top, the rock’s enchantment, the draw for over 11,000 years of human visitation, is truly apparent. Bring a kite. The park also includes camping, picnicking and seven miles of hiking trails.
Dog Parks
Pearsall, McAllister and Hardberger parks
Fire hydrants, dog-height water fountains and fenced areas with exercise equipment make ideal playgrounds for dogs and their owners. The 1.5-acre Pearsall Park includes picnic tables and play features. McAllister Park has 1.5 acres set aside for dogs, which include a covered picnic area and walking trail. Hardberger Park’s has 1.8 acres for dogs, including separate areas for small and large dogs and a two-story doghouse. Dogs are allowed on leashes at other city parks, except for natural areas, where no pets are allowed.
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Copyright (c) 2011 by City of San Antonio. Any party wishing to reproduce content displayed on this website must obtain the express written permission of the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. Phone: (800) 447-3372
