We're getting to that time of year when it feels too hot to do anything. Sure, the AC is great at home, but spending summer cooped up in the house is a recipe for boredom.
However, if you plan it right, you can have tons of fun without melting in the crazy heat. Whether you want to stay in San Antonio or venture out for a bigger adventure, we rounded up 21 ways to have fun and keep cool while you're at it.
21 cool things to do in the San Antonio area when it's hot AF outside
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Jul 1, 2022 at 2:53 pm
Tags:
- San Antonio,
- Texas,
- things to do in San Antonio,
- summer activities,
- summer fun,
- family-friendly,
- kid-friendly,
- tubing,
- water activities,
- Comal River,
- public art,
- murals,
- street art,
- driving tour,
- drive-in movies,
- drive-in,
- drive-in theater,
- Stars & Stripes Drive-In,
- kayak,
- San Antonio River,
- Hanamaru Cafe,
- taiyaki,
- ice cream,
- Hopscotch,
- art gallery,
- art museum,
- water park,
- Natural Bridge Caverns,
- San Pedro Springs Park Pool,
- San Antonio Library,
- public library,
- raspa,
- slushie,
- ice skating,
- Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods,
- SEA LIFE San Antonio,
- aquarium,
- San Antonio Museum of Art,
- McNay Art Museum,
- Blue Star Contemporary,
- Ruby City,
- swimming hole,
- swimming,
- roadside attractions,
- splash pad,
- Immersive Van Gogh,
- Slab Cinema,
- Slab Cinema Arthouse,
- San Antonio Natatorium,
- natatorium,
- indoor pool
Scroll down to view images
Watch an independent film at Slab Cinema Arthouse
134 Blue Star, (210) 212-9373, slabcinemaarthouse.com
Tired of summer blockbuster fare? Slab Cinema's Arthouse space at Blue Star may have just the flick for you. The space hosts screenings of classic, independent and arthouse films, featuring a variety of cinematic options certain to widen your horizons.
Photo via Instagram / slabcinemaarthouse
134 Blue Star, (210) 212-9373, slabcinemaarthouse.com
Tired of summer blockbuster fare? Slab Cinema's Arthouse space at Blue Star may have just the flick for you. The space hosts screenings of classic, independent and arthouse films, featuring a variety of cinematic options certain to widen your horizons.
Photo via Instagram / slabcinemaarthouse
Tube the Comal River
Various Entry Points, New Braunfels, playinnewbraunfels.com/tube-in-new-braunfels
There’s a reason tubing down the Comal is considered a Texan rite of passage. The cool waters of this river in New Braunfels are perfect for a leisurely float while you sip a refreshing beverage. Just make sure to double check the rules before you go.
Photo via Instagram / 3104suntx
Various Entry Points, New Braunfels, playinnewbraunfels.com/tube-in-new-braunfels
There’s a reason tubing down the Comal is considered a Texan rite of passage. The cool waters of this river in New Braunfels are perfect for a leisurely float while you sip a refreshing beverage. Just make sure to double check the rules before you go.
Photo via Instagram / 3104suntx
Take a driving tour of San Antonio's street art
San Antonio has tons of amazing murals and public artworks. You can keep cool with your car's AC while exploring the city and seeing the amazing art it has to offer, like Angela Fox’s Secrets of the Wild Woman at 6th Street and Avenue B (pictured). For a list of different artworks to check out, see our roundup of public art in the Alamo City.
Photo by Bryan Rindfuss
San Antonio has tons of amazing murals and public artworks. You can keep cool with your car's AC while exploring the city and seeing the amazing art it has to offer, like Angela Fox’s Secrets of the Wild Woman at 6th Street and Avenue B (pictured). For a list of different artworks to check out, see our roundup of public art in the Alamo City.
Photo by Bryan Rindfuss
Try out a taiyaki ice cream cone at Hanamaru Cafe
7460 Callaghan Rd #333, instagram.com/hanamarucafetx
Hanamaru Cafe made its debut in Balcones Heights next door to Minnano Japanese Grocery in April of 2022. In addition to offering sweet and savory versions of fish-shaped taiyaki cakes, Hanamaru has summer-worthy ice cream cone options on its menu, a tasty way to cool off.
Photo via Instagram / hanamarucafetx
7460 Callaghan Rd #333, instagram.com/hanamarucafetx
Hanamaru Cafe made its debut in Balcones Heights next door to Minnano Japanese Grocery in April of 2022. In addition to offering sweet and savory versions of fish-shaped taiyaki cakes, Hanamaru has summer-worthy ice cream cone options on its menu, a tasty way to cool off.
