15+ Awesome Things to Do in Fredericksburg TX

Looking for a family-friendly weekend getaway in Texas? An easy drive from both San Antonio and Austin, Fredericksburg has something for everyone. If this small town in the Texas Hill Country is on your radar, you’ll love this list of family-friendly fun things to do in Fredericksburg Texas with kids.

You may know Fredericksburg as Texas wine country or a fun place to celebrate Oktoberfest, and you wouldn’t be wrong. Long popular as a romantic getaway in a setting full of 19th century charm, Fredericksburg is surprisingly family friendly. If you want to do a wine tour or visit the local distillery, most of those venues will welcome kids too. I also recommend checking out the Fredericksburg Visitor’s Center in person when you get to Fredericksburg. There’s a 10 minute intro video that’s free to watch, plus you’ll find free maps, a clean restroom and people on hand to answer your questions.

Due to the year-round mild weather, a visit to Fredericksburg is fun just about any time of year, although the summer days can be very hot. Fredericksburg is a blend of classic Texan meets German heritage. You might have a hard time choosing between bratwurst and BBQ but otherwise, the mixture is enchanting. Of course, there’s always Mexican food, too. If you leave Texas without sampling some classic Tex-Mex, you’re really missing out!

1. Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead

The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead is a living history museum within the LBJ State Park and Historic Site. It gives an authentic look at rural life in Texas circa 1900-1918. Living history interpreters wear period clothing and perform household and farm chores as they were done during that time.

We saw a family scrubbing floors with lye soap and making lunch on a wood-burning stove. It gave my kids a new appreciation for the microwave! It’s one thing to read about “the olden days” in a book, but seeing it carried out in real life and being able to ask questions takes a history lesson to the next level.

2. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site

The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site offers a look at the 36th president’s boyhood home. Guests can explore the settlement of his grandparents, and see the house where he lived during his presidential years, known as the Texas White House. The house has been restored to look as it did when LBJ was in office but tours are not available at this time.

Entrance to the historic site is free, but you need to stop at the visitors’ center and snag a parking permit.

3. Wildseed Farms

If the idea of a wildflower farm appeals to you, visit Wildseed Farms in the spring to see the most beautiful Texas wildflowers in bloom. If you like wine tasting, Wildseed Farms Vineyards has a tasting room on site. Kids are welcome.

There’s also a charming shopping area where you can purchase local food items, unique gifts and home decor items, plus garden supplies and plants.

There is no charge to enter the grounds at Wildseed Farms and parking is free. There are lots of walking trails and amazingly beautiful spots to take photos. You can check the Wildseed Farms website for a bloom update.

4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

This massive formation of pink granite is located 18 miles from Fredericksburg and is easily one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Texas.

There are 11 miles of trails for hiking and exploring. Reservations are strongly recommended. Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Reservation System to make a reservation for park entry. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.

The trails are easy to moderate. Our boys made it all the way to the top on their first visit at ages five and six, so let that be a litmus test to how strenuous this level of rock climbing is.

Campsites are also available.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Watch the website for closure information. The park fills up quickly on weekends and closes when at capacity. Start early, expect to wait to enter the park and take plenty of water.

5. National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is in downtown Fredericksburg. Look for the larger-than-life statue of Admiral Nimitz – you can’t miss it.

If you’re a World War II history buff, checking out this six-acre museum complex is a no-brainer. That said, my kids aren’t World War II history buffs and yours probably aren’t, either. Don’t let that stop you. Not only is the National Museum of the Pacific War an educational experience, it contains lots of interactive exhibits with cool sound effects…seeing things that go boom utterly delighted my two boys.

We spent about two hours checking things out and barely skimmed the surface. Admission: $18 adults; $14 seniors; $12 military w/ID; $8  kids 6+ and students w/ID; 5 and under free.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Ask about VIP tickets that grant entry to the museum for 48 hours. This allows visitor to go back and explore more history! Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays, but the museum’s grounds are open daily. 

6. Science Mill in Johnson City

The Science Mill in Johnson City is about 30 miles from downtown Fredericksburg but it is an easy, scenic drive. Once a steam grist mill and cotton gin, it’s a present-day forum for science exploration. All exhibits are hands-on and most are indoors, making this one of our family favorites during the summer (think broiling Texas heat). But don’t miss the backyard exhibits.

It took us about four hours to thoroughly explore and make a pit stop for some eats at Lady Bird Lane Café, which has fresh locally sourced food.

Science Mill admission is $11 for adults, and $9.50 for kids 3-17. Seniors (65+) are $9.00 and children 0-2 are free. They also offer a military discount: half-price admission for any active or retired service member and up to three other family members with a valid military ID.

7. Luckenbach

This tiny town was established as a trading post in 1849. Luckenbach has a general store and post office, a bar and an old dance hall. My husband and I love relaxing under the 500-year-old oak trees, listening to live music and enjoying a cold drink while our kids run around and burn off energy, which there’s plenty of room for them to do.

