Comal River Tubing from Austin: The Perfect Family Adventure
Experience the shortest, most family‑friendly tubing adventure in Texas. The spring‑fed Comal River offers consistent 72–75°F water, gentle currents, and 2–3 hour float times perfect for families and first‑timers.
Comal River Quick Facts
Table of Contents
Why Families Love the Comal River
The Comal River is widely considered the best introduction to river tubing for families. Its unique spring-fed characteristics create ideal conditions for children and adults alike, making it the top choice for multi-generational groups and first-time tubing families from Austin.
👶 Perfect for Children
- •Constant 72-75°F water temperature - never too cold
- •Gentle current with no scary rapids
- •Short 2-3 hour float time fits attention spans
- •Clear, shallow water allows kids to see bottom
- •Multiple easy exit points if needed
🏊♀️ Spring-Fed Advantages
- •Consistent water levels year-round
- •Crystal clear water with excellent visibility
- •Natural filtration keeps water clean
- •Predictable flow makes planning easier
- •No weather-dependent cancellations
🎯 The Comal River Advantage
Unlike longer rivers that can exhaust young children or unpredictable rivers that may have unsafe conditions, the Comal River offers a "Goldilocks" experience - not too long, not too short, not too fast, not too slow. It's just right for creating positive first experiences that will have your family wanting to return year after year.
Family-Friendly Transportation from Austin
Getting your family to the Comal River should be as stress-free as the float itself. Professional shuttle services eliminate parking hassles, ensure everyone arrives together, and let parents relax knowing transportation is handled by experienced local drivers.
👨👩👧👦 Family Benefits
- No car seat transfers needed
- Keep family together during travel
- Professional drivers familiar with families
- Air conditioning for comfort
- Restroom stops as needed
🚐 Service Features
- Multiple Austin pickup locations
- Flexible timing for families
- Equipment coordination included
- Group rates for extended families
- Safety-certified vehicles
⏰ Family Schedule
- 9:00 AM: Austin pickup
- 10:00 AM: Arrive New Braunfels
- 10:30 AM: Safety briefing
- 11:00 AM: Start floating
- 1:30 PM: Finish, lunch time
- 3:00 PM: Return to Austin
🎒 Family Packing Made Easy
Most Comal River shuttle services offer family packing assistance and can coordinate with outfitters to provide everything you need, minimizing what you need to bring from Austin:
Provided by Outfitters:
- • Tubes (including child-sized)
- • Life jackets for all ages
- • Cooler tubes for snacks/drinks
- • Basic safety equipment
Bring from Austin:
- • Sunscreen and hats
- • Water and family snacks
- • Waterproof phone case
- • Change of clothes
Family-Friendly Comal River Outfitters
These Comal River outfitters specialize in family experiences and coordinate seamlessly with Austin transportation services. Each offers unique advantages for families with children of different ages.
Texas Tubes
250 Meusebach St, New Braunfels, TX
On‑river Comal outfitter with private exit and shuttle. Famous Tube Chute float.
Highlights:
- Private exit
- Tube Chute float
- Open daily in season
Services:
Comal Tubes
1880 S Business IH 35, New Braunfels, TX
Comal River tube rentals with shuttle to Prince Solms Park and back.
Highlights:
- 2–3 hr float
- Family friendly
Services:
Rockin' R River Rides (Comal)
193 S. Liberty St, New Braunfels, TX
Comal shop with tube rentals and shuttle to Prince Solms Park; retail and parking available.
Highlights:
- Established brand
- Downtown location
Services:
The Comal River Family Experience
🌊 What Makes It Special
The Comal River flows from Comal Springs in Landa Park, creating the shortest major river in Texas at only 2.5 miles long. This unique characteristic makes it perfect for families - you get the full river experience without the commitment of longer rivers.
River Highlights:
- • Shortest major river in Texas (2.5 miles)
- • Constant 72-75°F temperature from springs
- • Gentle Class I rapids - perfect for beginners
- • Multiple swimming areas with shallow entry
- • Beautiful cypress trees and clear water
- • Wildlife viewing opportunities
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for All Ages
Young Children (5-10 years)
The gentle current and clear water let kids feel safe while experiencing adventure. Many children love spotting fish and turtles in the crystal-clear water.
Teens & Adults
While gentle, the Comal still provides a fun, relaxing experience. Perfect for family bonding and introducing teens to river activities.
Grandparents
The short float time and predictable conditions make it ideal for grandparents wanting to share outdoor adventures with grandchildren.
🗺️ The Float Experience
Launch at Landa Park
Begin at the springs with a gentle entry into crystal-clear water
Peaceful Float
Gentle current carries you through cypress-lined banks and swimming holes
Easy Exit
Multiple takeout points allow flexible trip lengths
Family Tip: The entire float typically takes 2-3 hours, but you can exit early at several points if young children get tired. Most families find this to be the perfect length for a memorable day out.
