Outdoor play is important because children need to learn to seek out exercise, fresh air, and activity in a natural setting. There is something fundamentally healthy about using the outdoors. Playing outside can also help children care more about their environment, and it’s great for adults, too! Thankfully, there are plenty of great parks in San Antonio and the surrounding area.
With the great year-round weather in Texas, it’s always a good time to visit San Antonio’s parks, playgrounds, and gardens. There are dozens of parks to choose from- both large and small. We took note of the parks with the best amenities and best views.
Read more below for our round-up of the Best Parks in San Antonio for kids and adults alike:
Best Parks for Kids and Families Around San Antonio
Phil Hardberger Park | (West) 8400 N.W. Military Hwy. 78231 | (East) 13203 Blanco Road 78216
Offering nearly 5 miles of paved and unpaved trails, this park is great for getting out and exploring with your family.
NOTE: The east and west sides of the park are currently divided by Wurzbach Parkway.
Denman Estate Park | 7735 Mockingbird Lane | 78229
Pack a picnic lunch and head out to the park with the family! Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you walk the trail, feed the ducks and view the beautiful Korean monument, hand-crafted by artisans from our sister city Gwangju, Korea.
Brackenridge Park | 3910 N St Mary’s St. | 78212
With 343 acres located below the headwaters of the San Antonio River, there is plenty to do at this park including multiple easy walking trails, more than 100 picnic and grilling areas and easy access to the San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum, and DoSeum. There’s also playgrounds, bird watching, fitness classes, and more.
Hemisfair | 434 S. Alamo St. | 78205
Hemisfair Park is an urban oasis! It’s a great space for all and includes a playground, splash pad, fountains, statues, green space and more.
Chris Park | 111 Camp St. | 78204
Enjoy 18 plant varieties, a fountain, a constellation-themed walkway and benches inscribed with uplifting quotes from Chris Pace’s journals. And take your turn on Tumble Hill, where “children, and those with an inner child” can roll down a grassy knoll.
NOTE: Chris Park is closed on Mondays.
Landa Park | 164 Landa Park Dr. | New Braunfels | 78130
The 51-acre park has something for everyone! From paddle boats to walking the park to feeding the fish and more, the entire family will have something to do here.
Woodlawn Lake Park | 1103 Cincinnati Ave. | 78201
In addition to the 1.5 mile trail around the man-made lake, this park offers fishing, basketball and swimming. The pool is open from May to September until 7 p.m. on most nights and is free! The kids will also love the towering play structures and feeding the ducks {just no bread!}
Travis Park | 311 E Travis St. | 78205
At this park you’ll find a miniature dog park, a giant chess set and a kiosk where one can check out books, board games and hula-hoops. During the summer, there are outdoor movie nights, ballet performances and a summer jazz concert series in the park.
San Pedro Springs Park | 2200 N Flores | 78212
Easily one of the best parks in San Antonio, San Pedro Springs has a zero-entry pool, touchable sculptures, a skate park, a theater, tennis courts, and more.
Macarthur Park | 1611 NE Interstate 410 Loop | 78209
Known for one of the best playgrounds in San Antonio, you’ll find rock climbing structures, huge playscapes, and several slides. There are also plenty of seating and picnic tables.
Pearsall Park | 4838 Old Pearsall Rd. | 78242
You’ll never run out of things to do at Pearsall Park. The trails are scenic, wildlife abundant, and skate park is hoppin’. They also have a bark park, event stage, basketball courts, picnicking areas, and the largest playground in the city.
There is no shortage of parks in San Antonio so I hope you’ll get out and enjoy them all while the weather is nice.
What are some of your other favorite parks in San Antonio? Tell us about them in the comments below.
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I sure will I’m planning on doing a hike with them and a picnic afterwards! It will so much fun!
I need to hear some more about geocaching. Future blog post, Sara?
Of course! Would you prefer best spots or tips for geocaching?
Can’t wait for Kids to Park day–Right around the corner!
We love our parks, my girls and I enjoy exploring different ones.. now we have more to add to our list. Thank you
We love Yanaguana Park next to the Magik Theater. And of course we love the train at Brakenridge!
We love walking around Woodlawn Lake!
Just awesome!
Sure – we love parks and enjoy trying new ones on the weekends!
Yes, we love spending as much time outdoors as possible.
You got to mention Conception park on the Southside. Southside is always overlooked.Swimming pool in the summer and fun playgrounds with swings for kids. Big yard also my kids and I have flown kites at on a windy days. Bonus being right on the San Antonio river! It’s great to walk along the river or sit at one of the benching overlooking the water.