Things to Do: Kids Events

Always LABOR DAY WEEKEND:  Very much a family oriented event. Texas Longhorn cattle drive down Bandera's Main Street on the Saturday of the event each year to lead the parade.  In addition, Celebrate Bandera offers many historical re-enactment groups and camps where children can learn about the late 1800's.  Wild West Show, Mutton Bustin' and calf scramble during the NPBR Bull Riding.  Intertribal Pow Wow at Mansfield Park.  Arts and crafts, food court and music on the court house lawn.

MID MARCH THRU DECEMBER - Every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting) the Bandera Business Association sponsors a western display in front of the Bandera County Courthouse.  The display can range from a chuck wagon to a  pen of horses or possibly a trick roper showing his skills.  Also during this time western entertainers roam on Main Street and you will probably be able to see our Bandera Cattle Company perform a gunfight or two on the side streets.

OCTOBER - Enjoy a whole day of family fun at the pumpkin patch.  Activities include hay rides in the orchard, a pumpkin maze, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, scarecrow building, and perfroming with the Great Hill Country Symphony.  Open on the weekends to the general public; Closed on Wednesdays; other weekdays are reserved for school groups and other children's groups.

LAST SATURDAY IN JUNE - RiverFest, held at Bandera City Park, celebrates Bandera's beautiful Medina River.  Make sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, and river shoes so that you and your children can enjoy the river activities.  Lawn chairs or a beach blanket are also advisable. Tubes and kayaks are available.  A "River Rodeo" is held for the children and a special area is designated for ongoing children's activities throughout the day.  Arts & Crafts, Open Car Show, BBQ Cook-off, and Bandera Idol Competition round out the day's activities.

Mid-APRIL THRU AUGUST - Saturday rodeos are held weekly at the Twin Elm Guest Ranch.  The rodeos offer mutton bustin' for children under 65 lbs and also offer an opportunity for children to enter the arena for either a calf scramble or mutton catch.  See the calendar of events for details.