When a dad wants to spend a day out with his kids, Boerne is the perfect town to do it. And local “dadfluencer” Brian McVey is the guy to show you around. Between playground pit stops and ice cream emergencies, he’s got the inside scoop on kid-friendly spots around town. Follow along as he shares where he, Johnny, and Hannah love to eat, explore, and burn off energy.
Spotted Deer Coffee Co.
spotteddeercc.com | 8000 Fair Oaks Pkwy., Fair Oaks Ranch
We love to start our day at our favorite family-friendly coffee shop, Spotted Deer Coffee Co. Since it opened, this Fair Oaks Ranch spot has become a treasured gathering place where we can unwind and enjoy quality time together. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and perfect for families. There’s a cozy couch, shelves of books, and the comforting smell of fresh-baked treats. The kids love sipping their specialty drinks, snacking on goodies, and getting lost in a story. And if we arrive later in the day, we also enjoy having lunch. Owner Gabriella McAllen—a Seattle native—opened the shop at 18 with her dad, Sean, and her mother, Veronica, and now runs it with her husband, Justin. More than just a coffee shop, Spotted Deer is a space that brings people together.
Arrows Active Play Park
arrowsactiveplayparkboerne.com | 3 Kelton Ave.
If you’re looking for an epic indoor adventure for your little ones, Arrows Active Play Park is a must-visit! We've been coming since they first opened in April 2021, and it’s been our go-to ever since. Designed for kids ages six months and up, it’s a vibrant, action-packed space where imaginations run wild and energy gets burned in the best way. We've celebrated both of my kids' birthdays here—it’s that special. Owned by the sweetest couple, Katrina and Will, Arrows also features a top-notch café with fresh, delicious food, coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads, even wine and seltzers. Whether you're celebrating, catching up with friends, or just letting the kids run free, Arrows is all about fun, food, and community.
Hamby’s
ci.boerne.tx.us/2401/Hambys | 437 S. Main St.
This place is hands-down one of our favorite spots for a fun and great meal! Famous for their mouthwatering wagyu smash burgers, golden fries, crispy onion rings, and rich milkshakes, there’s something here for everyone—even veggie burgers!. The vibe is family-friendly, and the retro pinball machines are a huge hit with my kids—and a blast of nostalgia for us adults. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or hanging out for a while, Hamby’s delivers awesome food, good vibes, and a seriously fun throwback atmosphere that keeps us coming back again and again.
Cooper’s Kingdom
coopers-kingdom.com | 129 Old San Antonio Rd.
It’s another awesome indoor adventure-themed park that my kids love! With full-size animatronic dragons, glowing black lights, and fantastic CGI effects, Cooper’s Kingdom’s mini-golf course feels like stepping into a mythical world. The six themed rooms are packed with cool obstacles and special effects—plus, you can wear 3D glasses to make it even more exciting. There’s an arcade on both floors, a ticket redemption counter, and a tabletop game area perfect for tournaments. It’s also a great spot for birthday parties! While there’s no hot food, they’ve got plenty of snacks, candy, and sodas to keep everyone happy.
Patrick Heath Public Library
ci.boerne.tx.us/2295/Library | 451 N. Main St., Bldg. 100
We’ve been visiting the Patrick Heath Public Library for six years, and it’s become one of our favorite places in town. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and the variety of programs for all ages keeps us coming back. During the pandemic, we created lasting memories by performing plays at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater. It’s a versatile space that’s also perfect for weddings and concerts. Whether you’re looking to attend an event, explore the latest books, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon, this library offers something special for everyone in the community.