Wimberley may be known for its peaceful swimming holes, towering cypress trees and laid-back Hill Country charm, but anyone raising kids here, or visiting with them, knows there is plenty of family fun tucked around town.
Kids can swim beneath ancient cypress trees, bounce through giant tree nets, hunt for oversized cowboy boots, meet animals, play arcade games, paddle the Blanco River and explore local shops filled with toys, plants, art and interesting treasures.
Some of these outings can fill an entire day. Others are simple little stops that become unexpectedly memorable, like looking at baby chicks at King Feed, sharing a treat on the Square or climbing Old Baldy just before sunset.
Whether it is blazing hot, raining outside or simply time to get the kids out of the house, here are some of the best things to do with kids in Wimberley, Texas.
Parks, Playgrounds & Nature
Blue Hole Regional Park
Blue Hole Regional Park is one of Wimberley’s most famous attractions, but the swimming hole is only part of what families can enjoy.
The park includes hiking and biking trails, sports courts, open fields, picnic areas, a natural play area and a traditional playground. During swim season, families can reserve a session at the spring-fed swimming hole, where towering cypress trees shade the water and rope swings add a little extra adventure.
Even without swimming reservations, Blue Hole is worth visiting for a walk, picnic, bike ride or playground stop. Kids can also gather loose natural materials and build forts in the park’s nature play area.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Swimming reservations can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so book ahead if you can! Weekday sessions are often a little quieter, and the park is especially peaceful early in the morning.
Wimberley residents can also take advantage of Local Nights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30–8:30 PM for just $2 per person. Payment is cashless.
Best for: Outdoor swimming, rope swings, picnics, playgrounds, fort building, biking and nature walks.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area
Swimming at Jacob’s Well may be closed, but the natural area is still one of Wimberley’s best-known places to explore with children.
Families can walk the trails, view the famous artesian spring and learn about aquifers, drought, wildlife and the Hill Country ecosystem.
The terrain includes rocky areas, stairs and elevation changes, so sturdy shoes are a better choice than flip-flops, and the path down to the spring is not stroller friendly.
There are lovely gardens, outdoor play areas, trails and a fantastic bird-watching area.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Go earlier in the day if you can, and bring more water than you think you’ll need—the walk back up can feel a lot hotter than the walk down.
If you’re visiting with kids, keep them close on the trail and around the well. There are steep drop-offs along the path and deep water once you reach the well.
Best for: Outdoor hiking, nature study, geology and older children interested in science.
EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens
EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens is one of Wimberley’s most imaginative family destinations.
Children can explore walking paths, make music in the musical garden, play life-size chess or checkers, visit the sensory and butterfly gardens, play gaga ball and climb the hill for views of the surrounding area.
There are sculptures, gardens and little surprises tucked throughout the grounds, making it feel more like an adventure than a traditional park.
EmilyAnn also hosts performances, camps and beloved seasonal events, including the Butterfly Festival and Trail of Lights.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Do not rush straight to the top of the hill. Let the children lead the way and discover the gardens and musical areas as you go.
Best for: Outdoor gardens, imaginative play, music, nature, theater and seasonal traditions.
Oaks Park at Cypress Creek Church
Oaks Park at Cypress Creek Church is a welcoming place for kids to climb, run and play.
The park includes a shaded playground (with swings!), giant woven tree net, basketball and pickleball courts and an open lawn. The mixture of activities makes it especially useful for families with children of different ages.
Because it is located on church property, families should help keep the space clean and treat the grounds respectfully.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: The shade makes this one of the better playground choices during warmer weather, although mornings are still the most comfortable time to visit in midsummer.
Best for: Outdoor playdates, climbing, basketball, pickleball and mixed-age groups.
Martha Knies Community Park
Martha Knies Community Park is a convenient play stop near Wimberley Square.
The park includes a playscape, covered pavilion, picnic space, public restrooms and a small water feature. It is especially useful when younger children have reached their shopping limit and need a chance to run around.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Pair the park with a downtown snack or lunch. It makes an easy halfway point during a longer Square outing.
