Pooches find their own playground at the Universal City Dog Park. This beloved local outdoor space resides on a 1.3-acre lot along Athenian Drive, so there's plenty of space for your four-legged friend to run around. The dog park is divided into two sections, one for big dogs and one for smaller pups. Both are outfitted with ramps and jungle gyms upon which dogs can play with their new friends.

For owners, the park provides ample shade and picnic benches where they can keep cool while canines run off extra energy. Pet-sized water fountains, waste bags, and trash cans are all supplied by Universal City Dog Park, too, so you can keep your furry friend hydrated and clean up after him throughout your visit. So on the next sunny day, unleash your pooch at the Universal City Dog Park.

Universal City Dog Park
134 Athenian Drive
Universal City, TX 78148
www.universalcitytexas.com/index.aspx?NID=647
www.yelp.com/biz/universal-city-dog-park-universal-city-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Luca Grieco

When it comes to good, old-fashioned family fun, bowling tops the list as one of the best activities. Randolph AFB Bowling Center brings the tried-and-true pastime to Universal City, and according to Yelp reviewers, it has all the classic elements of an old-school bowling alley.

That begins with the shiny, immaculate lanes. Employees keep them pristine, so you never have to worry about grime derailing your perfect strike. True to bowling alley tradition, you can also rent a pair of shoes at Randolph AFB, so come prepared with your size and grab them at the counter. Expect a greeting and a smile when you arrive, too, as the employees are notoriously friendly and helpful. If you want to take a break during your game, grab a Corona or other brew from the cooler.

Randolph AFB Bowling Center
Fifth and H Street
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 652-6271
www.yelp.com/biz/randolph-afb-bowling-center-universal-city

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr j.o.h.n. walker

When you visit Chester’s Hamburger Co., you’ll see that this Universal City burger joint owes its popularity to its simple, straightforward approach: It's not a fancy place and doesn't pretend to be one. Instead, Chester's Hamburger Co. is the kind of place where you go to relax, watch the game, and enjoy a great burger. It’s also the kind of place you return to again and again, because the food and atmosphere both hit the spot.

On the menu you’ll find a range of hearty, tasty burgers, including the classic bacon cheeseburger and the spicy green chile burger. You can choose between crispy, golden fries and hand-battered onion rings for your side dish, and of course you'll want to order a cold beer to wash it all down. The service at Chester's is friendly and fast, and regulars suggest that if the weather's nice you should try to snag an outdoor seat.

Chester's Hamburger Co.
621 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 658-3000
www.yelp.com/biz/chesters-hamburger-co-universal-city

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/mamojo