Tube Texas

Tubing Information for Familes

Bring the Whole Family!

Tubing is a family sport. If you were lucky when you were young, your parents got together some friends and family and jumped in the river.

Yes, it's true that tubing can be a rowdy affair sometimes. Yes, there are often drunk college students on the river. However, if you're looking for a relaxing family trip with children, there is no reason that you can't make that happen!

The "rowdy" river of Texas is the Guadalupe. And of the Guadalupe, the areas just above Gruene are probably the rowdiest. This is likely because of the exihirating "tube shoot" — a fast moving canal with light rapids.

For your 8 year old, they'd probably want to get out and do it over, and over, and over again. I know I have.

The new laws that the City of New Braunfels enacted are specifically aimed at taming the rowdy crowds. These apply to the river below Gruene, and the Comal River.

Here are our tips for families.

Tube on a weekday.

If you tube a weekday it will be far less crowded, and far more fun. And even if there is a rowdy crowd, you can slow down / speed up and they won't bother you.

Tube on the family-friendly sections of the major rivers.

Check out the Comal, the shortest river in the world. Also try the San Marcos!

Tube away from the outfitters.

When we started tubing years ago, the only outfitter I knew of was the Lion's Club. We'd bring our own tubes. You can still do this, and get away from the crowds that use the outfitters.

Packing for Families

This is pretty much the same, though you'll want to focus on plenty of snacks.

Bring swim goggles and the kids can jump in the water and swim around (keep your eye on them!)

Also waterguns are fun. At least for whoever is doing the shooting!

Please contact us with any ideas or feedback!