Families searching for fun ways to keep kids active and entertained have plenty of options in and around New Braunfels. From creative art studios and pint-sized museums to outdoor river adventures, this area is packed with go-to spots for every kind of kid and every kind of weather.
Let’s get to it.
McKenna Children’s Museum
Step into a kid wonderland at McKenna Children’s Museum. This place is set up for toddlers through eight-year-olds, so nobody outgrows the fun too fast. It’s fully climate-controlled (thankfully), and the outdoor zone features a water table, climbing structures, and giant foam blocks that become forts, spaceships, or creative chaos.
Inside, classic stations include a pint-sized grocery store, an art studio for purposeful paint splatters, and hands-on STEAM exhibits. There’s a Hill Country Campground area plus a mini ranch where kids can don cowboy hats and get messy. Educators and staff are on hand everywhere—mostly to keep things safe around the water play but also to show families how each station works.
Admission is $9 per person over age one, and you can leave and return the same day if nap time calls. The museum offers sensory bags, ramps, wheelchair routes, and true family-sized restrooms. It stays surprisingly clean and kid-proofed, so adults can join in doctor role-play at the Kids Clinic or simply sit back and watch their little tornado explore.
McKenna
When your kiddo needs a spot to burn energy and pick up new skills, McKenna Children’s Museum hits the mark. You’ll find climbing walls, an outdoor water table, and a pretend Town Square where kids clock in at the “Kids Clinic” or shop at a mini grocery store. The bulk of the exhibits are indoors (a Texas must), but the outdoor play area adds variety when the weather cooperates.
Tiny tots have their own “Tot Spot,” while early elementary visitors explore hands-on science, tech, and art stations. It’s $9 per person for anyone over 12 months, adults join free with a child, and you can come and go all day—no pressure to see it all in one go.
Staff are friendly and help keep things running smoothly, the space is bright and easy to navigate with a stroller, and safety is a priority. Sure, weekends can get busy, but that’s true of every family-friendly spot. Overall, it’s a place where kids learn through play, and parents breathe easy knowing everything’s under control.
New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society
Over at New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society, train enthusiasts of all ages meet beneath a restored 1907 depot. Outside, you’ll spot real historic railcars, and inside, detailed O-scale and S-scale layouts sit at kid- and wheelchair-friendly heights. Twice a month on first and third Saturdays, “Kids Run the Train” lets four-year-olds through grandparents control the switches while volunteers stand by to guide any tiny traffic jams.
The museum is open daily, admission is still free, and you can watch Union Pacific engines rumble past the depot yard. Historic displays share local railroad stories, and every visit lets you get hands-on with model track and scenery.
Big Train Shows in April and October bring dozens of tables filled with model bargains and passionate hobbyists ready to chat about couplers, locomotives, and track plans. Whether you’re a die-hard modeler or just need a couple of hours of kid-friendly entertainment, this spot delivers plenty of authentic railroading fun.
New Braunfels Public Library
You’ll find that New Braunfels Public Library is the friendliest hub for families. From Baby Rhyme Time for infants to creative crafts and story sessions for teens, there’s programming for ages from diaper-wearers up to teen readers. Bilingual English-Spanish storytimes make it easy for diverse families, and the Nature Hunt moves indoors when summer heat peaks.
Everything here is free—still a welcome surprise these days. Staff and volunteers roam the shelves, offer reading suggestions, and keep events running smoothly. The summer reading program is legendary, complete with foam parties, visits from police and firefighters, and even an edible book contest that adds a tasty twist.
Parents stay close for toddler sessions, while elementary and middle schoolers gain a bit of independence. The atmosphere is relaxed, not stiff at all, so families linger over books and crafts. With enough titles to fill a thousand bedtime stories, this library serves as a true community gathering spot without any fuss.
Clay Casa New Braunfels
Clay Casa New Braunfels feels like an artsy oasis in downtown’s historic district. Drop in any weekday to browse shelves of bisque pieces, grab paints, and start decorating. Staff members circulate around the studio, offering tips so you don’t accidentally glaze your mug instead of finishing it.
Surface choices range from mugs and plates to decorative tiles and figurines, so everyone can pick their favorite canvas. Paint is non-toxic and washes out of clothes, and brushes and tools are designed for young hands. The vibe is laid-back—kids and adults chat over color swatches and share ideas.
Summer art camps run Monday through Thursday mornings for ages eight and up. Each week features a fresh theme, like Monster Madness or Sweet Treats, and costs $175 for dozens of painted pieces. Discounts kick in if you book multiple weeks. Group bookings, including Girl Scout troops, are welcome too. In short, Clay Casa blends creativity, casual fun, and downtown charm into a perfect art studio getaway.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
If you’ve ever driven past that spot on I-35 near San Antonio, you might wonder what’s inside Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo. Spoiler: it’s way more than snakes. With over 500 species, this place mixes outdoor exhibits with a cool indoor reptile center. You’ll find friendly goats to feed in the petting zoo and giant snakes that’ll have you texting your group chat. And if you’re 13 or older, you can sign up for a private python encounter.
Regular admission is under $25 for adults, $20 for kids ages 3 to 12, and free for little ones under three. Every half hour, a zookeeper leads shows that highlight different animals. In summer, Sundays bring a Croc Show that’s basically their answer to Shark Week.
