Recreation

Splishing & Splashing By Drew Henry ’We’re a-splishing and a-splashing throughout the River City this month. Join us as we hit up San Antonio’s favorite water park, complete with racing slides, wave pools and lazy rivers. Next, we’re cooling off with free fun at the city’s top three fountains and splash pads. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of turf to go with the surf. We’re recommending attractions for our land lovers, too. Grab your swim trunks and sunscreen, and let’s go make a splash!

Splashtown San Antonio

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HEMISFAIR PARK

Hemisfair.org

MAIN PLAZA Mainplaza.org

PEARL

Atpearl.com

SPLASHTOWN SAN ANTONIO

Splashtownsa.com

SPLASHTOWN SAN ANTONIO

For 36-years, Splashtown has been beloved locally for its family-friendly atmosphere, affordable tickets and variety of water attractions. In fact, there more than 50 different attractions to explore including water slides, hydro-tubes, wave pools, a lazy river, cabanas and the famous Splash Island—a massive splash pad featuring places to climb, slide and just cool off. From toddlers and teens to moms and dads, the entire fam will enjoy a day with high-speed thrills, a lazy day float and tasty snacks poolside. Discounted daily admission to the waterpark starts at just $17.50 per ticket with perks like free parking and tubes. Located a quick 10-minute drive west of downtown, it’s the perfect summer outing.

3 FREE SPOTS FOR SPLISHIN’ AND SPLASHIN’

If you don’t want to splash all your cash, we have you covered with the best three free spots in town! While these splash pads are made for kids, an adult or two has been known to run through the bursts of water while channeling the energy of summer’s past. Hey, we’re all kids at heart, right?

#1 MAIN PLAZA

First up is Main Plaza, also known as “The Heart of the City.” Located in the center of downtown San Antonio across from the San Fernando Cathedral and Bexar County Courthouse, the plaza is a place for locals and tourists alike to relax, congregate and enjoy the sunshine. Here you’ll find a charming collection of babbling fountains offering peace, tranquility and relaxed vibes in the middle of the bustling city. You can frolic there regardless if you won your case at the courthouse.

OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO AROUND MAIN PLAZA

Main Plaza is also home to “San Antonio – The Saga,” a breathtaking video art projection by international artist Xavier de Richemont. The display of lights depicts the past, present and future of San Antonio by casting 7,000 square feet of light, color and visual narration onto the majestic facade of San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. Catch the free 24-minute show on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights starting at 9:00pm. The last show begins at 10:00pm.

You can also catch Second Saturday at Main Plaza on July 10th, from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. This event features live music, vendors, food and drink. Check out the plaza, San Antonio culture and The Saga light show. (We heard the food is pretty tasty, too!)

Main Plaza

Mission San Juan Cocojibos

Hemisfair Park

#2 THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD SPLASH PAD

Next, we are heading to the southern tip of downtown to Hemisfair Park, located under the Tower of the Americas. Here, you will find the Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad in the Yanaguana Garden playground. This is the largest splash pad we will be visiting. It features small babbling puddles, large geysers and dancing water arches. Parents can relax in lounge chairs under the shade or jump into the fun, too!

OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO AT HEMISFAIR PARK

In addition to the splash pad at Yanaguana Garden, the playground offers more than four acres of play, complete with climbing structures, a giant chess game, a sandpit and incredible works of art. This may quickly become the kiddos’ favorite spot in San Antonio! Parents will enjoy CommonWealth coffee house, and the whole family can take a popsicle break at Paleteria. While you’re here, make sure to take a trip to the top of the Tower of the Americas for a birds-eye view of the city. If you want to capture the perfect selfie, check out the mural walls and mosaic sculptures scattered throughout the park.

#3 THE PARK AT PEARL

The last stop on our splash pad tour is the Park at Pearl. The Pearl is located a short one-mile walk on the river or a five-minute drive north of downtown. Constructed in 1894 as a brewhouse, the grounds have been converted into a luxury shopping, dining and entertainment district. In the center, you will find the Park at Pearl and the famed splash pad. You will know you are close when you hear the delightful laughter of children as they play in the intermittent towering geysers offering cool summer relief. While kids play, parents can watch from the lawn or the nearby patio of the Bottling Department Food Hall. Bring your favorite four-legged pal along to join in the day.

OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO AT PEARL

There is no shortage of shopping and food at Pearl. Stroll the grounds and peruse curated boutiques like Feliz Modern or The Twig Bookshop. Indulge in San Antonio’s top dining destinations like Southerleigh, Mon Chou Chou and Botika. On weekend mornings, take in the booths at the Farmers Market. The market takes over the lawn every weekend to bring fresh produce, artisan goods, succulents and tasty snacks to Pearl. Pick up a bit of breakfast and make a big splash as you celebrate the perfect day out!

WRITER’S BIO

Drew Henry is a writer, content creator and founder of the Design Dudes blog. When he’s not writing, he’s out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his work at DrewHenryWrites.com and get home design tips at DesignDudesLife.com. Follow on Instagram: @design_dudes & @ drewhenrywrites .