Aside from enjoying the music and browsing in the general store (we love the quirky and unique Texas souvenirs), there’s not a ton to do in Luckenbach, but the photo opportunities in this gem of a town make it list-worthy for favorite things in Fredericksburg, Texas with kids. This is our favorite pit stop on the way to Fredericksburg from San Antonio. The saying goes that “everybody’s somebody in Luckenbach” which is reason enough to check it out.

8. Parks and Playgrounds in Fredericksburg TX

Whether you’re looking for a place to picnic or exercise or just looking for a playground where your kids can burn off some energy, Fredericksburg has several open spaces you can explore for outdoor activities.

Marktplatz (Market Square) – Markplatz is located right in the center of Fredericksburg. If there’s a festival or concert happening in the city, it will likely be here. There’s also a playground for children and places for a picnic.

Ladybird Johnson Municipal Park offers walking trails, a dog park and a butterfly habitat. No admission fee.

Cross Mountain Park offers hiking, picnic areas and a butterfly habitant. Elevation reaches 1,951 feet. No admission fee.

Old Fair Park offers an inclusive playground, basketball courts and a skate park. No admission fee.

More things to do in Fredericksburg TX with Kids

Fredericksburg is ever-growing in popularity which is largely due to the expansion of the 290 Wine Trail, sometimes referred to as the 290 Wine Road. The fact that Texas wine is delicious isn’t a secret anymore and that is drawing in more and more visitors. Here’s a list of things to do in Fredericksburg that I haven’t had a chance to experience firsthand yet that are on my list of things to do for our next trip.

9. Bat viewing at Old Tunnel State Park

From May to October, guests to Old Tunnel State Park can watch bats who live in the abandoned railroad tunnel for which the park is named. The tunnel is home to an estimated three million bats. Check the website for info on bat viewing and how to obtain a ticket. The park is open during the day for hiking and picnicking but guests must have a dedicated bat viewing ticket to be in the park after 5 pm.

10. Fort Martin Scott

Fort Martin Scott was the first U.S. Army outpost built on the Texas Frontier. The historic site contains one original garrison building, which has been restored, one late 1800s old farm shed and three reproduction garrison buildings. Texas Rangers used the site as a camp, both before and after military occupation. Fort Martin Scott is currently managed by the Texas Rangers Heritage Center.  Visit their website for details on visiting.

11. Pioneer Museum

This 3.5-acre museum complex contains superb examples of early German structures and artifacts. Several times a year, the Pioneer Museum will hold events staffed by docents in period dress that are fun for the whole family including storytelling, rope making, soap making, sheep shearing and more.

12. Trail Rides

Whether you’re an experienced rider or have simply sat a horse, there are several options to get in the saddle in and near Fredericksburg. On my short list of stables to check out: Bit & Bridle Stables, GF Ranch Trail Rides and Circle K Trail Rides. All three of these riding stables have the stamp of approval from Visit Fredericksburg and have been endorsed as family-friendly, so I’m excited to check these out. Fredericksburg is surrounded by some beautiful country and I’d love to check it out via horseback.

13. The Preserve

The Preserve is an elephant habitat near Fredericksburg that is currently home to three Asian Elephants, Kitty, Rosie and  Becky. The elephant experience includes 90 minutes of animal education and hands-on time with the elephants. The experience is pricey – $125 per person. Kids three and under are free. To book or to get more info to decide whether or not this activity is right for you family, visit their website.

14. Stargaze

Both Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park are both recognized as International Dark Sky Parks. The area’s dark skies will be on full display during the next total eclipse as the 2024 eclipse path runs just outside of Fredericksburg.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you plan to visit Fredericksburg during the 2024 eclipse, check out hotel reservations or vacation rentals far in advance. 

15. Fredericksburg Theater Company

Fredericksburg has an active theater community. If you want to take in a play or a Broadway style show while you’re in town, check this listing to see what’s showing during your visit.

16. Shopping

You’ll find no shortage of boutiques, bistros and art galleries in downtown Fredericksburg. Some kid-favorite stores include Dooley’s 5, 10 and 25 Cent Store and the Old Thyme Fun Shop, which sells classic toys and other fun items. There are also two children’s boutiques downtown – Fredericksburg Natural Baby and Liebeskind, A Children’s Boutique. If your kids aren’t excited about the idea of shopping, there are plenty of places on Main Street to get ice cream or a confection to motivate (or bribe!) them.

Visiting Texas during the Spring? You are in luck!

Although bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, bloom everywhere across the state, one of the best places to find them is the Texas Hill Country. If you’re traveling to Fredericksburg from San Antonio on 281, you’ll usually see great, thick patches alongside the highway. Wildseed Farms is also a great place to see bluebonnets and other spring wildflowers.

Bluebonnets bloom from late March to early April (varies depending on how cold the winter was). More on where to find bluebonnets here. 

Where to Stay Near Fredericksburg, Texas

There are many hotels and vacation rental options in the area. You can use this interactive map to help locate nearby lodging for your family.
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