What is there to do in New Braunfels with toddlers?

Yes, it is one of the better family cities in Texas. Landa Park, the spring-fed pool, the shallow Comal River access, and Schlitterbahn give families with young children more outdoor activity options than most Texas cities this size. The city is safe, the scale is manageable, and both New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD are well-regarded school districts. Families consistently cite the outdoor access and school quality as the primary reasons they chose New Braunfels over nearby alternatives.

Schlitterbahn works well for children ages 5 and up who are comfortable in water. Many signature attractions require 42 to 48 inches of height. For children under 5, the kiddie areas and shallow sections are good but the park overall can be overwhelming — Landa Park's spring-fed pool is often a better choice for very young children. Older children (10 and up) who want bigger rides will find the East park section most satisfying.

Yes. Landa Park is free to enter (pool has a small admission fee). Hinman Island Park is free. The Dry Comal Creek Trail and river walking areas are free. The historic downtown square and the Gruene Historic District cost nothing to walk. The farmers market on Saturday mornings is free. New Braunfels is significantly more budget-friendly for family activities than its reputation as a water park destination suggests.

Natural Bridge Caverns is approximately 20 minutes from downtown New Braunfels, located between New Braunfels and San Antonio on I-35. It is a common half-day trip for New Braunfels families. The guided cavern tour runs about 75 minutes, and the full complex including outdoor activities can fill a full day for families with children.