Welcome to New Braunfels, a lovely town in Texas with a strong German influence. It’s famous for two beautiful rivers, the Comal and Guadalupe, which flow past pretty parks like Landa and Cypress Bend.
Whether you’re planning a visit or already live here, there are plenty of fantastic things to do in New Braunfels. This guide will show you the best and most fun activities, from enjoying thrilling waterpark adventures to learning about the city’s history in museums.
You can also go shopping for unique finds and taste delicious food from various places. So, get ready to explore and have a great time in this wonderful Texan town.
1. Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Schlitterbahn Waterpark is one of the best places to visit in New Braunfels. It’s a huge water park with lots of exciting rides and activities spread over 70 acres. There’s something fun for everyone, whether you like gentle river rides or thrilling waterslides.
The best part is that people of all ages can have a great time here, so it’s perfect for families with kids. The park is divided into four sections, and each section has many pools, lazy rivers, rides, and more to enjoy.
If you get hungry, Schlitterbahn Waterpark has plenty of places to eat, so you don’t need to worry about packing your food or leaving the park for lunch.
You won’t believe it, but the park has a total of 51 different attractions. That means you’ll never run out of things to do and explore.
Official Site: Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
2. Landa Park
Landa Park is one of the best things to do in New Braunfels. It’s a massive park it is right via the river and covers fifty-one acres. There are so many amusing things to do right here.
You can ride on a cute little train, go for a walk on the nature trail, play mini-golf, and have a picnic at the picnic tables.
It’s a great place to visit with your family or go for a nice stroll with your partner or friend. If you like looking at birds and wildlife, you’ll really enjoy the trails and the beautiful nature around you.
For families, there are plenty of things to keep the kids happy. They can ride the mini train, play on the playgrounds, and even go on paddle boats on the water.
And if you love to barbecue, there are special areas with BBQ grills where you can cook up a tasty meal and have a great time with your loved ones.
3. Gruene Hall
If you’re in New Braunfels, you absolutely have to check out Gruene Hall – it’s a special place you don’t want to miss. It’s actually the oldest dance hall in all of Texas, and it’s been around since 1878.
At Gruene Hall, you can enjoy live music almost every night. The dance hall is pretty big, with a high roof made of tin and a cool layout that lets you dance in the open air.
There’s a bar in the front, a small stage with good lighting in the back, and a big outdoor garden area to chill in.
If you want to make sure you can get in, it’s a good idea to get your tickets in advance. Sometimes, they sell out, and you might not be able to get in at the last moment.
And one more thing – at Gruene Hall, they only accept cash, so make sure to have some with you.
Official site: Gruene Hall
4. Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns is a super cool place in Texas, just a short drive from New Braunfels. It’s like an underground wonderland with amazing rock formations, rivers, and big chambers.
The best part is that everyone in the family will have a great time – kids and grown-ups alike. There’s even a nice outdoor area where you can chill out, buy gifts, and get some tasty food and drinks.
When you go inside the caverns, be careful because it can be a bit slippery. It’s a good idea to wear sturdy shoes like trail or hiking shoes.
Kids will totally love it here, and it’s perfect for a fun date or a day out with your family. Make sure to take lots of pictures to remember the adventure.
Official site: Natural Bridge Caverns
5. Downtown New Braunfels
When you visit New Braunfels, make sure to check out Downtown New Braunfels. It’s a lively and fun area with lots to do. You can go shopping, try different restaurants, enjoy art, and learn about history.
It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, and it’s the best spot in the Texas Hill Country. You can start by having a nice cup of coffee at one of the cozy cafes or coffee shops. Then, explore the unique shops, like antique stores and farmers markets, where you can find cool stuff and fresh local food.
It doesn’t matter when you go, there’s always something to enjoy in Downtown New Braunfels. Tourists and locals love it here because there’s so much to see and do.
Official Site: Downtown New Braunfels
6. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
The Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is a special zoo that’s privately owned by a family. They focus on snakes and reptiles, but you’ll also see many other animals there like birds, lions, hyenas, black panthers, lemurs, alligators, and zebras.
