5 Fun Things to Do in Fredericksburg with Kids

For most people in Central Texas, Fredericksburg is a short little day trip away. And whether you are doing a day trip or a weekend away there are so many fun things to do. As parents one of our first thoughts instantly goes to all the vineyards and tasting rooms they have in the area. We love to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon visiting wineries. While most of them are fairly kid-friendly, if your kids are like mine, they are itching for something fun to do.

So here are 5 Fun Things to Do in Fredericksburg with Kids. We always take a break from winery hopping to do one of two of these on every trip and my kids have an absolute ball. They love Fredericksburg and are always asking to go back!

:: Walking Main Street

There are so many interesting and unique stores along Main Street, your kids won’t complain about shopping. Among the treasures are “The Candy Bar”, “Popcorn Emporium”, and “Funky Monkey”. What kid wouldn’t love stores dedicated to candy, popcorn, or stuffed monkeys? There is even an old-fashioned five and dime, Dooley’s 5 & 10, where we bought an old-fashioned set of jacks. (Make sure you bring cash, though – no credit cards accepted there.)

:: The Pioneer Museum

Feel like your kids’ eyes glaze over when you talk about how much harder life used to be? Well, at the Pioneer Museum, you don’t have to tell them, you cam show them. A collection of actual homes and town buildings (some in their original location), the structures are outfitted as they were in their day. See their faces when they realize that life didn’t just exist before the internet, life existed before indoor restrooms! The property creates a lovely park and a fun and educational experience.

:: The Pacific War Museum

More than just the originating Admiral Nimitz museum, the Pacific War Museum has grown to include several buildings and a collection of gardens. The large museum offers a visually exciting journey through the events surrounding the Pacific front in World War II. Starting hundreds of years before, the visitor is taken to Pearl Harbor and beyond, all the way through the war to the surrender ceremonies. There are actual planes and other artifacts, as well as modern kiosks providing interactive opportunities.

Note: This museum is for older school-age children. Part of the exhibit is a loud light show reenacting Pearl Harbor, which can be frightening to younger children.

:: Marketplatz Playground

This is a large playground right in the center of town. It’s part of the main square, right off main street. I was a little nervous about a park being so close to main street but the playground is in the very back and there is a wall separating the area from the access street. So it was pretty safe. One perk to this playground is that it has covers over it making it a fairly shady place to play. There are several different playground equipment pieces, rock formations to climb, large covered pavilion with picnic tables. There are even (nice) bathrooms with a changing table. It was awesome. We always pack a lunch and stayed for a while.

:: Climbing Enchanted Rock

A quick 20-minute drive out of Fredericksburg proper brings you to the base of the stunning granite mount known as Enchanted Rock. It is a Texas State park that provides hiking, picnicking, and overnight tent camping. There is a great Jr. Park Ranger program that makes the whole experience educational, as well as fun. If you buy the season pass, it provides entrance to the other Texas State parks for the year. Also, get there early. The line can often be very long to get in.

Another one of our favorite activities in Fredericksburg is picking peaches. We just went yesterday morning and ended our day at the Marketplatz park. I’ll have a post next week for you on the ins and outs of Marburger Orchard!