Best for: Outdoor play, toddlers, younger elementary-age children and downtown breaks.
Cypress Creek Nature Trail and Preserve
The Cypress Creek Nature Trail and Preserve offers a peaceful walk close to downtown.
Families can look for fish, turtles, birds, insects, cypress knees and native plants along the creek.
A cypress knee is a woody root growth that sticks up from the ground or water near a cypress tree. Scientists are not completely certain why the trees produce them, but they are one of the most recognizable sights along Wimberley’s waterways.
The preserve is not a swimming area or traditional playground, which makes it a better choice for a quiet nature walk.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: This is a nice addition to a visit to the Square. Bring a snack and slow down near the water rather than rushing through the trail.
Best for: Outdoor wildlife watching, photography, creek views and nature scavenger hunts.
Patsy Glenn Refuge
Patsy Glenn Refuge is a peaceful place to introduce children to birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Families can walk the trails, visit the bird blind and search for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and native plants.
Bring binoculars, a nature journal or a bird-identification app and see how many species your family can spot. We especially like the free Merlin Bird ID app, which can identify birds by their appearance, song or call.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Birds are generally more active earlier in the morning. Encourage children to whisper near the bird blind so wildlife has a chance to come closer. Open the Merlin app and use its Sound ID feature while everyone stands quietly for a minute.
Best for: Outdoor birdwatching, nature journaling, photography and quiet family time.
Swimming & Water Fun
Cypress Falls Swimming Hole
Cypress Falls Swimming Hole sits along a wide stretch of Cypress Creek surrounded by cypress trees, limestone cliffs and views of Eagle Rock.
Families can swim, float, fish and, when available, rent tubes, canoes or paddleboards. Food and drinks are available nearby, making it easy to spend several hours there.
Hours may change because of weddings, private events, creek conditions or seasonal operations, so it is always wise to confirm access before heading over.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Bring chairs or a blanket because seating can be limited. Water shoes are also helpful around the creek bank.
Best for: Outdoor swimming, floating, tubing, paddling and creekside afternoons.
Blue Hole Swimming Area
Blue Hole is one of Wimberley’s most iconic places to swim. The spring-fed swimming hole is shaded by towering cypress trees and includes the famous rope swings that generations of families have enjoyed.
Swimming is available seasonally by reservation, and sessions can fill quickly on weekends and holidays.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Weekday sessions are often a little quieter. Wimberley residents can also take advantage of Local Nights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30–8:30 PM for just $2 per person. Payment is cashless.
Best for: Swimming, rope swings, hot summer days and a classic Wimberley experience.
The Pool at Wimberley Inn
Families do not necessarily have to stay overnight at Wimberley Inn to enjoy its stylish outdoor pool.
The inn offers a limited number of seasonal pool day passes, giving locals and visitors another option for cooling off. The pool is surrounded by trees and lounge areas, and food and drinks may be available from the seasonal Pool Bar.
Passes and policies can change, so confirm availability before making plans.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Pool passes are limited. Arrive early, bring your own towels and confirm whether food service is available that day.
Best for: Outdoor swimming, relaxed pool days and an alternative to the natural swimming holes.
7A Ranch River Access
Families do not have to stay overnight at 7A Ranch to enjoy a day along the Blanco River.
A limited number of river day passes may be available for swimming, wading, floating and relaxing along the shoreline. Depending on the season, water level and current operations, families may also be able to rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks or paddleboards.
Bring towels, sunscreen, water shoes, drinking water and anything else needed for several hours beside the river.
Afterward, families can change into dry clothes and explore Pioneer Town, making 7A Ranch an easy place to combine water fun with several other family activities.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: River conditions, kayak rentals and day passes can change, so check current availability before visiting.
Best for: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, floating and full family days.
Arts, Museums & Creative Experiences
Watch Live Glassblowing at Wimberley Glassworks
Watching glassblowers at work can be one of the most memorable art experiences for kids in the Wimberley area. At Wimberley Glassworks, families can watch artists transform glowing molten glass into colorful bowls, vases and other pieces right in front of them.
