Waco, Texas is a fantastic destination for families with kids. The city is home to a variety of attractions and activities that are sure to keep children of all ages entertained. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or just some good old-fashioned fun, Waco has something for everyone.
One of the most popular attractions in Waco is the Waco Mammoth National Monument. Here, families can explore the site of a real-life mammoth herd that roamed the area thousands of years ago. Visitors can see the remains of these prehistoric creatures up close and learn about their fascinating history. Other educational attractions in Waco include the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum and the Dr Pepper Museum, both of which offer a unique glimpse into Texas history and culture.
For families who prefer outdoor activities, Waco has plenty to offer as well. Cameron Park is a massive park that spans over 400 acres and features hiking trails, playgrounds, and even a zoo. The Brazos River runs through the park, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports. Families can also visit the Hawaiian Falls Water Park or take a stroll through the Magnolia Market at the Silos, a popular shopping and dining destination.
Museums: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids in Waco, then you can’t go wrong with visiting one of the city’s many museums. Here are a few of my favorite museums to visit with kids:
Waco Mammoth National Monument
The Waco Mammoth National Monument is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural history. This museum is home to the largest concentration of Columbian mammoths in the world, and visitors can learn all about these fascinating creatures through interactive exhibits and guided tours. The museum also features a dig site where visitors can see paleontologists at work unearthing new fossils.
Dr. Pepper Museum
The Dr. Pepper Museum is another fun and unique museum that kids are sure to love. This museum is dedicated to the history of the Dr. Pepper soda brand, and visitors can learn all about how the drink was invented and how it became one of the most popular soft drinks in the world. Kids will love trying out different flavors of Dr. Pepper and exploring the museum’s many interactive exhibits.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is a great destination for anyone interested in the history of law enforcement in Texas. This museum features exhibits on the history of the Texas Rangers, as well as displays on other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Kids will love seeing all the different uniforms and weapons used by Texas Rangers throughout history.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame
If your kids are sports fans, then they’ll love visiting the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. This museum is dedicated to the history of sports in Texas, and features exhibits on everything from football and basketball to rodeo and track and field. Kids can learn all about the state’s most famous athletes, and even try their hand at some interactive sports exhibits.
Overall, Waco has no shortage of amazing museums to visit with kids. Whether you’re interested in natural history, soda, law enforcement, or sports, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Outdoor Adventures: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
If you’re looking for outdoor adventures in Waco with kids, you won’t be disappointed. In fact, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from scenic walks to thrilling boat rides. Here are some of my favorite outdoor adventures in Waco:
Waco Suspension Bridge
The Waco Suspension Bridge is a must-visit attraction for families. Not only does this historic bridge span the Brazos River, but it also offers stunning views of the water below. Additionally, it’s a great place to take a leisurely walk or bike ride, and there are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the scenery. Furthermore, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a live music performance or festival on the bridge. Overall, it’s a wonderful spot to relax and take in the beauty of Waco.
Homestead Heritage
Homestead Heritage is a unique outdoor attraction that offers a glimpse into traditional farm life. Not only will kids love seeing the animals, but they will also enjoy watching demonstrations of blacksmithing and pottery-making. Additionally, exploring the gardens provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about various plants and farming techniques. Moreover, there are plenty of workshops and classes available for both kids and adults, making it a perfect destination for the entire family. Furthermore, the hands-on experiences and interactive activities ensure that everyone has a memorable and educational visit.
Lake Waco Wetlands
The Lake Waco Wetlands is a beautiful nature preserve that’s perfect for families who love hiking and bird-watching. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of wildlife and plant life, including herons, egrets, and wildflowers.
Brazos River Boat Adventure
For a more adventurous outdoor experience, consider taking a Brazos River boat adventure. There are several companies that offer boat tours of the river, ranging from relaxing sightseeing tours to thrilling whitewater rafting trips. Kids will love the excitement of riding the rapids and spotting wildlife along the way.
Sunset Horseback Ride
For a romantic and memorable outdoor experience with your family, consider taking a sunset horseback ride. There are several ranches in the area that offer guided trail rides, including some that take you through the beautiful Cameron Park. Kids will love the novelty of riding a horse, and parents will love the peaceful scenery.
Cottonbelt Trail
The Cottonbelt Trail is a popular hiking and biking trail that runs through Waco. It’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors with your family. The trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of scenic views along the way.
