Things to Do in Aubrey, TX with Kids
Aubrey packs a decade of community traditions into a city that still feels genuinely small-town, and the Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association offers one of the widest sport menus of any Denton County city at this size.
Part of the DFW Family Activities Hub covering all 67 DFW suburbs.
Page last reviewed 2026-06-05. We update activities pages annually as parks, leagues, and venues change.
Quick answer: Aubrey has 4 city parks, 10+ youth sports through the Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association (founded 1992), and 8+ city-run annual events. It is a well-organized small city in Denton County for families who want genuine community engagement without driving into a larger suburb to find it.
What Aubrey Families Actually Do Here
Aubrey sits in that part of Denton County where families can still land a yard, a cul-de-sac, and a sports league that actually knows your kid's name. The Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association has been running programs since 1992, Veterans Memorial Park anchors the downtown events calendar, and the Peanut Festival each October has been the community's signature annual moment since 1986. Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a short drive north for the kind of outdoor scale that no Aubrey park can replicate on its own. See the full Aubrey relocation guide.
10+ Sports Through AAYSA
The Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association runs baseball, softball, soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, track, golf, cheerleading, and flag football. No other city in Denton County at Aubrey's population offers this breadth through a single local organization.
Events Calendar with Real Attendance
The Summer Music Series (May, June, July), Peanut Festival (October), Haunted Harvest (October 31), and Christmas Tree Lighting (December) are city-run events that draw genuine community turnout rather than sponsored activations.
Ray Roberts Lake on the Doorstep
Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a few miles north of Aubrey with 29,000 acres of hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. For outdoor families, this is the activity multiplier that makes Aubrey's smaller city park inventory much less of an issue.
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Aubrey maintains four city parks, each with a distinct character, plus close access to Ray Roberts Lake State Park and the Greenbelt Corridor for the kind of outdoor scale a city park system cannot provide on its own. None of the four city parks currently have splash pads.
Veterans Memorial Park
The city's primary events venue at 301 S. Main St. Honors veterans and serves as the stage for most of Aubrey's signature community events, including the Summer Music Series, the Peanut Festival, and the Christmas Tree Lighting. Recent upgrades added more parking, vendor power, stage shade structure, and a public restroom. Restrooms on-site. Not primarily a play park but an essential gathering ground for the whole community.
Matthews Park
Nestled in the downtown area at 202 Plum St. Received a full renovation in 2024 with new playground equipment, fresh landscaping, and an updated visual presentation. The most family-facing of Aubrey's parks, and the best option for parents with younger children (ages 2-8) wanting a quick afternoon playground visit near the town center. Good shade and stroller accessibility after the renovation.
Leslie Park
At 249 Glenview Dr., Leslie Park has been upgraded with basketball courts and pickleball courts alongside the existing soccer field and playground. This is the most sports-active of the city parks, and a practical destination for older kids and teens who want pickup basketball or pickleball rather than playground equipment. The soccer field hosts informal youth matches outside of organized AAYSA league play.
Highmeadow Park
At 326 Highmeadow Dr., Aubrey's newest park transforms previously unused space in the Highmeadow neighborhood into community green space. This reflects the city's approach to new development: when a subdivision goes in, a neighborhood park goes with it. Particularly convenient for families living in that part of Aubrey who want something walkable.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
A few miles north of Aubrey, this 29,000-acre state park is the outdoor anchor for families in the area. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, and camping across both the Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch units. The Greenbelt Corridor connects Lake Ray Roberts to Lake Lewisville through miles of trails ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. An annual parks pass makes it a practical weekend destination rather than a once-a-year trip.
TX-Ture Farm
A working lavender farm in the Aubrey area with seasonal family tours, farm animal interactions, and a farm stand. Not a city park, but filling the role of a family outdoor destination that Aubrey's city parks do not cover. Seasonal events and a pumpkin patch in fall make it a repeat-visit destination for families with younger children. Check their schedule for tour availability.
Trail System Highlight
The Greenbelt Corridor at Ray Roberts Lake State Park spans dozens of miles connecting Lake Ray Roberts to Lake Lewisville, passing through wildlife corridors, wildflower meadows, and creek crossings. The primary trailhead for Aubrey-area families is through the Isle du Bois unit just north of town. Suitable for mountain biking with kids in trailers, trail running, and horseback riding alongside hiking. Texas State Parks annual pass strongly recommended for families who will use it more than twice a year.
