Get Healthy and win prizes with Fit Pass San Antonio! Fit Pass is a passport to free and low cost wellness opportunities in San Antonio. Earn points to win great prizes by attending Fit Pass San Antonio events. Think of it as an interactive fitness scavenger hunt. It's free, fun to play and a great way to stay on the road to a healthier lifestyle. Here’s How to Play

1. Pick up a free Fit Pass SA activity passport at participating locations, Fit Pass SA events, or download it
2. Choose the events or activities listed in this activity passport that you want to attend. All events will be held between June 15th, 2013 and March 1st, 2014.
3. Follow Fit Pass San Antonio on Twitter @SAParksFitness for event details, Fit Pass San Antonio updates, new event additions, full program rules, and ongoing prize contests. Be sure to check the detailed event listing online for specific dates, times, and locations for obtaining Fit Pass San Antonio stamps.
4. Get your Fit Pass San Antonio activity passport stamped by our Fit Pass San Antonio staff to earn points for participating.
5. Once you’ve filled up your Fit Pass San Antonio activity passport, redeem it for a reward and a chance to win great prizes such as bicycles, gift certificates, gaming systems, fitness equipment, and more!

Get ready for a new healthier, happier you with Fit Pass San Antonio!

Join the celebration with “A Wonderland Christmas.” Enjoy special holiday entertainment for the entire family through December 23!

• Fridays & Saturdays Nov 29 - Dec 21 • 5 to 9 p.m.
• Sunday Dec 22 & Monday Dec 23 • 5 to 9 p.m.

“A Wonderland Christmas” will feature a new twinkling lights-and-music show at Sanctuary Garden, plus pictures with Santa, entertainment in the park, a petting zoo, Christmas decorations galore and many other holiday delights. Pictures with Santa will be taken from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and are not included in the admission price. In addition to all the Christmas activities the park attractions include:

The Sensory Village

Unique and interactive, it is a cluster of themed spaces that inspire imaginative play and unique sensory adventures. The Paramount Theater offers interactive videos. The Saddle-Up Stable holds two Equicizer Horses. The Fix-It Shop lets guests create a tool sounding symphony, design a custom car and go for a simulated test drive through San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country. The Village Market grocery store is full of fun colorful groceries, perfect for imaginative play and KMWL7 TV Station allows guests to do the weather forecast and see themselves on television!

Butterfly Playground

Our brightly colored butterfly-themed play area is filled with lively activity. The play area is shaded and has a rubberized surface for comfort and safety too!

Wonderland Express & Depot

All aboard! Gather at our 1930s-style train depot to climb aboard the Wonderland Express! The Wonderland Express pulls multiple cars with specially designed wheelchair-accessible ramps so the whole family can enjoy a fun and relaxing ride together. The train runs all the way around our scenic eight-acre lake.

Carousel

Visitors young and old, regardless of ability to play, can experience the gigantic, whimsical merry-go-round!

The Wharf

“Drop anchor” at our rustic Fishing Wharf for an afternoon of fishing and fun!

Pirate Island Playground & Garden

Ahoy, mateys! Cross a bridge and get ready to explore an island full of fantasy and fun!

Music Garden

The sound of bells and chimes fill the air of Morgan’s Wonderland thanks to the spectacular outdoor Music Garden!

Morgan’s Wonderland tickets can be purchased online. Each pass grants an individual passport to Morgan’s Wonderland, fun rides, multiple attractions and amazing interactive experiences. Pick the ticket package that works best for your family and get ready to experience a time of unforgettable and exciting fun!


Individuals with special needs & children age 2 and under are always admitted free

The Paseo del Rio Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1968 to promote, protect and preserve the San Antonio River Walk, the number one tourist attraction in Texas!

The Association accomplishes this through the production of special events along the River Walk throughout the year and through the publication of Rio Magazine, a monthly visitor magazine. The Association serves as an advocate, facilitator, and moderator among the business, civic, and governmental communities on matters concerning the River Walk.

