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Visiting Fredericksburg Texas with Kids – What you need to know

December 13, 2018 by Jill Leave a Comment

One of the best things about living in San Antonio is living near the Texas Hill Country Drive for an hour or so and you’re in completely different surroundings. Rolling hills, quaint German buildings (along with delicious German food and beer), and great places to eat, drink, and hike…who doesn’t like the sound of that? With all the surrounding wineries, you might think that Fredericksburg, Texas is sort of an adulty place…and you wouldn’t be wrong about that. Fredericksburg is definitely my top choice for a close-by couple’s get-a-way but there’s also a ton of kids activities in Fredericksburg Texas. I’ve put together this guide to visiting Frederiscksburg Texas with kids that tells you everything you need to know about all the cool places. If you’re looking for family friendly in Fredericksburg, you’ve come to the right place. 

Table of Contents

  • Visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids – What you need to know
  • Visiting Fredericksburg Texas with Kids – What you need to know
    • 1. Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead – Don’t miss this one when visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids
    • 2. The LBJ Historic Site
    • 3. Wildseed Farms
    • 4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – Probably our favorite thing to do when visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids
    • 5. National Museum of the Pacific War
    • 6. Science Mill in Johnson City
    • 7. Luckenbach

Visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids – What you need to know

And don’t get me wrong…just because I love living near the Texas Hill Country doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate all the goodness here in San Antonio. After all, tacos.

Visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids - Everything you need to know

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Visiting Fredericksburg Texas with Kids – What you need to know

Things to do with kids in Fredericksburg Texas

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1. Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead – Don’t miss this one when visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids

The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead is a living history museum within the LBJ State Park and Historic Site. It gives an authentic look at rural life in Texas circa 1900-1918. Living history interpreters wear period clothing and perform household and farm chores as they were done during that time.

If you're visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids, don't miss the Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead

The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead is a fun living history museum that give a great look into pioneer life in the Texas Hill Country

We saw a family scrubbing floors with lye soap and making lunch on a wood-burning stove. It gave my kids a new appreciation for the microwave! It’s one thing to read about “the olden days” in a book, but seeing it carried out in real life and being able to ask questions takes a history lesson to the next level. It also (hopefully) gives today’s kids a new appreciation for all the technology and comfort they have at their fingertips. At least we can hope.

Read more: How to have an epic couple’s trip to Fredericksburg Texas

2. The LBJ Historic Site

The LBJ Historic Site offers a look at the 36th president’s boyhood home, the settlement of his grandparents, and the house where he lived during his presidential years, known as the Texas White House, which has been restored to look as it did when LBJ was in office. We took a 30-minute guided tour of the ground floor, which cost $3.00 per adult (kids under 17 are free). Tours are limited to 12 people, so if you’re interested, sign up for your time early. Entrance to the park itself is free, but you need to stop at the visitors’ center and snag a parking permit.

There are lots of things to do with kids in Fredericksburg Texas

The “Texas White House” – LBJ Ranch

Admittedly, touring the Texas White House is not super-duper exciting for younger kids and maybe not even for older kids. I remember my mom dragging me here when I was about 11 years-old and hating every minute of it…but here I am all grown up and taking my own kids to the very same place, so go figure. I pounce at any opportunity to add a little education to our vacations. It was full of facts that I found fascinating, which probably sounded like the adults in the Charlie Brown cartoons to my kids. The actual tour doesn’t take very long and you’ll need to stay on top of younger kids with reminders not to touch stuff or try to crawl behind areas that are roped off.

Touring the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm and seeing all the LBJ sites took up the better part of a day. We did the living history farm in the morning, followed by a picnic lunch in the state park. There are plenty of places to sit and eat. After lunch, we explored the outbuildings on the LBJ property and ended with the Texas White House tour, just in time for dinner in downtown Fredericksburg.

3. Wildseed Farms

Visit Wildseed Farms in the spring to see the most beautiful Texas Wildflowers in bloom. Wedding Oak Winery is also on site as well as a charming shopping area where you can purchase yummy eats, garden supplies and home decor items.

There are lots of things to do with kids in Fredericksburg Texas

Although open year ’round, spring is the best time to visit Wildseed Farms

There is no charge to enter the grounds at Wildseed Farms and parking is free. There are lots of walking trails and amazingly beautiful spots to take photos. You can check the Wildseed Farms website for a bloom update. If you’re visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids in the spring, this is a don’t miss spot. 

4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – Probably our favorite thing to do when visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids

This massive formation of pink granite is located 18 miles from Fredericksburg and is easily one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Texas. Yes, I might be a little biased, but y’all need to trust me on this one.

There are 11 miles of trails for hiking and exploring. Camping is also an option, if you’re into that whole rustic, no-frills camping experience, which doesn’t appeal to me in the least. We picked up a trail map at the ranger station to get the lay of the land and plan our trek according to difficulty level and ability. Entrance fees are $7 per person for ages 13 and up. Kids under 12 are free. Enchanted Rock only takes cash.

