The charm of New Braunfels comes from its simplicity.
People come for the river, the food, or just to get out of the city for a bit. But once you’re here, it’s easy to turn a simple plan into a really good day: a park where the kids can run, a spot that keeps them busy, and a place to sit down and have a bite.
We’ve been around long enough to see how most days go here—no packed schedules, no rushing from one thing to the next. Just a few great stops, good food in between, and enough breathing room to actually enjoy it all.
If you’re looking for things to do in New Braunfels, read on.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in New Braunfels
A few well-picked stops will do more than trying to squeeze everything in. Here are some go-to picks that will keep everyone happy.
1. Ride Through Fischer Park
Fischer Park is one of those places where you can just show up and let things unfold. Kids usually head straight to the splash pad, especially when it’s warm out. After that, you can wander over to the Nature Education Center or take a slow walk by the fishing ponds.
You might think you’ll stay for an hour, but don’t be surprised if it turns into two.
If you can, go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon because the heat can sneak up on you. If you’re planning around the splash pad, it usually runs from May through September.
2. Tour the Natural Bridge Caverns (And Mine for Gems and Fossils)
If you want to do something different, this is a good one to add to your day. Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest cavern system in Texas, and the guided tour takes you through large underground formations. It usually runs about 60 to 90 minutes, and it’s just a short drive outside New Braunfels, so it’s easy to fit into your plans.
After the tour, there’s a mining area where kids can search for gems and fossils, which gives them something hands-on to do.
This is one of the more popular things to do in New Braunfels, so book ahead.
3. Visit the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
This one’s a bit more lively. Despite the name, Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo is much more of a full zoo now than just snakes. There are over 500 animals, including bigger exhibits like primates and big cats, plus a petting zoo and shows running every 30 minutes.
There’s always something happening, so you’re never stuck waiting around.
Plan around 2 to 3 hours here. You’ll have time to catch a show, walk through the exhibits, and maybe try one of the animal encounters.
4. Have Fun Learning at McKenna Children’s Museum
When everyone starts slowing down, or the heat kicks in, this is your reset button. McKenna Children’s Museum is all about hands-on play. Kids can climb, build, pretend, and figure things out as they go. It’s loud, active, and exactly what you want when they’ve still got energy to burn.
Plan for 2 to 3 hours here, especially if you catch one of their scheduled activities.
And if we’re being honest, it’s also a nice break for you.
5. Unwind at Landa Park
Landa Park has a bit of everything. Open space, playgrounds, walking trails, and that miniature train ride that kids always love. You don’t really “do” anything here. You just… stay for a bit. Walk, sit, snack, let the day slow down.
Anywhere from an hour to three works, depending on how much energy is left.
Quick tip: the train doesn’t run every day during the off-season, so it’s worth checking the schedule ahead of time.
6. Spend a Full Day at Schlitterbahn Water Park
If you’re visiting in warm weather, this is one of the main attractions. Schlitterbahn is a well-known water park, and part of it is built along the Comal River using spring-fed water. Other areas use filtered and treated water for the rides.
There’s a wide mix of attractions, from water slides to kid-friendly areas like the Fairy Tale Trail. You’ll also find dining spots and bar options inside, so you can stay for most of the day without leaving.
Plan for at least half a day here.
7. Float the Comal River
Tubing the Comal River is one of the most popular things to do in New Braunfels. It’s a calm, spring-fed river, and most floats take about 2 to 3 hours. There are some shallow areas, which can work for supervised kids, but it’s generally better for older kids or confident swimmers.
There’s also a chute along the route where your tube goes down a short slide, which is fun but something to be aware of if it’s your first time.
8. Watch a Movie at Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre
This is an easy, family-friendly way to end the day.
You can watch movies from your car, with options for single or double features. You can bring your own food or order there, depending on what works for you.
There’s also a small playground where kids can burn off energy before the movie starts, which makes it a lot more relaxed for families.
Where to Eat in New Braunfels
At some point, someone’s going to say, “I’m hungry,” and that’s your cue.
New Braunfels has a mix of German and Texas influences. But when you’re out with family, you’re usually just looking for something that’s easy, filling, and doesn’t turn into a whole discussion.
Here are a few spots that make dining simple.
1. Sea Island Shrimp House (Especially on Kids Eat Free Thursdays)
This is one of those places that works when everyone wants something a little different. If you happen to be in town on a Kids Eat Free Thursday, it helps even more. Head to our New Braunfels location, order an adult entrée, and the kids are taken care of, too. After a long day out, that kind of setup just makes things easier.
The menu is pretty straightforward: grilled seafood for something light, fried plates for something more filling, plus shrimp, fish, and a few options you can share if no one feels like deciding on their own meal.
Even on other days, the Family Meals keep things simple. You don’t have to overthink it. Just order, sit down, and eat.
Out exploring all day? This is an easy place to land. Sit down, recharge, and keep everyone happy, especially with Family Meals and Kids Eat Free Thursdays.
2. Herbert’s for Mexican Cuisine and Playground
Herbert’s is a good pick when you want something easy and don’t want to rush through a meal.
The food is straightforward Mexican, so ordering doesn’t take long. What really makes it work for families is the setup. There’s a large outdoor patio with a playground right next to it, so kids can move around while you’re waiting or finishing your food.
You can still keep an eye on them without having to leave your table, which helps a lot. It’s not a quiet sit-down kind of place, but that’s kind of the point. You can take your time, eat at your own pace, and not worry if the kids get restless.
3. Guadalupe Brewing Company for Beer and Pizza
If you’re getting toward the end of the day, this is a nice, relaxed stop. Guadalupe Brewing Company keeps things simple with open space, casual seating, and a menu that sticks to crowd favorites like pizza. There’s no overthinking, and no complicated orders.
It’s a good place to sit down, let everyone recharge, and just enjoy a slower moment before heading home.
Because Every Good Day Needs a Good Meal
New Braunfels has a way of turning even a loose plan into a really good day.
If you’re looking for things to do in New Braunfels, start with a few solid stops, leave a little room to wander, and don’t stress about seeing everything. Half the fun is figuring things out as you go.
And when everyone starts getting hungry, it helps to have a place that’s easy, familiar, and actually hits the spot. That’s why a lot of families end up at Sea Island Shrimp House, especially on Kids Eat Free Thursdays.
So take your time, follow what sounds good, and when you’re ready to eat, come by and make us part of your day. Take a look at the menu before you head out. It makes ordering easier once you’re there (especially when everyone’s hungry).
See What’s Good Today
Take a look at the menu before you head out. It makes ordering easier once you’re there (especially when everyone’s hungry). View the Menu.
