Yanaguana Gardens

What a wonderful playground! My 2 year old loved playing with the giant chess and checkers pieces and banging on the piano. Some of the equipment is clearly for older kids, but there’s a lot for all ages here.

Wow! Such a fun and great exercise for my little ones. Checked it out for the first time on New Years Eve. Perfect spot to let the kids release their wiggles… Next time picnic lunch to follow.

I could not be more happy with the recent changes and updates here. Aside from the sometimes lack of parking (which I am sure will get better), this place is such a treat for young and old and everyone in between. The art-​focused equipment and seating here is very similar to parks in San Francisco, which are top-​notch, but with an obvious San Antonio flair. The squishy mats ease the mind of any toddler mama, but you still have to watch those adventurous tykes who may want to climb higher on the ropes than what you’d like.
Trust me on this, as my wee girl is a rebel and I had to climb the ropes after her. Good exercise for me, though! I love the water splash area of fountains, and we will definitely use these again as the weather gets warmer. Another awesome feature is the giant sand pit which includes its own area of water for sand castle making, etc.- complete with toys provided there by the park. Giant chess/​checkerboards for lifesize play, tabletop ping pong, beautiful tiled climbing structures and a lovely bit of shady trees sprinkled throughout make this little corner of downtown an especially enjoyable one. Nice security walking the grounds at times, as well, who are happy to answer any questions about the area if you need. Bonus– close to a variety of restaurants and sandwich shops so you can easily walk from the park for a bite if you get peckish. Kid and Mama approved.

Beautiful gardens right by Hemisfair Park!
These wonderful gardens are absolutely stunning! There’s a huge display of public art here, and many great areas to play in!
There’s a public fountain that you can climb around in and get wet. You’re not supposed to play in the other fountains around Hemisfair, but these are welcoming and available to splash in. There’s lots of things to play with, and the floors here are squishy, so if you fall off the equipment head first, you shouldn’t crack your head open.
There are public restrooms here, that are clean and safe. There are also things that you can check out and use, like ping pong paddles for the tables, or giant chess sets.
It’s a great place downtown to relax in the shade, read a book, or get active. I’m very thankful that the city has done such a great job with this park, and encourage you to visit!

Great new space at hemisphere park.
CORNER OF CESAR CHAVEZ & S ALAMO.
Great for kids!

I’m SO proud of San Antonio! This city park ROCKS. I’d love to hear other people’s tips on parking — we parked a block away along a street. Small children, older kids, aduls… doesn’t matter, there’s something for everyone here with beautiful SA culture weaved in. A water play area, sand area, climbing, strolling, street chess and checkers, pigeons… seriously awesome. My 7, 5 and 1 year old ALL had a great time. We talked with a park rep for a few minutes who said this was just the beginning — that several phases were planned out. I can’t wait!

I don’t even have small children, but areas like THIS are what make me happy to call San Antonio home.
Yanaguana Gardens is a family-​friendly gem in the heart of downtown… *beautiful* mosaic benches and climbable statues, splash pad, ginormous concrete ping pong tables, expansive jungle gym-​like climbing structure, life-​size chess and checkers, actual real restrooms, plenty of shade. And soon. .
BEER!
The gorgeous historic buildings on the Hemisfair grounds are being revitalized and given a new lease on life. One of the first tenants: OK Brewing & Eishaus. Also on the horizon, craft paletas and a restaurant, amongst other establishments. But. .
BEER!
Playground for the whole family. Check. Mate.
Yanaguana is a complete 180 from the way the other, Tower of the Americas, half of Hemisfair currently looks and smells (gag!)…tax dollars well spent! Kudos, San Antonio!

This area has undergone a complete transformation! The result is a park that is unique, user-​friendly, and accessible. The play structures are not your typical swings and slides. Rather they are meant to engage people of all ages! At Yanaguana Gardens, you’ll find climbing structures, mosaic structures, water fixtures, and even a sandbox. They even have ping pong tables. Soft rubber flooring is found under the play structures to foster a safer play environment.
All these structures coexist with shaded areas, landscaped gardens, and historical structures. Several art structures also tell the story behind the name of the park. The park also features new restroom facilities and a picnic area. This is only the first phase of the larger improvement project at Hemisfair. Yanaguana Gardens is definitely a great place to play, relax, or walk through. It also looks like it is well lit at night. It’s a definite upgrade from the park it once was!