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
Back to TopWow 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...
Read MoreThe Preserve
The Preserve - An Elephant Experience like no other! Come join us for the experience of a lifetime!...
Read MoreOld Tunnel State Park Bat Cave
Enjoy hiking, bird-watching and general wildlife viewing on the half-mile nature trail at Old Tunnel...
Read MoreFor 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
Back to TopExplore 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
Back to TopTo 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.
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
Back to TopDive into Fredericksburg's rich history by taking the kids to the museums and historical spots, including Pioneer Museum, National Museum of the Pacific War, Fort Martin Scott, Texas 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!)
Back to TopTake 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!
Hop in the Saddle
Back to TopWhen 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
Back to TopGrab 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.
Two words: Ice. Cream.
Back to TopWe 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...
Read MoreOroBianco Italian Creamery
OroBianco Italian Creamery, located in Stonewall at 48 Ranch Road 1623 and in Fredericksburg at 421...
Read MoreAirport Diner
The Airport Diner is a classic 1940's one-of-a-kind creation built after considerable research into...
Read MoreGet the Wiggles Out
Back to TopBurn 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!
Get Artistic
Back to TopFor 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.
Swim, Splash, Slide (Summer)
Back to TopGet 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.
swim
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park Pool
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park Pool is located on the grounds of Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park....Learn More
Tony Knopp Town Pool
Tony Knopp Pool is an outdoor public swimming pool that is open seasonally. The pool is 25 yards...Learn More
Town Pool Splash Pad
The Town Pool Splash Pad is located behind Tony Knopp Town Pool. The splash pad is open seasonally...Learn More
Hit the Rink (Winter)
Back to TopSkate 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.
For more inspiration, download the Kids' Activity Book and check out our blog for more kid-friendly places and activities!
The Fredericksburg German Christmas Pyramid
Some may call it a super-sized ornament or a giant children’s toy, but what really is that...
Read MoreThanksgiving Getaway In Fredericksburg
There’s plenty to be thankful for in Fredericksburg, so grab the family and head to the Texas...
Read More12 Things to Do with Kids in Fredericksburg
If you’re visiting with little ones in tow, we’ve got them covered. From history to...
Read MoreBest Places To Go Pumpkin Picking In Fredericksburg
It's fall, y'all! And we couldn't be more excited to welcome cooler temps and a new...
Read MoreWhether you are considering your first trip to Fredericksburg or have been coming for years and want to discover...
Learn MoreWhether you are considering your first trip to Fredericksburg or have been coming for years and want to discover...
Learn More