Waco, Texas: A Lovely City Filled With History, Culture, and Fun for Everyone. If you enjoy history, wine, or just need to get the kids out of the house, Waco has something for you. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Pop-Up Things to Do in downtown Waco, featuring attractions, scenic areas, and hidden gems to make the most of your visit.
Best Things to Do in Waco with Kids
Family-Friendly attractions in Waco tours
Waco is perfect for family fun, without the stuffiness. Waco sites to see, from hands-on museums to outdoor explorations, include Lake Waco Wetlands. Here’s a list of activities the young ones will love:
Attractions around Cameron Park Zoo
Their are wide range of over 1,700 animals in this zoo. Children will enjoy discovering the naturalistic habitats, the splash pad, and the picturesque Brazos River views.
top attractions in waco: Mayborn Museum Complex
Part of Baylor University is one of the top visiting spots. The museum has interactive exhibits like a natural history gallery national park hall of fame, and a museum and a walk-through mammoth dig site to keep kids engaged while they learn.
If you are 18-22 years old, you are partying the night before, and you are an American who is a legal citizen of the United States with the United States Department of Health, you can just come up to 24 hours before your visit and get some health and safety reassurances.
Journey through the prehistoric age with the family at this dig site where 24 Columbian mammoth skeletons were unearthed. But there are fascinating tours which will tell you how they were discovered and what their history is.
Hawaiian Falls Waterpark
A favorite for summertime, this water park’s largest collection includes exciting slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers that will entertain the entire family.
Spice Village Parks and Recreation in Waco
Waco is awesome and rich in well-maintained outdoor spaces, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Cameron Park
Among the largest urban parks in Texas is a place for things to do with kids in Waco, and walkers and cyclists, and, with cliffs, woods, and water, for those who like to eat outdoors, open to the public. Experience the miles of trails, scenic views, really enjoy river views, or one of the many picturesque park spots. - Lake Waco
There’s also fishing, boating, and kayaking on this lake! The area’s parks are great, one of the top things, a campsite, and for hiking and birding. - Cotton Belt Trail
A great bike and hike trail that links up various trips to Waco parks, the path is a serene retreat with fantastic views.
Wine Tasting in Waco
Wine lovers will delight in the many wineries and tasting rooms in and around Waco.
Valley Mills Vineyards
This vineyard, located in the hills close to Waco, provides tastings of wine, created locally, alongside a peaceful atmosphere.
Waco Winery & Vineyards
Relax for the afternoon and taste some great wines while you enjoy the spectacular scenery in the Texas Hill Country.
Kissing Tree Vineyards
Famous for its great customer service and special blends, you will have a wine tasting experience to remember.
Things to Do Around Waco’s Downtown Farmers Market
Let the exploration continue as you venture to the fringes of Waco and visit further-flung attractions to walk around and enjoy the natural beauty in a weekend getaway.
Magnolia Market at the Silos
You can visit Chip, brainchild and Joanna Gaines’. Whether shopping for home goods, food trucks, or beautifully landscaped gardens.
Dr Pepper Museum
Immerse yourself in the history of the drink that defined a coast at this insightful museum. Find out how the bottles are made and sample sodas at the old-timey soda fountain and see favorite retro memorabilia.
Homestead Heritage
This farming community provides a glimpse back in time with blacksmithing, pottery-making, and woodworking displays. The food is delicious and farm-to-table at the café.
Fun Things Places in Waco
Choose one of these special and fun things locations to ensure an unforgettable getaway. Visit Magnolia.
Waco Escape Rooms
Get your group together and solve puzzles in these exciting escape room activities for kids that put your brains to the test and grade your teamwork, Waco Gem!
Brazos River Adventures
Rent a paddleboard, kayak, or tour boat for a float down the Brazos River for an adventurous day on the town.
The Hippodrome Theatre
This vintage space offers live performance, movies , and dining in an atmospheric setting.
Things to Do in Waco, TX, This Weekend
There are plenty of things to see at weekend events in Waco, so it’s a fun place to travel for a short trip.
- Local Farmers’ Market
Go to the Waco Farmers Market to check out some of their local produce, handmade items, and great food from the vicinity.
- Live Music at Common Grounds
The café turns into a bopping music hot spot on weekends, showcasing both local and national acts.
Art on Elm Avenue
Wander through this colorful art district with galleries, street art, and pop-up exhibits.
Waco, Texas—known as the “Heart of Texas”—blends small‑town charm with lively cultural attractions, historic sites, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re into paleontology, pop culture, or scenic river strolls, here are the top Places to go in Waco:
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Anchored by two iconic 120‑ft silos, this Chip‑and‑Joanna Gaines‑driven destination offers 20,000 sq ft of home décor, a garden shop, bakery, food trucks, and sprawling lawn space. Entrance is free, and the market hosts seasonal events like Silobration and Christmas at the Silos
Ideal for fans of Fixer Upper and anyone appreciating farmhouse design.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Explore a real-life paleontological dig housing an in situ herd of Pleistocene Columbian mammoths—believed to have died in a flash flood ~67,000 years ago. Designated a National Monument in 2015, it offers guided tours and museum insights
Perfect for families and geology/history buffs.
