SMTX Parks and Recreation

SMTX Parks and Recreation The purpose of the site is to serve as a form of communication between the City and the public. This site welcomes family-friendly comments and posts.

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New Program Alert!Goodies With Grands is a family focused event where kids are invited to spend a special day of fun wit...
08/07/2026

New Program Alert!

Goodies With Grands is a family focused event where kids are invited to spend a special day of fun with their grandparents. Participants can enjoy a variety of games, snacks, crafts, and other playful activities designed to bring generations together in a joyful, relaxed atmosphere. This heartwarming program is taking place on Saturday, September 12 from 10am-1pm at the Pauline Espinosa Community Hall. Registration is $8 per person at sanmarcostx.gov/goparks. This City-sponsored event will be free to park for all attending. There is no need to approach the kiosk and no citations will be issued during the event.

V**es are litter!The ni****ne in e-liquids, as well as the heavy metals in v**e batteries, are hazardous wastes that can...
08/07/2026

V**es are litter!
The ni****ne in e-liquids, as well as the heavy metals in v**e batteries, are hazardous wastes that can leach into public waterways and harm our sensitive river species. V**e pods and cartridges are made of plastic that over time, can break down into microplastics, which causes additional water pollution and river species harm. Additionally, per city ordinance, smoking/vaping/e-cigarettes is not permitted in city parks or on city property. To view our park rules, visit sanmarcostx.gov/parkrules.

Reminder!
08/07/2026

Reminder!

🥳 Party in your Park is THIS Friday, August 7!
We hope you can join us at Dunbar Park for the LAST Party in your Park of 2026! Get ready for some FREE family-friendly fun, including yard games, music, refreshments and more! Party time is 5-8pm.

Thank you to Gary Job Corps and Chuck Nash Auto Group for sponsoring!

For more information on this and other programs and events offered by our Youth Services team, visit sanmarcostx.gov/youth.

👩🏾‍🎨 Calling all artists and creators, ages 5+!As part of our upcoming Snakefessst event in September, we're hosting a s...
08/07/2026

👩🏾‍🎨 Calling all artists and creators, ages 5+!

As part of our upcoming Snakefessst event in September, we're hosting a snake sculpture contest! Create a homemade snake sculpture using safe, clean and recycled or natural materials (no food matter please) for a chance to win prizes. Entry forms can be picked up at the Discovery Center (430 Riverside Drive) or can be submitted online at bit.ly/4wh1YhN. Entries are due by August 21 and sculptures must be dropped off at the Discovery Center during one of the times below:

📅 Drop-Off Dates-
Sept 1–2, 8am–6pm
Sept 8–9, 8am–6pm
Or by appointment: [email protected]

🗳 Public voting takes place at Snakefessst on September 12 from 9am-12pm; winners will be announced at 1pm.

Additional details about the event and contest can be found at sanmarcostx.gov/snakefessst. Thank you to Reptilandia Reptile Lagoon for your generouse donation toward our winner's prize!

♻ Don't forget- the Reuse Warehouse is a great source for recycled materials! Visit sanmarcostx.gov/reuse for location and hours of operation.

🌳 Call for volunteers!Friends of Trees needs your help at our fall volunteer events. Instructions and tools are provided...
08/07/2026

🌳 Call for volunteers!
Friends of Trees needs your help at our fall volunteer events. Instructions and tools are provided and activities vary by what spots we still need filled. Fun for all abilities, civic groups and organizations. Please bring a reusable water bottle and wear clothes appropriate for working outside. To view the dates and locations and to sign up, visit bit.ly/3NzkwJ8.

🐍 Snakefessst is taking place on Saturday, September 12 from 9am-2pm at the San Marcos Discovery Center.Learn about and ...
08/06/2026

🐍 Snakefessst is taking place on Saturday, September 12 from 9am-2pm at the San Marcos Discovery Center.