There are lots of things to do when visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids - like Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area…we are due for a visit

We took our boys for the first time when they just were five and six. We expected to toodle around near the base of the rock and snap some pictures. The kids took the lead and they surprised us by climbing all the way to the top of the rock via the Loop Trail. Major high-fiving followed.

We are due for another trip. Late fall, winter, and early spring are the best times to visit. If you go during the late spring summer or early fall, you’ll need to go very early in the day because of the heat.

5. National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is in downtown Fredericksburg. Look for the larger-than-life statue of Admiral Nimitz. You cannot miss it. Seriously, if you miss it, you have probably been to one too many wine tastings. He’s like second-story tall.

There are lots of things to do with kids in Fredericksburg Texas

You can’t miss this dude…

If you’re a World War II history buff, checking out this six-acre museum complex is a no-brainer. That said, my kids aren’t World War II history buffs and yours probably aren’t, either. Don’t let that stop you. Not only is the National Museum of the Pacific War an educational experience, it contains lots of interactive exhibits with cool sound effects…seeing things that go boom utterly delighted my two boys.

There are lots of things to do with kids in Fredericksburg Texas

Things that go BOOM

We spent about two hours checking things out and barely skimmed the surface. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children six and up.

6. Science Mill in Johnson City

The Science Mill is in Johnson City, which is 30-ish miles from downtown Fredericksburg. I’ve included this on my list of things to do when visiting Fredericksburg Texas with kids, even though it isn’t technically in Fredericksburg. That might sound like a big drive but it’s a really pretty and scenic one. Once a steam grist mill and cotton gin, it’s a present-day forum for science exploration. All exhibits are hands-on and most are indoors, making this one of our family favorites during the summer (think broiling Texas heat). But don’t miss the backyard exhibits.

There are lots of things to do with kids in Fredericksburg Texas

The backyard area of the Hill Country Science Mill has lots of hands-on things to explore

It took us about four hours to thoroughly explore and make a pit stop for some eats at Lady Bird Lane Café, which has delicious, fresh organic food. Science Mill admission is $10 for adults, and $8.50 for kids 3-18. The Science Mill also offers half-price discounts to active duty and retired military members (must have proper ID, includes up to three family members.)

There are lots of things to do with kids in Fredericksburg Texas

Lady Bird Lane offers locally sourced, organic food at a reasonable price.

7. Luckenbach

This tiny town – seriously, so tiny that you’ll miss it if you blink – was established as a trading post in 1849. Luckenbach has a general store and post office, a bar and an old dance hall. My husband and I love relaxing under the 500-year-old oak trees, listening to live music, and enjoying a cold drink while our kids run around and burn off energy, which there’s plenty of room for them to do. Luckenbach is close enough to Fredericksburg that I’m including it on my list of things to do in Fredericksburg Texas with kids. 

There are lots of things to do with kids in Fredericksburg Texas

No longer a post office but a really fun place to shop for local memorabilia and gifts,

Aside from enjoying the music and browsing in the general store (we love the quirky and unique Texas souvenirs), there’s not a ton to do in Luckenbach, but the photo opportunities in this gem of a town make it list-worthy for favorite things in Fredericksburg, Texas with kids. This is our favorite pit stop on the way to Fredericksburg from San Antonio. The saying goes that “everybody’s somebody in Luckenbach” which is reason enough to check it out, don’t you think?

If you’re looking for more adult-centered activities near Fredericksburg, check out this post about wineries in nearby Hye, Texas or my recent post on how to have an epic couples trip to the Texas Hill Country. 


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All About Jill

I'm a digital content creator and essayist who copes with parenting and most other situations with humor and snark. Just so you know, if this weren't the internet, I'd be smiling awkwardly and answering simple questions like "How are you today" with gems like "I like pockets."

I really do love pockets, though.

I spent 26 years in the USAF, which went by really, really fast. I'm very proud of my service but I'm loving my second act even more. Writing gives me the opportunity to flex my creative muscles and that's what makes me happy. Welcome.

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rippedjeansandbifocals

Freelance Writer & Travel Expert
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💜 Mom via birth & #adoption
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Jill Robbins
"Intelligence + Character. That is the goal of tru "Intelligence + Character. That is the goal of true education." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I saw a lot of posts about Martin Luther King yesterday when I was doing my scrolls through social media...on a day where I wasn't supposed to be ON social media, ahem. We hear and see a lot of Dr. King's words and quotes one day a year. So, instead of apologizing for posting this "a day late" I'll share that I'm challenging myself to remember some of these important words more than one day a year.

Our kids are watching us right now. I mean...they're always watching us but I think what they see in these times is more important than ever. Nuturing our kids' intelligence and character is more important than ever. My kids are 10 now - this picture is about four years old - and they are absorbing EVERYTHING we say, how we say it and even what we don't say. 