For over 30 years, a spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio's River Walk has featured illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly costumed participants. The parade goes on RAIN OR SHINE! Children 2 years of age or older will need a ticket.

Please pick up tickets in person either at the office 110 Broadway suite 500 - Monday - Friday between the hours of 9-5 with lunch from 12-1 or Parade day at La Villita starting at 10am. All sales are final.

San Antonio is a vibrant, bustling city especially during the holiday season. San Antonio is the place for all things Christmas from shopping, holiday arts & crafts, entertainment, and more.

River Walk San Antonio

Besides being a beautiful place, The River Walk is one the greatest Texas attractions for fun and entertainment. As one of the best things to do in San Antonio during the Christmas holidays, it features restaurants, clubs, and nearby San Antonio Hotels.

AT&T Center

You can get the best tickets to a variety of shows at the AT&T Center in San Antonio during the Christmas holidays. At the AT&T Center you will find exciting shows like the Immortal Michael Jackson, shows featuring famous stars like Jennifer Lopez, or sports events for the San Antonio Spurs and their contenders.

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling

The Ford Holiday Boat Caroling is a spectacular event that takes place each year that involves church groups, schools and San Antonio businesses that come together to joyfully sing traditional hymns and Christmas carols. Yet, many also enjoy the impromptu sing-a-longs with Latino bands, choirs and folk bands.

El Mercado Supermarket

As one of the largest supermarkets within this area of Texas, El Mercado is home to several bargain basement shopping opportunities. Their Primer Sabado or First Saturdays is an opportunity to enjoy food, fun and local entertainment at the Downtown Market Square during the Christmas holidays or anytime during the year.

The Alamo

Of course, things to do in San Antonio also include visiting the historically famous Alamo. Situated within the downtown area and located just minutes away from the River Walk, the Alamo is less than a 5-acre complex that is known worldwide as a place of courage and fortitude for the people of Texas. You can receive a tour of the grounds anytime before Christmas Eve and Christmas day, during the Alamo hours of operation. Make sure to support this free activity by purchasing something at the Gift shop.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Show

Every year the River Walk is teaming with vendors that provide uniquely crafted gifts for the home and garden. You can also find clothing and accessories, pottery, art work and jewelry of all kinds along the River Walk extension.

Ford Holiday Lighting Ceremony and River Parade

The Ford Holiday Lighting Ceremony and River Parade is a one-hour event for Christmas fun! You and your children can watch lighted Christmas floats, decadent costumes and hear San Antonio music bands. You will also get to see famous celebrities and much more.

Discovery Cavern Tour

As one of the most popular attractions within the city, the Discovery Cavern Tour provides a tour of Texas most beautiful underground. You can choose from unique tours , such as a Natural Bridge Cavern Tour, a Hidden Passages Tour or a Lantern Tour. However, you can also participate in the Watchtower Challenge, see the flight of the Bracken Bat, or visit the Mining Company and Rock Shop.

Enchanted Springs Ranch

Enchanted Springs Ranch is the ideal place to take you back in time to the Old West. This fun theme park is ideal for a family friendly vacation that features exotic animals, old Western buildings and real cowboys. Definitely made for the movies, you will also have the opportunity to eat a real chuck wagon dinner.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

The San Antonio Botanical Gardens is a spectacular place to explore gardening work at its finest. You will see beautiful flowers and foliage, including Mexican Heather, Cape Honeysuckle and Hibiscus. As one of the best things to do in San Antonio, Texas, they also provide both adult classes and children's classes.

Happy Holidays and Feliz Navidad!

The weather is extremely nice outside! It’s perfect to open the windows and get the clutter cleaned up. Here are ten simple tips to get your home in order.