It is a fun way for school-aged kids to see how art is actually made—and the heat, tools and glowing glass tend to hold their attention much longer than a traditional gallery visit.
Good to know: The demonstration area involves extremely hot furnaces and working artists, so children should stay close to an adult and follow all posted safety rules.
Best for: School-aged kids, art lovers, curious kids and families looking for a unique indoor activity.
Wimberley Art Galleries
Wimberley’s galleries are a wonderful way to introduce school-aged kids to paintings, pottery, sculpture, jewelry and other forms of local art.
A few easy stops around town include Art on 12, Wildflower Art Gallery, ArtSPACE, and the gallery inside the Wimberley Community Center.
Instead of asking kids to quietly follow along, turn it into a game. Ask them to find the most colorful piece, the funniest piece, their favorite animal or something they would hang in their own room.
Good to know: Galleries are generally best suited for school-aged children. Many displays include fragile or one-of-a-kind pieces, so younger kids will need to be kept close and carefully supervised.
Go on a Bootiful Wimberley Scavenger Hunt
Turn a drive or walk through Wimberley into an art scavenger hunt by searching for the town’s oversized painted cowboy boots.
The Bootiful Wimberley project features boots created by local and regional artists and displayed outside businesses, parks and landmarks throughout the area.
Families can use the official Boot Trail Map or simply count how many boots they spot while exploring town. Encourage kids to choose the funniest boot, most colorful boot or the one they would most like to have at home.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Photograph each boot as you find it and turn the pictures into a family collage afterward. You do not have to find them all in one day.
Best for: Outdoor art, photography, scavenger hunts and exploring Wimberley at your own pace.
Wimberley Valley Museum
The Wimberley Valley Museum is a valuable resource for families who want to learn how Wimberley became the community it is today.
Located in the historic Winters-Wimberley House, the museum shares information about Wimberley’s early settlers, local families, the mill and the development of the Wimberley Valley.
The museum is not especially interactive, so it may not hold the attention of very young children for long. However, it is a wonderful Wimberley history resource for older children, teenagers, homeschool students and anyone interested in the stories behind the town.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Give older kids a question to answer during the visit, such as how Wimberley got its name, what role the mill played in the community or how daily life here has changed over time.
Best for: Indoor local history, older children, teens, homeschool lessons and grandparents.
Explore the Wimberley Square
Walking around Wimberley Square gives families the flexibility to combine shopping, snacks, art, nature and play in one outing.
Stroll beneath the trees, look for Bootiful Wimberley boots, visit Cypress Creek, browse locally owned shops and stop for popcorn, candy, crepes or ice cream along the way.
Ceremony Botanical Studio
Ceremony is filled with houseplants, succulents, pottery and beautiful botanical displays. Children who enjoy nature may like searching for the strangest leaf, smallest plant or most unusual pot.
Wimberley Senior Citizens’ Craft Shop
This longtime local shop is filled with handmade gifts, toys, decorations and useful items created by local makers. It is a great place to show children the difference between something handmade and something mass-produced.
The Old Mill Store
The Old Mill Store has enough unusual items to keep children and adults entertained. Kids may find vintage-style toys, puzzles, marbles, kites, robots and other treasures.
They can also mine for colorful stones in the Old Mill Mining Cart or stop for fudge and ice cream.
Candy Cottage & Wimberley Toy Company
Candy, toys, ice cream and arcade games all under one roof make this an easy sell for kids.
Families can browse the toys, choose a sweet treat, cool off with ice cream and spend a little time playing arcade games. It is especially convenient when everyone needs a break from walking around downtown.
Monster Treats
Monster Treats is a colorful stop for ice cream, self-serve candy and playful gifts. Letting children create their own small candy mix is part of the fun.
Papa Hoo’s Popcorn
Follow the smell of freshly popped popcorn and choose from a variety of sweet and savory flavors. A bag is easy to share while wandering around downtown.
Rocky Mountain Crepes
Finish your Square outing with a sweet or savory crepe. Kids can watch the crepes being made and choose a filling that feels like lunch, dessert or both.
Family-Friendly Places to Eat & Play
One of the best things about eating out with kids in Wimberley is that several local restaurants give them room to move around.