The zoo is accredited, which means it meets certain standards for animal care. They take good care of over 500 animals, and you’ll get to see them all when you visit.
It’s a must-visit place for both kids and adults. They have a schedule of events every day, like feeding the animals, so you can watch and learn about them.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, don’t miss the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo.
Official Site: Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
7. Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre
The Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre is a special place run by a family. They are open all year round and show three different movies on three huge screens every Friday to Sunday night.
It’s a fantastic spot for date nights, family outings, or just having a good time without being too close to others.
You can grab some yummy treats from their 50s-themed cafe while you watch the movies. It’s like going back in time.
For families with little ones, there’s even more fun. They have a playground and seating area where kids can play and run around if they get a bit bored with the movie.
Official site: Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre
8. McKenna Children’s Museum
If you have kids with you in New Braunfels, you should definitely check out the McKenna Children’s Museum. It’s a super fun place with interactive exhibits made just for young kids.
Inside, they can learn about space, culture, and technology, all in a colorful and exciting environment.
Kids are going to love this place because there are so many things to do that they won’t get bored at all. The museum is all about letting them learn while playing, and it encourages them to explore and use their imagination.
It’s a perfect spot for little children to have a great time and learn new things. The staff also plan lots of fun activities, so the excitement never stops.
Official site: McKenna Children’s Museum
9. Comal River
The Comal River is Texas’s shortest navigable river. It’s a really fun place to go tubing. There are some cool river chutes that act like mini water slides, and it’s so exciting.
When you go tubing on the Comal River, it all starts near the Wurstfest grounds and goes through Downtown New Braunfels. You’ll even float past Schlitterbahn Waterpark before joining the Guadalupe River. It’s a tubing experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The river is only 2.5 miles long, and it’s all within the city limits of New Braunfels. When you go tubing, remember not to bring Styrofoam, glass, cans, or disposable water bottles. It’s important to keep the environment clean and safe.
As you float along, you might see rocks, floating debris, muddy banks, and other natural things. So, wear the right shoes for a comfortable tubing adventure.
When visiting the historic town of New Braunfels, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the best things to do in Beaumont TX as well.
10. Prince Solms Park
Prince Solms Park is a beautiful park next to the Comal River. It’s not just a place for tubing, but also perfect for picnics and fun activities. You can play tennis or disc golf here too.
The best part is that you can rent tube chutes to go tubing down the clear and refreshing Comal River. It’s a really cool experience.
The park is a great spot to enjoy nature and the river’s crystal-clear water. To avoid the crowds, it’s better to visit early in the day or later in the evening.
You’ll love spending time at Prince Solms Park, whether you’re tubing, playing sports, or having a relaxing picnic. Don’t forget your camera to capture all the beauty around you.
11. Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
If you’re in New Braunfels, you really need to visit Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar with your loved ones. It’s a special place that has been around for almost 50 years and is known for its unique dining experience in Texas.
Since it opened in 1977, people have been loving the delicious meals and the cozy, rustic atmosphere of Gristmill River Restaurant. There are lots of seating options, so you can find the perfect spot for you and your family or partner.
I had such a great time there, and I loved the warm and charming feel of the place. You can also take some amazing pictures to remember the fun moments you’ll have with your loved ones.
Official site: Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
12. New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society
The New Braunfels Railroad Museum is a lovely museum where you can see a locomotive, train cars, and model railroads. It’s housed in an old rail depot, making it a charming and unique spot.
If you have kids, they will absolutely love this museum. There’s a special room with TV shows for kids to watch, a wooden railway table to play with trains, and even a coloring station to have fun with.
The best part is that the museum is located near real train tracks, so kids can watch actual trains passing by. It’s such a cool experience.
And here’s some great news – the museum is open to everyone completely for free. They don’t charge any entry fee. However, if you want to support the museum, they happily accept donations.
Official site: New Braunfels Railroad Museum
