Since most of the Fredericksburg threads are "weekend away/adults only" I wanted to see if anyone had a recommendation on restaurants with outdoor areas. We're headed over on Friday for the elephant preserve. Looking for an afternoon or dinner spot to hang/drink/eat for 4 adults and 4 kids ranging from 5-10 years old. Staying in town.

Rhinory is a cool place to check out with kids. World War II museum is really well done too.

https://rhinory.com/

As for restaurants https://www.tubbysfbg.com/

Grape Creek has good pizza and a large field kids can run around in https://www.grapecreek.com/

Burger Burger on Main Street has a large outdoor patio and a kids menu.

Thanks all. I'll check them all out.

Hondo's on Main is a good spot.

https://www.hondosonmain.com/menu

Head about 15 minutes out in the sticks down Old San Antonio road to get a Texas Monthly cover burger at Alamo Springs Cafe. Saw lots of white tail and axis deer on the round trip. Excellent burger. In warm months, bats leave Old Tunnel state park next door and fly over the cafe and grounds. Can sit outside or inside.

Go to the Diner at the Hangar Hotel. You can sit in a 50's style diner and watch planes take off and land, some of them taxi right up to the windows and park. I first went when I was a kid and loved it.

AFAIK the restaurant at Grape Creek is no longer open to the public and members only. One of the reasons I stopped going to Grape Creek is how the atmosphere became so hostile to non-members, it's practically a country club now.
The pizza used to be great.

Yep. Members only and could not get a straight answer on cost of membership etc.

SupermachJM said:

---

One of the reasons I stopped going to Grape Creek is how the atmosphere became so hostile to non-members, it's practically a country club now.

---

Agree. Went one time right a few years ago and they were very rude, like we were intruding. Never been back.

We used to go but stopped when we were asked at the gate if we were members and directed to a separate 'non-members' parking lot that was farther from the winery. Just ridiculous.

Did not know that. It has been a few years since we went. That's unfortunate.

Alamo Springs and Hondo's are both great suggestions. If you guys want pizza, we've also taken the family to West End Pizza Co. a few times and can give it a recommendation. Alamo Springs though would be my favorite IF you all want to make the drive. Enjoy and have fun!

Bumping this--any winery recs where kids are allowed? Mostly looking for an outdoor area to sit, and where the kids can run. We are thinking a weekday to minimize crowds. Rhinory looks cool.

If you time it correct you can do dinner at Alamo Springs and see Old Tunnel State Park for the bats to come out of the rail tunnel. Check their FB page for posted times for viewing
https://www.facebook.com/oldtunnelstatepark#

Rhinory is cool.

William Chris is very kid friendly- they just did a giant Easter egg hunt yesterday for families.

Messina Hof has a back covered patio area with a large field that I'd imagine would do the trick.
Hilmy does too and has better wine.
Hye meadow has a really huge treed back lot and covered patio.

For a change of pace Altstadt brewery has some great facilities that would work with kids also.