Landa Park is the heart of New Braunfels’ parks and recreation, and a living piece of the city’s history. Since opening to the public, this oasis has served as the community gathering place where generations of families have picnicked under massive oak trees.
For residents, Landa Park is their backyard; the place for Saturday morning jogs, Sunday family picnics, Wednesday evening concerts, and basically any outdoor activity you can imagine.
For tourists, it’s a must-visit destination that captures New Braunfels’ character better than almost anywhere else.
The combination of natural springs, historic attractions, modern amenities, and genuine Hill Country beauty makes Landa Park special in ways that go beyond just being a nice park.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Landa Park. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a regular looking for information on specific facilities, this guide has you covered.
Landa Park Overview & History
Landa Park spans 51 acres along the Comal River in New Braunfels, located at 164 Landa Park Drive. The park sits just minutes from historic downtown, making it easily accessible whether you’re walking from nearby hotels or driving from anywhere in the city.
Park hours are 6:00 AM to midnight daily.
The constant water flow from the Comal contributes to the lush vegetation within the park, creating a particularly stunning space in the middle of Texas heat.
The park’s history dates back to the late 1800s when Harry Landa, a prominent New Braunfels businessman, donated land that became the foundation for what we know today as Landa Park. The vision was to create a public space where all residents could enjoy nature and recreation.
Over the decades, the park evolved from simple picnic grounds into the comprehensive recreation destination it is today.
Top Things to Do at Landa Park
1. Landa Park Aquatic Complex
The Landa Park Aquatic Complex is the park’s summer centerpiece, attracting families and swimmers looking to beat the Texas heat in a mix of spring-fed and traditional pools.
Its star attraction is the spring-fed pool, fed directly by Comal Springs, maintaining a naturally cool 72°F year-round.
The complex also includes an Olympic-sized lap pool for serious swimmers and a zero-depth pool designed for toddlers and young children, offering safe and gradual entry for little ones.
Water slides, shaded seating, and seasonal concessions round out the experience, making it a full-day destination for families.
The aquatic complex operates seasonally from late spring through Labor Day, with admission fees varying slightly between weekdays and weekends, and offers individual and family season passes.
Lifeguards, safety rules, and amenities ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
2. Paddle Boats at Landa Lake
Landa Lake provides a peaceful alternative to the park’s busier attractions with hourly paddle boat rentals. Families can glide across the calm, spring-fed waters while enjoying the scenic surroundings, including cypress trees, ducks, turtles, and other local wildlife.
The experience offers a gentle mix of exercise and relaxation, perfect for younger children or anyone looking for a slower-paced park activity.
Boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, typically during warm months from April through September, with peak availability on weekends. Pricing is affordable, $10 for adults and $8 for children aged 4-12. Toddlers ages 3 and below are free of charge.
3. Miniature Train Ride at Landa Park
The Landa Park miniature train offers a charming experience for visitors of all ages, making it a staple attraction for families, groups, and special events. The small passenger cars travel along a shaded route throughout the park
Rides typically last 10–15 minutes, long enough to be enjoyable but short enough to keep young children engaged. The only catch is that rides are only available from 10 AM – 7 PM on the weekends and during holidays.
Tickets are priced at $6 per ride, with weekend operations being most common. The ride is weather-dependent, so extreme heat or rain can result in cancellations, making it wise to check the schedule before planning your trip around the train.
4. Mini Golf Course
Landa Park’s miniature golf course offers an affordable and fun activity for families looking to spend quality time together. The 18-hole course winds through landscaped park terrain, featuring creative obstacles, gentle hills, and varied hole designs
Pricing is similar to paddle boats, except that children 5-12 are charged $8, and toddlers 4 and below are free. The mini golf course is only open during the weekends, though, from 10 AM – 7 PM on Saturdays and 11 AM – 7 PM on Sundays.
The course is designed to fit seamlessly within the park’s natural setting, giving players scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a lighthearted activity. Its combination of accessibility, affordability, and fun makes it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
5. Playgrounds and Picnic Areas
Landa Park offers families a variety of playgrounds and picnic areas, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the outdoors. The park’s three playgrounds are thoughtfully designed for kids of different age groups
Having multiple playgrounds throughout the park allows families to move to less-crowded or shaded areas, which is especially helpful on busy weekends or during the Texas heat.
Adjacent to many playgrounds, picnic tables and grilling areas provide convenient spots for meals and gatherings. Individual picnic tables are first-come, first-served. There are also pavilions that large groups can reserve in advance as a celebration venue.
This combination of active play and accessible dining spaces makes Landa Park especially family-friendly. Kids can run, climb, and explore while parents keep a watchful eye from nearby tables, enjoying snacks, socializing, or simply taking in the surroundings.
Landa Park Dining & Food Options
Landa Park offers limited on-site concessions, primarily at the aquatic complex, where visitors can grab snacks, drinks, and ice cream during pool season.
The park isn’t designed around dining, so many visitors bring their own meals to enjoy at picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds. Nearby downtown New Braunfels and Gruene provide a variety of restaurants for those looking to eat off-site before or after their visit.
Picnic-goers should plan carefully, bringing reusable containers and plenty of water while avoiding glass, Styrofoam, or alcohol.
Events such as the Landa Park Food Truck Party are also occasionally held there, so be sure to check out the social media page of the Parks & Recreation Department of the city for more updates.
Rules & Safety Reminders
Pet Policies
Pets are allowed in most of Landa Park but must remain leashed at all times. Please, for the love of all things good and wonderful, clean up after your pets. Disposal stations are located throughout the park, so you don’t have to worry about carrying poop bags all day long.
Pets are not allowed in the aquatic complex or on playground areas. This ensures the safety and hygiene of all visitors, as pools and play structures can harbor germs, and animals can be unpredictable around children.
Alcohol Regulations
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in parking lots and within 25 feet of park roadways. Alcohol is prohibited at the aquatic complex and in some other designated areas as well. Check posted signs for current regulations.
Wildlife Care & Park Preservation
Since 2018, the City of New Braunfels has had an ordinance (Sections 82-24 to 82-28) that prohibits anyone from intentionally feeding wildlife by placing food on the ground or within reach of any wildlife.
Violators are subject to citation and a fine of up to $500 for each offense.
Remember to stay on designated trails to prevent erosion. Dispose of your trash properly and respect vegetation around the park.
Spend An Afternoon at Landa Park
Landa Park represents New Braunfels at its best—natural beauty preserved and enhanced, community spaces designed for all ages and interests, history honored while meeting modern needs, and genuine Texas Hill Country character maintained despite growth and change.
It’s where locals bring visiting family to show off their hometown, where tourists discover the New Braunfels beyond rivers and waterparks, and where everyone finds something to enjoy.
It’s high time that you plan your visit and spend a relaxing day at Landa Park. See you there!
Featured image credit: Wayne Johnson via Facebook