Family events in New Braunfels, TX

Explore Spring Lake from beneath the surface on a guided snorkeling experience through the San Marcos River headwaters. Swim in clear, spring-fed water that stays near 72°F while learning about a habitat that supports seven threatened and endangered species and holds millennia of human history. The outing begins with an introduction to the lake’s ecology and past, followed by about 50 minutes in the water visiting sites such as Deep Hole, Cream of Wheat Springs, and the Ossified Forest. All equipment is provided, and experienced guides lead the way. A $5 discount is available for military members and Texas State students, staff, and faculty.

Celebrate the season at a vibrant pink pumpkin patch and fall fest featuring a bright pink barn, creative pumpkin displays, murals, and plenty of photo opportunities. Enjoy rides on a train and carousel, let kids explore the playground and activities, and refuel with a food truck and snacks. Beer and wine are available for adults.

Hundreds gather in the heart of San Antonio for a welcoming flow designed for beginners. Families and dogs are welcome, there is ample space for all, and live music sets the mood. Expect plenty of smiles, uplifting energy, and a strong sense of community. In partnership with San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE and Hemisfair.

At the Briscoe, Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story explores the history, culture, and resilience of Tejanos and their enduring influence across the American West and beyond. Through art, artifacts, music, and storytelling, the exhibition honors generations of Tejano heritage and identity. An exclusive preview party is planned for Briscoe members, and additional programs, events, and celebrations inspired by the exhibition will accompany it.

H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday offers complimentary museum admission for all ages at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. Visitors can explore Texas natural history, from the planet's beginnings and the age of dinosaurs to the wildlife that lives here today. Highlights include fossils of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures, exhibits featuring Texas wildlife, the chance to touch real meteorites, and a walk beneath a pterosaur with a 33 foot wingspan beside a towering tyrannosaur. New for visitors, Epic Encounters presents a refreshed paleontology gallery that combines scientific discovery with immersive design and interactive experiences. No tickets are required. Information about directions, parking, accessibility, and strollers is available on the museum website.

Faith-focused mothers meet at a church playground for a relaxed gathering. While little ones play, moms connect to talk about the joys and challenges of motherhood, offering mutual support, conversation, and community.

At Pinballz Lake Creek, the club room becomes a welcoming hub for tabletop enthusiasts, from RPG adventurers and strategy players to card game collectors. Attendees bring their own board games, share favorites with fellow gamers, or make it a fun outing with friends and family. The event is free and open to all ages, and no RSVP or reservations are required. Food and beverages from the bar and kitchen are available with service to your table, creating a relaxed setting for friendly competition, collaboration, and a community-focused, family-friendly atmosphere.

PurpleStar Tarot offers tarot readings at the Free Range Farmer's Market at Wake The Dead Coffeeshop in San Marcos. Along with the readings, there will be herbal tea blends, pre-rolls, burnables, art, and stickers available.

ACL Music Festival is held over two weekends at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.

The Guadalupe County Fair & PRCA Rodeo hosts the Scholarship 23rd Annual CBA BBQ Cook-off, marking the 143rd fair with a flavorful competition set on the asphalt parking lot. Teams fire up the pits for chicken, pork ribs, pork butt, brisket, and beans, with a Cook’s Choice round highlighting both savory creations and desserts before judging proceeds across the main categories. Payouts are available in all meat divisions for placements through fourth, with additional payouts for beans and for Cook’s Choice first and second. Grand and Reserve recognitions come with prizes. A Kids Cook division is part of the festivities, with entry handled through the cookoff registration form. A silent auction takes place during the event in support of the scholarship fund.

Celebrate life, tradition, and the spirit of Dia de los Muertos at a festive running event hosted by Bigfoot Running Company at Tanger Outlets. The lineup includes a Kids Dash along with 1 mile, 5K, quarter marathon, and half marathon options, all set to lively music and energetic vibes. Finishers receive medals and soft shirts, and Bigfoot-themed trophy awards recognize top performances. Course support features aid stations, with snacks, drinks, and a post-race rally tent waiting afterward. Festivities kick off with a pre-race costume contest, plus a live DJ and name announcements, and there may even be Bigfoot sightings thanks to the high-energy crew. The day flows from packet pickup to the Kids Dash, followed by the National Anthem and the main race start. Extras include youth pricing for ages 12 and under for the 5K and quarter marathon, referral rewards for bringing friends, group discounts, and opportunities to volunteer or volunteer then run. It is a meaningful way to remember and celebrate with every step.

On the first Saturday of each month, the church brings the community together for a casual marketplace. People can buy a spot to sell their own items in classic garage sale fashion, or they can come to browse and shop. The mix of goods changes from month to month, so there are always new finds to discover.

Austin Street Market hosts a welcoming weekly community market where visitors can shop local and support small businesses. Explore fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, artisan creations, and one of a kind gifts, with new discoveries each week. The covered, open air setting features local vendors and a relaxed atmosphere, and families, friends, and dogs are welcome. Vendor spaces are available on a weekly basis, and farmers offering produce, eggs, meat, honey, plants, and other farm goods can receive complimentary booth space.

Artisans, bakers, home canners, and other creators gather for a monthly barter market at The Gathering Place in Seguin. It is an open trading setup with no cash exchanged, centered on swapping goods. Participants trade directly from their car trunks outside the shop, making it easy to exchange baked, canned, and handmade items with fellow makers.

Explore a community market at the SAS Shoe Factory and General Store featuring local food and beverage vendors alongside boutique shopping, handmade crafts, and other unique finds. The setting is family friendly, and leashed dogs are welcome. Admission and parking are free. Bonita Market Co. is the only point of contact for these markets. For vendor information, call 210-606-2876 or email bonitamarketco@gmail.com.