1. Take it one room at a time. Keep cleaning and organizing limited to one room until it is complete and finished. This will ensure a smooth, easy experience.
2. Start in a corner and work your way around the room. This will also keep you from getting overwhelmed. There may be messes elsewhere in the room, but you will feel great once you’ve got one part of the room perfect.
3. Do yard work and other outdoor work early in the morning or late in the evening. If you’re not used to the San Antonio heat, you will be. Even in April our temperatures get into the 90s, so we suggest getting any outside work done during the cooler hours of the day.
4. Keep it simple. Don’t try to do everything in one day, especially if you have a large house. Work on one room per day, if that’s what it takes. Otherwise you’ll just be stressing yourself out.
5. Don’t be afraid to take a break when you need one. If you’re starting to get stressed out, overwhelmed or tired, take a break! Sit down for a few minutes, watch an episode of your favorite sitcom or go out and grab a nice, cool cup of frozen yogurt. Your house will still be there when you get back, and you’ll feel a lot better.
6. Don’t forget to clean those gutters! If your gutters are clogged, you’re house is at risk for flooding, and you definitely don’t want that.
7. Power wash. Dirt, mold and other stains can be an eyesore, not only to you, but also to potential homebuyers if you’re planning on selling your house in San Antonio. These sediments can also cause permanent damage to your house.
8. Make sure that lawn mower is working correctly. You may not need it yet, but with spring rain comes tall grass, and you don’t want to get to that point and not be able to turn on the mower.
9. Grab some boxes. As you’re going through things, sort them into three separate boxes. (1) Things that go in another room. (2) Things that are trash. (3) Things to give to Goodwill.
10. Dust. From ceiling to floor, wall to wall. It doesn’t take as long as you think, and it will keep you feeling great during cedar fever and allergy season. Don’t forget about ceiling fans and A/C vents.

Get started and kick the clutter to the curb before the holiday season begins! Happy cleaning!

Alfred Hitchcock once said, “there is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.” This quote inspires the “scare actors” at SeaWorld’s Howl-o-Scream. Chuck Cureau, artistic director for Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld teaches the actors of to build the tension and surprise attendees when the moment is right. This year’s Howl-o-Scream includes two new features.

“Prey:Where the Hunter Becomes the Hunted” takes thrill seekers deep into the woods. Lights blur and eerie sounds whistle. Unsure of what is real the mind begins to play tricks, suddenly the hunter becomes the hunted.

“Blood Thirsty Vampire Bar” is San Antonio’s trendiest new bar. Drop in and receive a transfusion of signature cocktails. Beware of the staff! They bite!

Annual favorites include “Frightmare Forest” where people’s worst nightmares come to fruition, “Den of the Departed,” New Orléans Voodoo Queen claims her throne and raises her loyal subjects from the dead, and “S.O.S. Mazel,” where a twisted gang of circus clowns has taken of the city. There are also “Scare Zones” in lieu of haunted houses and beware of the “wandering spirits” that roam the streets at SeaWorld!

General admission for SeaWorld’s Howl-o-Scream is $25 per person or join the “Face Your Fears Tour” which includes a behind the screams tour, reserve seating at Shamu’s rockin’ creep show, front of the line privileges at all the haunts, and get fanged at Blood Thirsty Vampire Bar. The cost is $50 per person or book online and pay a thrilling $30 per person!

Have a hauntingly good time and be terrified as Cureau’s ghouls expose your fears!

The San Antonio Water System defines the water as "hard" water which contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium. Here are some basic maintenance tips every homeowner in San Antonio needs to know!

Flush out the water heater each year and install a water softener system.Flushing out the water heater removes sediment; potentially doubling the life of the water heater.
Installation of a pressure reducing valve outside near the water meter can reduce the risk of water lines breaking or leaking.
Replace washing machine hoses every five years.Ensure the water is shut off before replacing hoses.
Change air conditioning filters monthly to keep a good air flow.
Vacuum the clothes dryer's exhaust duct at least once a year and if the duct is plastic, replace it with rigid sheet-metal ducting.
Vacuum the refrigerator coils underneath the appliance once a year.
The usual suspects that give homeowners trouble are appliances and plumbing, however when maintained regularly it could prevent breaks or malfunctions.

Unique as each individual San Antonio is a serene, inspiring, and diverse community to call home. Job opportunities, family friendly environments, festivals, shopping, golf, and more. Can you dream it? San Antonio offers it.

