15 Ridiculously Cheap Ways to Beat the Heat in San Antonio

Take advantage of dollar night at a Missions game
Dollar hot dogs, dollar popcorn, dollar soda, and you guessed it — dollar beers. Grab a cold one (or two or three) while rooting for the San Antonio Missions and revel in the fact that you're wallet will still be full by the time the game is over.
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Jump into Medina Lake
Bring the family, friends and the whole crew for a swim in Medina Lake. A noted favorite spot among locals, this free way to cool down during the summer never gets old.
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Get lit at the library
If you haven't been to the library in a while, you're in for a treat. There's thousands of books, movies and CDs to snag while you're there, plus sweet, sweet AC. And the best part about it all? It's absolutely free.
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Snack on a paleta
If paletas aren't a staple in your diet during the summer, then you're doing it wrong. Keep cool with a sweet and refreshing treat and make your way through San Antonio's long list of spots to grab a paleta.
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Splash into San Pedro Springs
Under shady trees and located in a central area of town, San Pedro Springs is the cream of the crop when it comes to free and public pools. Take the whole family for a dip and try to soak in the good parts of the San Antonio summer.
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Catch a free show at a local venue
With summer comes lots of free shows, events, open mics and ways to spend your nights for only a few bucks. Take advantage of shows at Paper Tiger, cheap drinks at Hi-Tones, and see what else is happening along the strip. We guarantee you'll find something that suits your style.
Photo by Jaime Monzon

Shop for thrift and vintage finds
Hit up local thrift and vintage stores to get out of the heat and look fresh — it's basically a two-birds, one stone approach to keeping cool this summer. You won't spend too much money and you'll be looking hella fly at every part this season.
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Stroll through a museum and check out some art
One of the easiest and most visually pleasing ways to cool off, checking out what's new at one of San Antonio's museums is always a must on our summer checklist. With free admission Thursday nights to the McNay and on the first weekend of every month to the San Antonio Museum of Art, you don't even have to pull out your wallet to check out the art at these spots.
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Sneak into a hotel pool
With several hotels in San Antonio — and some with pretty extravagant pools — you have several options when it comes to sneaking in for a dip. Put on those sunglasses, a hat and disguise yourself as a guest for a few hours. Just don't say we sent you.
Photo via Instagram, s.a.foodie

Split a cone at South Alamode
Gelato, anyone? With several flavors of gelato to choose from, stoping in at this Southtown spot is both a tasty and refreshing way to cool off. We recommend sharing a cone with a friend to cut down on costs, though we wouldn't blame you wanted to spring for your own.
Photo via Instagram, thatguylos04

Catch a flick for $1.50
When the summer heat become too unbearable, check out San Anotonio's dollar theaters to hide in the dark. It's a classic way to escape the heat, plus you'll be able to catch up on those flicks you skipped first time around.
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Hunt for records
Ok, we know that collecting records can add up quickly, but looking at records? Totally free.
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Hop around for the best happy hour deals
When it comes to keeping cool with a drink, there are several places where you stay within budget. Grab a sangria, margarita or an ice cold beer for best results.
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Browse through used books
Grow your summer reading list by browsing through hundreds of used books at Half Price Books, Cheever Books, Nine Lives Books or one of San Antonio's other bookshops.
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Play boardgames at Candlelight Coffeehouse
Grab a coffee, beer or glass of wine and challenge your friends to an evening of board games. It's a cheap way to pass the time and you'll get to show off your mad Scrabble skills.
Photo via Instagram, babydeniro