🏃‍♂️ New Sports Park, Splash & Dash + Family Fun Ideas

June 17, 2026

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Happy Wednesday, New Braunfels! If you're looking for ways to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, or keep the kids entertained this weekend, today's featured stories have you covered. From the grand opening of a brand-new sports complex to one of the most unique races in Texas and a roundup of family-friendly activities around town, there's plenty to add to your calendar.

Whether it's a sports injury, lingering back pain, post-surgery recovery, or those everyday aches that just won't go away, the right treatment plan can make a huge difference. That's why so many New Braunfels residents turn to our partners at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists.

With four convenient locations throughout the city, their experienced team provides one-on-one care tailored to each patient's goals, helping people move better, recover faster, and get back to doing the things they love. Their hundreds of positive reviews and near-perfect ratings reflect a commitment to personalized care that puts patients first.

This is an advertisement. Looking to partner with The New Braunfels Life? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!

New Braunfels' newest sports and recreation destination opens Saturday.

The City of New Braunfels is inviting the community to celebrate the official grand opening of Zipp Family Sports Park on Saturday, June 20 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The free event will feature games, activities, music, competitions, exhibitors, and family-friendly fun, along with opportunities to explore the city's newest multi-sport complex.

Highlights include a free 3K Run/Walk hosted by the New Braunfels Running Club, the MLB Pitch, Hit & Run competition for kids, soccer shootouts, and plenty of activities throughout the morning. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, parent, or simply curious to check out the new facility, this community celebration offers something for everyone.

The Dos Rios Splash & Dash returns Saturday with a river float built into the race.

The 15th Annual Dos Rios 5K Splash & Dash returns on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 AM at Cypress Bend Park. Participants can choose a traditional 5K route or take on the famous Chute Challenge, which includes tubing through the iconic river chute midway through the race before heading back to the finish line.

Part race and part river adventure, the event has become a favorite New Braunfels tradition. With scenic views, a kids run, and post-race festivities, it's a fun way to kick off a summer morning.

When it comes to building a home, thoughtful design and clear communication can make all the difference. Bandit Homes specializes in custom and move-in-ready homes that combine smart layouts, quality craftsmanship, and durable materials designed to stand the test of time.

Based in New Braunfels, the company is led by locals Brady Jones and Tyler Vara, who take a hands-on approach throughout the building process. From planning and development to construction and finishing touches, their focus is on creating homes that fit the lifestyle, needs, and character of the families who live in them.

This is an advertisement.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN?

Here are some of the events we’re most excited about over the next few days:

WEDNESDAY
☕ Kaffeeklatsch at the Sophienburg Museum and Archives (9:00 AM)
🧵 Sit & Stitch at New Braunfels Public Library (9:00 AM)
📖 Fischer Park Family Storytime at Fischer Park (9:30 AM)
🍽️ Free Summer Lunches at New Braunfels Public Library (12:00 PM)
📱 Device Advice at New Braunfels Public Library (1:00 PM)
🌟 Blacklight Event — Glow Animals at Painting with a Twist (2:30 PM)
🔍 Curiosity Club (Ages 5-7) at New Braunfels Public Library (4:00 PM)
🍔 Burger Night at Happy Cow Bar (5:00 PM)
🎸 Ryan St. Clair at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:30 PM)
🌼 A Day in a Field of Flowers at Painting with a Twist (6:00 PM)
🛍️ Humpday Market at Gruene Grove (6:00 PM)
🎺 San Antonio Dutchmen at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎙️ Singo Bingo & Karaoke Live at Freiheit Country Store (6:00 PM)
🎬 Summer Cinema: Pitch Perfect at The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre (6:30 PM)
👢 Country Two Step Lessons & Line Dancing at The Attic Dance Hall (6:30 PM)
🎵 Xtreme Music Bingo at Watering Hole Saloon (7:00 PM)
🎶 Live Music Night at Gruene Grove (7:00 PM)

THURSDAY
📚 Sensory Playtime: Unearth a Story! at New Braunfels Public Library (10:00 AM)
🍽️ Free Summer Lunches at New Braunfels Public Library (12:00 PM)
🦙 Family Time — Choose Your Llama at Painting with a Twist (2:00 PM)
🕵️ Mystery Discussion Group at New Braunfels Public Library (3:00 PM)
🎸 Andrew Kreitz at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
💃 Two Step Dance Lessons at Gruene Hall (6:00 PM)
🧵 Fat Quarter Bingo Night at Snippets (6:00 PM)
🌅 A New Beginning at Painting with a Twist (6:00 PM)
🎶 Live @ Landa: Concert in the Park – Cactus Country at Landa Park Dance Slab (6:00 PM)
🪗 Tejas Cajun at Krause’s Cafe (6:00 PM)
🎤 Songwriter’s Night at The Redbird Listening Room (6:00 PM)
🤠 Country Two Step Lessons & Line Dancing at The Attic Dance Hall (6:30 PM)
📚 Books on Tap at Del Sol Coffee and Cocktails (6:30 PM)
📖 Stephen King Book to Movie Club – The Long Walk at New Braunfels Public Library (6:30 PM)
🎸 Rio Tripiano Live at Freiheit Country Store (6:30 PM)
🎵 Lowland Revelry at Gruene Hall (7:00 PM)
🎶 Kirk House at Gruene Grove (7:00 PM)
🏖️ Endless Summer – America’s Beach Boys Experience! at The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre (7:30 PM)
💃 New Salsa Night – Lesson & Dance Thursdays at The Attic Dance Hall (7:30 PM)
🍷 Spanish Wine and Cheese Pairings at Otto’s Cheese Shop (7:30 PM)
🎤 Tiffiny Dawn Band at Watering Hole Saloon (8:00 PM)
🎸 Caleb Young at Gruene Hall (8:30 PM)

