Family-Friendly Things to Do in San Antonio | November 2026

November is a wonderful time to explore San Antonio with children. Cooler fall weather, outdoor activities, seasonal festivals, holiday light displays, and hands-on museum experiences give families plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the city.

For military households stationed at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), newcomers settling into the area, or longtime San Antonio residents looking for weekend activities, here are some family-friendly things to do throughout November 2026.

1. Watch a Free Outdoor Movie at Mission Marquee Plaza

Looking for an affordable family night? Mission Marquee Plaza is hosting its Outdoor Family Film Series, featuring free movie screenings under the night sky.

November 7: Toy Story 5

Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for an outdoor movie experience. Food trucks will also be available, and admission is free.

• Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
• Location: Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Avenue
• Admission: Free

Event details: https://www.missionmarquee.com/EVENTS/Outdoor-Family-Film-Series

2. Experience Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo

Holiday lights return to the San Antonio Zoo beginning November 14. Families can enjoy illuminated displays, animal lanterns, festive decorations, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats.

It's a fun way to experience the zoo after dark and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.

• Dates: November 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: San Antonio Zoo
• Admission: Included with regular zoo admission

Event details: https://sazoo.org/

3. See the Holiday Displays at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden welcomes the holiday season with Illuminate, a seasonal nighttime experience featuring illuminated garden displays.

Visitors can enjoy colorful lights and festive scenery throughout the garden. It's a lovely option for an evening outing and holiday photos.

• Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 10, 2027
• Location: San Antonio Botanical Garden
• Admission: Ticketed event

Event details: https://sabgtx.org/

4. Enjoy The Light Park

For a holiday experience from the comfort of your vehicle, check out The Light Park in San Antonio.

This drive-through attraction features millions of synchronized lights, glowing tunnels, and large holiday-themed displays set to festive music.

It's a convenient option for families who want to enjoy holiday decorations without spending the evening walking outdoors.

• Dates: November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Location: Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium
• Admission: Ticketed event

Event details: https://www.thelightpark.com/

5. Explore Wurstfest in Nearby New Braunfels

If you're interested in a short family outing outside San Antonio, consider Wurstfest in New Braunfels.

This annual German-style festival celebrates food, music, and local culture. Visitors can explore festival food vendors, entertainment, and activities throughout the grounds.

• Dates: November 6–15, 2026
• Location: Wurstfest Grounds, New Braunfels
• Admission: Ticketed event; check the official website for details

Event details: https://wurstfest.com/

6. Visit The DoSeum – San Antonio's Museum for Kids

If your children enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on learning, The DoSeum is a great indoor destination.

The museum encourages creativity, exploration, and discovery through activities focused on science, technology, art, math, and literacy.

It's especially helpful when you want an indoor activity for a rainy or cooler day.

• Location: 2800 Broadway, San Antonio
• Best for: Children and hands-on learning experiences

Website: https://www.thedoseum.org/

7. Discover Science, Nature, and History at the Witte Museum

The Witte Museum offers an educational experience for visitors of different ages. Explore exhibits focused on Texas history, natural science, dinosaurs, and the environment.

The museum is a good choice for families who want to combine entertainment with learning.

During November, visitors can also explore the museum's exhibition, Gather 'Round the Table: Texas Food Traditions, scheduled through February 7, 2027.

• Location: 3801 Broadway, San Antonio
• Best for: Science, history, and educational activities

Website: https://www.wittemuseum.org/

8. Spend Time Outdoors at Brackenridge Park

November's milder temperatures make it a great time to enjoy San Antonio's outdoor spaces.

Brackenridge Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, playground spaces, and access to nearby attractions. Families can enjoy a relaxed afternoon outdoors or combine their visit with a trip to the zoo or Witte Museum.

• Location: 3700 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio
• Best for: Picnics, outdoor recreation, and family walks

Website: https://www.brackenridgepark.org/

9. Enjoy a Day at SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio is another option for families looking for a full day of entertainment.

The park combines marine animal experiences, educational presentations, family rides, and seasonal activities.

Its Christmas Celebration begins in November, bringing holiday entertainment, festive decorations, and seasonal experiences to the park.

• Location: 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio
• Best for: Animal experiences, rides, and seasonal entertainment

Website: https://seaworld.com/san-antonio/

Check the official calendar for November operating days, event schedules, and ticket information.

10. Explore Hemisfair and Yanaguana Garden

For families looking for a downtown outing, Hemisfair offers outdoor spaces, playgrounds, and places to relax.

Yanaguana Garden features play areas and interactive spaces where children can enjoy outdoor activities while adults take in the surrounding downtown atmosphere.

You can also explore nearby restaurants and other attractions during your visit.

• Location: Downtown San Antonio
• Best for: Playtime, outdoor activities, and casual family outings

Website: https://hemisfair.org/

11. Visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Introduce children to San Antonio's history with a visit to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

The park preserves four historic Spanish colonial missions: Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada. Families can explore the grounds, learn about local history, and enjoy walking and biking trails along the Mission Reach.

It's a wonderful opportunity to combine outdoor recreation with a little Texas history.

• Location: South San Antonio
• Admission: Free to visit the missions
• Best for: History, walking, and educational outings

Website: https://www.nps.gov/saan/

12. Explore the San Antonio Botanical Garden's Family Activities

Beyond its seasonal holiday displays, the Botanical Garden offers educational programs for younger visitors.

November activities include Little Sprouts Hikes, Nature Exploration in the Family Adventure Garden, and garden storytime sessions.

These programs offer opportunities for children to learn about plants, nature, and the outdoors through age-appropriate activities.

• Location: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio
• Best for: Young children and nature exploration

Program calendar: https://sabgtx.org/youth-family-programs/

Check the calendar for individual dates, age recommendations, and registration requirements.

Make the Most of November in San Antonio

Whether you're enjoying a free outdoor movie, exploring a museum, visiting a holiday light display, or spending an afternoon at a local park, San Antonio offers plenty of ways to make November memorable.

For military households new to the area, these activities are also a great way to discover different neighborhoods, meet people, and become familiar with the community around your new duty station.

New to San Antonio? Let Us Help You Feel at Home.

Relocating to a new city is about more than finding a house. It's also about discovering the places, activities, and communities that make a new location feel like home.

If you're preparing for a PCS to Joint Base San Antonio or considering a move within the area, Homefront United Realty Group is here to help you explore local neighborhoods and available homes.

Reach out to our team if you have questions about the San Antonio real estate market or need help with your home search.

The Team at Homefront United Realty Group

Event dates, operating hours, ticket prices, and availability are subject to change. Please check each organizer's official website before making plans.