Our readers have asked for a list of sports for seniors in San Antonio for some time. Fortunately, San Antonio offers older adults many ways to stay active, socialize and enjoy the sports they have loved for years.
Whether you enjoy pickleball, golf, tennis, swimming or simply walking, staying active can help you maintain strength, balance, mobility and independence. The more active you are, the higher the chances you will remain active far longer in life.
Sports for Seniors in San Antonio
The CDC recommends that adults age 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, along with muscle strengthening activities at least two days per week and regular balance activities.
We also know that it is highly recommended that seniors engage in 2-3 sessions of strength training weekly to keep from losing important muscle mass needed for their ongoing health, mobility and independence.
Here are some of the best sports for seniors in San Antonio, along with specific places where you can participate.
1. Pickleball
When talking about sports for seniors in San Antonio, perhaps no other sport has gotten more popular and fast as Pickleball. It’s not an understatement to say that this sport has swept across senior communities across the U.S. That’s because pickleball combines movement, coordination and social interaction without requiring the amount of running found in many other sports.
Fairchild Park Pickleball Courts
Address: 1220 E. Crockett St., San Antonio, TX 78202
Phone: 210 207 7275
Website: San Antonio Parks and Recreation Pickleball
Hours: Park hours are generally 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fairchild is one of the strongest public pickleball options in San Antonio, with dedicated outdoor courts and lighting. The San Antonio Pickleball Association also offers beginner sessions here, making it a good option for seniors who are new to the sport.
The city says its pickleball courts are generally available on a first come, first served basis.
Pletz Park
Address: 3831 Belgium Lane, San Antonio, TX 78219
Phone: 210 335 7275
Website: Bexar County Pletz Park
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. April through October; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through March
Pletz Park offers pickleball courts along with tennis courts, walking trails, restrooms and parking. That combination makes it particularly useful for seniors who want to combine pickleball with a leisurely walk or other activity.
Senior tip: If you are new to pickleball, look for beginner or recreational play rather than competitive games. Give yourself time to learn the movements and become comfortable on the court.
2. Golf
As far as sports for seniors in San Antonio goes, golf is as old school as it gets. Who doesn’t love to spend a morning out on the links with friends chasing a best all time score at your favorite local course? Golf is an excellent way for seniors to remain active while enjoying a social activity. Walking the course, swinging a club, getting in and out of a golf cart and spending several hours outdoors can all contribute to daily physical activity.
Brackenridge Park Golf Course
Address: 2315 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215
Phone: 210 226 5612
Website: Brackenridge Park Golf Course
Hours: Approximately 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Brackenridge is one of San Antonio’s most historic public golf courses and is conveniently located near downtown.
Tee times can be booked online or by phone. Advance reservations are particularly smart for weekends and holidays.
Riverside Golf Course
Address: 203 McDonald, San Antonio, TX 78210
Phone: 210 533 8371
Website: Alamo City Golf Trail
Hours: Approximately 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Riverside offers an 18 hole course as well as the Teddy Bear Par 3 course. The shorter course can be an appealing option for older golfers who want to play without committing to a full 18 holes.
The Quarry Golf Course
Address: 444 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: 210 824 4500
Website: The Quarry Golf Course
Hours: Approximately 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Quarry provides a distinctive San Antonio golf experience and is convenient for seniors living around Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills and the central part of the city.
Senior golf tip: Consider booking earlier morning tee times during San Antonio’s warmer months. If walking 18 holes is too demanding, use a cart or consider a shorter round.
3. Tennis
Don’t overlook tennis when it comes to sports for seniors in San Antonio! Tennis can provide excellent cardiovascular exercise, coordination and social interaction. Doubles tennis can be particularly appropriate for seniors because it generally requires less court coverage than singles.
McFarlin Tennis Center
Address: 1503 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210 207 5357
Website: McFarlin Tennis Center
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon and 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
McFarlin is one of San Antonio’s largest public tennis facilities, with 22 lighted hard courts, showers, lockers and a pro shop.
Unlike many city tennis courts, McFarlin requires reservations. Seniors receive a discounted court rental rate, and Tuesdays currently offer free community open play during normal hours.
Senior tip: Call 210 207 5357 before heading over if you want a particular court or time. Reserving ahead is especially wise during popular periods.
Blossom Tennis Center
Address: 12002 Jones Maltsberger Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: 210 491 6108
Hours: Approximately 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Blossom is a convenient north central San Antonio option with public tennis programming and evening lighting.
4. Swimming and Water Exercise
This probably doesn’t register as a sport for seniors in San Antonio. But if you start a swimming regimen and start doing laps, you’ll quickly realize how challenging and rewarding swimming can be.
It’s one of the best choices for seniors who want all-round cardiovascular and strength-building exercise without putting as much impact on their joints.
Atanacio Garcia Natatorium
Address: 1430 W. César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: 210 207 3299
Website: San Antonio Parks and Recreation
Hours: Hours vary by day and program
The city offers aquatic fitness programs here, including water walking, water aerobics, lap swim and healthy hearts aqua fitness.
Water walking can be especially attractive for seniors who experience joint discomfort or prefer a lower impact form of exercise.
5. Walking and Hiking
Walking is perhaps the easiest activity for seniors to incorporate into a weekly fitness routine.
Olmos Basin Park
Address: 651 Devine Rd., San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210 207 3047
Website: San Antonio Parks and Recreation
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Olmos Basin has paved and unpaved trails, walking areas, restrooms, water fountains, regular parking and handicapped parking.
For seniors, the key is choosing a walking distance and pace that feels comfortable. Ten or fifteen minutes is still worthwhile if you are building your endurance.
6. Senior Recreation and Fitness Centers
Sports for seniors in San Antonio can also involve hanging out at a local fitness or rec center. In other words, sports do not have to be competitive. Senior centers can provide exercise classes, social activities and opportunities to meet other active older adults.
Bob Ross Senior Center
Address: 2219 Babcock Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: 210 207 5300
Website: City of San Antonio Senior Services
Hours: Monday through Thursday, approximately 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Bob Ross Senior Center serves older adults in the Medical Center area and provides a variety of recreational, wellness and social opportunities.
San Antonio Heat: Plan Your Exercise Carefully
San Antonio’s heat can make outdoor exercise challenging during late spring, summer and even early fall. That makes sports for seniors in San Antonio more of a challenge than other parts of the country.
Older adults should consider exercising outdoors during cooler morning hours, staying hydrated and taking breaks. On particularly hot days, consider swimming, indoor pickleball, indoor walking or another air conditioned activity.
Make sure to check the National Weather Service before heading outdoors and pay attention to heat advisories. You can also check the local San Antonio severe weather website for any heat index warnings you should be aware of before heading out to exercise.
Make Sports Part of a Complete Fitness Plan
Sports for seniors in San Antonio are a great way to stay active, but they should not be your entire fitness strategy.
Senior fitness in San Antonio should also include strength training at least two days per week. Maintaining muscle helps older adults perform everyday activities such as getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, carrying groceries and maintaining balance.
The goal is not necessarily to become an elite athlete. The goal is to remain strong enough to continue enjoying your life.
Whether you choose pickleball at Fairchild Park, golf at Brackenridge, tennis at McFarlin, swimming at the Natatorium or simply walking at a local park, find something you enjoy and keep moving.
A consistent combination of enjoyable activities, strength training and appropriate mobility work can help you stay active, independent and engaged in the San Antonio community.