Wow your little two-legged animals with interactive experiences with exotic wildlife. Feed giraffes at Longneck Manor, see elephants up close at The Preserve, or touch a real-life rhinoceros at Rhinory. Watch around 3 million bats emerge at the Old Tunnel State Park Bat Cave. Bat season is from May 1 through Oct. 31, and tickets for bat viewing must be purchased in advance to stay in the park after 5 p.m. during those dates. 

For a free activity, kids can feed the ducks at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. (No bread, please. Oats, rice, birdseed, frozen peas, chopped lettuce or sliced grapes are okay!)

Explore the nature trails at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. For a more moderate hike, try Cross Mountain, a local favorite. Go at sunset to take in one of the best views in town. If you're feeling adventurous, hike Enchanted Rock, one of the area's most popular destinations. Pro tip: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area typically sells out-of-day passes on weekends and holidays. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 30 days in advance. 

Dive into Fredericksburg's rich history by taking the kids to the museums and historical spots, including Pioneer Museum,  National Museum of the Pacific War, Fort Martin Scott, Texas Rangers Heritage Center, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.

Take to the skies for an aerial view of Fredericksburg at TacAero, the flight school at the Gillespie County Airport. Availability is subject to weather and schedule. So look for "flags up" at the TacAero hangar or call in advance. Kids can ride in a vintage biplane and other training aircraft. Prices range from $100-$250 for up to two passengers at a time. For more info, call (844) 359-2827. Tally ho!

When in the Texas Hill Country, a trail ride is on every kid's bucket list! Circle K Trail Rides, Bit & Bridle Stables and Tres Molinos Ranch & Resort offer horseback riding for families and groups. Pro tip: A great activity for birthday parties!

Grab some picnic goodies at a local market like Fresh Pickens, Joanna's Market at Signor Vineyards or Sunday Supply and head to Marktplatz. Kids can play at the new shaded playground while grownups stroll the grounds and garden.

We get it. It's been a long day, and the kids (and grownups) need a treat. So grab a cone or a spoon at Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery or Oro Bianco Italian Creamery. For a dairy-free, gluten-free option, the Italian ice at Piccolina is a must. And the Airport Diner's old-fashioned milkshake can't be beat.

Burn off some energy at several area parks and playgrounds. Locals love Old Fair Park for its playground, batting cages, baseball fields, basketball courts and soccer fields. And the adjacent Fredericksburg Skatepark welcomes kids with scooters. Pro tip: These parks and playgrounds are free!

For the budding artists in your family, try a painting class at The Yellow Door and Next Door Studios. They host "arty parties" and offer open studio hours on the weekends. Or feel the heat at Fredericksburg's only glassblowing studio, Enchanted Fredericksburg Glassblowing. 

Get a break from the Texas heat at one of the local pools or the splash pad. The Town Pool features a slide and in-water basketball. Park Pool at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park includes a leisure pool and a lap pool with a diving board. Admission to both is only $2 per person. And the Town Pool Splash Pad is free.

Skate amid the glow of Christmas lights at Marktplatz at Fredericksburg's only outdoor ice skating rink, Eisbahn. The rink opens the week of Thanksgiving and continues through New Year's Day. Come-and-go passes are $15 including skate rental. Passes are $10 on Tuesdays.