Fredericksburg is known for its wineries and German heritage, but it is also one of the most fun places to bring a family in the entire state of Texas. From up-close animal encounters to wildflower fields and bat watching, there is no shortage of family things to do in Fredericksburg, TX.
Why Fredericksburg, TX, Is Ideal for Your Next Family Vacation
Fredericksburg sits right in the heart of the Hill Country, with wide-open spaces, fresh air, and a charming small-town feel hard to find anywhere else. It’s a popular destination where kids and parents can enjoy something new together.
Action for the Whole Family
The best Fredericksburg fun things to do with kids tend to involve getting outside, seeing animals, and exploring things that feel different from their everyday routine. The five stops below check all of those boxes.
Meet the Animals of Longneck Manor
If you are looking for one activity that your kids will talk about for years, Longneck Manor is it. This non-profit wildlife conservation park just outside of Fredericksburg is home to a tower of giraffes and a crash of rhinos, and visitors get to feed and interact with them up close during guided 75-minute animal encounters. The experience is led by knowledgeable animal care specialists who make it both educational and exciting.
- Address: 1749 Beyer Rd., Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Phone: 830-362-8752
- Cost: $125 per person
- Book Tour
Enjoy the Fields at Wildseed Farms
Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the United States, and it is right here in Fredericksburg. Over 200 acres of bluebonnets, poppies, sunflowers, cosmos, and other blooms stretch across the property depending on the season, with a half-mile walking trail that winds through the fields and butterfly gardens. Admission is free, which makes it an easy and beautiful way to spend a morning. The on-site Brewbonnet Biergarten is a nice stop for parents, and the gift shop and nursery are worth a browse before you leave.
- Address: 100 Legacy Dr., Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Phone: 830-990-8080
- Cost: Free admission
- Visit the Farm
Visit the Bats at Old Tunnel State Park
Old Tunnel State Park is one of the most unique experiences in the entire Hill Country. From May through October, roughly three million Mexican free-tailed bats pour out of an old railroad tunnel at dusk in a massive, swirling column that has to be seen to be believed. Evening bat viewing tickets are required after 5 PM during bat season and sell out weeks in advance, so plan ahead. The grounds are free to visit during the day and include a short nature trail along Baron’s Creek that is great for kids.
- Address: 10619 Old San Antonio Rd., Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Phone: 866-978-2287
- Cost: Free daytime access. Evening bat viewing tickets are required in season.
- Learn More
Enjoy a Picnic at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is a 330-acre green space just south of downtown Fredericksburg, offering families plenty of room to breathe. There is a one-mile walking trail along Live Oak Creek, a shaded playground, a seasonal swimming pool, picnic tables, and sports facilities spread throughout the grounds. The park is free to enter and open daily, making it a great option for a relaxed afternoon outside.
- Address: 432 Lady Bird Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Phone: 830-997-4202
- Cost: Free admission. Pool admission is charged separately.
- Learn More
Unwrap History at the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War is one of the finest history museums in the country and is right in downtown Fredericksburg, the hometown of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. The six-acre campus covers the full story of World War II in the Pacific through large-scale artifacts, hands-on exhibits, and an outdoor combat zone that kids find fascinating.
- Address: 311 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Phone: 830-997-8600
- Cost: $26 adults, $20 seniors, $18 military, $12 students (10-17 or with college ID), free for children 9 and under
- Buy Tickets
Book Our Family-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Fredericksburg Today
After a full day of exploring, you will want a comfortable, welcoming place to come back to. We have been helping families find their perfect Hill Country getaway since 2007, and we know this town inside and out. Our portfolio includes a variety of vacation rentals in and around Fredericksburg, with pet-friendly options, properties with hot tubs and fireplaces, and homes with plenty of room for the whole group. Book your vacation rental in Fredericksburg with Absolute Charm today!