Relocation Tip
For a first weekend outing, go to Matthews Park on a Saturday morning to see who is at the playground, then walk to Upper Park Cafe (200 S. Main St.) for breakfast. That 20-minute loop through the downtown core tells you more about whether Aubrey matches your family's pace than any neighborhood tour will.
Youth Sports Leagues & Facilities
The Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association (AAYSA, founded 1992) is the standout feature of Aubrey's family sports landscape. The organization runs more sports than most cities of comparable size in Denton County, with every kid playing regardless of skill level. Primary venues include Leslie Park and McNabb Middle School fields.
Soccer
League: AAYSA Soccer
Ages: U4 through U17 (co-ed divisions)
Season: Fall (August through November)
Where games are played: Leslie Park and partner fields. Recreational league focus; all experience levels welcome from first-time U4 players through U17.
Baseball
League: AAYSA Baseball
Ages: Multiple youth divisions by USSSA age calculator
Season: Fall season (games begin September; season runs through late October)
Where games are played: East Division (Aubrey, Pilot Point, Tioga); majority of home games in Pilot Point on Saturdays.
Softball
League: AAYSA Softball
Ages: 4U through 14U (age per USSSA chart)
Season: Fall (August through November), with end-of-season tournament
Where games are played: AAYSA fields; games historically weekdays and Saturdays. USA Softball fast-pitch rules with league modifications.
Volleyball
League: AAYSA Volleyball
Ages: By September 1 age cutoff of current school year
Season: Three seasons: Fall (Aug-Oct), Spring (Mar-May), Summer (Jun-Aug)
Where games are played: McMath Middle School and UNT facilities on Saturdays. One of the few suburban clubs in the area with a genuine summer volleyball season for kids.
Youth Tackle Football
League: AAYSA Football
Ages: Multiple youth divisions
Season: Fall; Saturday games begin September, playoffs in November
Where games are played: North Texas Youth Football affiliated league. AAYSA also offers Flag Football as a separate program for families who want non-contact play.
Track & Field
League: AAYSA Track & Field
Ages: 6U through 18U (TAAF Region 4 age groups)
Season: Summer (April through August); State Championship at Texas A&M
Where practices are held: McNabb Middle School (815 W. Sherman Dr., Aubrey), Mon/Tue/Thu evenings. AAYSA covers state meet entry fees for qualifying athletes.
Basketball & Golf
League: AAYSA Basketball and AAYSA Golf
Ages: Multiple youth divisions
Season: Basketball runs seasonally; Golf is a newer program in partnership with Christie's Golf Ranch and The Tee Indoor Golf Simulator, covering fundamental to competitive instruction for ages 5-18. Contact aubreyyouthsports.com for current registration windows.
About AAYSA
Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association (aubreyyouthsports.com) has been Aubrey's community sports backbone since 1992. Contact: (940) 220-9001. The philosophy is simple: every kid plays, coaches coach, players play, and parents cheer. Board meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month. The organization also runs an inclusion support volunteer program and a Coby Lewis Legacy Fund for families in need.
Thinking About Aubrey for Aubrey ISD & Youth Sports?
Start with the full Aubrey relocation guide: schools, neighborhoods, market data, and what life here actually looks like for families.
Family Entertainment & Attractions
Aubrey's entertainment scene is local and outdoors-oriented, with a few genuine regional draws that families use on a rotating basis. Texas Motor Speedway and Denton's arts and entertainment corridor are each within 20 minutes.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
State park · 29,000 acres with two main units (Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch), boating ramps, fishing piers, campgrounds, and the Greenbelt Corridor trail system. This is where Aubrey families go for the kind of outdoor day that resets a week. The park accepts the Texas State Parks annual pass. About 10 min north of Aubrey.
Aubrey Main Street & Downtown
Historic downtown strip · Aubrey's Main Street has a genuine small-town character with local shops, the city park, Upper Park Cafe, and the Fruit Jar Junction Market. The kind of Saturday-morning destination that is more walk-around-and-discover than destination-shopping. Roughly 5 min from most Aubrey subdivisions.
TX-Ture Farm
Working farm attraction · Lavender fields, farm animals, sustainable farming tours, and seasonal events including a pumpkin patch. A local farm visit with genuine educational value for younger children. Works as a birthday party venue option too. Check their current-season schedule before visiting. About 10 min from downtown Aubrey.
Fortunata Winery
Texas winery · At 2297 FM 2931, Fortunata is a working winery with tastings, event space, and a well-regarded vineyard setting. The winery is primarily an adult venue, but the grounds and tasting room accommodate families at off-peak times. Worth knowing as a date-night option once grandparents come to visit. About 15 min from downtown Aubrey.
