Family adventure

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Gather up the kids and hit the road. We've got your itinerary ready to go!

Before you arrive

New Braunfels is home to hotels and short-term rentals perfect for families of any size. Check out Courtyard by Marriott or one of our other hotel brands, Comal River Cottages, The Other Place and Gruene Cottages. Stay and play at Schlitterbahn in their Treehaus Luxury Suites or Schlitterstein Lofts.  Bringing fur babies too? Hacienda del Rio and Petit Cowboy are just a few pet friendly accommodations.  Be sure to ask when you book as New Braunfels welcomes furry friends around town. 

Day 1: Family Adventure

Gather the fam and head to Downtown New Braunfels for breakfast. We'd suggest the made-from-scratch sweet and savory treats at 2tarts. Or check out Texas' oldest bakery, Naegelin's. They've been serving the town since 1868.  If you want to sit and enjoy weekend brunch with the family check out Pat’s Place for some comfort food classics, or in the heart of Downtown visit Krause’s Café where you can find a variety of German and traditional favorites with a great kid’s menu and breakfast cocktails for the adults.  The pancakes are Krause’s are one of the best around town! 

You can spend the day cooling off at the world-famous waterpark, Schlitterbahn, in the heart of Downtown New Braunfels. Guaranteed fun for the whole family!

Near downtown is Landa Park where you'll find playgrounds, a miniature train to ride, miniature golf and even paddle boarding! If the kids are the adventurous sort, Panther Canyon Trail is in Landa park and known for its arrowheads and other fun finds.

On Saturdays be sure to visit the Farmers Market for some locally produced food, home and personal care items and more. Pick up some snacks before heading out for your adventures.

Next, if your family is into fishing, the Guadalupe River hosts trout (yes, trout), bass and catfish. Visit Gruene Outfitters for expert tips.  For more river fun & adventure visit one of the many river outfitters on the Comal or Guadalupe to get you set up for your tubing adventure. For more water adventure check out Texas Ski Ranch where you can wakeboard and waterski or hang out on the one-of-a-kind beach while the kids play in the Aqua Park.

Animal lovers? Check out the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo or take them to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - a 500-acre drive-thru preserve filled with over 50 species who love visitors and their treats. While you're in the area, Natural Bridge Caverns offers world-famous caving adventures and has plenty of fun above ground. Be sure to check out the Hidden Wonders Tour!

 

 

There is no shortage of fun in New Braunfels. For an evening activity, book a crystal kayak night trip with Paddle TX and enjoy the beautiful river like never seen before with LED lights that shine below the surface through the crystal clear bottom kayaks.

By the time you get done with all that, you'll be hungry for dinner. We'd suggest ordering pizza to go from Inferno's or Callahan's and taking it back to your hotel or rental for an evening of movies, games or just relaxing. If the kids still somehow have energy to work off, Bootlegger's offers great pizza and a playground.

Day 2: Family Adventure

Start the day off right by picking up breakfast tacos from Granzin's, Rudy's, Los Gallos, El Tapatio, El Nopalito, Butcher Boy or one of the many other restaurants in New Braunfels. They're all great and you'll be a hero when you bring them back.

Head over to Gruene Historic District next. Plan to walk around and visit shops like H.D. Gruene Mercantile, Got Toys, Cotton Eyed Joe’s, Fickle Pickles, Sunshine Tienda, The Pomegranate, and Gruene Hat Company where you can get a custom cowboy hat that’s uniquely yours!  Now that’s a memory you’ll wear for years to come! 

Don't miss the gifts for friends, souvenirs, fudge and ice cream at Gruene General Store. Save the fudge for dessert after lunch at Gristmill. Get a table for the family overlooking the river. After lunch head over to Gruene Mini Golf and experience Gruene like never before with some cute photo ops for the fam!

If it's not time for a nap, drive to Downtown New Braunfels and continue the fun. There's plenty of locally-owned antique, home decor and boutique clothing and other shops for adults, and Clay Casa and Le Petit Sweet for kids. Feel free to stop in at The Cake Bar for a treat and some caffeine.

If you're bringing along younger kids, McKenna Children's Museum is a world-class, interactive, awesomely-fun place. We love the Destination Space and Amazing Airways exhibits.

For dinner, we'd recommend Muck & Fuss. If the weather's nice, eat on the patio. If not, inside dining is fun and unique. Another great burger joint, Tin Top offers indoor & outdoor dining with a pretty cool playscape…and don’t forget to visit Rhea’s Ice Cream  right next door!

If you have any energy left, check out what's playing at the Brauntex Theatre, a historic venue featuring live music, theater, comedy and more. Or spend the evening bowling at Downtown Social - watch the kids have a ball while you have a drink. If pickleball is your thing check out The Courthouse for family fun and great food!  For another unique family experience, grab some popcorn and spend a night under the stars watching a movie on the big screen at Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to New Braunfels!