Let’s face it, when you first get to college, it can be difficult to decide what to do with a budding group of new friends. Some of you will be under 21 so certain clubs and bars will be nixed from your list. Here’s our list for a few fun option for places to visit and things to do in San Antonio for a group of college friends under 21.
• 18-and-up clubs: San Antonio has a few l 18-and-up clubs that are ideal for younger friends. The downtown club Heat is a LGBTQ-friendly club that offers a DJ, dancing, a video lounge, patio and drag shows — pretty much perfect for a group of all ages.
• Trying New Foods: For a friend group that can’t hit all of the bars in SA just yet, having a different friend pick out an interesting restaurant to visit every couple of weeks can be a fun (and delicious) way to get you out of the dorm room and trying different foods.
• Karaoke: Renting a room and singing karaoke was a favorite pastime of my college friend group. Visit Asiana Karaoke Club in San Antonio for a night of terrible and hilarious singing that you won’t soon forget.
• Take a day trip: San Antonio is centered around beautiful natural spots. Take a trip to Pedernales falls, Canyon Lake or San Marcos Springs on a Saturday. Bring your swimsuit and take a mini-vacation with your new friends.
• Picnic: During the fall when it’s not too warm (basically December), have each friend bring a snack and head for one of the many SA parks for a fun afternoon or evening picnic. We recommend visiting Brackenridge or Chris parks for your afternoon plans.
• House shows and parties: House shows and parties are a great way to go out and have fun without the pesky 21-and-up only rule. It’s also a good way to listen to local music.
• Outdoor Beer Gardens: Many outdoor beer gardens in SA are not restricted to 21 and up. This is a great option for a friend group of people of all ages — those of drinking age can sip brews to their heart’s content while the younger members can take in the scenery, and even be the trust ol’ DD (don’t worry, your time will come). Places like the Friendly Spot are popular for their all-ages entertainment, like projecting Spurs and soccer games on a their big screen. It’s a great spot for a leisurely Friday night out.
• Tourist Spots: Visiting SA tourist spots can be fun even if you’re a born-and-raised San Antonian. If you’re a local, show your new friends around the Riverwalk and El Mercado. You’ll be surprised — it’s more fun than it sounds.
• Visit art museums and galleries: The 210 is chalk full of great art attractions. There are larger museums, like the McNay Art Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art, that always has intriguing attractions, But don’t forget to visit smaller galleries for a more local perspective on the city’s art. If you’re a friend group on a budget, make sure to visit the gallery’s websites to see if and when they offer student discounts.
• Catch a flick: There are a lot of options for catching a movie in San Antonio. Slab Cinema offers a free movie almost weekly around the city and Texas Public Radio hosts Cinema Tuesdays are famous for showing classic, older flicks. For students on a budget, catching a rerun movie is a fun and affordable way to spend an evening.
If you’re new to the city, it can be difficult to decide where to go and what to do, but it’s important to get out of the dorm rooms and go make memories with your new friends.
