Located just north of San Antonio and South of Austin is the historic town of New Braunfels, Texas. It is a fun weekend getaway for those living in San Antonio and an amazing family destination in Texas. Whether you like to explore the great outdoors or discover the museums, no trip will be complete without doing these 15 things to do in New Braunfels with kids.
Fun Things to do in New Braunfels with Kids
Landa Park
Landa Park is ranked #1 on things to do in New Braunfels. This is a beautiful park with many mature trees, shade areas, playgrounds, and water throughout. It is definitely a must do when you travel to New Braunfels especially if you have children.
The park offers quite a few different activities and amenities. They have a train that goes through the park; you can swim or play in very clear natural springs water; there are many playgrounds to play on; a big lake for fishing; and a swimming pool. If you enjoy golf, play a round at Landa Park Golf Course. There is something for everyone at Landa Park in New Braunfels.
Schlitterbahn Water Park
Escape the Texas heat by going to Schlitterbahn Water Park. This New Braunfels waterpark is a little over 70 acres of family fun and thrilling adventure. It is located along the banks of the Comal River.
This waterpark includes water playgrounds, lazy river, surfing ride, heated swim-up bars, tube rides, slide rides, and more. Be sure to check out their website for any promotions, special events, and hours of operation.
Canyon Lake
There isn’t anything quite like the Texas Hill Country lifestyle. In the midst of the Hill Country is Canyon Lake where green rolling hills meet the crystal waters of Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River. This area has many types of activities and businesses just waiting to welcome you. Check out our compiled list of things to do in Canyon Lake.
Natural Bridge Caverns
There is so much to explore at Natural Bridge Caverns which is family owned and operated. It is a premier natural attraction where you will find adventure and fun.
Not only can you explore the huge caverns, but there are plenty of family activities you can do above ground such as the Twisted Trails, AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup, Mining activities and more. There is something for every child at Natural Bridge Caverns.
Comal Park
Comal Park is located on the South shore of Canyon Lake near Startzville. This lakefront park has picnic sites, boat ramps, a pea gravel and sand beach, playground, and restrooms. There are also volleyball courts, soccer goals, and washer pits.
What makes this park great are all the amenities and the fact there is no reservation required. However, the park does fill up quickly. Make sure to get there early before it is sold out.
McKenna Children’s Museum
McKenna Children’s Museum is another top ranked place on our list of things to do in New Braunfels with kids. This children’s museum is located in the McKenna Events Center near downtown. It may be small, but it is bursting with fun and has a learning environment. There are small, themed areas such as a hospital, grocery store, bank, etc throughout the museum and an outdoor play area with water tables and a playground.
Animal World and Snake Farm
Animal World and Snake Farm is located off of I-35. It might not look like much from the road, but it has a great mix of animals for its size and is expanding. This zoo has every type of snake you can imagine along with multiple other reptiles. Outside you will find other types of animals such as primates, birds, otters, lions, etc. They also have a petting zoo that doesn’t disappoint. You will love Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo.
Stars and Stripes Drive In
Stars and Stripes Drive In is a must when you visit New Braunfels. Throw some pillows and blankets in the back of your truck for outdoor movies. If you don’t have a truck, then bring some chairs.
They show double features all year-round which is why it made it to our list of things to do in New Braunfels with kids. For the full drive-in experience, visit their 50’s Cafe to grab some yummy treats. There is also a playground for the kids to play out. Make sure to purchase your tickets online, show up early, and enjoy the night watching movies under the stars.
A tip for the drive in movie is to bring a radio so you don’t drain your vehicle battery.
Kid-friendly Things to Do in New Braunfels
Float the Guadalupe River
The Guadeloupe is one of the most popular rivers. It is ever changing as the flow fluctuates with the release rate of water from Canyon dam turbines. On the weekends, it is considered a party river and brings in the crowds. It is a pretty fun river, but just be prepared for the crowds. We like to go during the week when it isn’t as busy.
New Braunfels Railroad Museum
This is a must see for any train lover. The New Braunfels Railroad Museum is an old station house and has several train cars. They have a variety of artifacts and photographs from the golden age of railroading on display.
There is a main room full of railroad history along with another big room full of running model trains and another with museum type exhibits. The entry into the museum is free, but parking isn’t. Be sure to check their website to check on their hours of operation.
Faust Street Bridge
The Faust Street Bridge is a historic landmark in New Braunfels. It was originally constructed and opened as one of the first bridges built over a major waterway in Texas. The views from the bridge are very nice and there are benches you can sit on to enjoy the view. It is also a peaceful place to hear the Guadalupe River flowing below.
Sophienburg Museum
The Sophienburg Museum is a small museum that tells how the town started in the late 1800’s when German Nobles brought unsatisfied German citizens to start a new life. It was here where one of the first Texas public schools was started. There are artifacts and Dioramas explore what life was like in New Braunfels. It should take about 2 hours or less to explore.
Fischer Park
Fischer Park offers a variety of amenities for discovery and exploration. Stroll around the park on greenway trails; relax at the two fishing ponds; look for butterflies at the Monarch Waystation; dig for dinosaur bones; splash at the splash pad, or enjoy the playgrounds. The Fischer Park Nature Education Center provides a variety of programs and events to ignite your interest and curiosity in the natural world.
Spring Loaded Trampoline Park
Spring Loaded Trampoline Park has over 15,000 square feet of trampolines. They offers session and day passes for jumping, dodgeball and newcomb.Be sure to check out their website for rates and hours.
Shop In Gruene
Gruene historic district is a fun little town to explore with lots of cute little shops, eateries and watering holes to stop and enjoy. This little area of the Gruene Historic District has so much character, it’s a must see when coming through the New Braunfels area. There’s so much history as well, including a prohibition dated bar cellar that’s a must see. Go to Gruene Hall for some live music; jump in and out of the shops for some awesome gear; or grab something to eat at Gristmill Restaurant in the Gruene Historic District.
Gruene is not that far from New Braunfels and is definitely worth the stop. You won’t regret visiting. That concludes our list of things to do in New Braunfels with kids. We hope you enjoy your family trip to Texas.