Essential Tips for Families
👶 Age Recommendations
Ages 4-6: With Careful Supervision
- • Must wear life jacket at all times
- • Adult in water within arm's reach
- • Consider tandem tubes for safety
- • Plan for shorter attention spans
Ages 7-12: Ideal Age Range
- • Old enough to follow safety instructions
- • Can handle 2-3 hour adventure
- • Excitement without overwhelming fear
- • Create lasting adventure memories
Teens: Gateway to Adventure
- • Perfect introduction to river sports
- • Builds confidence for longer rivers
- • Social media worthy experiences
- • Family bonding opportunities
🛡️ Safety Considerations
Pre-Trip Preparation
- •Discuss river safety rules with children
- •Ensure all children can swim basic strokes
- •Practice tube entry/exit in shallow water
- •Establish buddy system for siblings
During the Float
- •Keep family group together at all times
- •Adults should surround children in formation
- •Take breaks at safe spots to regroup
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or cold
💡 Pro Family Tips
Timing: Start early (9-10 AM) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Children are more energetic in the morning.
Snacks: Bring plenty of water and easy-to-eat snacks. The spring water can make kids hungrier than expected.
Photos: Waterproof cameras capture great memories. The clear water makes for amazing underwater shots.
Comfort: Bring towels and dry clothes for after. Kids appreciate warming up immediately after exiting.
Family Trip Planning Guide
📅 Best Times for Families
Weekdays (Monday-Thursday)
Best choice for families with young children
- • Smaller crowds, more attention from staff
- • Quieter, more peaceful environment
- • Better photo opportunities
- • Often discounted rates
Saturday Mornings
Good compromise for working families
- • Early departures beat crowds
- • Full weekend day for recovery
- • Social atmosphere without party crowds
- • More transportation options
Spring & Fall (March-May, Sept-Nov)
Ideal seasons for family trips
- • Perfect air temperatures (70-85°F)
- • Comfortable for all family members
- • Less intense sun exposure
- • Beautiful seasonal scenery
💰 Family Budget Planning
Cost Per Person (Ages 12+):
Children's Pricing:
- • Ages 4-8: Usually 50% of adult rates
- • Ages 9-11: Usually 75% of adult rates
- • Under 4: Often free (with adult supervision)
- • Family packages available from most outfitters
Family Safety on the Comal River
🚨 Family Emergency Information
Emergency Services: 911
New Braunfels Police: (830) 221-4100
Comal County EMS: (830) 620-3400
Children's Hospital: CHRISTUS Santa Rosa (New Braunfels)
Lost Child Protocol: Immediately contact outfitter staff
River Emergency: Stay calm, signal for help
Shuttle Emergency: Contact your transportation service
👨👩👧👦 Family Safety Protocol
Before Entering the Water:
- •Assign adult "buddies" to each child
- •Check all life jacket fits and fasteners
- •Establish meeting points along the route
- •Review hand signals and emergency calls
- •Identify the lead adult and sweep adult
🌊 Water Safety Specifics
Comal River Characteristics:
- •Depth ranges from 2-6 feet in most areas
- •Current is gentle and predictable
- •Water is always clear - easy to see hazards
- •Multiple shallow areas for rest stops
- •Well-maintained with regular safety inspections
Family-Friendly New Braunfels Activities
New Braunfels offers numerous family-friendly attractions that pair perfectly with your Comal River tubing adventure. Consider extending your day to include these kid-approved activities.
🎢 Top Family Attractions
1Schlitterbahn Waterpark
World's first waterpark - perfect combination with tubing
Spring-fed pools and slides make it ideal for families. Many choose to split the day between river tubing and waterpark fun.
2Landa Park
Spring-fed pool and recreational activities
Natural spring-fed swimming pool, playground equipment, and picnic areas. Perfect for cooling off and letting kids play.
3Natural Bridge Caverns
Underground cave tours (20 minutes from New Braunfels)
Educational and exciting cave exploration. Natural air conditioning provides relief from Texas heat.
🍕 Family Dining Options
Krause's Biergarten
Family-friendly German restaurant with outdoor play area
Kids menu, outdoor seating, and playground. Parents can relax while kids play safely.
Whataburger on the Guadalupe
Texas favorite with river views
Familiar food kids love with unique river-side location. Quick service perfect for hungry families.
Naegelin's Bakery
Oldest bakery in Texas - perfect for treats
Historic bakery with amazing pastries and cookies. Great for post-tubing sweet treats.
🎯 Perfect Family Day Itinerary
Morning (9 AM - 2 PM):
- • Depart Austin via shuttle
- • Safety briefing and tube setup
- • 2-3 hour Comal River float
- • Lunch at family restaurant
Afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM):
- • Visit Landa Park for kids to play
- • Browse historic Gruene district
- • Ice cream or bakery treats
- • Return shuttle to Austin
Create Perfect Family Memories
Book your family's Comal River adventure today and discover why it's Texas's favorite family tubing experience.