Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, San Antonio features 15+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.
So grab your shades, SPF, and trusty water bottle — here are some of the Alamo City’s best.
Nature parks
Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 N.W. Military
Having East and West entrances, this park boasts a land bridge, dog + kid park, as well as eight miles of trails. Pro tip: Want to get some online work done? The Urban Ecology Center offers free wifi.
O. P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Rd.
This 202-acre park features miles of walking + hiking trails, playgrounds, outdoor pavilions. Keep an eye on its fitness class calendar for future sessions.
Valero Trailhead, 5902 N.W. Loop 1604
The City of San Antonio is home to the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System with over 82 miles of developed multi-use and accessible trails. Take a stroll through one of four greenways to get your nature fix.
Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd.
Camp out or go for a day hike at this nature park. Government Canyon features over 40 miles of trails and hiking space, as well as dinosaur tracks.
Stone Oak Park, 20395 Stone Oak Pkwy.
This winding trail offers an amphitheater, outdoor workout equipment, and plenty of shade. City Editor Nicholas went on a walk and saw cardinals, deer, and scrub jays.
Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 N. Saint Mary’s St.
Fall in love with this oasis featuring koi ponds, a waterfall, and beautiful foliage.
Family parks
Dwight D. Eisenhower Park, 19399 N.W. Military Hwy.
Spend a great weather day hiking one of seven trails at this local park and stay for a family picnic.
Brackenridge Park, 531 Brackenridge Way
Brackenridge has been a San Antonio staple for over 12,000 years equipped with walking trails, the San Antonio Zoo + Kiddie Park, fishing, and more.
Denman Estate Park, 7735 Mockingbird Ln.
One of the hidden gems of the Alamo City, and has a monument hand-built in Gwangju, Korea to honor our sister city achievement.
Confluence Park, 310 W., Mitchell St.
One of City Editor Nicholas’ favorite city parks, Confluence Park is as the name suggests, sitting at the intersection of San Antonio’s waterways. Not only can you walk along a connecting trail to the San Antonio Missions, but it also hosts kayaking events throughout the year. Pro tip: Keep an eye on its events calendar for yoga, and other activities.
Pearl Park, 312 Pearl Pkwy.
Bring the kiddos to cool off at its splash pad, while the adults sip on margaritas from the nearby Food Hall. Did we also mention that this is one of the most perfect places for a picnic?
Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31
With 12 hiking trails, horseback riding, and mountain biking to choose from, there’s something for the whole family. After a scenic overlook trail, cool off in the river by tubing or canoeing. Are you a bird watcher? Check out the park’s field checklist.
Mission Reach, multiple entrances
From running to cycling and kayaking, this trail offers the best of San Antonio’s natural landscape. Visitors can easily hop on + off at any point and enjoy stunning local artwork like The Grotto, or visit the San Antonio Missions.
Classen-Steubing Ranch Park, 20240 Hardy Oak Blvd.
Offering playgrounds, a pitchers mound, and walking trails, this park is also adding a pirate-themed playground — Mitchell’s Landing. Attend the grand opening celebration on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.
Dog parks
Coyote Park, 15915 Old Fredericksburg Rd.
The newest (and biggest) dog park in San Antonio is part of Phase 1 of the Rock at La Cantera — a Spurs athletic training + conditioning campus. Your furry friend will have the time of its life with two designated dog play areas, a doggie wash station, waste bags, and a walking trail.
Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St.
Take you dog on a walk through the newly opened Civic Park in the heart of San Antonio that feature two Mutt Mitt stations equipped with waste bags.
Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston St.
Hang out with your best dog friend in downtown’s backyard. Don’t miss: Join the Dog Guide of San Antonio for its monthly Downtown Dog Market at the park.
Panther Springs Park, 22635 Wilderness Oak 78258
Bring the big and small dogs for a free roam adventure at this park. For human fun, this park includes a 2.5-mile walking trail and a baseball field.
Tom Slick Park, 7400 State Hwy. 151
This one-acre dog park has the usual amenities as well as a playground, and a special cameo from San Antonio’s own Nessie.
Sports parks
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Pickleball Courts, Various locations
The Alamo City has a total of six pickleball-dedicated courts on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pro tip: Be sure to check out the operating hours before you go.
San Pedro Springs Park, 1315 San Pedro Ave.
The park features naturally fed outdoor swimming pool, the McFarlin Tennis Center,, the San Pedro Playhouse, and small trails. Fun fact: This is the second-oldest park in the US, and is the oldest in the city.
Falcone Park, 7625 Mystic Park
Looking to play some disc golf? Look no further than Falcone Park and its 21-hole disc golf course. Don’t miss: This park also features one of the city’s 16 skate parks.
Cuellar Park, 5626 San Fernando
If you’re in the mood for an outdoor workout, this park features five fitness stations for resistance training, cardio, stretching, and balance. Have a little one? Enjoy a play date on the playscape.
Helotes Fitness Park, 10483 Parrigin Road
On-leash dogs are welcomed here, but you can also enjoy its static fitness equipment, paved walking trails, a disc golf course, and covered picnic tables post match.
McClain Park, 15700 O’Connor Rd.
Located in the Steubing Ranch neighborhood, this patch of green is perfect for a sunny afternoon session with friends or for practicing your disc serve solo.
Fairchild Park, 1214 E. Crockett
This park boasts 18 pickleball courts for everyone of all skill levels to enjoy.
Oscar Perez Memorial Park, 8601 Timber Path
Venture to the far west side and find a dog park, basketball court, shaded playground, and a skate park complete with ramps + rails.
Your park grab bag
Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:
- Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
- The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
- A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
- Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
- Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
- These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
- Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.
What is your favorite park activity to do in our city? Let us know by taking this survey.