This mural is near the suspension bridge in downtown Waco. Waco is famous for all the Magnolia things but there's a lot there for families, too, and the park around the bridge is a great place to explore along the Brazos River. 

#martinlitherkingday #martinlutherkingquotes #wacotexas #wacoheartoftexas #wacohot #texastravel #texastodo #onlyintexas #texaskids #texasfamilies #alamocreatives #igtexasphoto 
#raisinggoodhumans #raisingboys
Here’s something you’ve probably never seen be Here’s something you’ve probably never seen before: my bottom teeth.
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I always hide my crooked bottom teeth in pictures and I’m super self-conscious when I talk. So I did something about it.
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I wore braces as a kid and my top teeth are straight but my bottom teeth are shifting and one tooth is traveling into the back of my mouth and I have some crowding. My orthodontist said it’s very unusual to put braces on just half your mouth but my bite is still aligned so they didn’t have to put them on my top teeth - my wallet is thankful.
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Questions I’ve already been asked:
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1️⃣ At your age? Yes, at my age. I still care about my smile. 
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3️⃣ How long do you have to wear them?
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6-9 months.
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3️⃣ Do they hurt? 
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My teeth are sore and my mouth is tender but not to the Tylenol level so I guess the answer is “Not too much.”
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Other questions? Advice?
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#braceface #adultbraces
Little things can really be big - do you agree? M Little things can really be big - do you agree?

My husband gets up with our kids twice a week and does their breakfast and morning routine and takes them to school so I can sleep in. I don't laze away the morning in bed - it usually amounts to about an extra hour of sleep for me and a little more peace and quiet as I start my day. 

This probably seems like a little thing but this is huge for me. The mental benefits of not having to set my alarm on a schoolday is truly my love language. I would rather have sleep than flowers or presents. 

On those morning where my husband takes my kids to school, I will inevitably find the kitchen not "just so." There will be spills on the table or something that didn't get put away. I resist the urge to be sarcastic or to ask "Um, is there a reason we have four boxes of cereal just sitting on the counter?" or point out that it would take less than 30 seconds to wipe a tabletop or put a box back on the shelf. I resist saying stuff like "I guess if I want it done a certain way, I have to do it myself." I don't even say that to myself. 

My husband isn't "doing me a favor" by taking care of our kids. When I talked about being stressed and tired during an argument last year, he offered to take some things off my plate and giving me two mornings where I don't have to set an alarm was one of his ideas. It's part of the give and take of marriage and even though it makes me clench a little when I see spilled milk or stuff that hasn't put away, I appreciate having a partner who shares the load with me. 

My marriage definitely is not perfect and I'm in no position to give relationship advice. But for us, this one little thing is a really big deal. 

And, as I've recently discovered, a cereal box can sit on the counter for several days and the world doesn't explode. Who knew.

#thisisus #thisismarriage #loveandmarriage #happywifehappylife #marriedlife #mancrusheveryday #texas #texasstyle #rippedjeansandbifocals #marriagegoals #relationshipgoals #coparenting #parenting #momlifebelike #momlifeisthebestlife #ocd #ocdmomproblems #ocdmommy
Anyone else having massive “This time last year” moments?
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2020 started out so fine. We extended our kids’ winter break to take them on a Disney Cruise- no better reason than that, amiright- and I was excited about all the Disney Cruise blog posts I was going to write. Disney Cruises are (errr...were?) one of the most searched terms on my website and how a lot of people found me.
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Early 2020 was such a time of hope and light that pretty much everyone took for granted.
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While it’s become glaringly obvious the change in the calendar isn’t a magic potion, I still have hope for this year and still believe there magic yet to happen.
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You know...the good stuff.
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#believe #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneycruiselife #disneywonder #disneymagic #disneycreators #disneycreatordays #mondayxmhe #disneymagicmoments #nowmorethanever
We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the holidays and finally dug into it this weekend. Our box had a cold-weather theme which was perfect for this cold weather we're having (flurries in San Antonio can you believe it?!)

Each box contains three recipe cards, a culinary tool, an iron-on patch and Table Talk conversation starter cards. A shopping list is included and also emailed to you in advance in case you want to be ready to cook as soon as your box arrives. You buy all the groceries yourself. 

We made homemade chicken and dumplings this weekend and they turned out amazing. If you need modifications (i.e. gluten or dairy free) you can hop on to the @raddishkids website and go to the "Bonus Bites" section. You'll find modifications, food videos, extra recipes, parent info and more fun stuff. 

The price ranges from $20-$24 per box depending on what type of subscription you choose. Boxes are designed for kids 4-14+ with varying degrees of supervision needed depending on your child's skills and age. Kyle and i have done two meals from this box - we still have cookies left to make - and worked together about 50-50. It was a lot of fun. 

To order yours, here's my affiliate link https://raddish-kids-monthly-delivery.sjv.io/edoAr or read my full review (link in bio)

#raddishkids #raddishkidscook #raddishkidsrecipes #kidswhocook #kidchef
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