Often overshadowed by nearby San Antonio and the capital city of Austin, this German town is a fabulous destination in its own right for family fun. For everyone scoping out Hill Country destinations for your next vacation, here we highlight our favorite reasons to travel to New Braunfels for a summer vacation with the kids.
What to Do in New Braunfels, Texas
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
OK yes, of course Schlitterbahn, right? But you’ll be pleased to know this waterpark’s flagship location just opened an all-new kids’ attraction. Schatze’s Storybrook Park is both a fairy tale-themed and puppy dog-themed area named after the waterpark’s dachshund mascot. With the gates, you’ll find three mini lands with new body slides, splash pads and—the whopper—the Bow Wow Blaster, which Schlitterbahn claims as “the world’s first water coaster for kids.”
400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels; schlitterbahn.com
Natural Bridge Caverns
How about adding “spelunking” on your summer to-do list? At Natural Bridge Caverns, about 15 miles west of the New Braunfels city center, you’ll get to explore natural underground caverns of limestone formed during the Cretaceous period. Different tour options take you through spaces called the “Broom Closet” or “Hidden Wonders,” featuring a sound and light show. Above the surface, kids can climb the ropes course, gem mining and more fun for all those kids who feel like they can conquer the world.
2645 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio; naturalbridgecaverns.com
RELATED: Texas Family Getaway: San Antonio
McKenna Children’s Museum
It’s a small world inside McKenna Children’s Museum with a dozen miniature play spaces designed for kids 8 years old and younger. Picture a medical clinic with baby dolls in a hospital nursery, a campsite and a cave with bat costumes for dress-up, and a soft play area for toddlers. We especially love the Wonder Shop art studio, which has its own face painting station.
In early June the Great Outdoors exhibit finished undergoing a renovation and has now reopened with a brand-new water table. Read: Your kids can stay cool in the shade and get some water splash time without having to do a whole day at the waterpark. To make your visit most worth the miles, check out the children’s museum activity calendar to see what’s coming up soon.
801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels; mckennakids.org
Where to Stay in New Braunfels, Texas
Gruene Cottages
For a tranquil stay just outside the bustle of downtown, check out Gruene Cottages (pronounced “green”). Their multiple “guest houses” all have access to the tree-shaded Kinder Playground and a heated outdoor pool. Book the Comfort cottage, which sleeps up to eight people with multiple bedrooms, including a daybed with trundle. Plus, it comes with all the amenities from home: a furnished kitchen, whirlpool tub, a washer and dryer, and—wait, there’s more—even a carport for easy loading and unloading in any weather.
1950 Hunter Road, New Braunfels; gruenecottages.com
What to Eat in New Braunfels, Texas
Tin Top Burger Shop
When you’re in the mood for a classic American meal of burgers and ice cream, head to the Tin Top Burger Shop. Their kids’ options of chicken nuggets, (cheese)burgers or grilled cheese each come with a side of applesauce or veggies with pickle dip (vegan mayo with pickles). Let the kids loose inside the small, pirate-esque playground, while steps away, parents can lounge under a shaded patio, enjoying a frozen hard cider or Rhea’s Ice Cream.
283 S Union Ave., Ste. 101, New Braunfels; tintopburgers.com
Pleasant Pit Shops from DFW to New Braunfels
Got extra time? Make the slight detour west to the drive-thru Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose. fossilrim.org
For a sweet treat sprinkled with history, stop into the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco for a quick tour and a Dr Pepper float from the old-fashioned soda fountain. drpeppermuseum.com
Detouring around Austin to avoid traffic? Take a lunch break at Georgetown’s Family Barn Playground & Coffee for kids 6 and younger. familyplaybarn.com
As a final pit stop, let the kids stretch their legs in San Marcos at Children’s Park Playscape, a free, all-abilities playground with on-site restrooms. sanmarcostx.gov
RELATED: Family Vacation Guide to Katy, Texas
Top image courtesy of Natural Bridge Caverns
