Within 20 miles of Converse, TX · Updated 2026-06-01Converse may be a tight-knit community on the northeast side of San Antonio, but you'd be surprised how much green space surrounds it — and most of it is free. From fishing lakes and splash pads right in town to expansive nature preserves and world-class playgrounds just a few miles away in Live Oak, Schertz, and Universal City, families here don't have to drive far to find a full afternoon of outdoor fun. Here are the parks worth loading the kids up for.
1. Converse City Park (Converse)
Location: 307 School St, Converse, TX 78109
Free fishing, wildlife, and two playgrounds. Converse City Park is the spot when you want a low-key afternoon without packing much—just show up and let the kids explore. The age-split playground setup means toddlers and older siblings don't get bored or frustrated at the same stop, and the catch-and-release lake keeps curious kids engaged for an extra hour. Ball fields and a basketball court are available if anyone's in a team-sport mood.
Good to know: Playground for toddlers, Newer playground for older kids (recycled rubber surface), Lake for catch-and-release fishing, Wildlife viewing (turtles, squirrels, ducks, birds), Ball fields, Football fields, Basketball court, Picnic areas, Pavilions, Restrooms.
Parent tip: Bring bread crusts or duck pellets for the lake — the ducks and turtles are surprisingly bold and the kids will love it.
For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Converse City Park page.
2. Converse North Park (Converse)
Location: 8200 Spring Town St, Converse, TX 78109
Six athletic fields plus multiple playgrounds. North Park in Converse is where team players AND sandbox kids come to play in the same outing. The rope bridges and climbing walls keep younger kids challenged while the soccer, baseball, and tennis diamonds get the competitive energy out of bigger siblings. The grounds are spacious enough that nobody's waiting for a turn.
Good to know: Multiple playgrounds, Climbing walls, Rope bridges, Swings, Slides, Soccer fields, Baseball diamonds, Softball diamonds, Basketball courts, Tennis courts, Safe play environment, Restrooms, Parking.
Parent tip: The walking path connecting North Park to City Park is stroller-friendly and shaded in spots — great for a weekday morning outing.
3. Northview Park and Splashpad (Universal City)
Location: Universal City, TX 78148
Free water fun just two miles north. Universal City's Northview splash pad is a staple for Converse families escaping the afternoon heat. Clean facilities, shaded picnic areas, and well-kept water features make it feel like a legitimate destination rather than a last-minute cool-down stop. Summer mornings and early afternoons are the sweet spot before the weekend crowds move in.
Good to know: Splash pad, Park facilities, Picnic area, Restrooms, Parking.
Parent tip: Go earlier in the morning on weekdays to beat the crowds — by noon in July it fills up fast.
For weather closures, seasonal restrictions, or maintenance schedules, view the Northview Park and Splashpad city page.
4. Live Oak Park (Live Oak)
Location: 8001 Shin Oak Dr, Live Oak, TX 78233
75 acres of adventure just three miles away. Live Oak Park in Live Oak is the kind of place where you pack a picnic and forget about the clock. Monster slides, climbing rocks, elevated platforms, fishing lake, disc golf courses, walking trails—whatever mood the kids are in, there's something here. The pavilions and BBQ pits make birthday parties and family cookouts easy too.
Good to know: Large and small playgrounds, Climbing rock, Monster slides (2), Sit and spin rides, Elevated platforms with shade canopies, Bridges between platforms, Play panels, Four baseball fields, Football field, Skate park, Two 18-hole disc golf courses, Municipal swimming pool, Over 12 miles of walking trails, 30-acre lake for fishing, Pavilions with picnic area, BBQ pits, Restrooms, Parking.
Parent tip: The two disc golf courses run through wooded sections of the park — even kids who've never played love chasing the discs around.
Planning a specific day? Check the Live Oak Park status page for closures first.
5. Schertz Community Playscape (Schertz)
Starting in Converse, the drive takes under 10 min without traffic — the round trip fits inside a morning.
Location: 629 Westchester Dr, Schertz, TX 78154
The life-size train engine at Schertz Community Playscape is the kind of thing that makes kids sprint from the parking lot. This Schertz playscape sits right next to the Schertz Public Library, making it an easy combo: let the kids climb, swing, and engineer their way around the train, then head inside for storytime or a stack of new books. The accessible features mean it works well for kids of varying abilities, and the walking trail wraps the space nicely for parents who want to stretch their legs. A quick 4-mile trip from Converse on the way toward Schertz.
Good to know: Multiple play structures, Life-size train engine to climb, Swings, Accessible features, Adjacent library, Walking trail, Restrooms, Parking.
Parent tip: Pair it with a library visit — the Schertz library has a strong kids' section and programs most weeks.
Before you load up the car, review the Schertz Community Playscape page for maintenance or event closures.
