Best Parks and Playgrounds for Kids in San Antonio
Last updated by Moms Guide SA
Quick answer
Phil Hardberger Park is our top pick, with trails, playgrounds and a land bridge over the parkway. Downtown, Hemisfair has the Yanaguana Garden playground and splash pad. Brackenridge Park sits next to the zoo, and McAllister Park has room to run on the North Side. City parks are free. For a bigger hike, Government Canyon has dinosaur tracks.
- Cost
- City parks are free
- Top pick
- Phil Hardberger Park
- Downtown
- Hemisfair and Yanaguana Garden
Our picks
1
Parks & Playgrounds
Phil Hardberger Park (West / Military Hwy)
Trails, playgrounds and the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge.
San Antonio
2
Parks & Playgrounds
Hemisfair
Downtown park with Yanaguana Garden's playground and splash pad.
San Antonio
3
Parks & Playgrounds
Brackenridge Park
Big historic park next to the San Antonio Zoo, with trails and picnic spots.
San Antonio
4
Parks & Playgrounds
McAllister Park
Large North Side park with trails, playgrounds and picnic areas.
San Antonio
5
Nature & Wildlife
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Hill Country trails. A five-mile hike leads to dinosaur tracks. Kids 12 and under get in free.
San Antonio
6
Parks & Playgrounds
San Pedro Springs Park
Historic park just north of downtown with big shade trees.
San Antonio
7
Parks & Playgrounds
Woodlawn Lake Park
Walk the loop around the lake, then hit the playground.
San Antonio
8
Parks & Playgrounds
Confluence Park
Small park on the Mission Reach with a big shade pavilion.
San Antonio
Seven Oaks Park
North Side park near Stone Oak with a playground, walking trails and good shade from big trees.
San Antonio
10
Parks & Playgrounds
Yanaguana Garden
Downtown playground at Hemisfair with climbing, sand play and water features. Free splash pad in summer.
San Antonio
Blue Playground (Phil Hardberger)
Nature-themed playground at Phil Hardberger Park with zip lines, climbing, sand play and music. Built for all abilities.
San Antonio
Riverwalk Playground (Museum Reach)
Art-inspired playground right on the Museum Reach of the River Walk, with public art nearby.
San Antonio
Compare at a glance
Area, ages, cost and indoor or outdoor for the places in this guide, from our place listings. Cost uses our scale: free, $ (low), $$ (moderate), $$$ (higher). Check each place before you go.
| Place | Area | Ages | Cost | Indoor or outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Hardberger Park (West / Military Hwy) | Northwest San Antonio | All ages | Free | Outdoor |
| Hemisfair | Downtown | Babies to 12 | Free | Outdoor |
| Brackenridge Park | Downtown | All ages | Free | Outdoor |
| McAllister Park | San Antonio | All ages | Free | Outdoor |
| Government Canyon State Natural Area | San Antonio | 5 and up | $ | Outdoor |
| San Pedro Springs Park | Downtown | Babies to teens | Free | Outdoor |
| Woodlawn Lake Park | San Antonio | Babies to 12 | Free | Outdoor |
| Confluence Park | Downtown | 3 and up | Free | Outdoor |
| Seven Oaks Park | Stone Oak | All ages | Free | Outdoor |
| Yanaguana Garden | Downtown | Babies to 12 | Free | Outdoor |
| Blue Playground (Phil Hardberger) | Northwest San Antonio | All ages | Free | Outdoor |
| Riverwalk Playground (Museum Reach) | Downtown | All ages | Free | Outdoor |
Coming up at these places
Jardín de las Catrinas
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 19 to Nov 2, multiple dates
Little Sprouts Hike
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 20 to Nov 17, multiple dates
Drop-in Guided Tour: Birds of Texas
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 21 to Nov 18, multiple dates
Nature Exploration in the Family Adventure Garden
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 21 to Nov 18, multiple dates
Painting with a Hike: Dia de los Muertos
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 21 · 6 p.m.
Drop-in Guided Tour: Catrinas
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 22 to Oct 31, multiple dates
Storytime in the Garden
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 22 to Nov 12, multiple dates
Drop-in Guided Tour: Texas WaterSaver Garden
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 23 to Nov 13, multiple dates
Garden Run Club
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Oct 24 to Oct 31, multiple dates
Tips before you go
- Go early in summer. Shade goes fast by noon.
- Bring water and sunscreen, even in spring and fall.
- Reserve a Government Canyon day pass online before busy weekends.
We post new weekend picks on Instagram. Follow @momsguidesa.
Questions parents ask
What is the best park for kids in San Antonio?
We pick Phil Hardberger Park. It has trails, playgrounds and the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge. Hemisfair is the best pick downtown.
Are San Antonio city parks free?
Yes. City parks and playgrounds are free. State parks like Government Canyon charge an entrance fee for adults.
Where can kids see dinosaur tracks?
Government Canyon State Natural Area. A five-mile hike leads to dinosaur footprints. Kids 12 and under get in free.
Which parks have splash pads?
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair has one downtown. City splash pads usually run spring through early fall. See our splash pad listings for more.
How we check facts
We check the facts in this guide on each venue's official site, and we update the guide when they change.
We don't make up ratings or reviews.