Things To Do in New Braunfels

Jump to: Outdoor Adventures | Family Fun | Free Activities | Best Eats & Drinks | Arts & History

New Braunfels, Texas, is a German-founded gem nestled in the heart of the Hill Country. Famous for its crystal-clear rivers, world-class waterparks, and the historic Gruene district, it remains one of Texas’s most popular destinations for a weekend getaway. Whether you are looking for heart-pounding slides or a quiet float under cypress trees, there are endless things to do in New Braunfels.

For more local fun, check out our guide to Things to do in San Antonio this weekend.

Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate, updated information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.

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We only recommend experiences we truly believe in! Curious about how we choose our content? Here’s our process.

Also check out our articles on Best Cheap Eats in New Braunfels, Top Restaurants in New Braunfels, and Where to Eat Healthy in New Braunfels.

Top Attractions & Outdoor Adventures

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort

Voted the world’s best waterpark for over two decades. It features both a “classic” spring-fed section and a modern “Blastenhoff” section with high-thrill uphill coasters.

Operating Hours: Seasonal (typically May – September); Times vary by date
Where: 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Prices vary by date and package; Starts at $42

Natural Bridge Caverns

The largest commercial caverns in Texas. Take the Discovery Tour to see massive “otherworldly” formations 180 feet underground.

Operating Hours: Weekdays 9:30 am – 5:30 pm | Weekends 8:30 am – 5:30 pm | Attractions times vary
Where: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
How Much: Ticket prices start at $30.75 (Adults) & $20 (Kids)

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

A drive-through safari featuring over 500 animals from 40 different species. You’ll get up close with zebras, ostriches, and giraffes from your own car.

Operating Hours: Opens daily at 9 am; Closing times vary by day
Where: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
How Much: Ticket prices start at $31.99 (Adults) & $21.99 (Kids)

Comal River Floating (The City Chute)

Float the shortest navigable river in the world. The highlight is the “City Tube Chute,” a concrete slide that bypasses a dam.

Operating Hours: Daily 6 am – 12 am; Closed during times of high water
Where: Entry at Prince Solms Park (100 Liebscher Dr)
How Much: ~$25 for tube rental/shuttle.

Guadalupe River Tubing

For a longer, more scenic float under cypress trees, head to the “The Guad.” It offers rapids and a more rugged experience than the Comal.

Operating Hours: 6 am – Dusk (Cypress Bend Park) or 6 am – Midnight (River Acres Park)
Where: Various outfitters along River Road or in Gruene.
How Much: ~$25 per person.

Texas Ski Ranch

Image credit: TSR Texas Ski Ranch Facebook

A 70-acre action sports paradise featuring cable wakeboarding (no boat needed), an artificial snow hill for tubing, and a skate park.

Operating Hours: Times vary by activity area
Where: 6700 N IH 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Activities start at $25.

Canyon Lake Gorge Tours

Explore a gorge created by the massive 2002 flood. Guided tours reveal dinosaur tracks and ancient fossils.

Operating Hours: By reservation only (Tuesday – Saturday)
Where: 16029 S Access Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
How Much: Starts at $20 per person.

Paddle TX (Crystal Kayak Night Trips)

Experience the Comal at night in crystal-clear kayaks equipped with LED lights that illuminate the riverbed.

Operating Hours: Sunset/Night tours by booking.
Where: 120 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $50

Best Things to do in New Braunfels with Kids

McKenna Children’s Museum

Interactive exhibits range from a “Town Square” grocery store to a water play table and space exploration.

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm | Sunday Closed
Where: 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $10 per person.

Landa Park Miniature Train

A classic 15-minute ride around Landa Park that has been a local tradition for over 40 years.

Operating Hours: Daily 10 am – 7 pm
Where:362 Aquatic Cir, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $6 per rider.

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo

From the world’s most venomous snakes to lemurs and lions. The alligator feedings are a fan favorite.