6. John S. Harrison Park (Selma)
For a family coming from Converse, the drive clocks in at under 10 min without traffic — an easy add-on if you're already headed toward Selma.
Location: 9047 Pinseeker, Selma, TX 78154
Safe play space for kids who like to roam. The completely fenced Harrison Park in Selma lets younger kids explore without you having to chase them down. Add the shaded playground, nearby pavilion for grilling, and historic home for walking around, and you've got a calm, self-contained afternoon.
Good to know: Leisure playground for children, Shaded play area, Large pavilion with picnic tables, Historic Harrison House (1852), Historic site / educational value, Completely fenced, Clean, accessible restrooms, Picnic area, Parking.
Parent tip: The fenced layout makes this one of the best picks in the area for toddlers and families with multiple kids at different ages.
Save yourself a wasted trip — the John S. Harrison Park page lists current hours and closures.
7. Crescent Bend Nature Park (Schertz)
Heading out of Converse, budget under 10 min on the road — short enough for a spontaneous weekday trip.
Location: 12805 W. Schaefer Rd, Schertz, TX 78154
Heritage oaks and open sky for outdoor-minded families. Crescent Bend in Schertz strips away the amenities and gives families what they came for: space, trails, water, and room to breathe. The 6-mile trail system is substantial enough for a real afternoon adventure, and seasonal wildflowers add a natural beauty that changes the experience throughout the year.
Good to know: 180 acres, Miles of trail, Bird blinds, Wildflowers (seasonal), Fishing access, Camping area, Cibolo Creek Primitive Trails (6 miles total), Heritage-sized oak trees, Restrooms, Parking.
Parent tip: Spring is peak wildflower season along the creek trail — worth timing a visit for late March or April.
8. Brackenridge Park (San Antonio)
Coming from Converse, expect about 16 min without traffic — San Antonio has enough nearby to make a half-day of it.
Location: 3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212
When you want to make a proper day of it, Brackenridge Park in San Antonio is worth the 11-mile drive from Converse. This 343-acre historic park is the kind of place you can spend a full Saturday — multiple playgrounds, over 100 picnic and grilling spots, and easy walking trails throughout. It's also the campus for the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, and the DoSeum, so you can mix free park time with a ticketed attraction if you want to dial up the adventure. It's one of those parks that's genuinely different every time you go, and it never gets old for kids or parents.
Good to know: 343 acres, Multiple playgrounds, Easy walking trails, More than 100 picnic and grilling areas, San Antonio Zoo access, Witte Museum access, DoSeum access, Benches, Shade, Parking, Restrooms.
Parent tip: Park once and walk to everything — the Zoo, Witte, and DoSeum are all within easy walking distance of the main park grounds.
Seasonal hours apply; the official Brackenridge Park page has the latest.
How we picked these
We focused on parks closest to Converse first — the ones right in town and within a quick 5-mile radius in neighboring Live Oak, Universal City, Selma, and Schertz. We prioritized variety: fishing, splash pads, nature trails, imaginative play structures, and sports fields, so different kids and different moods are covered. One San Antonio pick made the cut for its sheer scale and the way it anchors a full-day outing. All picks are free or nearly free, with well-maintained facilities and family-friendly amenities.
Planning your visit
Most parks in the Converse area open at dawn or sunrise and close at dusk — no admission fees, no reservations needed for the open spaces. Splash pads typically run May through September; pools follow similar seasonal schedules. Summer mornings before 10 a.m. are the sweet spot before the heat sets in. For pavilion or field rentals at Schertz or Live Oak parks, check their city parks pages in advance for availability. Keep an eye on Converse events for organized park events, seasonal programs, and free family activities happening near you.
For more kids' events near Converse this week, see the Converse events page.
Converse Park Checklist
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and bug spray — parks like Converse City Park see active mosquitoes and wood ticks May through October. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes.
- One water bottle per person — drinking fountains exist at most Converse parks but occasionally go offline for maintenance. Pack heat-stable snacks: grapes, apples, trail mix hold up better than chocolate in summer heat.
Best Times to Visit
Playground surfaces can reach 150°F by late morning in summer. Visit before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. from May through September — metal slides and rubber matting cool quickly once the sun drops. Spring and fall (March–April, October–November) allow all-day visits. Converse North Park and other Converse parks are busiest Saturday mornings due to youth sports and lightest on weekday afternoons.
Converse Parks — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best parks for kids near Converse, TX?
Our 2026 guide picks 8 standout parks within about 20 miles of Converse. The top picks include Converse City Park, Converse North Park and Northview Park and Splashpad — each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.
What is the closest park to Converse?
Converse City Park is the closest pick at under a mile from Converse. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon — short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.
When is the best time to visit parks in Converse?
In North Texas, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. from May through September — playground surfaces and slides can reach 150°F by midday in summer. Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) work all day. Saturday mornings are busiest thanks to youth sports; weekday afternoons are quietest.