Parents can enjoy a meal, drink or live music while the kids climb, bounce or play nearby.
Chill’s on the Creek
Chill’s combines creekside dining with a woven climbing and jumping net, slide and grassy area beneath the cypress trees.
It is a good choice when parents want to enjoy the atmosphere but know the kids are unlikely to stay seated for the entire meal.
Community Pizza & Beer Garden
Community Pizza is home to one of Wimberley’s most memorable tree-net play areas.
The giant woven structure feels like a climbing web, trampoline and playground all in one. Children can climb, bounce and slide while their families enjoy pizza nearby.
JP’s Wimberley BBQ
JP’s Wimberley BBQ is a casual, family-friendly barbecue spot with outdoor seating and a kids’ play area.
It is a particularly easy option for families who want classic Texas barbecue while giving younger kids somewhere to play instead of having to sit at the table the entire time.
Willow Lake Watering Hole & Mercantile
Willow Lake has a tree net, playscape and plenty of outdoor room, often paired with live music, markets, food trucks or other community events.
The atmosphere can vary depending on what is scheduled, so it is worth checking the event calendar before visiting with younger children.
Neon Armadillo
Neon Armadillo offers Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex, live music and an outdoor playscape where kids can stay busy while adults enjoy a meal nearby.
It is another good choice for families who want a relaxed atmosphere and a little extra room for children to move around.
The Shady Llama
The Shady Llama offers a playground, open space, food trucks, beautiful Hill Country views and resident llamas.
The llamas wander according to their own schedule, which is part of the charm. Children should never chase, corner or feed them unless staff members say it is permitted.
Roughhouse Brewing
Located on a sprawling ranch between Wimberley and San Marcos, Roughhouse Brewing offers plenty of outdoor space, a kids’ play area and room to roam while parents enjoy food and locally brewed beer.
With picnic tables, open Hill Country surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere, it is an especially good choice for families who want to settle in for an afternoon rather than simply stop for a meal.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: These restaurants can become busy during pleasant weather and live music. Arriving a little earlier makes it easier to find a table where you can keep an eye on the play area.
Younger children will need close supervision, especially around unfenced play spaces and creek areas.
Best for: Outdoor family meals, energetic kids, live music, sunset outings and meeting friends.
Bigger Adventures & Active Kids
Wimberley National Mini Golf & Playground
Wimberley National Mini Golf offers 18 holes of Texas-themed outdoor fun for children and adults.
No golf experience is necessary, and the course is relaxed enough for beginners while still giving competitive family members a chance to keep score.
Afterward, families can enjoy ice cream, root beer floats, snacks and drinks. There is also a playground and outdoor seating area.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Go in the evening during hot weather. The course is much more comfortable once the sun begins to drop.
Best for: Outdoor family competition, birthdays, mini golf, playground time and evening outings.
Old Baldy
The climb up Old Baldy is short, steep and completely worth it for the view.
Families climb more than 200 stone steps before reaching the top, where they can look out across the Wimberley Valley.
This outing is best for confident walkers and older children. Younger kids should remain close to an adult, especially near the top.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Go early in the morning or close to sunset. Midday summer climbs can be brutally hot, and there is limited shade on the steps.
Best for: Outdoor adventures, older kids, family photos and panoramic Hill Country views.
Wimberley Zipline Adventures
Wimberley Zipline Adventures is for older kids and teens who are ready to trade the playground for something much higher off the ground.
The guided adventure includes 10 zip lines across a scenic Hill Country ranch. Participants must be at least 9 years old and weigh at least 65 pounds. The minimum weight requirement matters because lighter riders may not have enough momentum to make it completely across the line.
Maximum weight limits also apply.
Participants must wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes and be able to walk uphill between portions of the course. Reservations are required, and children ride individually rather than together with a parent or guide.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Weigh children before booking rather than estimating. A child who is 9 or older but weighs less than 65 pounds will not be able to participate. Morning tours are more comfortable during warmer months.
Best for: Outdoor adventures, older children, teens, birthdays and memorable family experiences.