• Shopping Malls
• Boutiques
• Nearby outlets in New Braunfels and San Marcos
• The famous River Walk
• The Alamo
• Golf courses
• Parks
• Lakes and River recreation
• Museums and Theaters
• The San Antonio Symphony
• Antique Shops
• Festivals

San Antonio is growing as part of the booming Texas economy offering jobs, beautiful community homes, affordable living, better education, lower taxes, and it’s family friendly. Texas and the San Antonio communities are unpretentious, down to earth people. In the words of the famous writer John Steinbeck, “Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America”.

The Greater San Antonio Area offers many family friendly attractions. San Antonio is the ultimate destination for family fun. You’ll find Texas-sized thrills with wild rides at our theme parks, up close encounters with exotic animals at the San Antonio Zoo, the amazing formations in a cavern and trail journeys on a dude ranch horse.

The San Antonio Children’s Museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits, including the Tot Spot, where kids play to learn and adults learn to play. At Magik Theatre, performers stage kid-friendly productions of classic and contemporary children’s literature.

The Children's Fine Art Series turns classic tales, like The Sound of Music, into one-hour theatrical performances with music, song and dance.

The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, just two blocks from the Alamo, is a 131-year-old institution housing two museums. One is devoted to ranch life in South Texas and the other to legendary lawmen, the Texas Rangers.

The Institute of Texan Cultures uses interactive exhibits and displays to showcase more than 20 ethnic groups that settled in Texas.

IMAX Theatre Rivercenter creates a fantastic movie-watching experience with a giant screen and incredible sound system.

Laser Legend entertainment center offers high-tech excitement and puts you in the middle of an epic space battle with a themed arena for laser tag.

Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works & Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Ripley’s Moving Theater 4Dare three unique venues for hours of fun.

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Guinness World Records Museum and Tomb Rider 3D provide the opportunity to explore themed galleries, experience a haunted house and take an adventure ride. Then walk over to The Amazing Mirror Maze Challenge for a unique experience for all ages.

At the Texas Transportation Museum, you can ride on a full-sized train and explore the collection of historic transportation equipment.

Tower of the Americas 4D Theater Ride includes Skies over Texas, a multi-sensory 4D ride, and then take the elevator 750 feet up for incredible panoramic views.

The Witte Museum H-E-B Science Treehouse has four floors of hands-on science exhibits for all ages and is connected to a unique treehouse building overlooking the San Antonio River.

Just 50 miles northwest of San Antonio you’ll find Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Here more than a dozen dude ranches give visitors the chance to go horseback riding and fishing, or enjoy a hearty meal at a campfire cookout. Enchanted Springs Ranch in Boerne is a real working ranch on 86 acres, offering guests a hands-on experience of Texas heritage.

San Antonio is the ultimate home for family fun!

“Smart home” systems have been around for years, but today because of wireless connections the advantages of having totally connected home are more beneficial than ever.

From a single console in the kitchen, by your bed, or on your phone or tablet, you can control your music collection, set the scene with lighting, control the temperature and see who’s at the front door. Multi-room audio, lighting, intercom, thermostat and camera systems can also be integrated into a one home system. If whole-house integration is not something within your reach, there are enough self-programing, voice-activated and mobile app-operated appliances and devices on the market to easily improve your home’s tech IQ.

A refrigerator can now do more than just keep your food cool. A wifi enabled fridge can access your apps on the LCD screen, check the weather, browse the Web for recipes and maintain a grocery list to view on your phone when shopping.
New smart televisions allow you to navigate seamlessly from movies to games to apps, and even help you stay connected with friends and family through Facebook, Twitter, and Skype.
Even the front door can get a quick “smart” update with door locks that can be controlled from your mobile device, and a video/audio doorbell allows you to see and communicate with any visitor, without leaving the comfort of your easy chair!

For more ideas, from self progamming thermostats to voice activate televisions visit Bob Vila’s home improvement website http://www.bobvila.com.