It’s Thanksgiving week, San Antonio. The weather is expected to be colder, giving families an ideal temperature to enjoy the outdoors (in case you want to walk off that third turkey plate you ate). In the city, there are plenty of neighborhood parks to visit.
San Antonio has nearly 300 parks, covering over 15,000 acres. Families can surely find a park to play at near them. However, there are a few that come highly recommended. MySA asked parents and locals to reveal their best family parks in San Antonio (and we added a few of our own recommendations).
And, it should be great weather. This week, the National Weather Service is expecting temperatures to become noticeably cooler, dropping into the 60s and low 70s by Thanksgiving, while morning lows will fall significantly, reaching the 30s and 40s for many areas. San Antonio will see lows in the mid-40s and afternoon highs in the upper 60s on Thanksgiving Day, according to the NWS.
With the temps dropping and children on break, here are some of the best family parks in San Antonio:
Brackenridge Park
Almost every San Antonian has a memory of Brackenridge Park. I remember growing up and heading there with my family and friends to play soccer, barbecue, and gather. It’s a park that is perfect for families, reunions, and large gatherings.
The 349-acre downtown park has ball fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails with large trees for shade, and fishing. You have easy access to the Brackenridge train, the San Antonio Zoo, the Japanese Tea Garden, and a golf course.
Find it: 3700 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78209
The massive play structure at Pearsall Park. (Nick C. via Yelp)
Pearsall Park
Pearsall Park is one of the many treasures on the city’s Southwest Side. It covers 505 acres, offering space for fitness, recreation, a Ninja-style obstacle course and outdoor activities.
You’ll find disc golf (one of the few parks in the city to offer that), dog parks, the largest skate park in the city, splash pads and multiple trails. The main playground is – you guessed it – also the largest in the city. It offers multi-levels of fun with huge slides, bridges and everything a kid would want in between.
Find it: 5102 Old Pearsall Rd., San Antonio, TX 78242
Pletz County Park
On the city’s Eastside, there are great park options, like Comanche Park. But Pletz County Park is a hidden gem.
Pletz Park is surrounded by neighborhoods with a tributary of Salado Creek running through the middle of it. It offers a large pavilion with a kitchen, along with four playgrounds, a softball field, a tennis court, pickleball courts, Spurs-themed basketball courts, and multiple picnic tables. Erica Saldana McKnight told MySA that Pletz Park is an awesome park if you’re looking to escape crowds.
Find it: 3831 Belgium Ln, San Antonio, TX 78219
Park goers enjoy the lake at Woodlawn Lake Park (Courtesy of San Antonio Parks & Recreation)
Woodlawn Lake Park
Located northwest of downtown in the Westside area, you’ll find the ever-popular Woodlawn Lake Park. The 30-acre park is centered in one of San Antonio’s urban core neighborhoods. It’s known for bringing the community together with its green space, lake activities, loop trail, local events and its annual 4th of July fireworks.
You’ll find basketball courts, playgrounds, tennis courts, a loop trail, a lake to fish at, a softball field and a dog park. It’s almost always packed but it’s big enough for everyone to enjoy.
Find it: 1103 Cincinnati Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Playground at Cathedral Park (Courtesy of City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department )
Cathedral Rock Park
Cathedral Rock Park offers San Antonio residents a great place for a casual hike with several easy walking and biking trails, as well as spots to relax and have a picnic. The park is a local favorite for runners, dog walkers and families looking for a place to spend time outdoors.
The 57-acre park is located on the Northwest of San Antonio between Grissom and Culebra roads. While Cathedral Rock Park only has 1.88 miles of trails, it also connects to the Leon Creek Greenway, for those seeking a little more adventure. Jennifer Huntley told MySA the park has some cool boulders to explore and paved trails if the kids want to ride bikes, or if you want to walk with a stroller.
Find it: 8002 Grissom Rd, San Antonio, TX 78251
McAllister Park
Both an urban wilderness and recreation park, McAllister Park offers jogging, cycling, family picnics or playtime with the dogs. This 976-acre landscape is San Antonio’s second-largest urban park, located near the airport on the city’s Northside.
Hikers, bikers, walkers and runners love the well-maintained nature and paved trails at the park. You’ll also find a large fenced-in off-leash dog park, playgrounds, Little League baseball fields and soccer fields.
Find it: 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair. (Courtesy of Hemisfair)
Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
Located downtown, Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair is a beautifully landscaped outdoor wonderland for children and families. The playground at Yanaguana Garden is full of swings, sky-high cargo net climbers, swinging ropes and big swirly splash pads.
There is also a toddler play area with its giant turtle, caterpillar, spinners and see-saw. You’ll find numerous ADA-accessible playground features, interactive elements, scenic and shaded areas and more. Plus, there are plenty of retail shops nearby to grab a snack or bite. Another plus, it’s near the beautiful Hemisfair site (a great hangout to take out-of-towners).
Find it: 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Converse North Park
Located in the Northeast, Converse North Park is an underrated family-friendly park, featuring multiple playgrounds, baseball and basketball courts, trails for jogging and walking and a zip line.
Adriana Gonzalez told MySA that the park has two separate playgrounds, bathrooms close to both, a beautiful lake for fishing or feeding the ducks, sand volleyball courts, basketball hoops, plenty of room for soccer or football, walking trails, a mini library, grills, tables, and even exercise equipment.
“You could easily spend all day there for free,” she said.
Find it: 8200 Spring Town St, Converse, TX 78109
This article originally published at Best parks to visit in San Antonio for Thanksgiving.