Fruit Jar Junction Market
Local artisan and farmers market · Held periodically in Aubrey, with local vendors, produce, handmade goods, and food. The kind of small-town market that becomes a regular family Saturday stop once you locate it. Check the city events calendar at aubreytx.gov/202 for current dates. Free to browse; held at Veterans Memorial Park area.
Day Trip from Aubrey
Texas Motor Speedway (about 15 min south on US 377 and I-35W) hosts NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, and NHRA events across the year. A race weekend at TMS is a genuinely memorable family outing for kids who have any interest in motorsports, and Aubrey's location makes it more accessible than for most DFW families. Check the TMS schedule for family-friendly race days and ticket pricing.
Family-Friendly Dining
Aubrey's dining scene is growing fast along the US 380 corridor and has a cluster of well-reviewed local originals that give the city more personality than its size would suggest. Most of the action is concentrated on US 380 and around the downtown Main Street area.
Best post-game BBQ
26781 US-380. Brisket, beef ribs, loaded baked potatoes, and banana pudding that regulars drive from two counties away to eat. Service is fast and friendly. Rated 4.6 stars with 280+ reviews. The default choice after any Saturday AAYSA game that goes long.
Best weekend brunch
27379 E. University Dr. Breakfast and lunch: crepes, chicken fried chicken, breakfast burritos, avocado toast, and a Southern breakfast plate. Quickly becoming the go-to brunch spot for Aubrey families. 4.5 stars from 250+ reviews.
Best tacos and burgers
558 Spring Hill Rd. Street tacos (brisket, carne asada, chicken), the Flamas Burger, and tortas. A newer spot with 4.8 stars and a growing local following. Good for a quick lunch that impresses people who expected nothing in a small town.
Best Friday night pizza
928 US-377. Lasagna, calzones, chicken parmigiana, and housemade pasta in a casual sit-down setting. The staff is attentive about allergy awareness. 4.4 stars from 148 reviews. Fills the gap for families who want Italian without driving to Denton or Frisco.
Best small-town breakfast
200 S. Main St. Pecan French toast, chicken fried steak, breakfast tacos, and a local pecan coffee that has converted people who claimed not to like coffee. In the heart of downtown Aubrey, steps from Matthews Park. Good for a slow weekday morning.
Best date-night alternative
26785 US-380. Yellow curry, pad see ew, tom yum, and roasted duck curry. BYOB policy makes it a popular adult evening option. 4.1 stars from 250+ reviews. One of the few Thai options in the immediate Aubrey corridor.
Best quick taco lunch
26742 E. University Dr. Quesabirria, street tacos, breakfast tacos, and fish tacos. Fast and genuinely good. The go-to spot when you have 30 minutes between practices and everyone is hungry.
Best Saturday morning treat
710 S. US-377. Local bakery with drive-through. Apple fritters, soy-free donuts, ham croissants, and jalapeno sausage rolls. A family-owned operation with reliable quality. The Saturday morning stop before youth sports games.
Best Tex-Mex dinner value
26615 US-380. Brisket tacos, birria, chicken fajitas, and a Durango plate that delivers serious volume for the price. Solid neighborhood Tex-Mex for family dinners when cooking is not happening.
Best summer treat stop
1459 FM 1385. Mangonadas, snowcones with chamoy and Tajin, mango smoothies, and pinacoladas. A local outdoor shack that becomes a mandatory post-practice stop in the summer months. Cash and cards accepted.
Most of the newer restaurant openings are concentrated along the US 380 (E. University Drive) corridor, while the local classics are on or near S. Main Street and US 377 in the older part of Aubrey.
Shopping & Retail Districts
Aubrey's retail base is growing along US 380 and handles everyday needs well. For anything specialty, Denton is 20 minutes west and has a fuller retail corridor.
US 380 Retail Corridor
E. University Drive (US 380) has a growing mix of national chain retail, grocery options, pharmacies, and fast-casual dining. This is where most of Aubrey's everyday errands happen. Convenient for families who want to stay local for routine purchases rather than driving to Denton or Frisco.
Best for: groceries, pharmacy, quick errands, and the growing restaurant scene that now lines the corridor.
Main Street Aubrey
The historic downtown on S. Main Street has local businesses, the Fruit Jar Junction Market, and a small-town shopping atmosphere that disappears quickly as you drive north on US 377. Not a shopping destination in the traditional sense, but where the city's character lives. Worth exploring on the first couple of weekends after you move in.
