If you’re visiting with little ones in tow, we’ve got them covered. From history to horseback riding and more, there are plenty of family activities to explore! Many of our parks and museums have special events for younger visitors, so be sure to check the event calendar for dates and details.

Walk on the Wild Side

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Wow your little two-legged animals with interactive experiences with exotic wildlife. Feed giraffes at Longneck Manor, see elephants up close at The Preserve, or touch a real-life rhinoceros at Rhinory. Watch around 3 million bats emerge at the Old Tunnel State Park Bat Cave. Bat season is from May 1 through Oct. 31, and tickets for bat viewing must be purchased in advance to stay in the park after 5 p.m. during those dates. 

Longneck Manor

Longneck Manor offers a Conservation Ambassador Tour, approximately 75 minutes long, that provides...

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The Preserve

The Preserve - An Elephant Experience like no other! Come join us for the experience of a lifetime!...

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Rhinory

Rhinory is the place where rhinos and wine meet for a unique Hill Country experience. Their focus is...

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Old Tunnel State Park Bat Cave

Enjoy hiking, bird-watching and general wildlife viewing on the half-mile nature trail at Old Tunnel...

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For a free activity, kids can feed the ducks at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. (No bread, please. Oats, rice, birdseed, frozen peas, chopped lettuce or sliced grapes are okay!)

Take a Hike

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Explore the nature trails at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. For a more moderate hike, try Cross Mountain, a local favorite. Go at sunset to take in one of the best views in town. If you're feeling adventurous, hike Enchanted Rock, one of the area's most popular destinations. Pro tip: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area typically sells out-of-day passes on weekends and holidays. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 30 days in advance. 

Pick Your Own Produce

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To keep little hands busy, the Fredericksburg area also has seasonal pick-your-own orchards. Jenschke Orchards offers blackberries and strawberries in the spring, peaches in the summer, pumpkins in the fall and even Christmas trees. Seasonal activities like a corn maze and jump pillow make this a great, family-friendly place. Pro tip: Pick-your-own availability and hours may change due to seasonality and weather. Consider calling ahead to confirm.

Jenschke Orchards offers pick your own pumpkins during the fall.

And when you want to save time and pick up some produce from local growers, check out all of the area's farms and orchards.

Travel Back in Time

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Dive into Fredericksburg's rich history by taking the kids to the museums and historical spots, including Pioneer Museum,  National Museum of the Pacific WarFort Martin ScottTexas Rangers Heritage Center, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.

Fly in a Biplane (Really!)

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Take to the skies for an aerial view of Fredericksburg at TacAero, the flight school at the Gillespie County Airport. Availability is subject to weather and schedule. So look for "flags up" at the TacAero hangar or call in advance. Kids can ride in a vintage biplane and other training aircraft. Prices range from $100-$250 for up to two passengers at a time. For more info, call (844) 359-2827. Tally ho!

Gillespie County Airport

Hop in the Saddle

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When in the Texas Hill Country, a trail ride is on every kid's bucket list! Circle K Trail Rides, Bit & Bridle Stables and Tres Molinos Ranch & Resort offer horseback riding for families and groups. Pro tip: A great activity for birthday parties!

Picnic at Marktplatz

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Grab some picnic goodies at a local market like Fresh Pickens, Joanna's Market at Signor Vineyards or Sunday Supply and head to Marktplatz. Kids can play at the new shaded playground while grownups stroll the grounds and garden.

Marktplatz is located in the center of Fredericksburg and is great spot to stop and enjoy the outdoors.

Two words: Ice. Cream.

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We get it. It's been a long day, and the kids (and grownups) need a treat. So grab a cone or a spoon at Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery or Oro Bianco Italian Creamery. For a dairy-free, gluten-free option, the Italian ice at Piccolina is a must. And the Airport Diner's old-fashioned milkshake can't be beat.

Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery

Definitely not an ordinary ice cream and bakery shop, Clear River does things just a little...

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OroBianco Italian Creamery

OroBianco Italian Creamery, located in Stonewall at 48 Ranch Road 1623 and in Fredericksburg at 421...

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Piccolina

Piccolina makes small batch Italian ice with Hill Country ingredients.

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Airport Diner

The Airport Diner is a classic 1940's one-of-a-kind creation built after considerable research into...

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Get the Wiggles Out

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Burn off some energy at several area parks and playgrounds. Locals love Old Fair Park for its playground, batting cages, baseball fields, basketball courts and soccer fields. And the adjacent Fredericksburg Skatepark welcomes kids with scooters. Pro tip: These parks and playgrounds are free!

Fredericksburg Skatepark

Get Artistic

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For the budding artists in your family, try a painting class at The Yellow Door and Next Door Studios. They host "arty parties" and offer open studio hours on the weekends. Or feel the heat at Fredericksburg's only glassblowing studio, Enchanted Fredericksburg Glassblowing

Yellow Door Studio Exterior

Swim, Splash, Slide (Summer)

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Get a break from the Texas heat at one of the local pools or the splash pad. The Town Pool features a slide and in-water basketball. Park Pool at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park includes a leisure pool and a lap pool with a diving board. Admission to both is only $2 per person. And the Town Pool Splash Pad is free.

Hit the Rink (Winter)

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Skate amid the glow of Christmas lights at Marktplatz at Fredericksburg's only outdoor ice skating rink, Eisbahn. The rink opens the week of Thanksgiving and continues through New Year's Day. Come-and-go passes are $15 including skate rental. Passes are $10 on Tuesdays. 

Eisbahn

For more inspiration, download the Kids' Activity Book and check out our blog for more kid-friendly places and activities!

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12 Things to Do with Kids in Fredericksburg

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Best Places To Go Pumpkin Picking In Fredericksburg

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Family stopping to see the sites during their bike ride in Fredericksburg, TX

Whether you are considering your first trip to Fredericksburg or have been coming for years and want to discover...

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