Dr Pepper Museum
A fizzy tribute to the world’s oldest major soft drink, born in Waco in 1885. Interactive exhibits include a “Make‑A‑Soda” experience and historical displays on Dr Pepper’s rich past
A fun, family‑friendly stop with a refreshing twist!
Cameron Park & Cameron Park Zoo
This hidden gem spans 416 acres along the Brazos River. It offers hiking, biking, disc golf, picnicking, and outdoor recreation. Within the park, Cameron Park Zoo — home to 1,700+ animals and lush habitats — showcases wildlife ranging from tigers to river otters
Great for outdoor adventures and animal lovers.
Waco Suspension Bridge & Riverwalk
Built in 1870 by the Roebling company, this historic suspension bridge gives peaceful river views. It connects to a scenic 7‑mile riverwalk lined with trails, parks, and green spaces, especially vibrant at sunset
An ideal spot for easy strolls and crisp riverfront photos.
Mayborn Museum Complex
Located on Baylor University campus, this 142,000 sq ft facility houses a natural history wing, archeological artifacts, dioramas, hands‑on discovery zones, and a reconstructed 19th‑century village. It’s Smithsonian‑affiliated and kid‑friendly
Educational and immersive for all ages.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
Dive into Texas law enforcement history through ranger memorabilia, exhibits, and interactive displays ideal for history enthusiasts
Fun & Water Play: Waco Surf & Waterparks
Catch waves at Waco Surf, the world’s longest lazy river (over one mile!) with on‑site hotel and surf lessons, or splash around at local water parks like Breaker Bay at BSR with waterslides, wave pools, and cabanas
Fantastic options for hot-day fun and relaxation.
Cultural & Hidden Gems in Waco
- Cultural Downtown: Browse murals, art galleries such as Cultivate 7Twelve, and take in a show at the historic Hippodrome Theater
- Ghost Tours & Mansion Tours: Explore haunted downtown streets via app‑guided tours.
- Magical Undercroft Social Club: A secret speakeasy vibe hidden beneath Cultivate 7Twelve — whimsical, intimate, and unforgettable
Baylor University & McLane Stadium
Wander the scenic, historic Baylor campus, catch a Bears football game, or simply enjoy collegiate architecture and ambiance.
Sample 2‑Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Magnolia Market → Dr Pepper Museum → lunch.
- Afternoon: Waco Mammoth → Mayborn Museum.
- Evening: Dinner downtown, Hippodrome show, sunset Riverwalk stroll.
Day 2:
- Morning: Rent a boat/bike in Cameron Park → Zoo visit.
- Afternoon: Waco Surf or Breaker Bay water fun.
- Late Afternoon: Explore hidden spots like the Undercroft and art galleries.
- Evening: Texas Ranger Museum or Baylor campus & McLane Stadium.
Insider Tips
- Admission varies: Magnolia Market, Riverwalk, Bridge = free; museums & zoo include entry fees.
- Combine outdoor + indoor visits to balance the Texas heat.
- Book Magnolia and Mammoth tours ahead, especially on weekends.
- Great eats nearby: Magnolia Table, Milo All Day, Red Herring, Songbird wine bar
Waco is so much more than a quick pit stop—it’s a city full of history, creativity, outdoor beauty, and playful spirit. Whether you’re drawn by the Gaineses, fascinated by mammoths, or eager to explore riverfront trails, there’s something magical in this Heart of Texas. Happy travels!
Conclusion
There is so much for visitors to enjoy in and around Waco, TX. From kid-friendly parks and interactive museums to wine-tasting adventures and bonfires on the beach, there’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re into, in the Texan hot spot. Whether you’re here for a weekend trip or an extended stay, Waco is full of a little bit of something for everyone, and the memories you make will be ones you’ll never forget.
FAQs
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do with children in Waco?
TOTS Rule in Waco. The top kids’ spots are the Cameron Park Zoo, the Mayborn Museum Complex, the Hawaiian Falls Waterpark, and the Waco Mammoth National Monument.
Q: Are there wine-tasting opportunities in Waco?
Yes, Valley Mills Vineyards, Waco Winery & Vineyards, and Kissing Tree Vineyards are lovely places to taste wine.
Q: What are some fun weekend activities in Waco?
The weekend may include the Waco Farmers Market and different local live music.
Q: What are some good outdoor things to do in Waco?
Outdoor activities may include Lake Waco attractions, fishing and boating, hiking in Cameron Park, and the Cotton Belt Trail.
Q: Is Waco a neat place for history buffs?
Absolutely! Historic sites in or near Waco include the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, Dr. Pepper Museum, and Homestead Heritage.
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