Best for: supporting local businesses, farmers market visits, and finding the Aubrey that predates the subdivisions.
Denton for Specialty Retail
Denton, about 20 minutes west, has Golden Triangle Mall, the Golden Triangle corridor, Costco, Target, specialty stores, and a broader selection of home goods and clothing. The University of North Texas presence gives Denton a more varied retail and dining ecosystem than most DFW suburban cities of its size. Most Aubrey families use Denton for anything that US 380 cannot provide locally.
Best for: major appliances, furniture, specialty retail, and any shopping day that warrants a full-day trip.
Annual Events & Community Calendar
Aubrey's City Events Department produces a tighter-than-expected calendar of city-wide events that draw strong community turnout. Veterans Memorial Park hosts most of the larger events. Check aubreytx.gov/202 for this year's confirmed dates.
Spring (typically April)
Easter Egg Hunt
Annual city egg hunt for children, held in spring. A free family event that draws strong attendance from young families across Aubrey. Check the official events page for current year date and location.
Spring (typically April)
Touch-a-Truck
City vehicles, fire trucks, and construction equipment on display for children to explore up close. A perennial favorite for the 2-8 age range. Free event held in spring. Check aubreytx.gov/202 for the annual date.
May, June & July
Summer Music Series
Three outdoor concerts held monthly (May, June, July) at Veterans Memorial Park. Live music with entertainment (check the official events page for each year's lineup), food vendors, and a community gathering atmosphere that Aubrey families treat as a standing monthly social. Free to attend.
Throughout the year
Fruit Jar Junction Market
A local artisan and farm market with vendors selling produce, handmade goods, and food. Held periodically through the year. Aubrey's version of a small-town farmers market. Check aubreytx.gov/411 for current market dates.
October
Peanut Festival
Aubrey's signature community event, held annually since 1986 to celebrate the area's agricultural heritage. Live entertainment (check the official events page for this year's lineup), vendors, kids' activities, and a festive Main Street atmosphere. Veterans Memorial Park hosts the event. Typically draws attendees from across Denton County.
October 31
Aubrey Haunted Harvest
Halloween community event held annually on October 31. Family-oriented trick-or-treat atmosphere with community participation. Check aubreytx.gov/432 for event details and location each year.
November
Aubrey For Veterans
Annual veterans recognition event held in November, reflecting Aubrey's long tradition of honoring military service through Veterans Memorial Park. Community event open to all residents.
December
Christmas Tree Lighting
Annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. One of the most attended city events of the year for families with young children. The lighting kicks off the holiday season for many Aubrey families. Check aubreytx.gov/300 for current year date.
Full calendar: Aubrey official events page
Upcoming Events in Aubrey
What's happening in the next 60 days, updated weekly.
No upcoming events found within the next 60 days. Check the Eventbrite listings for more.
Last checked: 2026-07-20
Indoor Activities for Kids
Aubrey's in-city indoor options are limited but growing, and Denton's broader indoor activity scene is about 20 minutes west. The practical approach most Aubrey families take: use local spots for convenience, drive to Denton or Frisco for the bigger venues.
Aubrey Public Library
Type: Public library · Ages: All ages, programs for children
Located in Aubrey; check aubreytx.gov/190 for hours and current programming. Children's sections with reading programs and events. The quieter option for rainy afternoons that does not require driving to Denton. Free with library card.
Leslie Park Indoor Courts
Type: Outdoor courts with year-round usability · Ages: All ages
Basketball and pickleball courts at 249 Glenview Dr. The Texas fall, winter, and spring seasons make outdoor court play practical for most of the year. Good for older kids and teens who want pickup basketball or new-to-pickleball lessons. Free; public access.
The Tee Indoor Golf Simulator
Type: Indoor golf simulation · Ages: Ages 5 and up (AAYSA Golf partnership)
An indoor golf simulator facility partnered with AAYSA's youth golf program. Practical for off-season skill development and rainy-day golf for the family. Contact AAYSA or check aubreyyouthsports.com for booking details outside of the structured youth program.
Main Event Denton
Type: Large indoor entertainment venue · Ages: All ages
About 20 minutes west in Denton. Bowling, laser tag, billiards, arcade games, and a full restaurant under one roof. The full-afternoon option when you need to contain kids indoors for several hours. Birthday party packages available. The standard answer for Aubrey parents when weather prevents outdoor plans.
Cinemark Denton
Type: Movie theater · Ages: All ages
About 20 minutes west in Denton. Standard and XD screenings; summer discount matinee programs through July and August that Aubrey families use heavily. The most practical movie option for Aubrey residents; there is no theater inside Aubrey itself.
