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Who says you need booze to have fun? Whether you’re sober, temporarily abstaining or just don’t feel like imbibing on a given weekend, there are plenty of things to do in San Antonio that don’t involve alcohol.
Need some inspiration? We rounded up 20 fun activities that you don’t need to be drinking to enjoy.
Play outside at Pearsall Park
4838 Old Pearsall Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
While SA has plenty of beautiful parks that let guests let loose and connect with nature, Pearsall Park is perfect for almost everyone because it basically has it all. With a skate park, dog park, multiple sports courts, golf course and plenty of trails, Pearsall is basically outdoor heaven. Credit:Photo via Instagram / dave_sands87Try out all the games at the Japanese-style arcade at Otaku Cafe
7022 Bandera Rd., (210) 455-4516, rrotakucafe.com
With a large selection of imported Japanese arcade games, Japanese snacks and an abundance of anime and gaming merch, Otaku Cafe is a great spot to indulge your inner otaku. Make sure to check their social media pages for info on weekly game tournaments. Credit:Photo via Instagram / rikricotakucafeCatch a free movie screening courtesy of Slab Cinema
Multiple locations, slabcinema.com
Put a spin on a classic movie date by taking your partner to an outdoor movie showing! While you can catch a free movie from various venues and organizations, the traveling outdoor screen from Slab Cinema has outdoor movie showings down to a science with their giant inflatable movie screen that they set up at various venues around town. Slab Cinema screens everything from recent blockbusters to arthouse classics, so no matter your tastes you’re bound to find a showing that’s up you and your date’s alley. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, and make sure to pack some extra layers as the weather starts getting colder.
Photo via Instagram / sama_art Credit:Photo via Instagram / slabcinemaVice Versa Coffee
123 Heiman St.
Following two years as the sole coffee shop in St. Paul Square, Vice Versa shut down permanently in late March. Owner Vinny Guerro said unexpected expenses spelled its demise. “This all goes back to our AC messing up last summer, as a small business stuff like that can really do damage,” he noted, adding that the monthly rent was $8,000. “[You] best believe everything I had I put into this place.” The space still remains vacant as of press time. Credit: Photo courtesy of Vice CoffeeSearch for your favorite albums at a local record store
There are few things more nostalgic than flipping through a crate of vinyl, spotting the album art for the record you’ve been looking for, taking it home and playing it for the first time. San Antonio has a whole host of record stores to peruse, so if you’re not sure where to start, look no further than here! Credit:Photo via Instagram / oremel19Credit:Photo via Instagram / insanejester17Strap on some wheels at The Rollercade
223 Recoleta Rd., (210) 826-6361, therollercade.com
Nothing beats the neon-lit, retro vibe of the roller rink for a nostalgic night on the town. Whether you spend most of your time just re-learning how to move on wheels or you decide to come up with your own little rink routine, you’re sure to have a blast. Credit:Photo via Instagram / therollercadeFull Goods Diner
200 E. Grayson St., Suite 120, (210) 819-4226, fullgoodsdiner.com
Full Goods Diner is full of everything a South Texas diner should have: steak and eggs, migas and Texas hash. For those looking for something a bit on the “alternative” side, Full Goods has it covered with ricotta toast or a carnitas torta. Full Goods sports a more refined aesthetic compared to a classic Waffle House, but customers can still expect classics such as hot coffee, lattes and pastries. Credit:Photo via Instagram / fullgoodsdinerKayak the San Antonio River
Sure, this one is outside and doesn’t involve getting IN the water, but kayaking is a classic summer activity and we’re just stoked that Mission Kayaks is back in business after a short closure. Also, the many mature trees offer lots of shade along the route if you get closer to the shore. Credit:Photo via Instagram / missionadventuretoursPlay tabletop games at Knight Watch
16350 Blanco Rd. #116, (210) 888-1051, knightwatchgames.com
Knight Watch prides itself on its atmosphere, styling its interior like a castle’s great hall, making it the perfect place to host your next DnD or board game night. The venue features a cafe with ample themed food options for patrons and hosts a $6 “ladies knight out” on Thursdays. Credit:Photo via Instagram / knightwatchgamesCheer on the Spurs at a home game
1 AT&T Center Parkway, (210) 444-5000, attcenter.com
While most San Antonians are Spurs fans every day of the year, it’s super fun to be a dedicated fan right at the start of the season. Show your loyalty to the Silver & Black and cheer on the team during early season games without breaking the bank.
Photo by Jaime Monzon Credit: Photo by Jaime MonzonKick off a dry May with a mocktail at HASH Vegan Eats
5007 S. Flores St., (210) 332-9244, hashveganeatery.com
After been ebrio every evening for two weeks, it might be wise to do a Dry May and let your body recover. HASH’s dry bar offers a wide selection of alcohol-free cocktails and loose leaf teas. Credit: Photo courtesy of HASH Vegan EatsFall on your ass ice skating
17530 Henderson Pass, (210) 490-9550, northwoodsice.net
Even if it’s not winter, ice skating can be a great way to get active and have fun with friends. Bundle up with some buds and head to Northwoods Ice & Golf to see who wipes out the least on the ice. Once you run out of steam, you can wind down after skating in the on-site arcade and snack bar. Credit:Photo via Unsplash / Kelli McClintockUnleash your inner child playing pinball at What’s Brewing
138 West Rhapsody, (210) 308-8882, sacoffeeroasters.com
You can get caffeinated and let your inner kid out at What’s Brewing’s Roastery and Cafe, which has a rotating selection of pinball machines for you to practice your wizardry. Credit:Photo via Instagram / whatsbrewingsaTake a hike or bike ride
Now that it’s not insanely hot outside, it’s time to dust off those hiking boots and/or air up your tires and take to the trails. SA has an abundance of trails and green spaces to offer between city parks, natural areas, green belts and nearby state parks. There’s plenty of gorgeous places for both the discerning naturalist and the infrequent outdoorsman alike to take in some beautiful scenery, either on foot or bicycle, and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Find a perfect trail near you.
Photo via Instagram / this.ole.bike Credit:Photo via Instagram / this.ole.bikeCheck out the art at Contemporary at Blue Star 116 Blue Star, (210) 227-6960.
Enjoy the revolving talent at the Contemporary at Blue Star. A house for innovative contemporary art, this nonprofit’s galleries are open to anyone for free, and on top of their range of rotating exhibitions, they also offer a variety of family-friendly art events. Credit: Francisco Cortés, courtesy of Contemporary at Blue StarGo to a farmers market
No, they don’t have chicken on a stick. But know what they DO have? Vegetables. Remember those? Credit: Photo courtesy of PearlCredit: Courtesy Photo / San Antonio Botanical GardenBe mesmerized by the stars at the Scobee Planetarium
1819 N. Main Ave., (210) 486-0100, sacscobee.org
The average temperature in deep space is around -455 degrees Fahrenheit, so it doesn’t get much colder than that. If you have a Friday evening open in the near future, the Scobee Planetarium offers public programming from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. each week. Learn more about our solar system while hiding from the heat in the cool, cool air conditioning. Credit: Photo via Google MapsGo to an improv show at Black Potion
1900 Fredericksburg Rd. Suite 101, (210) 369-8750, facebook.com/BlackPotionSATX
The nerd-friendly spot Black Potion boasts private board game rooms and even a 49-seat theater for hosting everything from film screenings to improv. Their in-house troupe, House Party Improv, puts on shows every Friday. While Black Potion serves alcohol, they also offer non-alcoholic options. Credit:Photo via Instagram / housepartyimprov