Looking to get out of the city and take in some fresh air in the Texas hill country? Look no further than Brenham, Texas! Here are 3 things you can do with your kids in Brenham that are cheap and fun for the whole family!
Washington on the Brazos
Ever wondered what Texas was like before it was a state – i.e. back when it was it’s own republic? Well this is where it all began! This is the very spot that 59 Texians braved the approaching armies of Mexican General Santa Anna to create and sign a formal declaration of independence from Mexico.
The Republic of Texas, created at Washington in 1836 (this site here off road 12), once encompassed all of the present state of Texas, and parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Here you can see Independence Hall (where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed), the Barrington plantation (the home of the last President of Texas as a Republic), and the Star of the Republic Museum.
While the trail map looks pretty extensive and the property covers almost 300 miles, the hiking trails really aren’t that extensive. We chose the longest hiking trail they had to do and it took us maybe an hour to complete – and that’s with making stops to look at points of interest.
If you’re looking to experience Texas as it was in the 1800s, you’ll want to visit on the weekend closest to March 2nd for the Texas Independence Day celebration. During this, the 1830s Republic of Texas period comes to life with costumed interpreters, period demonstrations, toe tappin’ music, firearms and artillery firing. This annual, two-day celebration also features food vendors, traditional crafts, living history presentations and commemorative programs. Admission fees are waived at the museum during this weekend celebration, but the grounds are always free to walk around and explore.
Flying Horses Carousel
Fireman’s Park in Brenham, Texas is home to this 1930s carousel. Brenham’s Flying Horses Carousel is only one of five surviving classic wood Carousels that exist in Texas. According to the National Carousel Association, Brenham’s Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest in Texas and one of the few remaining Carousels consisting of Charles W. Dare horses.
The carousel was discovered in 1930 by Mr. Hugh Durden in Clay, Texas. It was left in a pasture years earlier, during the Depression, by a carnival that couldn’t afford to pay rent on the land they used for their carnival. Mr. Durden saw the potential of the old Carousel and told members of the Washington County Fair Association about how it could serve the community.
After many years of lovingly restoring it, the Flying Horses Carousel opened to the public.
If you want to stop by and see this one of kind structure, pay close attention to their hours – as they are pretty limited. They are only open on weekends between March and October. Saturdays they’re open 11am to 4pm and Sundays is 1 to 4pm.
Kids under 12 can ride the antique horses and it’s only $1 per ride. If you’re a ”big kid” and want to ride too, you can stand alongside a horse or sit in one of the benches on the rotating carousel.
There’s also a great playground at Fireman’s Park where the carousel is located, so you’ll be able to wear the kids out here as well.
Bluebell Creamery
Who can say no to ice cream? If you’re from Texas, chances are you’ve heard of Bluebell Ice cream. After all, it is the best ice cream there is.
For planning purposes, they’re open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm all year round. And just so you know, the warmer the weather, the earlier you might want to get there because it will get packed.
First off, you’ll want to stop in the visitor center. This area will tell you all about the history of Bluebell, show you how the company has grown over the years, and you can even get a paper Bluebell hat for free.
Next, you’ll go to the factory next door. After you head upstairs, you can go to the Observation area and watch the workers below fill the ice cream cartons, put the lids on, and package them up for shipment. Unfortunately, there’s no photos or videos allowed in that portion of the facility, but we all loved seeing how the ice cream is made. Don’t forget to wave at the ice cream makers below. They’re super friendly and will always wave back.
This facility in Brenham, Texas is the only one of Bluebell’s many locations that you can see the behind the scenes of the factory and sample a few of their flavors. For just $1 per scoop, you can try out some of their newest flavors – alongside a few of the classics.
Want to see more to do in Brenham? Try these options!
Photos with Bluebonnets (March-April only)
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