People think of Fredericksburg as a wine and shopping town, and it is. But it is also a wonderful place to raise kids. With two kids in our house, I am always looking for things to do with kids in Fredericksburg, TX, and by now our family has a pretty good list. We live within walking distance of downtown, so a lot of our favorite days start with the kids on their bikes and end with a treat on Main Street.
Here are the places we keep going back to, plus our rainy day saves.
Outdoor Fun and Playgrounds
Marktplatz Playground
126 W Main St. The Marktplatz is the heart of downtown, right around the Vereins Kirche, and its playground and covered pavilion are where our kids burn off energy (and practice their bike riding) between errands. It is free, it is central, and you can grab coffee nearby while they play.
Witcher Brewing Co.
9973 E US 290, just east of town. This is David's favorite place to watch football, and it works for the whole family. There is a turf playground with a grassy hill and tunnel for the kids, lots of outdoor room to run, and a huge soft pretzel to share. Grown-ups relax while the kids play.
Emi's on Austin
318 E Austin St. Emi's has an outdoor area where the kids can play and run around. An easy family dinner in town where nobody has to sit still the whole time.
Münch Food Park
303 E Highway St. Münch is a family friendly food truck park with picnic tables, live music, a kids' playground and a bar for the grown-ups. Everyone picks their own dinner, and in the summer a rainbow snow cone is the only dessert our little man wants. It is casual, it is outside, and the kids can play while we eat. The bar is open Thursday through Saturday evenings, so check their site for food truck hours before you go.
The Fredericksburg Splash Pad
W Schubert St, next to the Coach Tony Knopp Town Pool. On hot days, the City's splash pad is our go-to. It is free, and it is open May through September (Tuesday through Saturday 9 to 7, Sunday noon to 5, closed Mondays). The 2026 season wrapped up September 27, so save this one for next summer. The kids get soaked, and we get a shady spot to sit.
Walking Main Street
Sometimes the best plan is no plan. We walk or bike around downtown, look at the historic homes, and wander Main Street. It is free, it is beautiful, and the kids always find something new in a shop window. If walkable living sounds good to you, read my post on living within walking distance of Main Street.
Sweet Treats on Main Street
Pritzer Sweet Shop
141 E Main St. Pritzer's is our go-to stop for a treat. They are known for their sweet German pretzel, plus cookies, candy and ice cream. It is a little bit of German Fredericksburg in every bite.
Lone Star Candy Bar
254 E Main St. A classic candy shop with more than 40 homemade fudge flavors (including peach fudge made with Hill Country peaches), saltwater taffy, Jelly Belly, nostalgic candy bars and chocolate-dipped everything. It is the kind of candy store you remember from childhood, and the kids feel like they won the lottery.
Toys, Pizza and Games
Recess! Toy Store
134 E Main St. The fun toy store on Main Street, full of dress-up, books, puzzles, Legos and novelties. It is a great reward stop and an easy place to grab a birthday gift.
Gatti's Pizza
2931 S State Hwy 16. Pizza and pasta buffet, a big salad bar, and a game room with redemption prizes. Everyone eats what they want and the kids leave with a prize. It is a classic for birthday parties and team dinners.
Rainy Day Ideas for Kids in Fredericksburg
Hill Country weather can change in a hurry. When it does, these are our two saves.
Chick-fil-A Indoor Playground
503 Friendship Ln. Fredericksburg's Chick-fil-A opened in April 2025 with a playground for kids, and it is a lifesaver on a wet or very hot day. Lunch and a play break in one stop. Note that Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays.
BB's Billiards and Bowling
758 S Washington St. Fredericksburg's bowling alley has open bowling, a game room with pool tables and a full snack bar. It is fun for every age, and even the grown-ups get competitive.
Tips for Visiting Fredericksburg With Kids
- Go early on weekends. Main Street gets busy by late morning, especially during festivals.
- Park once and walk. Downtown is compact, and the Marktplatz is an easy home base.
- Check hours. Some spots close early or are closed certain days, so look before you go.
- Mix it up. A playground, a treat and one shop is a perfect half day for little legs.
Why Fredericksburg Is a Great Place to Raise a Family
I grew up here, graduated from Heritage School, and now I get to watch the kids enjoy the same small-town magic I did. Neighbors know each other, kids ride bikes, and there is always a festival, parade or game to look forward to. If you are thinking about schools, my guide to private schools in Fredericksburg, TX is a good place to start, along with my local's guide to moving to Fredericksburg.
Looking for a family home close to the fun? Browse our Fredericksburg neighborhoods to see which part of town fits your crew. As a local REALTOR®, I would love to show you around when you are ready. You can reach me here.
