McAllister Park

McAllister Park is San Antonio's all-day outdoor destination — a sprawling city park that has accumulated nearly 5,000 reviews and maintained a 4.7-star rating by consistently delivering a quality experience for families, athletes, dog owners, and nature lovers alike.

For families with kids, the park's breadth is its greatest asset. The main playground complex serves younger children well, but the real draw is what surrounds it: miles of trail systems suitable for walking, jogging, or biking; disc golf course that gives older kids and adults a structured activity with built-in competition; open sports fields for informal play; and dedicated dog-friendly areas that welcome the whole family including four-legged members.

The trail network is the park's defining feature. Both paved and unpaved options loop through the park's varied terrain, and the range of difficulty levels means toddler-pace stroller walks and more serious mountain bike rides can both happen simultaneously across different sections. Parents who want the playground while kids cycle the trails nearby find this arrangement ideal.

The park is completely free and open 5AM to 11PM — the early opening makes it practical for summer visits when beating the heat is essential. Restrooms and picnic facilities are available at multiple points throughout the park. There are no food vendors on site, so packing provisions is necessary for anything beyond a short visit.

With nearly 5,000 reviews, McAllister is clearly doing something right over the long term. For families who want a park that can hold a half-day or full day without repetition, it delivers.