FRIDAY
🎸 Jace Nunnelly at Gruene Hall (12:00 PM)
🎨 Open Studio (DIY Experience) at Painting with a Twist (2:00 PM)
🎶 Live Music Day at Gruene Grove (3:00 PM)
🍻 Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall (4:00 PM)
🎤 Kristen Foreman at The Grapevine in Gruene (5:00 PM)
🎸 Tiffiny Dawn at Krause’s Cafe (6:30 PM)
❤️ Date Night — Through the Heart Trees at Painting with a Twist (7:00 PM)
🎶 Sundance Head at The Redbird Listening Room (7:30 PM)
🤠 Larry Joe Taylor with Special Guest Presley Haile at Gruene Hall (8:00 PM)
🎸 3 Man Front at Watering Hole Saloon (8:30 PM)
🎤 Gary Glenn & the 20X Band at Freiheit Country Store (8:30 PM)

As New Braunfels continues to grow, the City is investing in safer roads, improved intersections, and better infrastructure through its Vision Zero 2040 initiative. The goal is simple: reduce serious crashes and make the community safer for everyone who uses its streets.

But when accidents do happen, having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference. Our partners at Kyle Law Firm have spent decades helping New Braunfels and Hill Country families navigate the aftermath of serious accidents, fighting for their clients while providing the support and answers they need during difficult times.

This is an advertisement.

Need ideas for keeping the kids busy this summer? We've got you covered.

From Schlitterbahn and river tubing to museums, playgrounds, splash pads, indoor play spaces, and local attractions, New Braunfels is packed with family-friendly adventures. Our guide highlights more than 15 of our favorite activities for making the most of summer with kids.

Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon outing, a rainy-day backup plan, or a full day of family fun, this list is full of ideas that both parents and kids will enjoy.

🐝 BUZZ AROUND TOWN

Registration Opens For New Braunfels Junior Fire Academy
Kids ages 8–11 can now apply for the City of New Braunfels' free Junior Fire Academy taking place July 6–10. Participants will get hands-on experience with firefighter training, explore fire trucks, learn basic first aid and CPR, and take part in team-building activities and obstacle courses.

City Facilities To Close For Juneteenth Holiday
Many City of New Braunfels facilities, including City Hall, the Public Library, Municipal Court, and several administrative offices, will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Residential garbage, brush, and recycling collection schedules will remain unchanged.

New Braunfels Elects New Mayor
Michael French has officially been elected Mayor of New Braunfels after defeating incumbent Neal Linnartz in the runoff election. The closely watched race required a runoff after neither candidate secured a majority during the May election.

Free Career Skills Workshops Coming To The Library
The City of New Braunfels and the New Braunfels Public Library are partnering to offer free workshops focused on resume building and interview preparation. The sessions will take place June 29 and July 13, with registration required due to limited space.

Home Prices Show Mixed Trends Across New Braunfels
New housing market data shows median home prices declined by more than 10% year-over-year in the 78130 ZIP code, while prices increased in 78132. At the same time, homes are spending longer on the market and more properties are going under contract across the city.

Parks Officials Remind Residents To Leave Fawns Alone
Baby deer season has arrived, and New Braunfels Parks and Recreation is reminding residents that fawns found alone are usually not abandoned. Experts recommend observing from a distance, keeping pets away, and avoiding touching or moving young deer.

Guadalupe Brewing Updates Weekday Hours
Guadalupe Brewing Company has adjusted its operating schedule and will now open its taproom and kitchen at 5 PM Tuesday through Friday. The brewery remains a popular local spot for handcrafted pizza, small-batch beer, and live music.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 95º | Low: 76º | 20% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 98º | Low: 77º | 15% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 91º | Low: 74º | 25% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: OFF

Water Restrictions: Stage 2 (In Stage 2, watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed one day per week based on the last digit of your address BEFORE 10:00 a.m. and AFTER 8:00 p.m.)

Giving back to veterans and military families is more than a slogan for Window World TX—it's a commitment. Through the Window World Military Initiative, the company supports veterans, active-duty service members, and their families through hiring efforts, community outreach, home improvement projects, and programs that help provide service animals to those in need.

That mission extends right here to New Braunfels, where our partners at Window World TX are proud to be part of an organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of military families. It's one more reason they're known for more than just windows, doors, and home improvement projects.

This is an advertisement.

SAVE UP TO 30% ON A CRUISE VACATION — AND KIDS CAN SAIL FREE

If you've been dreaming about a Caribbean getaway, Mediterranean adventure, or even an Alaskan cruise, now may be the perfect time to start planning. Local travel advisor Royce Staley with Cruise Planners is currently offering access to a special MSC Cruises promotion that includes up to 30% off select sailings plus Kids Sail Free on eligible itineraries. The promotion features hundreds of sailings through 2028, with destinations ranging from the Caribbean and Bahamas to Europe and Alaska.

One standout deal includes a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard MSC Seashore starting at just $429 per person, visiting Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and MSC's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. With family-friendly pricing, onboard entertainment, dining, and destinations included, these offers provide an affordable way to experience some of the world's most popular cruise destinations. The promotion is available through June 23, 2026, and select sailings are expected to fill quickly.

Thanks!

Thanks for being part of the community. We'll be back tomorrow with more local stories, upcoming events, and things worth knowing about around town.

Have a great day and enjoy everything our amazing community has to offer!

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

What did you think of today's newsletter?

We want your feedback. Be honest.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.