Operating Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm
Where: 5640 I-35 S, New Braunfels, TX 78132
How Much: General admission is ~$20; encounters are extra

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre

A 50s-style drive-in with modern digital projection. Catch a double feature under the Texas stars.

Operating Hours: Open nightly, gates open at 6 pm
Where: 1178 Kroesche Ln, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $10 (Adults); $7 (Kids).

Fischer Park

The largest park in the city, featuring a spray park, fishing ponds, and incredible views from the hilltop.

Operating Hours: Sunday Closed | Monday-Friday 10 am – 5 pm | Saturday 9 am – 3 pm
Where: 1935 Hilltop Summit Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE entry

Landa Park Aquatic Complex

Includes a massive spring-fed pool, a zero-depth entry pool for toddlers, and a lap pool.

Operating Hours: Daily (Summer)
Where: 350 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $6 – $8.

Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park

An indoor playground with ropes courses, ball pits, and wall-to-wall trampolines for active kids.

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 pm – 8 pm | Friday 4 pm – 9 pm | Saturday 10 am – 9 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm
Where: 604 S Walnut Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $20 – $35.

Gruene Mini Golf

Image credit: Gruene Mini Golf Facebook

An 18-hole course under massive oak trees, offering a shaded activity for families.

Operating Hours: Daily 10 am – 10 pm
Where: 1632 New Braunfels St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $10 per person.

Jungle Jam Party and Play

An indoor soft-play facility for younger children featuring slides, tunnels, and interactive games.

Operating Hours: Monday -Saturday 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
Where: 1269 Summerwood Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $5 – $8.

Unique & Free Things to do in New Braunfels

Gruene Historic District

Explore the 15-acre nationally registered district. It’s free to walk around and browse the boutiques.

Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9 am – 10 pm | Friday 9 am – 11 pm | Saturday 9 am – 11:30 pm | Shop hours vary
Where: New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE Entry

Faust Street Bridge

A stunning historic truss bridge, now pedestrian-only. It offers the best photo op of the Guadalupe River.

Operating Hours: Daily 6 am – 11:59 pm
Where: Faust St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Free entry | Rental: Fees per 2-hour time block: Resident $75.00, Non-Resident $172.50

Landa Park Panther Canyon Trail

A 1.6-mile round-trip hiking trail that leads through a dry limestone canyon. Very shaded.

Operating Hours: Daily 6 am – 12 am
Where:15 Gazebo Cir, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE.

Main Plaza & Bandstand

The heart of the city features a historic fountain and ta raditional bandstand.

Operating Hours: Always open
Where: Main Plaza, 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE.

Hinman Island Park

A 10-acre park along the Comal. Perfect for a free picnic or splashing in the shallow river.

Operating Hours: Daily 6 am 11:59 pm
Where: Hinman Island Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE

New Braunfels Historic Mural Tour

Image credit: Historic Outdoor Art Museum of New Braunfels Facebook

Take a self-guided tour of nearly a dozen massive murals downtown depicting local history.

Operating Hours: Announced when a date is set; 2 hours
Where: Downtown NB (Visitor Center for map).
How Much: FREE

Prince Solms Park Disc Golf

A scenic 9-hole disc golf course along the river.

Operating Hours: Daily 6 am 11:59 pm
Where: 100 Liebscher Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE (bring discs)

Cypress Bend Park

A quieter forested park by the Guadalupe, great for bird watching and fishing.

Operating Hours: 6 am – Dusk
Where: 503 Peace Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE

Things to do in New Braunfels for Adults: Dining & Nightlife

Gruene Hall

The oldest dance hall in Texas. Catch a world-famous artist or a free daytime acoustic set.

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday 11 am – 12 am | Saturday 11 am – 1 am | Sunday 11 am – 9 pm | Event times vary
Where: 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Varies; free to $30+ depending on the artist

Krause’s Cafe & Biergarten

A massive beer garden with over 100 beers on tap and authentic German schnitzel.

Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 7:30 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 7:30 am – 10 pm
Where: 148 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Entrees $15 – $25.

Muck & Fuss Craft Beer and Burgers

Known for creative burgers and boozy milkshakes on a shaded patio.

Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Where: 295 E San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $15 – $22 per burger.

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar

Housed in the ruins of a 1878 cotton gin, offering incredible multi-level patio views.

Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Where: 1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Entrees ~$15-$35

McAdoo’s Seafood Company

Located in the restored Old Post Office, serving high-end Cajun and Texas seafood.

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
Where: 196 N Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Entrees ~$25-$50.

The Buttermilk Cafe

A gourmet breakfast spot known for its Southern comfort food. Expect a weekend line!

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am – 2 pm.
Where: 1324 Common St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $12 – $18.

New Braunfels Brewing Company

Image credit: New Braunfels Brewing Co Facebook

Specializing in sour wheat beers and unique local brews in a downtown setting.

Operating Hours: Tasting Room: Thursday – Friday 12 pm – 9 pm | Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm
Where: 180 W Mill St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $7 – $9 per beer.

Downtown Social

A “boutique bowling” alley with an upscale bar, wood-fired pizza, and classic arcade games.

Operating Hours: Monday & Tuesday Closed | Wednesday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday 4 pm – 12 am | Saturday 12 pm – 1 am | Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm
Where: 386 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Pay per activity; mid-range dining.

Winery on the Gruene

A custom winery where you can enjoy tasting flights on a patio overlooking the historic district.

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 6 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 8 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Where: 1308 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Tastings start around $14.95

Arts, History & Culture

Sophienburg Museum & Archives

Learn the definitive story of the German founding of New Braunfels.

Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm | Monday & Sunday Closed | Archives open for research by appointment only, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Where: 401 W Coll St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Free – $10

Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture

Houses the largest collection of Biedermeier-style furniture crafted by early German settlers.

Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 1 pm – 4 pm | Monday & Sunday Closed.
Where: 1370 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $8 (Adults) : Kids under 12 are free

New Braunfels Railroad Museum

Housed in the original 1907 depot with restored cabooses and model train layouts.

Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm | Monday & Tuesday Closed
Where: 302 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE

New Braunfels Conservation Society

A village of 18 historic buildings rescued from around the county.

Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: Morning Tours 9:30 am – 11:30 am; Afternoon Tours 1 pm – 3 pm | Sunday & Monday Closed
Where: 1300 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $10 for tours.

Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

A restored 1942 Art Deco theater hosting national concerts and comedy.

Operating Hours: Event-based
Where: 290 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Varies by show

New Braunfels Art League

A gallery showcasing hundreds of pieces by Texas artists.

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm| Class and event times vary
Where: 239 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Varies by event

Gruene General Store

Established in 1878, it is a must-visit for local honey, taffy, and Hill Country souvenirs.

Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9 am – 9 pm | Friday 9 am – 10 pm | Saturday 9 am – 10:30 pm
Where: 1610 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Free to browse.

Wurstfest Grounds

While the festival is annual (in November), the grounds and Landa Park are open year-round for walking.

Operating Hours: Always open (Landa Park hours).
Where: 178 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: FREE.

Common Questions about Things to Do in New Braunfels

When is the best time to visit New Braunfels?

Summer (June–August) is the peak season for water activities. Visit in November for Wurstfest or December for the downtown holiday lights.

Is New Braunfels kid-friendly?

Yes! With Schlitterbahn, Landa Park, and the McKenna Children’s Museum, it is one of the top family destinations in Texas.

Are there any free things to do in New Braunfels?

Absolutely. You can explore the Gruene Historic District, walk the Faust Street Bridge, or hike the Panther Canyon Trail without spending a dime.

Looking for more? See the upcoming Weekend Events in San Antonio.