Brackenridge Park in San Antonio has 126 years of history and the bones of a world-class park.

The heavily wooded area near the headwaters of the San Antonio River north of downtown has seen human occupation for 12,000 years. In 1899, George Brackenridge donated 199 acres to the city.

Over the years the park has grown to 343 acres. The park now includes the zoo, Japanese Tea Garden, museum, and municipal golf course. Walking trails, pavilions, and picnic tables are tucked under the trees along the riverbank. The park’s scenic roads are worth a Sunday drive.

With longer days, kids out of school, and uninspired streaming releases, it’s easy to get squirrely during a San Antonio summer. Luckily, Alamo City locals have no shortage of things to do without breaking the bank. Whether looking for family-friendly fun, educational opportunities, art projects, or fitness, these budget-friendly summer activities will keep vacation season more woohoo than humdrum.

Get moving at Brackenridge Park
The Brackenridge Park Conservancy and fitness nonprofit San Antonio Sports will get locals’ hearts pumping with Monday yoga classes, Wednesday boot camps, and Saturday Pilates sessions. The free workouts are designed for all ages and levels, but Pilates participants should bring their own mat, towel, and water.

A historic structure in Brackenridge Park that was once critical to San Antonio’s early growth recently suffered from a leaky roof while awaiting a long-delayed multi-million dollar restoration.

Working with the city in April, the nonprofit Brackenridge Park Conservancy placed a durable lightway rubberized membrane over the Water Works Pumphouse, one of San Antonio’s oldest intact industrial structures. The building is slated for restoration under a 2017 bond project augmented by $4.6 million from the conservancy, Bexar County, and the Conversation Society of San Antonio.

After an 18-month search, the Brackenridge Park Conservancy has appointed a new full-time CEO in New Orleans-born Chris Maitre. He brings with him 13 years of experience managing New Orleans’ historic City Park and 27 years of experience working in nonprofits.

Maitre comes at a time when the conservancy, city and community are launching renewed efforts to fund and develop projects aimed at reversing decades of decline at the 125-year-old Brackenridge Park. Maitre replaces Terry Brechtel, the interim CEO and former city manager who has led the Brackenridge Conservancy for the past year and a half and who played a key role in shaping the park’s latest plans.

Efforts to restore the historic 343-acre Brackenridge Park began in 2008, with the launch of the Conservancy.

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy is hosting its Annual Parktoberfest to celebrate San Antonio’s German heritage.

This free event is on September 29, at Koehler and Cypress Pavilions along the banks of the San Antonio River at Brackenridge Park from 4- 7 pm.

Parktoberfest honors the memory of Emma Koehler of the Pearl Brewing family. She donated 11 acres to San Antonio where alcohol beverages could be served in this part of Brackenridge Park.

The event will have German music by Beethoven Mannerchor and jazz music from The Dirty River Jazz band.

It took more than a year, but the Brackenridge Park Conservancy has found their new CEO.

Chris Maitre comes to his new job after serving as Chief Operating Officer for City Park Conservancy in New Orleans.

He will lead the conservancy in raising funds to preserve and enhance the 125 year old, 400 acre park’s natural, historic, educational, and recreational resources for current and future generations.

SAN ANTONIO — As Easter approaches, families are flocking to local parks with campers eager to secure the perfect location for the holiday weekend.

The curfew was lifted last night at 11 p.m., and campers wasted no time setting up their sites.

Brackenridge Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt on Saturday and a sunrise service on Sunday. Brackenridge Park Conservancy is also looking for volunteers to help ensure the park is cleaned throughout Easter.

San Antonio, TX — Brackenridge Conservancy is putting a twist on their East Weekend Celebration. They are partnering with Pura Vida Awards to provide live music.

Chris Maitre, Brackenridge Conservancy’s Chief Executive Officer, says the live acts can be seen in the Joske Pavilion.

“We have a ton of live musical acts,” Maitre said. “We have about eight acts spread across three days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s mostly featuring Tejano music.”

Maitree says park goers will also be able to take pictures with the Easter Bunny on Saturday and hunt for eggs from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The painting event is family-friendly.

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy is asking the public to lend a hand in beautifying the beloved park. The organization is hosting an event Saturday, April 5, where volunteers can paint picnic benches for the park. 

Event will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Lambert Beach Softball Field parking lot, near Joske Pavilion, at 3700 N. St. Mary’s Street.