So let me tell you about Das Rec, because if you’re only thinking of New Braunfels as a summer river destination, you’re missing half the story. Operated through the city’s parks and recreation department, Das Rec (short for Das Recreation Center) is the largest indoor recreation facility in New Braunfels.
Inside, you’ll find multiple pools with lap lanes and leisure areas, a full fitness gym with cardio machines and weights, an indoor track for year-round walking and running, group fitness classes, and courts for basketball and pickleball.
When the weather is either unbearably hot or surprisingly cold, Das Rec becomes the community’s refuge—perfect for families, athletes, and anyone who doesn’t want their routine dictated by Texas weather.
Whether you’re a local looking for reliable recreation options or a visitor wanting to stay active during your trip, Das Rec offers amenities and programming that rival the best parks and recreation facilities in much larger cities.
Where It Is and When You Can Get There
Das Rec sits at 345 Landa Street in New Braunfels, positioned relatively close to downtown and major attractions. Parking is straightforward with a decent-sized lot that rarely fills completely, even during busy times.
The facility is open seven days a week. On weekdays, it operates from 5 AM to 9 PM. On Saturdays, it’s 7 to 7, while on Sundays, the hours are shorter at only 10 AM to 6 PM.
Holiday variations mean reduced hours or closures on major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, and others. Check the website or call ahead if visiting during holiday periods.
Membership vs Day Pass Fees
Das Rec welcomes both residents and non-residents, though pricing differs. Visitors staying in New Braunfels can absolutely use the facility. Nope, you don’t need to be a local to access it.
Day pass rates provide one-day access to all facilities. Adults have to pay $12. Children ages 15 and below, and seniors ages 60+, are discounted at $10. Family passes are also available for $24. These rates apply to both locals and non-locals.
It’s on the membership fees that the local vs. non-local rates differ.
Local Residents Membership Rates
| Membership Type | Annual Rate | Monthly Rate | Monthly Rate (Military Discount) |
| Family (up to 4) | $684 | $57 | $52 |
| Single Adult (16+) | $420 | $35 | $24 |
| Single Youth/Senior (15 & under / 60+) | $288 | $24 |
Non-Local Resident Membeship Rates
| Membership Type | Annual Rate | Monthly Rate | Monthly Rate (Military Discount) |
| Family (up to 4) | $828 | $69 | $62 |
| Single Adult (16+) | $504 | $42 | $27 |
| Single Youth/Senior (15 & under / 60+) | $324 | $27 |
Membership and day pass options include access to the fitness center, pools during designated hours, indoor track, and open play times on courts. Specialized programs like swim lessons, personal training, and childcare typically cost extra regardless of membership status.
The Pools (The Biggest Draw for Many People)
Indoor Pool Features
Das Rec’s aquatic center typically includes two pool areas serving different purposes:
First is the competition swimming pool with designated lanes for people doing actual swim workouts. It’s a 25-yard, 8-lane lap pool kept comfortably at 82° all year round.
This pool is often used by local swim clubs such as the Masters Swim Team and the NBHS Unicorn Swim Team.
If you and your family members aren’t competitive swimmers, then we’re sure that you’ll enjoy Das Rec’s leisure pool. It’s a 5,700 square foot indoor swimming pool built with waterslides and interactive waterspray features. Kids and adults alike will surely have fun here.
The pool schedule changes depending on whether there are practices or swimming lessons. For an updated schedule, always check Das Rec’s website.
Aquatic Programs
Swim lessons run year-round for kids and adults at various skill levels. Families can choose between private lessons, which provide four customized 30-minute sessions for $100, or group lessons, which include eight 30-minute sessions for $60.
Private lessons offer flexible scheduling and one-on-one attention, while group lessons follow Das Rec’s Learn to Swim curriculum to build confidence, safety awareness, and fundamental technique. Lesson fees are separate from membership costs.
Class options range from Parent & Child sessions for babies as young as six months to preschool lessons and a structured 4-level progression for ages 6–12.
