Hello Thursday.
March 28 2024
The San Antonio Zoo announced some turtley awesome news that will transform the park into a colorful, immersive + interactive experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
A new zoo entrance with a roaring side of San Antonio flair. | Photo by San Antonio Zoo
🦒 Upgrades to the zoo’s entrance
- The zoo will expand the entry of the park and will work with local artists to create an area that matches the vibrant culture of San Antonio.
- There will also be a designated entrance for school groups + field trip visitors.
- The zoo also plans to create more accessibility areas for guests with disabilities.
🦓 Other improvements you’ll see
- Visitors who are coming from Brackenridge Park will also experience improved pedestrian safety + traffic safety.
- New electronic ticketing kiosks will be added to the zoo parking garage and train depot area near the Starbucks.
- Closed in 2018, the historic monkey house will now be converted into a plaza that will house a café, stroller rental, sundry counter, and fully accessible restrooms with an adult changing table.
An aerial rendering for the future entrance of the zoo. | Photo by San Antonio Zoo
🦣 Projects you can enjoy now
- The newly renovated Zoo Train is a 2-mile ride through Brackenridge Park with stops near the Witte Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, and Sunken Garden.
- Take a walk on the wild side and experience the new NEOTROPICA Pantera Walk exhibit. This attraction allows you to see the zoo’s jaguars roam in between two habitats on an elevated trail.
- In 2019, Kiddie Park was relocated adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo. It is the oldest children’s amusement park in the country.
We’re so excited to see these upgrades come to life, in the meantime, you can catch us strolling through the grounds this holiday season for its annual Zoo Lights event. Make sure to tag us on Instagram and share your zoo adventures with us.
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Today
- Adult Virtual Coloring | Fri., Nov. 19 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join the San Antonio Public Library for a coloring therapy class from the comfort of your home. 🖍️
- Zoo Lights | Fri., Nov. 19-Sun., Jan. 2 | Times vary | $21+ | San Antonio Zoo | As the animals sleep for the night, the zoo grounds awaken with magical lights + holiday cheer. 🎄
Saturday
- Harvest Fest | Sat., Nov. 20 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Hemisfair Park | Free | Enjoy fall-themed activities, live music, and local vendors in celebration of the autumn season. 🍁
Sunday
- Christmas Showcase | Sun., Nov. 21 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Freeman Coliseum | $8+ | Check off your holiday gift list all under one roof. 🛍️
- Sunday Yoga | Sun., Nov. 21 | 10 a.m. | Confluence Park | Free | Get ready to move and breathe with the community in a soulful dose of mindful movement led by Mobile Om. 🙏
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 66º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of rain
Civic
- The City of San Antonio announced that it will be the first in Texas to be a part of a pilot project attempting to cool down pavement temperatures. The program utilizes a cool seal coat that has already been added on the streets in the Dignowity Hill neighborhood. The program is also taking place in Los Angeles and Phoenix. 🛣️
Coming Soon
- Monster Jam is revving up to return to the Alamodome for its 30th anniversary in January. The lineup will include fan favorites like the Grave Digger + El Toro Loco and fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the trucks + crew members. Tickets are on pre-sale now. 🎟️
Community
- San Antonio Parks and Recreation is giving out 200 five-gallon native trees this Saturday at Mission Marquee Plaza in celebration of its Pueblos de Maíz event. San Antonians are encouraged to stay for a day of free food samples, tamal demonstrations, live music + local vendors. 🌳
Open
- A San Antonio food truck favorite is now a permanent brick and mortar in Schertz. The Purple Pig BBQ is located at 533 Main St. and serves up Midwest-style BBQ with a Texas twist. You can take a look at its menu here. 🍖
Development
- The City of Balcones Heights purchased a $5.4 million ownership stake in Wonderland of the Americas mall. It’s the largest property in the city and is expected to bring in $300,000+ annually for the area. You can read more about the deal here. 🏙️ (San Antonio Express-News)
You’re guaranteed a fun time fir sure at Travis Park this holiday season. They recently posted photos of the H-E-B Christmas tree being delivered just in time for the opening day of its annual Holiday Outdoor Ice Rink event that’s adjacent to the tree.
This Alamo City tradition was canceled last year due to COVID-19, but it's back and ready to sleigh the season. This festive event is expecting 50,000 skaters to take on the ice and will include holiday-themed markets + other family-friendly activities.
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Another tree sighting in SA. | Photo by SATXtoday team
City Editors Ivan and Rossi ventured out to the Historic Pearl for lunch and caught the annual tree set up in action. Do you decorate for the holidays? We would love to see your photos by tagging us on Instagram or sending us an email.
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