Parking won’t cost you extra, and there are extras like gem mining or feeding lemurs supervised by staff. The place is wheelchair accessible, the enclosures are secure, and hand sanitizer stations are everywhere—perfect if you’ve got a germ-aware aunt tagging along. Restrooms and snack spots are conveniently located around the zoo.
Texas Tubes
Floating down the Comal River gets easy with Texas Tubes. They keep it simple: rent a tube for $25, which covers river entry and a shuttle ride back to your car. When you arrive, staff greets you, helps you pick a tube that fits, and marks the entry spot. The season runs March through October, daily from 9 to 4, though water levels and weather can mix things up.
Expect about two and a half to three hours on the river, which feels like its own time zone. Parking is organized by the staff, and they’ve got plenty of tubes unless the whole city decides to join you. There are no lifeguards, so kids and weak swimmers should grab a free life jacket… fit matters when it comes to safety.
You’ll find handrails where you get in and out, plus warnings about an uneven river bottom. Even your dog can float along if they’re up for it, just bring or borrow a doggy jacket. And if you like to plan ahead, their river webcam gives you a real-time view before you leave home.
Texas Ski Ranch
If you’re craving a massive adventure close to New Braunfels, Texas Ski Ranch delivers. Spread over 70 acres, it’s packed with lakes, inflatables, cable wakeboarding, and all kinds of action sports. The place runs year-round but really kicks into high gear during summer camps.
You’ll find camps for kids as young as six, plus sports camps for older kids and teens. The Aqua Park obstacle course, cable wake parks, paintball, and even axe throwing (ages 12+ with parental ok) are open daily. Staff members include lifeguards, wake coaches, and counselors who make sure you’re set up right.
Tickets and rentals add up, but membership options make sense if your kid turns into a regular lake rat. All gear rentals—from wakeboards to helmets—are handled on site. Safety is front and center with helmets, life jackets, and hands-on supervision at every station. Whether you’re trying to nail a wakeboarding trick or conquer an inflatable challenge, Texas Ski Ranch has you covered.
Landa Falls
When it comes to a classic Comal River float, Landa Falls nails it. With about two and a half to three and a half hours on the water, you’ll get plenty of sun and river time.
When you’re done, an air-conditioned shuttle brings you back to your car, which feels like a luxury after hours in the river. Staff handle tube rentals and give safety briefings, though there are no lifeguards… basic swimming skills are a must.
Tubing is open to ages six and up, and kids under eight are encouraged to use the free life jackets. Adults are expected to keep an eye on their group. There’s even an accessible river entrance for guests with mobility challenges. If you prefer your own tube, there’s an air pump on site. River bottom can be uneven, so watch your step at entry points. Landa Falls welcomes floaters from Memorial Day through September, so you can dive into that classic summertime river vibe.
Jungle Jam Party and Play
In New Braunfels, Jungle Jam Party and Play feels like a dream for kids and parents alike. Its custom-built indoor play structure is way more than your average plastic maze. There’s a separate toddler zone for ages one to three, so the tiniest explorers aren’t dodging bigger kids.
Older kids up to ten have plenty of room to run, climb, and test their sock grips. The Discovery Area brings hands-on learning that actually gets used instead of gathering dust. Everything stays clean thanks to frequent wipes and padded surfaces that soften the impact of any crash.
Parents don’t have to stand like wallflowers. Recliners and seats are scattered around, though you will need to sign a waiver before you settle in. General admission runs $5 for toddlers and $10 for bigger kids. They run specials on Mondays and offer membership options if you plan to visit often. Since it’s all indoors and open year-round, the weather is never an issue.
Rockin’ R River Rides – Gruene
When you hit up Rockin’ R River Rides in Gruene, you’ll find the go-to spot for tubing and rafting on the Guadalupe River. It’s totally outdoors, so expect sunshine (or Texas humidity) and about two to three hours of float time if you tackle their trip to “the Double.” You can pick a tube for $25 or a raft for $40. Even better, if you bring your own tube you can skip the line with a $20 shuttle ride. They handle up to 180 floaters at once, so you’ll always have company.
Kids must be six or older and able to swim, and though there aren’t lifeguards on the water, the staff outfits you with gear and a safety rundown. Life jackets are free and recommended for kids under eight or anyone who’d rather play it safe.
Rules are simple: no beer in glass bottles, no foam coolers, and please keep the river clean. When you’re done, you can grab a drink at the Gruene Light Bar or some tacos from the El Arroyo food truck right on site.
Float In
Nothing beats a day at Float In on the Comal if you want a private river spot with both lazy lanes and just enough current to keep things interesting. Tubes are available for rent any day after 10 a.m., and each float lasts about an hour and a half—sometimes two if you’re taking your time. When you wrap up, just hop on their unlimited shuttle and go again.
It’s family-friendly but low-key, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the kids since there are no lifeguards in the water. Staff monitor wristbands and make sure everyone skips the glass bottles. You can bring a cooler for a small fee, which still beats paying for drinks on the river. Life jackets are free if you want one, and you can reserve a shaded cabana for snacking or just hanging out with friends.
Weekends get busier, and rates are more relaxed on weekdays. If you’re looking for a laid-back river day with shuttle service and a few extra perks, this is your spot.