Photo via Instagram / hanamarucafetx
See a movie at the drive-in
1178 Kroescher Ln., New Braunfels, (830) 620-7469, driveinusa.com/nb
If you want to shake up your movie-going experience, you can head to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels to enjoy a movie on the big screen from inside your air-conditioned vehicle.
Photo Courtesy of Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater
1178 Kroescher Ln., New Braunfels, (830) 620-7469, driveinusa.com/nb
If you want to shake up your movie-going experience, you can head to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels to enjoy a movie on the big screen from inside your air-conditioned vehicle.
Photo Courtesy of Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater
Kayak the San Antonio River
Various Locations, mat-tx.com
Looking for some water-centric entertainment? Mission Kayak provides guided and unguided kayak rentals, and now you can paddle down scenic stretches of the river downtown — both through the River Walk and the King William District.
Photo via Instagram / missionadventuretours
Various Locations, mat-tx.com
Looking for some water-centric entertainment? Mission Kayak provides guided and unguided kayak rentals, and now you can paddle down scenic stretches of the river downtown — both through the River Walk and the King William District.
Photo via Instagram / missionadventuretours
Lose yourself in one of Hopscotch's interactive art exhibits
711 Navarro St., Suite 100, letshopscotch.com
Hopscotch's immersive and interactive installations are the perfect way to while away a hot summer's day. When you're done perusing the gallery, you can keep cool with a refreshing cocktail in the lounge.
Photo by Jaime Monzon
711 Navarro St., Suite 100, letshopscotch.com
Hopscotch's immersive and interactive installations are the perfect way to while away a hot summer's day. When you're done perusing the gallery, you can keep cool with a refreshing cocktail in the lounge.
Photo by Jaime Monzon
Try a locally brewed seasonal beer
There’s few things better than a cool, seasonal beer on a hot summer’s day. Try out a brew like Shiner's Strawberry Blonde, which is made with Poteet strawberries!
Photo courtesy of Shiner Beer
There’s few things better than a cool, seasonal beer on a hot summer’s day. Try out a brew like Shiner's Strawberry Blonde, which is made with Poteet strawberries!
Photo courtesy of Shiner Beer
Make a splash at a local water park
If you want to amp up the fun while cooling down in the water, head to one of the area’s water parks for a rip roarin’ good time. You can stay in town and visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ White Water Bay or Sea World's Aquatica, or drive up to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels.
Photo via Instagram / letsbefrankee
If you want to amp up the fun while cooling down in the water, head to one of the area’s water parks for a rip roarin’ good time. You can stay in town and visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ White Water Bay or Sea World's Aquatica, or drive up to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels.
Photo via Instagram / letsbefrankee
Go underground at Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., naturalbridgecaverns.com
Leave the summer sun behind by going underground at Natural Bridge Caverns. Plus, while you’re there you can enjoy the gorgeous cave formations.
Photo via Instagram / naturalbridgecaverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., naturalbridgecaverns.com
Leave the summer sun behind by going underground at Natural Bridge Caverns. Plus, while you’re there you can enjoy the gorgeous cave formations.
Photo via Instagram / naturalbridgecaverns
Take a swim at San Pedro Springs Park Pool
2200 N. Flores St., (210) 732-5992, sanantonio.gov
San Pedro Springs Park Pool is the second oldest public space in America, so it's possible that your ancestors have swam there. There’s no fee for San Antonians looking to jump in this cold and refreshing water hole this summer.
Photo via Instagram / michelletcarson
2200 N. Flores St., (210) 732-5992, sanantonio.gov
San Pedro Springs Park Pool is the second oldest public space in America, so it's possible that your ancestors have swam there. There’s no fee for San Antonians looking to jump in this cold and refreshing water hole this summer.
Photo via Instagram / michelletcarson
Browse for a book at the San Antonio Library
Whether you go to your local branch or take a trip to another San Antonio Library location, you can cool off and find something great to read at the public library. If you don't feel up to browsing the shelves directly, you can also access the library's ebook connection via the Libby app.
Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Public Library
Whether you go to your local branch or take a trip to another San Antonio Library location, you can cool off and find something great to read at the public library. If you don't feel up to browsing the shelves directly, you can also access the library's ebook connection via the Libby app.
Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Public Library
Treat yourself to a raspa or slushie
What better cure for a hot day than a brain freeze? San Antonio has plenty of delicious cold treats to enjoy, like the puro slushies, raspas and mangonadas available at Chamoy City Limitss and Las Nieves.
Photo via Instagram / chamoycitylimits
What better cure for a hot day than a brain freeze? San Antonio has plenty of delicious cold treats to enjoy, like the puro slushies, raspas and mangonadas available at Chamoy City Limitss and Las Nieves.
