Updated 7/29/22
Summer might mean no school, but there’s a world of opportunity to keep learning in the Alamo city––especially outdoors. Here’s a roundup of San Antonio outdoor programs you can enjoy throughout the year with your kids.
Astronomy in the Park Raymond Rimkus Park
For the star gazers and astronomy lovers, the San Antonio Astronomical Association hosts a weekly star party at Raymond Rimkus park in Leon Valley. The event is free and open to the public, and they’re held every Wednesday from dusk until 10pm. Volunteers from the association set up telescopes of varying sizes, and guests can enjoy viewing seasonal objects of the sky. You’re welcome to bring your own telescope to set up as well. They recommend arriving just before dark and bringing something to drink.
Learn more about this event on their website.
Explore the Canyon at Government Canyon State Natural Area
Located in Northwest San Antonio outside of 1604, Government Canyon State Natural Area hosts guided explorations of the canyon every third Saturday of the month from 8AM – Noon. Knowledgeable guides discuss the flora, fauna, and natural and cultural history of the area, and the topic for each walk varies month to month.
The walk is open to all ages, but is limited to the first 12 people, and regular Natural Area entry fees apply. Learn more about joining one of these monthly tours on their website.
Cibolo Nature Center
Located just outside of San Antonio in Boerne, Cibolo Nature Center is a longtime favorite of San Antonio families. They’re currently hosting a variety of programs Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Upcoming programs include Art in Conservation (Drawing and Watercolor Classes), Family Night Hikes, Farmers Market, and more!
Learn more about the programs at Cibolo Nature Center on their website.
Picture Your World Green Spaces Alliance
Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas is a local non-profit organization dedicated to the city’s open lands and enhancing our urban environment. As part of their educational outreach, they run Picture Your World, a photography program for kids ages 8 – 18. They host monthly weekend workshops September through April, and participants have the opportunity to learn about a new natural area each month through photography. The weekend program culminates in a photography contest held each spring. You don’t have to participate in the weekend photography program to enter the contest, but it’s highly encouraged.
Learn more about Green Spaces Alliance’s Picture Your World Program here.
San Antonio Missions Guided Tours & Junior Ranger Program
Designated as a World Heritage Park in 2015, San Antonio National Historical Park protects, preserves, restores, and interprets four Spanish Colonial missions and their cultural landscape features, established along the upper San Antonio River.
If you and your family haven’t already enjoyed exploring the Missions, they offer guided tours and a Junior Ranger Program. The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program is an excellent way for kids to engage with our National Parks, and even better that we have one here in our backyard! Learn more about the Junior Ranger Program at the Missions on their website.