TEACo Bubble Tea
Type: Local bubble tea cafe · Ages: All ages
26742 E. University Dr. Boba tea, smoothies, mozzarella sticks, and fries. An air-conditioned hangout spot that works as a low-key indoor option for school-age kids after sports or on a slow weekday afternoon. Popular with teens and the middle-school crowd.
Summer Heat Pro Tip
When July temperatures hit triple digits, Aubrey families split the day between early morning at Ray Roberts Lake (arrive by 8 a.m. for fishing or a trail walk before it gets unbearable), a lunch stop at Tender Smokehouse or Cracked & Crepe, and then the afternoon at Main Event Denton or a Denton movie theater. That plan covers outdoor, food, and cool air without anyone complaining about the heat by 2 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families considering Aubrey, TX.
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Aubrey is a strong choice for families who prioritize community feel over entertainment convenience. The Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association has been running youth programs since 1992 and offers more sports than most comparable-sized cities in Denton County. The annual events calendar, from the Peanut Festival to the Summer Music Series, reflects a city that actively invests in community life rather than just housing inventory. The tradeoff is that indoor entertainment options require a drive to Denton or Frisco. For outdoor families and sports families, Aubrey delivers well.
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The Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association (AAYSA, founded 1992) runs baseball, softball, soccer, tackle football, flag football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, golf, and cheerleading. Soccer runs fall (August through November), baseball and softball run fall (September through October), volleyball runs three seasons a year (fall, spring, and summer), and track runs through the summer competing in TAAF Region 4. Register at aubreyyouthsports.com or call (940) 220-9001.
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In Aubrey itself: the Aubrey Public Library (check aubreytx.gov/190 for hours and programs) is the main in-city option. The TEACo bubble tea shop on US 380 is a popular hangout for older kids and teens. For more variety, Denton is 20 minutes west and has Main Event (bowling, laser tag, arcade), movie theaters, and a large indoor entertainment corridor. Most Aubrey families with school-age kids find a Denton trip is worth the short drive on a weather day.
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None of Aubrey's four current city parks (Veterans Memorial Park, Matthews Park, Leslie Park, or Highmeadow Park) have a splash pad. For splash pad access, the nearest options are in neighboring cities along the US 380 corridor. Check with the City of Aubrey Parks Department at 940-440-9343 regarding any new splash pad plans, as the city's Parks Master Plan continues to add amenities as the city grows.
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Little Elm has a significant advantage in water-based activities through Lewisville Lake access at Little Elm Park, more city parks, and a broader indoor entertainment scene. Aubrey has the edge in youth sports breadth through AAYSA, a tighter small-town feel, and Ray Roberts Lake access to the north. Families who are serious about youth sports programs and want a smaller-community atmosphere typically lean toward Aubrey; families who want lakefront living and more local entertainment variety lean toward Little Elm.
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Aubrey is known for its Peanut Festival (held annually since 1986), the Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association's extensive sports offerings, and for being one of the Denton County cities where you can still find land, space, and a genuinely unhurried pace. The horse culture that gave Aubrey its historical character is still visible on the roads heading out of town. Families who relocate here often cite the specific combination of: small community feel, an unexpectedly broad sports association, proximity to Ray Roberts Lake, and a price point that still makes sense for a new construction home on a real lot.
More DFW Family Activity Guides
Comparing suburbs? These nearby cities are popular with relocating families too.
Little Elm: Things To Do with Kids
South of Aubrey on the Lewisville Lake shoreline, Little Elm offers lakefront parks, a beach area, and more urban-style entertainment options. Popular with families who want waterfront access as part of daily life.
Celina: Things To Do with Kids
East of Aubrey, also in the fast-growth northern corridor. Families sometimes compare Aubrey and Celina as similar-stage communities with small-town character and new development side by side.
Prosper: Things To Do with Kids
A more developed Collin County suburb with a higher price point and more built-out parks and entertainment infrastructure. Families weighing Aubrey against Prosper are typically deciding between price point and amenity depth.
McKinney: Things To Do with Kids
The established Collin County anchor city about 25 minutes southeast of Aubrey. Significantly more parks, entertainment, and dining options. The city most Aubrey families drive to when local options run short.
Ready to Find Your Family's Home in Aubrey?
Kristen Carpentier is a DFW family relocation specialist and Aubrey ISD area expert, TREC #760457.
Kristen Carpentier · Kristen@whymovetodallas.com · (602) 405-4115 · eXp Realty · TREC #760457