Learn about and interact with the snakes that call our area home. Participate in h**p walks to experience snakes and reptiles in their natural habitat. Attend lectures and visit partner booths and educational displays to learn about snakes and snake safety. Enjoy snake-themed music, take part in a snake art contest (details coming soon!), enjoy photo ops, snake themed activities, crafts, vendors and more.

This event is FREE and fun for all ages! A complete list of activities for the day will be posted closer to the event date at sanmarcostx.gov/snakefessst. Volunteer, sponsor and vendor sign up are open at the link above as well.

Thank you Zara Environmental LLC for your generous donation toward this event!

Registration is open for the next session of Beginner Tai Chi, a slow and soft martial art form that is excellent for th...
08/06/2026

Registration is open for the next session of Beginner Tai Chi, a slow and soft martial art form that is excellent for the brain, for balance and body awareness, and for calming and centering the mind. Instructor Margaret Falletta has practiced for over 30 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and skills in teaching this adult class. Sign up today at sanmarcostx.gov/goparks.

Program Details-
Class Dates: September 16 - October 28
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Location: Paul Laurence Dunbar Recreation Center
Cost: $90
Registration Closes: September 18 at 5pm

Already familiar with this form of martial arts? Share the love and leave a comment below and let us know how it's helped you!

Reminder!
08/06/2026

Reminder!

⚓🧜‍♀️ We hope you can join us THIS Thursday, August 6 at the Rio Vista Pool from 5:30-8:30pm for our last Summer Splash of the season!

Set sail and dive deep into a world where pirates and mermaids share the same shimmering seas! Families are invited to join our ultimate pool adventure, where brave buccaneers and enchanting merfolk team up for a wave‑making good time. Find a message in a bottle, search for underwater treasure, and swim with our mermaids in our mermaid lagoon! Whether you shout “Arrr!” or shimmer like a seashell, the whole family will find something to love in this playful mash‑up of ocean mischief and underwater magic. Grab your crew, glitter your tails, and get ready for a splashy voyage you won’t forget!

The pool facility has a max capacity of 150 people, first come, first served. Seating is limited too, so don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs. Only noodles and coast guard approved floatation devices are allowed inside the pool. Proper swimsuits required. No cotton clothing, glass, or alcohol in the pool area.

Apologies, mateys and merfolk - for safety, only our official Local Mermaids (staff) can wear mermaid tails in the water today. Thank you for helping us keep the seas safe!

Admission Prices:
Youth (6-12) - $3
Adult (13+) - $4

Thank you to Bobcat Movers for your generous donation toward this event!

Have you picked up your FREE Rio Vista Park Entry wristband yet?Local Area Participants ages 18+ can receive one complim...
08/06/2026

Have you picked up your FREE Rio Vista Park Entry wristband yet?

Local Area Participants ages 18+ can receive one complimentary wristband at the Parks and Recreation office (401 E. Hopkins), Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm. Your wristband or digital pass can be used for entry into Rio Vista Park on weekends and holidays through September 7 -- just show either one to the gate attendants. Replacement wristbands cost $5 (limit 3). Children 17 and under are free and do not need a pass.

Out‑of‑area visitors can learn more and purchase day‑use tickets online at sanmarcostx.gov/rvparkpass. Cash and tap‑to‑pay are not accepted at the gate.

🦇 Registration is still open for the next Bat Walk, taking place on Friday, August 28 at the San Marcos Discovery Center...
08/05/2026

🦇 Registration is still open for the next Bat Walk, taking place on Friday, August 28 at the San Marcos Discovery Center!

We hope you will join us for this FREE, family-friendly night hike as we use bat detectors to discover what bat species are found in our area and why they are such great neighbors. Participants must be able to hike 1 mile at a slow to moderate pace. Registration is required and space is limited. Register for the August walk now at sanmarcostx.gov/goparks.

To view the complete list of upcoming Bat Walk dates, head on over to our website at sanmarcostx.gov/discoverycenter. Questions? Email [email protected].

Address

630 E Hopkins Street
San Marcos, TX
78666

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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