Animals & Little Local Adventures
King Feed & Hardware
A feed store may not sound like a traditional children’s attraction, but King Feed is one of those Wimberley places kids often ask to visit again.
Depending on the season, children may see baby chicks, lizards, reptiles or other small animals. The store also carries toys, pet supplies, garden décor, plants, pottery and all kinds of interesting things to discover.
The large plant and garden area is worth walking through, especially with children who enjoy succulents, flowers, bugs and backyard nature projects.
King Feed is a working local business rather than a petting zoo, so children should admire the animals without tapping on enclosures or trying to handle them unless an employee gives permission.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Spring is an especially fun time to visit because the chick selection is often at its best. Animal availability changes regularly, so every visit can feel a little different.
Best for: Indoor and outdoor animal viewing, plants, toys, homeschool outings and quick local adventures.
History, Games & Old-Fashioned Fun
Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch
After spending time along the river—or as an outing all its own—families can explore Pioneer Town, a recreated Old West village with an old-fashioned saloon, blacksmith shop, general store, chapel and other historic-style buildings.
Pioneer Town also includes several indoor stops. Families may be able to play retro arcade games, visit the Cowboy Museum and stop by the Ice Cream Parlor.
Depending on the day or event, train rides may also be available. Seasonal performances and community activities are sometimes held throughout the village.
Not every building or attraction operates every day, and train rides are not guaranteed.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Check current Pioneer Town activities before visiting, especially when hoping to ride the train or visit a particular attraction.
Best for: History, pretend play, arcade games, train rides, ice cream and mixed indoor-outdoor family fun.
Friday Night Bingo at VFW Post 6441
For older kids and teens who enjoy games, Friday Night Bingo at Wimberley’s VFW Post 6441 can be a surprisingly fun family outing.
The event has a friendly community atmosphere and gives kids the chance to practice listening, number recognition and concentration while hoping to be the first person to call out “Bingo!”
Because the games require participants to sit, listen and keep up, this outing is generally a better fit for older elementary-age children and teens than for toddlers.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Bring cash and arrive early enough to get settled, buy cards and visit the concession stand before the games begin.
Best for: Indoor family fun, older kids, teens, grandparents and multigenerational outings.
Free & Indoor Activities
Wimberley Village Library
The Wimberley Village Library is one of the best free resources for local families, and it is much more than a place to check out books.
The library has a welcoming children’s area filled with books, toys, games and puzzles. Older children and teens also have a special area of their own where they can read, study, meet friends or simply relax.
Depending on the week, families may find story times, crafts, STEAM programs, book clubs, summer reading activities and special community events.
It is also one of the best places in town to escape the summer heat, slow down on a rainy afternoon or give everyone a quiet reset after a busy morning.
Wimberley Buzz Insider Tip: Check the library calendar before visiting. Some of the most popular children’s programs require registration or fill quickly. Even when there is no program scheduled, the toys, games, puzzles and children’s areas make it worth a visit.
Best for: Indoor activities for babies through teens, rainy days, summer reading, toys, games and free family fun.
Tips for Exploring Wimberley with Kids
Many of Wimberley’s best family attractions are outdoors, and Texas weather can change quickly. Bring more drinking water than you think you will need, along with sunscreen, hats, insect repellent and comfortable shoes.
Water shoes are helpful at most swimming areas, while sturdy closed-toe shoes are better for Jacob’s Well, Old Baldy and the zipline.
Reservations, admission prices, water levels, restaurant hours and event schedules can change. Always confirm current details with the park, business or organizer before making a special trip.
You do not have to pack five attractions into one day. Some of the best Wimberley family memories come from choosing one main activity, leaving time for a treat and letting the day unfold at a slower Hill Country pace.
Make Family Memories in Wimberley
From swimming beneath towering cypress trees to playing arcade games, climbing through tree nets, meeting baby chicks or watching the sun set over the Hill Country, Wimberley offers the kind of family experiences children remember.
Whether your plans are indoors, outdoors or a little of both, the best outings are often the simplest ones: explore somewhere new, share a treat, spend time together and enjoy one of the most beautiful little towns in Texas.
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