Branding the Brazos Sculpture
Finally, make sure to check out the Branding the Brazos sculpture while you’re in Waco. This iconic sculpture depicts a cattle drive and is a great way to learn about the history of the area. Kids will love seeing the larger-than-life cowboys and cattle up close.
Overall, Waco offers plenty of outdoor adventures for families with kids. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a thrilling boat ride, there’s something for everyone.
Water Adventures: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
As a family-friendly destination, Waco offers plenty of opportunities for water fun. From water parks to kayaking, there’s something for everyone.
Hawaiian Falls Water Park
One of the most popular water attractions in Waco is the Hawaiian Falls Water Park. With various rides and attractions, this park is perfect for families with kids of all ages. Some of the most popular attractions include the Pineapple Express, the Kona Kooler Lazy River, and the Waikiki Wipeout.
Aside from the rides, there are also plenty of amenities available at the park. There are cabanas available for rent, as well as food and drink options. The park also offers swim lessons and group events.
Overall, the Hawaiian Falls Water Park is a great option for families looking for a fun day in the sun. With plenty of rides and amenities available, it’s easy to spend a whole day here.
Park Adventures: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
As a parent, I know how important it is to find fun and engaging activities for kids. Waco has a lot of great parks to explore, but two of my favorites are the Cameron Park Zoo and the Lake Waco Wetlands.
Cameron Park Zoo
The Cameron Park Zoo is a fantastic destination for families with kids. With over 1,700 animals from all over the world, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The zoo is home to lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!), as well as giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. Kids will love the petting zoo, where they can get up close and personal with goats, sheep, and other friendly animals.
One of the things I love about the Cameron Park Zoo is that it’s not just a fun outing, but also an educational experience. The zoo offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including animal encounters, keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes tours. Kids can learn about conservation, animal behavior, and more while having a blast.
Lake Waco Wetlands
If you’re looking for a more natural setting, the Lake Waco Wetlands is a great place to explore with kids. This 180-acre nature preserve is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, as well as a diverse array of plant life. Kids will love spotting turtles, frogs, and other wildlife as they explore the trails and boardwalks.
The Lake Waco Wetlands is also a great place for kids to learn about the environment and conservation. The preserve offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including bird walks, nature hikes, and hands-on activities. Kids can learn about wetland ecology, water conservation, and more while enjoying the great outdoors.
Overall, Waco has a lot of great parks and outdoor spaces to explore with kids. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out or an educational experience, the Cameron Park Zoo and Lake Waco Wetlands are two great options to consider.
Sports Adventures: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
If your family loves sports, Waco is the perfect destination for you! There are plenty of sports adventures to be had in this Texas city. Here are a couple of our favorites:
McLane Stadium: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
If you’re a football fan, you won’t want to miss McLane Stadium. This state-of-the-art stadium is home to the Baylor Bears and offers a fun and exciting game day experience for the whole family. From tailgating to cheering on the team, there’s nothing quite like a day at McLane Stadium. Make sure to check the schedule before you go so you can plan your visit around a game.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
For a more educational sports adventure, head to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. This museum showcases the best athletes and coaches from Texas and beyond. With interactive exhibits and memorabilia from some of the greatest sports moments in history, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame is a must-visit for any sports fan.
Whether you prefer to watch or participate, Waco has plenty of sports adventures to keep your family entertained.
Personal Recommendation: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
As a parent who has visited Waco with kids, I highly recommend checking out the Cameron Park Zoo. This 52-acre zoo has over 1,700 animals from all over the world and offers a unique experience for kids of all ages.
Another must-visit attraction is the Dr. Pepper Museum. Kids can learn about the history of the beloved soda brand and even try some unique flavors. The museum is located in downtown Waco and is easily accessible.
For a fun and active day out, I suggest visiting the Urban Air Adventure Park. This indoor trampoline park has a variety of attractions, including a ninja warrior course, ropes course, and climbing walls. It’s a great place to burn off some energy and have fun with the kids.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, I recommend visiting the Mayborn Museum Complex. This museum has a variety of exhibits, including a natural history exhibit, a children’s discovery center, and a historic village. It’s a great way to learn about the history and culture of Waco while also having fun with the kids.
Overall, these are the things to do in Waco with kids that stood out to me. They offer a great mix of education and entertainment, and are sure to provide a memorable experience for the whole family.