summer fun 101 New Braunfels
1. SCHLITTERBAHN WATERPARK AND RESORT
Location: 400 N. Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 778130 Phone: 830-625-2351 Web: schlitterbahn.com/ new-braunfels
Located along the banks of the Comal River, surfing is just one of Schlitterbahn many features among worldfamous attractions, epic river adventures, and kid’s water playgrounds. Now open weekends, the whole family can have fun in the sun without the cost of parking or inner tubes. Schlitterbahn will salute members of the military, police, firefighters and EMTs with free admission and discounted tickets at the gate for spouses and dependent children during American Heroes week from May 29 to June 4.
2. CANYON LAKE
Location: about 14 miles northwest of New Braunfels on FM 306 west from IH-35. Phone: 830-964-2223 Web: canyonlakeguide. com
Dive into one of the deepest lakes in Texas this summer. Canyon Lake has an average depth of 43 feet stocked with Largemouth Bass, catfish and White and Striped Bass since it was first stocked in the 1970s. Aside from fishing, families can enjoy boating, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, helicopter tours, parasailing, hiking, dining, shopping and more on the 8,230-acre surface area with an 80- mile long shoreline.
3. GRUENE HALL
Location: 1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, Texas 78130 Phone: 830-629-5077 Website: http://gruenehall. com/
From George Strait to Loretta Lynn, dozens of famous music artists have performed and launched their career at Gruene Hall.
The infamous dance hall was built in 1878, but today Gruene Hall is an internationally recognized destination and attraction and major music venue for up and coming artists. All ages are welcome to Gruene Hall, which has live music seven nights a week, as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Most Friday and Saturday nights require a cover charge or advance ticket purchase, while the rest of the time live music is offered at no charge to the public.
4. NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH
Location: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78266 Phone: (830) 438-7400 Website: http://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/
This summer the whole family can go on an African Safari in Texas. The 450-acre Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to more than 500 animals, including 40 exotic, native and endangered species from around the world. Get greeted by a zebra at your window while driving through the environment, dine at The Safari Camp Grill, and bring home the memories with a souvenir from the Safari Trading Post. The Ranch is open daily except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Admission is free for children under 3, $13.50 for ages 3-11, $20 for seniors 65 and over, and $22 for adults ages 12 and over.