Family Friendly Guide to Attractions and Dining in New Braunfels, Texas

One of the best things about living in Houston, Texas is being able to easily take the family away for a day, a weekend, or a week on a road trip to nearby Lake Conroe, Galveston or New Braunfels. For the amount of time it took my children to watch two DVD's or play a few of these Best Games for Road Trips we were in Hill Country with our list of anticipated spots to visit.

Are you looking for some fun with tube 'tude? New Braunsfel offers you plenty of that. Along Farm to Market Road 306 and just a few miles from I-35 your family can enjoy a full day of lazing along the Guadalupe River in a "tube." Pack a picnic lunch and bring plenty of sunscreen. Many tube dealerships even offer a shuttle service from their establishment to the point along the river, where by 12:30 p.m. on a Saturday you may be standing in line to take your spot on this lazy river. Of course you can also head to the Comal River, according to the Guinness Book of World Records the shortest river in the world. The water is beautiful and a moderate 72 degrees, making it perfect for lazing on a sunshiny day.

Maybe your family would prefer the amusement park atmosphere of Schlitterbahn Waterpark located near historic downtown New Braunfels, Texas. Schlitterbahn means, "slippery road" which is very fitting considering the location in the historically rich German culture of New Braunfels as well as its attractions and rides including tubing, small child friendly water park and splash areas, wave surfing and water coasters. This water park has been voted "Best Waterpark" 12 years in a row and is a frequent winner on the Travel Channel's list of best.

If shopping is your passion then a visit to downtown New Braunfels may appeal to you, especially if you enjoy antiques. One of my favorite things was the old fashioned clocks along the sidewalks with a stop for dinner at Friesenhaus, a popular German restaurant, bakery, deli, store and beer garden located on Castell Avenue in New Braunfels. There our family dined on authentic German meals, (even the children) and "real" beer served in the appropriate sized and shaped glasses for each time of beer. However, the best part may have been the live music, in which even children could get involved.

Consider a visit to Gruene Hall, Texas Oldest Dance Hall with live performances by up and coming (and even a few recognized) names in country music. While there consider shopping in the many historically restored houses and building, many of which have been in Gruene since 1874 and offer everything from antiques, homemade quilts, soaps, and lotions.

If you prefer good Tex-Mex, Adobe Café on South Business IH 35 offers a family friendly atmosphere and considered among New Braunfels as a "best" family dining spot. Specials each day, live music, with happy hours, children's menu and generous portions of many familiar favorites this is another great stop during your road trip away. Go early though, even though seating only involved a few minutes wait, the parking lot was full.

There is no need to take the drive to San Antonio to visit the Zoo. New Braunfels offers family friendly entertainment at the Animal World and Snake Farm, where creatures familiar and unusual are available for viewing. Open daily from 10 am- 6pm admission prices are reasonable adults: $9.75, children 3 - 12: $6.75 and children under 2: free. At the "farm" you are introduced to animals up close and personal at a variety of shows and special events. Don't like snakes? No need to worry, you can skip that part of the attraction. The animal world exhibits offer an also offers an exotic petting zoo. If you attend the "snake farm" be aware that it is lunch time all the time there with many of the shows and exhibits being "feeding shows" for snakes, lizards, crocodiles and alligators.

Beat the hot Houston heat by visiting the Natural Bridge Caverns, where the temperature is 70 degrees. The walking tours vary in length from three quarters of a mile (approximately 75 minutes) to the longer tour that is 3-4 hours. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes made to hold up well on slippery surfaces. Leave the strollers at home because there is no paved or stroller access. Prices vary, but children can pan for gold (and other stones and minerals) to keep complete with a picture guide.

Dislike the crowds at the Houston Children's Museum? Visit the McKenna Children's Museum in downtown New Braunfels. The admission is reasonable and there are many creative, scientific and imaginary creations stations for children and adults alike.

Landa Park offers a spring fed pool, walking trails, ride the train around the 51 acre park, ride the paddle boats, or play putt putt golf. Be sure to bring your camera along if you take a walk along the Panther Canyon Nature Trail. Note, picnic tables are available on a first come, first served basis and park rangers will collect a fee of $10.00 for use.

If you plan on spending the night be sure to make reservations, but late Friday night our hotel had a "no vacancy" sign out.

Who knew that so much fun could be just a short drive away? Both H-town families and friends can find something to do when visiting New Braunfels, Texas. If only I had time to visit a winery. I guess that will have to wait for my next trip.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Travel Channel

Friesenhaus

Gruene Hall

Natural Bridge Caverns

McKenna Children's Museum