While half the country readies for fall, enjoying changing leaves and seasonal décor, Texas keeps summer alive. Some of the Lone Star State’s lesser-known, mountainous regions make for the perfect summer-meets-fall family vacation atmospheres. Enjoy the warm weather for daily swims and cooler nights for sitting outside, enjoying a campfire. One such destination: New Braunfels, Texas.
Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels boasts 90-degree heat and sunshine through September; 80s in October; and mild 70s in November, leaving warm-weather lovers with an extended stay option, riding out the Indian Summer in style.
While you may not be overly familiar with New Braunfels, you should be. Begin with this lineup of easy fall fun without completely turning your back on summer sunshine.
Start with the great outdoors and enjoy a plethora of river swimming, paddleboarding and cave diving. Suit up for a warm-weather hike, including a bathing suit and plenty of water, and head to Comal River and Guadalupe River. Rent a fishing boat, grab a canoe or get out on the water tubing, splashing around and enjoying the peace and quiet of the local retreat.
Open lake in Hill Country, Texas © Richard Mcmillin | Dreamstime.com
Explore the natural caves with an adventure tour. Operated by Natural Bridge Caverns, adventure options include zip lining, obstacle courses and a mixed tour of hidden caverns and more.
Adventurers and water babies, check out Texas Ski Ranch. The active destination offers water sports from standup paddleboarding and water skiing to wakeboarding, skateboarding and even winter sports.
Are you even in Texas if you don’t attend a county fair? If you’re going to hit one, it might as well be the biggest in Central Texas: Comal County Fair and Parade. Held Sept. 25–30, the trip may be last-minute, but definitely worth it for home brew contests, BBQ cook-offs, rodeo fun and the classic carnival rides, tractor show and games.
Now, for some music. Gruene Music & Wine Festival offers Texas Hill Country wines paired with live tunes. For the crafty types, Texas Clay Festival showcases top local artists and potters with plenty of hands-on lessons for the kids.
A little later in the season, celebrate local culture and international influences during the annual Día De Los Muertos Festival. Watch cultural rituals to honor lost loved ones while kids head off to their own slew of activities, including face painting, crafts and entertainment. Guests of all ages dance along with live music, head to the food trucks and shop local goods.
Conveniently located halfway between vacation hubs San Antonio and Austin, families can easily rent a car and make a mini road trip, visiting nearby attractions and bustling cities. For those flying in, opt for Austin (AUS) or San Antonio (SAT) and make your way there, only an hour drive in each direction.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMexico
Oct 26, 2026Parents Can Catch Up on Sleep with Velas Resorts’ New Sleep Experiences
Velas Resorts in Mexico debuts a new collection of sleep-focused experiences designed to help regulate circadian rhythms; reduce stress hormones; and physically prepare the body for deep, restorative sleep. This offer is perfect for parents looking to catch up on sleep and develop healthy sleep habits after a summer of family travel.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Travel Tips
Oct 20, 2026The Importance of Savoring the Moment on Your Next Trip
In a rush to see as much as possible during your travels, it’s sometimes hard to remember the purpose of a vacation is to relax from your everyday world. It’s even more difficult on a family vacation, when everything seems to take a bit more time and your to-go list is longer. But remembering to enjoy the moment is even more important then.
Hotels
Oct 19, 2026Jumeirah Beach Hotel to Welcome Wayne Rooney for Family Soccer Experience
Soccer fans and family travelers will want to make for Jumeirah Beach Hotel as the resort prepares to again welcome an icon of the sport, Wayne Rooney, for an exclusive hosted family experience in collaboration with Football Escapes, Oct. 26–30. The program is part of a seven-night stay at the Dubai resort.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Travel Tips
Oct 19, 2026Keep These Items Out of Your (and Your Kid’s) Carry-On If You Don’t Want to Miss Your Flight
Lines at TSA checkpoints can be long enough, but when you’ve got something in your carry-on that raises a red flag, you could be there much longer than anticipated. There are the obvious things you can’t take on a plane, like weapons and liquids more than 3.4 ounces, but some things that seem totally innocent could lead to unnecessary delays and missed flights.
ShareThis