Free & Cheap Things to Do With Kids in Boerne
Updated Sept. 10th 2026 | Saige Diaz
Getting out of the house with kids can get expensive FAST—but thankfully, some of the best family adventures around Boerne don't cost much at all. Whether you need somewhere to spend a Friday morning, want an easy outdoor adventure, or just need to get everyone out of the house without dropping $100, save this list!
Here are some of our favorite free and inexpensive things to do with kids in and around Boerne.
1. 📚 See What's Happening at the Patrick Heath Public Library — FREE
The Patrick Heath Public Library is one of our favorite free resources for Boerne families—and it's so much more than checking out books.
Throughout the week you'll find children's programs, storytimes, activities and special events for different ages. You can also simply stop in, browse for new books and spend some time somewhere other than home without spending a dime.
See What's Happening at the Library
2. 🌳 Join Boerne Love's Friday Play Club — FREE
Homeschool families, come play with us!
Boerne Love Friday Play Club meets every Friday from 9–11 AM at Boerne City Park.
We started Play Club to give homeschool kids—especially elementary-age kids—a consistent place to meet friends and just PLAY. Younger and older siblings are welcome, too.
There's no cost and no big commitment. Pack some snacks and water and come when you can!
When: Fridays, 9–11 AM
Where: Boerne City Park
Cost: FREE
3. 🌿 Explore Cibolo Nature Center — FREE
One of the best free adventures in Boerne, the Cibolo Nature Center gives families a chance to slow down and spend some time outside together.
Explore the trails, look for wildlife, bring a picnic and see what the kids discover along the way.
4. 🦆 Pack a Picnic for River Road Park — FREE
Sometimes the easiest outings are the best ones.
Walk along the river, look for ducks and turtles, bring fishing poles or spread out a blanket and have lunch under the trees.
You can also walk from River Road toward Main Street and turn it into a little downtown Boerne adventure.
5. 🛝 Spend the Morning at Kinderpark — FREE
Kinderpark has long been a favorite among Boerne families.
The playground offers lots of room for kids to climb, swing and play, and the shade makes it especially nice for those Texas days when September still feels suspiciously like July.
Pack snacks and let them play!
6. 🏹 Visit Active Arrow on Homeschool Day — $10
Here's an inexpensive one specifically for our homeschool families!
Active Arrow Play Park's Homeschool Days are back on the third Wednesday of each month from 2–4 PM.
For $10 per child, kids can get out some energy, play and connect with other local homeschoolers.
When: Third Wednesday of the month, 2–4 PM
Cost: $10 per child
7. 🎣 Explore Joshua Springs Park & Preserve — FREE
Just a few minutes west of Boerne, Joshua Springs Park & Preserve is one of our area's hidden gems for families.
With more than 365 acres, there's plenty of room to make an entire morning or afternoon out of your visit. Explore walking trails, visit the playground, go fishing at the catch-and-release pond, look for wildlife, pack a picnic or bring the kids' bikes.
8. 🐟 Make an Adventure Out of Bass Pro Shops — ALMOST FREE
Hear us out on this one. 😂
You don't actually have to buy anything!
Kids can wander through Bass Pro Shops looking at the huge aquarium and wildlife displays, and exploring the store can easily become an inexpensive indoor adventure.
There's even a laser shooting gallery that costs around $1.
9. 🔨 Build Something at a Home Depot Kids Workshop — FREE
Home Depot's Kids Workshops are one of those activities worth putting on your recurring family calendar.
Typically held on the first Saturday of the month, kids get to complete a hands-on building project—and it's FREE.
Projects change each month, so check ahead and register before you go.
10. 🚶 Be a Tourist in Your Own Town — FREE
When was the last time you actually explored downtown Boerne with your kids?
Park and walk the Hill Country Mile, look at the historic buildings, window shop, find public art, stop along the creek and see what you've never noticed before.
Make it a game and have everyone look for the coolest, funniest or most unusual thing they can find.
Cost: FREE—as long as you can make it past the shops without buying anything. 😉
11. 🧺 Pack Dinner and Head to a Park — FREE
Here's one of our favorite ways to make an ordinary evening feel special without paying restaurant prices.
Pack dinner from home and take it somewhere else!
Boerne City Park, River Road Park, Joshua Springs or another favorite neighborhood park can turn sandwiches and fruit into a picnic adventure.
Sometimes simply changing where you eat makes it exciting for kids.
12. 📅 Check What's Happening Around Town — OFTEN FREE!
Boerne has an incredible number of community events throughout the year—festivals, library programs, markets, church events, concerts, kids activities and seasonal celebrations.
Before paying for entertainment, take a look at what's happening locally that weekend. There's a good chance you'll find something that's completely free.
And, of course, that's exactly what we're here for. ❤️
Check Boerne Love's Calendar each week for ideas!
❤️ Family Fun Doesn't Have to Cost a Fortune
There are times when it's absolutely worth buying the tickets, taking the trip or planning the big experience.
But creating a fun childhood doesn't have to mean spending money every time you leave the house.
Sometimes it's fishing with Dad. Finding turtles along River Road. Meeting friends at the playground. Checking out a giant stack of library books. Eating a picnic dinner outside. Staying at the park until everyone is sweaty, dirty and ready for bed.
You don't have to spend a fortune to give your kids a really good childhood.
So pick something simple, put the phones away for a little while, and go enjoy where you live. ❤️
Love where you live.
Have a favorite free or inexpensive family activity around Boerne that we missed? Send it our way! We'd love to keep adding to this list.
