New Braunfels & Gruene Day Trip
About 15 miles northeast of San Antonio, on I-35, New Braunfels Texas is a small town where you can tube on the Guadalupe River. Visit the state’s longest-running bakery, called Naeglin’s at 129 S. Seguin Avenue. While there, order a kolache. A kolache is a Czechoslovakian pastry filled with fruit, cheese, and ham or sausage. Out of this world!
There are a few small museums and a 40-minute walking tour that you can take. There is a lot of German influence in this little town that gives it charm. Some of the architecture is unique. Bring a camera.
Drive northwest four miles to another small town called Gruene Texas that also has a big German influence. (Pronounce it Green.) This town boasts the New Braunfels Museum of Art and Music at 1259 Gruene Road. Texas exhibits change quarterly. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Be sure to be souvenir gifts for everyone at their really nice gift shop.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Outside of New Braunfels Texas is a cool cave that your family will enjoy. It is called Natural Bridge Caverns and is 140 million years old. This cave was designated a U.S. Natural Landmark. It is no Carlsbad Caverns, but if you or your children have never visited a cavern before, you will enjoy it. It is beautiful, but nowhere near as big or as awesome as Carlsbad. Bring a very light jacket as it is a little cool, but usually very humid underground here, not chilly like Carlsbad Caverns, and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, not sandals or flip-flops.
Admission is $15 for adults and $9 for kids ages 4 to 12. It is open every day but Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Close to the caverns, visit Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and safari through in your vehicle, seeing animals in 200 acres of ranch land. There are 50 endangered species of animals from all over the world living here and you and your family can see them while in the air-conditioned comfort of your vehicle.
The ranch is located at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road. Admission is $14 for adults and $6.50 for children ages 3 to 11.
Schlitterbahn
If you enjoy the water parks, you will love Schlitterbahn. This park has six separate water park areas on 65 acres for wet and wild fun. It is the coolest place in all of Texas for wet and wild watery fun. This place has pools and water slides along with rides to thrill your entire family. Plan to spend the whole day here! Bring plenty of sunscreen.
Admission is $35 for adults and $29 for kids ages 3 to 11. Kids under 3 get in for free. The address is 305 W. Austin Street.