How to Throw an Epic School or Church Event in San Antonio (Without Breaking the Bank)

Planning a school carnival, church fundraiser, or youth group event in San Antonio? You want it to be memorable, well-attended, and most importantly—fun for the kids. But that doesn’t mean you need a massive budget or dozens of volunteers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to throwing an awesome event that’s easy to plan, affordable, and packed with energy.

1. 🎯 Start with One Big Attraction

Instead of spreading your budget thin across a dozen small activities, focus on one high-impact feature that gets kids excited and draws attention.
Enter: Hoop San Antonio—our mobile basketball arcade trailer with four side-by-side arcade hoops that we bring straight to your event.

  • No setup required

  • Free to play for all guests

  • Fast-paced fun that works for all ages

📍 Whether it’s a church parking lot or a school blacktop, we park, plug in, and keep the games rolling for hours.

2. 🍕 Keep Food Simple and Kid-Friendly

Skip expensive catering. Instead, go for crowd-pleasers that are budget-friendly:

  • Pizza by the slice from a local pizzeria

  • Chips + soda + water station

  • Invite a local food truck (many waive the fee if sales are guaranteed)

Pro tip: Set up a few picnic tables or ask families to bring lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxed vibe.

3. 🎉 Add Easy, Low-Cost Activities

To round out the day, sprinkle in a few classic activities:

  • Face painting (ask for student or volunteer artists)

  • Sack races or relay games

  • Water balloon toss (great for warm days)

  • Craft station with donated supplies

The key is to balance structured fun with free play, and make sure volunteers rotate in and out.

4. 💰 Fundraise Without Pressure

If your goal is fundraising, here are a few simple ways to earn without hard selling:

  • $5 wristbands for unlimited games & activities

  • Raffle baskets donated by local businesses

  • Snack bar with candy and drinks

  • Donation station with QR codes for Venmo or Cash App

Just make sure signage is clear, and keep prices low so everyone can participate.

5. 📸 Capture and Share the Fun

Don’t forget to take photos and videos! A few great shots of kids playing, families smiling, and the Hoop San Antonio trailer in action make perfect promo material for your next event—and for your social media.

Tag us at @HoopSanAntonio on Instagram and we’ll share your photos with our followers!

Ready to Bring Hoop San Antonio to Your Next Event?

Let’s make it simple for you and unforgettable for your guests.

Previous
Previous

Behind the Scenes: Building San Antonio’s Coolest Mobile Basketball Arcade

Next
Next

Top 5 Birthday Party Ideas in San Antonio for Active Kids