San Antonio is more diverse than people assume, especially when it comes to amusement. Whether you are a college student or frugally fabulous, this list of budget friendly spots in San Antonio is for you. As spring comes around and summer approaches, these places will get you in the mood for some thrifty fun, from free films to America’s pastime. It does not take a fortune to have a good time.
Santikos Bijou Cinema Bistro
Movie Theater
Located in the Wonderland of the Americas mall, the Bijou is definitely a different type of movie theater. With a full food and drink menu and local art in the main hall, the Bijou offers a fun, quirky atmosphere. Apart from showing indie flicks and Hollywood blockbusters, the Bijou also hosts a free movie night every Thursday at 7pm. These free movies range across many genres and years. Make sure to show up early as free movie tickets go fast.
Formerly a home owned by Marion Koogler McNay, this art museum has been open since 1954. It houses art in all media and eras, from medieval and Renaissance art to contemporary sculptures. The outdoor grounds are very serene, and many choose to have their wedding photos taken right outside the museum doors. Every Thursday evening from 4 to 9pm, as well as every first Sunday of the month, admission is free. Children under 12 years of age and teens also get free admission.
A local art museum, the San Antonio Museum of Art, or SAMA, is located right by the San Antonio River and has one of the largest collections of Asian art, as well as ancient Mediterranean artifacts. SAMA also hosts free classes for adults: meditation classes on Saturday mornings from 10:15-11am and sketching classes Tuesday evenings starting at 6pm. There is free general admission on Tuesdays from 4pm to 9pm and Sundays from 10am to noon.
The San Antonio Missions are a minor league baseball team in San Antonio, and they play at the Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. Missions’ games host many promotions, such as Monday family nights, $2 Tuesdays, and a Cricket Dollar Night every Thursday where soda, hot dogs, and beer are only a dollar. For family friendly fun, bring in an H-E-B grocery receipt and get a four pack of tickets for $24.
Beer, burgers, and live music; what else could someone ask for in a restaurant? Located downtown off the St. Mary’s strip, Tycoon Flats has a lot to offer. It is an intimate restaurant with a beer garden and a play area for the kids. Enjoy a turkey burger with some sweet potato fries or the Piggy Piggy, which features Canadian bacon, Creole mustard, and house-made chipotle mayo. Take it easy with a domestic beer for $2.75 or frozen margaritas for $4.75 during the daily happy hour from 4pm to 7pm. Tycoon Flats also has daily drink specials, including Sangria Saturdays and Mimosa Sundays, during which sangria and mimosas are $2.50.