Photo via Instagram / chamoycitylimits
Go ice skating
17530 Henderson Pass, (210) 490-9550, northwoodsice.net
There's lots of aquatic suggestions on this list, but this one is the chilliest. You can ice skate year-round at the Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods in North SA. If you're up for braving the scorching outdoor temps, there's also mini golf, or you can stay inside and enjoy the arcade.
Photo via Facebook / Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods
17530 Henderson Pass, (210) 490-9550, northwoodsice.net
There's lots of aquatic suggestions on this list, but this one is the chilliest. You can ice skate year-round at the Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods in North SA. If you're up for braving the scorching outdoor temps, there's also mini golf, or you can stay inside and enjoy the arcade.
Photo via Facebook / Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods
Visit the sea creatures at SEA LIFE San Antonio
849 E. Commerce St Suite 600, visitsealife.com
SEA LIFE San Antonio features 10 interactive zones including a stingray bay and a seahorse mangrove exhibit. It’s a perfect outing for kids — and those of us who are kids at heart.
Photo via Instagram / sealifesatx
849 E. Commerce St Suite 600, visitsealife.com
SEA LIFE San Antonio features 10 interactive zones including a stingray bay and a seahorse mangrove exhibit. It’s a perfect outing for kids — and those of us who are kids at heart.
Photo via Instagram / sealifesatx
Browse a local art gallery or museum
Cool down and get cultured at one of San Antonio’s art galleries or museums. You can roam the expansive San Antonio Museum of Art, check out the McNay’s recently updated grounds, visit Ruby City's award-winning campus, or enjoy the latest exhibition at Blue Star Contemporary.
Photo via Instagram / rubycity
Cool down and get cultured at one of San Antonio’s art galleries or museums. You can roam the expansive San Antonio Museum of Art, check out the McNay’s recently updated grounds, visit Ruby City's award-winning campus, or enjoy the latest exhibition at Blue Star Contemporary.
Photo via Instagram / rubycity
Visit a great swimming hole
Finding a secluded swimming spot is a great way to cool off before the fall weather arrives. Swimming holes including Jacob's Well, Schumacher Crossing and Krause Springs are open, but if you're looking for a more spacious place to swim, check out Guadalupe River State Park or Canyon Lake. If you need more suggestions, we've rounded up beautiful places to go swimming in Texas.
Photo via Instagram / carlabossephotography
Finding a secluded swimming spot is a great way to cool off before the fall weather arrives. Swimming holes including Jacob's Well, Schumacher Crossing and Krause Springs are open, but if you're looking for a more spacious place to swim, check out Guadalupe River State Park or Canyon Lake. If you need more suggestions, we've rounded up beautiful places to go swimming in Texas.
Photo via Instagram / carlabossephotography
Go See One of South Texas' Many Roadside Attractions
Our neck of the woods is full of small-town kitsch. Take a trek for some weird Americana and take in the World's Largest Pecan in Seguin, Stonehenge II in Ingram, or, strangest of all, Smitty the World's Largest Gingerbread Man in Smithville.
Photo via Instagram / houstongetaways
Our neck of the woods is full of small-town kitsch. Take a trek for some weird Americana and take in the World's Largest Pecan in Seguin, Stonehenge II in Ingram, or, strangest of all, Smitty the World's Largest Gingerbread Man in Smithville.
Photo via Instagram / houstongetaways
Cool down with the kids at a splash pad
A splash pad is a simple pleasure that kids love. Many San Antonio parks have splash pads, including Pearsall Park and Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, as well as at Pearl Brewery near the Bottling Department.
Photo via Instagram / bottlingdept
A splash pad is a simple pleasure that kids love. Many San Antonio parks have splash pads, including Pearsall Park and Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, as well as at Pearl Brewery near the Bottling Department.
Photo via Instagram / bottlingdept
Check out the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition
Lighthouse ArtSpace, 221 Burleson St., (844) 307-4644, goghsanantonio.com
After multiple delays, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition finally debuted in San Antonio, and will be here all summer. The innovative attraction brings Van Gogh masterworks to life in colorful, larger-than-life projections splashed across the walls (and floors) of the Lighthouse ArtSpace.
Photo by Jaime Monzon
Lighthouse ArtSpace, 221 Burleson St., (844) 307-4644, goghsanantonio.com
After multiple delays, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition finally debuted in San Antonio, and will be here all summer. The innovative attraction brings Van Gogh masterworks to life in colorful, larger-than-life projections splashed across the walls (and floors) of the Lighthouse ArtSpace.
Photo by Jaime Monzon
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