© Debra Muccio – FindingDebra.com
These top things to do in Gonzales, Texas, include fun for kids.
This fall, I had the opportunity to visit historic Gonzales, Texas, with my daughter. It was an incredible trip, one that had us walking in the steps of those who so bravely fought for Texas independence from Mexico all those years ago. It brought those history lessons from school to life.
Just a bit over an hour outside Austin or San Antonio, we fell in love with this small town of just over 7,000 in population. Some might drive by Gonzales and not know the hidden gems they pass by.
This post was a part of a sponsored trip to Gonzales, Texas, that included lodging, meals, and compensation for the event. The opinions reflected are honest and unbiased based on the individual blogger’s experience.
Related: Pioneer Village In Gonzalez, TX(Opens in a new browser tab)
© Debra Muccio – FindingDebra.com
Things To Do in Gonzales, Texas With Kids
Follow along, and I’ll show you some fun things you can do in Gonzales, Texas, with kids and why you should put this on your list of places to visit, especially if you have a child who has already studied Texas history in school.
Related: Discover Come and Take It in Gonzales, TX(Opens in a new browser tab)
Meander Inside Pioneer Village
Pioneer Village is an outdoor living history center on the edge of town, just a short drive from downtown. A walk through the village will take you back in time, telling the story of the settlers who came to Gonzales, Texas, in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
While here, you’ll be able to go inside different buildings of an era gone by, like the blacksmith shop, saloon, and Hamon church, a cypress-sided building still used for special events and weddings. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to spy several demonstrations during your visit, learning how Texans in centuries past lived and worked.
Texas Travel Tip: Make plans to visit Pioneer Village on the first Saturday during October each year. During the famed Come and Take It Celebration weekend, you’ll discover a battle reenactment. I had the privilege of viewing this, and it was like nothing I had ever experienced – volunteers in period costumes and real guns.
© Debra Muccio – FindingDebra.com
Walk Through The Gonzales County Jail Museum
Now I know what you are thinking? A jail? With kids?
Yes! Hear me out. This isn’t an actual working jail anymore, but it was for 90 years in Gonzales. I think that every child should visit a jail at some point. It makes for great conversations about choices and consequences. Plus, in the case of many jails, so much history.
In the heart of downtown Gonzales, you can visit the Gonzales County Jail Museum (free admission), where you can walk through the Sheriff’s office, jailer’s room, dungeon, and gallows. Yes, there were actual hangings in this jail. You’ll be able to see the hole in the wall used for escapees.
I had a unique experience that many can also partake in as well. I met Sandra Wolff, who was the daughter of one-time Sheriff McGinty. She grew up in this jail, living there from age 6 to 16, as her father oversaw the jail and her mother cooked for the inmates. It was interesting to chat with her about life and experiences living there.
If you dare, take one of the evening ghost tours with the older kids and teens. I passed. Ha!
Texas Travel Tip: Make sure to plan your visit as they are only open on certain days at different times of the year.
© Debra Muccio – FindingDebra.com
See The Cannon At Gonzales Memorial Museum
By the end of elementary school, any child in Texas public schools has likely already studied Texas history. Having not grown up in Texas, most of the history, except for a bit about the Alamo, was foreign to me. But, my daughter knew the facts – who, what, where, when, and most importantly, why. A significant portion of that occurred right here in Gonzales, Texas.
I had learned a lot during our weekend stay, and a lot of it centered around a battle in Gonzales, and a small, almost pint-sized cannon.
That historical cannon – well, you won’t find it at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., but rather right inside the Gonzales Memorial Museum. And you can touch it too (you can’t exactly do that in D.C.)!
Texas Travel Tip: There is an amphitheater outside on the premises that the kids can play and climb on.
Related: Tips For The Come And Take It Festival In Gonzales, Texas
© Debra Muccio – FindingDebra.com
Attend October’s Annual Come And Take It Celebration
The Annual Come And Tak It Celebration was the big reason we visited Gonzales when we did. It’s the weekend that the town comes alive, bursting with visitors from all around the state, the country, and the world. I had the chance to talk to many of them, including one couple who makes this an annual tradition every year. You can read about that in my post about Where to Stay in Gonzales, Texas – Belle Oaks Inn.
The celebration occurs the first weekend of October, and trust me when I say you’ll want to book your lodging well in advance, as some of the unique locations fill up quickly.
The festival is Friday through Sunday, filling the town square with activities like concerts, a 5K run/walk, and the famous parade (complete with camel). There will also be a mechanical bull, chicken flying contest, petting zoo, carnival rides, car show, and the battle reenactment I mentioned earlier.
© Debra Muccio – FindingDebra.com
Shop In Downtown Gonzales
If there’s one thing, I know about visiting anywhere, whether a large city or a small town, walking around without a destination in mind often leads to some surprises and extra fun. Gonzales was no exception.
Coca-Cola Mural – Discover this cool Coca-Cola mural on the side of a building just down the block from the Come and Take It Bar and Grill. Snap a photo for Instagram!
Spaces Sublime – Tween and teen girls might enjoy popping inside this store, a small store featuring home decor, holiday items, and the cutest handbags and unique souvenirs around. Spaces Sublime is now online only.
Laurel Ridge Antiques and Inn – While this is a much-loved bed and breakfast you can stay in, the store is loved just as much. You might even spy a Christmas decorated golf cart parked out front showing you the way. Hold on to your toddlers and preschoolers, as there are many breakables.
Come and Take It Wall Mosaic – Across the street from Laurel Ridge Antiques and Christmas Corner is the most beautiful large mosaic featuring the cannon prominently.
Editor’s Note: This attraction is no longer available, but I wanted to leave it up for the sake of Texas history.
© Debra Muccio – FindingDebra.com
Visit The Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library
I recommend the Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library for older kids and teenagers. There are two fascinating finds located deep within the local library. The first is The DuBose Collection, and the second is the Mary Elizabeth Tinsley Texas History Center.
The DuBose Collection boasts itself as one of the largest private gun collections in the United States. The collection was curated by Charles DuBose, a Gonzales, Texas native who graduated from Gonzales High School before entering the Army. His collecting began when he purchased some guns in Germany years ago.
The Mary Elizabeth Tinsley, Texas History Center is just across the library from The DuBose Collection. History lovers will geek out over the signed letters from Sam Houston and other memorabilia hanging on the walls.
We thoroughly loved our trip to Gonzales, Texas, and hope you make plans to visit soon!
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