un, fun, fun for fewer funds

Not every fun-filled place in San Antonio is going to leave you short changed. Inexpensive entertainment is possible for everyone.

On most Saturday nights, Rivercenter Comedy Club hosts “Midnight Madness,” a comedy show that starts at 12:30 a.m. and is free with a one drink minimum. The club is located at 849 E. Commerce at Parking Level C of the Rivercenter Parking Garage.  The shows are for ages 18 and older or 17 with a parent. For more information about Rivercenter Comedy Club or to view their schedule, contact them by phone at (210) 229-1420 or online at www.rivercentercomedyclub.com.

Cinemark Dollar Movies 16 is a great place to see movies in a theater for cheap. It is located at 5063 Northwest Loop 410 at Summit Parkway, and the theater has evening movies for $1.50 per seat. The first matinee, Monday through Friday, costs only one dollar.  For more information on Cinemark Dollar Movies 16, call (210) 523-1294.

Many college students have children or grandchildren, and it can be a challenge to entertain them for a low price. The Southwest School of Art and Craft offers a Saturday Morning Discovery, a free introduction to art for children ages 5 through16. Artists teach the children a variety of mediums, such as ceramics, drawing, painting, pinhole photography, silk screening, stained glass, origami and seasonal activities. Parents stay with the child and create along with them.  

SMD is held Saturday mornings during the school year.  Each session is a month long and reservations must be made in advance.  The school is located downtown at 1201 Navarro. To contact the Southwest School of Art and Craft’s Saturday Morning Discovery program, e-mail Regina Sanders. Another option for family fun is the nearby Medina River Natural Area, located at 15890 Highway 16 South. A Second Saturday Program offers a fun educational program for families or individuals.

“It is a wonderful opportunity,” said Susan Blaker, Office Assistant of the Medina River Natural Area “All events are nature involved.”

Some of the events coming up are A Bike Through the Park, basic mountain biking and trail etiquette on November 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Star Gazing Party presented by the San Antonio Astrological Society, whose members will bring their scopes to view the winter sky on December 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Winter Birds of the Medina River, a birding tour through the park on January 13 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and The Wonderful World of Birds, the diversity and adaptations of birds on March 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.  These programs are offered for a $2 donation for individuals or a $4 donation covers families.The Medina River Natural Area also offers 2.5 miles of trails, a large covered pavilion, and even a group camping area that can be reserved. For more information on Medina River Natural Area, call (210) 624-2575 or visit their website at www.sanantonio.gov/sapar/nature.asp.

Whether it is hanging out with friends, checking something out alone, taking that special someone or getting the whole family out of the house for a little quality time, many things can be enjoyed on a budget in San Antonio.