Pool Party
Birthday parties at Das Rec must be booked online at least two weeks in advance and include a two-hour private pool party room for up to 30 guests, available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Every package provides access to the Leisure Pool and water slide (when staffed), along with tables, chairs, a refrigerator, TV, themed decorations, and a dedicated party host.
The Basic Pool Party Package costs $275, while themed parties—offered in Pirate, Mermaid, Shark, and Luau options—are available for $300.
Gym & Fitness Center (The Workout Space)
The fitness center includes cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowing machines, stair climbers), strength equipment (weight machines targeting different muscle groups, cable systems, smith machines), and free weights of all types.
The indoor walking and running track provides climate-controlled cardio year-round. Track distances are posted—typically quarter-mile or similar, with lane markings showing direction.
Personal training is available through the Das Rec staff or contracted trainers. Pricing varies based on trainer experience and package options—expect something like $40-80 per session with discounts for buying multiple sessions upfront.
The best part about scheduling a personal training program at Das Rec is that you can choose your personal trainer from their roster of professionals. Their education, certifications, and areas of specilization are available for viewing at the facility’s website.
Group Fitness Classes (The Social Workout)
Das Rec offers various class categories throughout the week: yoga, cycling/spin classes, HIIT, Zumba, Pilates, bootcamp-style classes, senior fitness, and rotating specialty classes based on trends and instructor availability.
Whatever fitness class you want to try, Das Rec has it in store for you!
Courts & Sports Programs (For Organized Play)
Basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts accommodate open play and organized programs. Open play schedules show when courts are available for drop-in use versus when they’re reserved for leagues, classes, or private rentals.
Reservations might be required for private group use or are available first-come, first-served during open times. Check current policies for the specific sport and court you want.
Youth and adult sports leagues run seasonally—basketball leagues, volleyball leagues, pickleball tournaments, and other organized competitions.
Registration happens before the season starts, with fees covering officiating, scheduling, and sometimes equipment.
Kids Stuff (Why Parents Love Das Rec)
The Kinder Care Program provides supervised childcare while parents work out or swim. Age restrictions typically allow children 6 months to 12 years, with specific ratios maintained for different age groups.
This service is free for children ages 6 months to 10 years old, and is free for Das Rec members. Hours vary. From Monday to Thursday, the program is available from 8 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
On Fridays, it’s only available for half the day from 8 AM to 1 PM; whereas on Saturdays, it’s only available up to 12 PM. Kinder Care isn’t available on Sunday.
Reservations are also required for this program. Parents can’t just show up and leave their children unannounced, no.
Furthermore, for security purposes, the same parent or guardian who registered the child must be the one to pick them up.
Facility Rules
Age requirements: Fitness floor typically requires 13-14+ for unsupervised use. Pools accept all ages with appropriate supervision. Track may have minimum ages for running versus walking. Courts depend on the activity type.
Safety and supervision for minors: Parents are responsible for supervising children even when lifeguards are present. Kids can’t be dropped off unsupervised (except in official programs like childwatch).
Food and drink rules: Water is universally allowed. Other beverages and food are typically prohibited in gym areas and pools, but allowed in designated areas. Verify specific rules. Outside food and drinks are prohibited in Kinder Care.
Accessibility and ADA accommodations: Das Rec complies with accessibility requirements and can provide specific accommodations when requested. Contact ahead if you have specific needs requiring advance arrangement.
Best Indoor Facility There Is
Das Rec stands out compared to commercial gyms by providing comprehensive recreation beyond just fitness—the pools, courts, programs, and family amenities create a true community recreation center rather than just a place to lift weights or run on treadmills.
Das Rec proves New Braunfels is more than just a summer river town. It’s a community investing in year-round health, fitness, and recreation for residents and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a serious athlete, casual fitness enthusiast, parent seeking kids’ activities, or visitor wanting to work out during vacation, Das Rec provides the facilities and programs that make it possible.
Just verify current hours, pricing, and policies before visiting, since details often change.
Oh, and one last thing, embrace the fact that sometimes the best New Braunfels experience involves air conditioning and chlorinated water instead of spring-fed rivers.
Featured image credit: @dasrecnb via Instagram