If you are looking for fun things to do in Waco, then you have come to the right place! Sure, the city is not as popular as other cities in Texas but it has its own charm and unique attractions for the visitors to explore.
Located between Dallas and Austin, it has a diverse selection of museums, natural attractions, restaurants, and more. Most of you might be familiar with Magnolia Market or Silos, one of the major Waco attractions. However, there is a lot to do around here besides visiting the Magnolia Market.
Swing on the mighty suspension bridge, enjoy delicious meals at the local restaurants, shop at the magnificent Spice Village, or enjoy boating in the Brazos River. There is definitely no shortage of unique and fun places to visit in Waco.
If you are planning a trip to Dallas or Fort Worth, then you can always plan a day trip from Austin to this small town or even spend a few days here. For those who are going to visit, this article is perfect. It covers all the best things to do in Waco with your kids or friends!
15 Best Things To Do In Waco You Shouldn’t Miss
Magnolia Market
Magnolia Market at the Silos is one of the top places to visit in Waco. If you have watched HGTV, then you might know about it because it was founded by Chip and Joanna Gains.
With 2.5 acres of space, this is a unique retail and community space where you can find a wide range of products. The market consists of two silos and a large barn and has products such as furniture, home décor, Fixer Upper merchandise, and more here.
Visitors can enjoy the tasty treats made using Joanna’s recipes in the on-site bakery. For entertainment, there are food trucks, picnic spots, lawn games, etc. available here too.
Trust me, spending a day in the Magnolia market is one of the best things to do in Waco. You can participate in fun activities, shop, and eat good food while you are here.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco Mammoth National Monument is one of the top free things to do in Waco with kids. This is one of the best national parks to visit in Texas with a rich history. Also, it is the first Columbian mammoth nursery herd to be discovered in the world.
This site is home to the biggest collection of mammoths found dead due to a natural disaster. According to the archaeologists, these beautiful creatures died due to a sudden flood and a mudslide. Visitors can observe the fossil of the mammoth herd from the pavilion above.
If you have always wanted to look at a mammoth and learn about them, then visiting this mammoth site is one of the best things to do in Waco.
Dr Pepper Museum
Created in the 1880s, Dr. Pepper is one of the oldest popular drinks in America. This is why visiting Dr. Pepper Museum can be one of the best things to do in Waco with kids.
The drink was manufactured in the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company which is now the famous museum. Visitors can learn about the history of different industries and the economic system of the country with the help of an example of the soft drink industry.
You will find here several Dr. Pepper artifacts, three exhibition floors, a soda fountain, and a gift shop that sells Dr. Pepper souvenirs.
Trust me, if you were looking for unique things to do in Waco with your kids, then this is the best choice!
Mayborn Museum
Looking for things to do in Waco with kids? Mayborn Museum Complex is a natural history museum that would be fun for the whole family.
Located on the grounds of Baylor University, this museum features 16 unique discovery rooms that are fun for the kids. There are many engaging activities, interactive exhibitions, hands-on attractions, and more that offer information to all ages.
There is also an open-air historic village brought from Liberty Texas for the visitors to enjoy. From Cabinet of Curiosities to mammoth showcases, there is a lot to explore here. This is why it is one of the best things to see in Waco, especially if you are traveling with your family.
Magnolia Table
One of the top Waco activities that you cannot miss out on is trying the amazing restaurants and dishes in the city. Magnolia Table, one of the coolest restaurants in Waco, is a great dining place and uses fresh ingredients for all its dishes.
What’s even more exciting is that it is owned by the hosts of Fixer Upper! The restaurant features delicacies like sausage gravy, peppered bacon, lemon lavender donut holes, and more.
Enjoy your breakfast or lunch here, it is one of the best things to do in Waco. You are going to love both the food and the ambiance here.
Spice Village
Visiting Spice Village, located near the Magnolia market, is one of the top things to do in downtown Waco.
Opened in 1997, Spice Village has over 60 unique boutique stores that sell a variety of vintage and modern items. From home décor to accessories, to antiques, you will find a lot of interesting things to buy here.
The shops here are bold and colorful, making it fun to browse through the charming stores of Spice Village. Trust me, shopping or visiting the shops in Spice Village is one of the best things to do in Waco.
Cameron Park Zoo
Looking for things to do in Texas with your kids?
Home to over 1,700 animals, Cameron Park Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Waco with kids. It is located in Cameron Park and has an area of 50 acres where there are many recreational and educational activities to enjoy.
One of the best things about this attraction is that the animals are kept in their natural environments. From native Texan animals to Sumatran tigers, you will find a diverse range of animals to interact with here.
Many fun events are happening here throughout the year. So, if you are looking for some fun things to do in Waco, then plan a visit to the Cameron Park Zoo!
Waco Suspension Bridge
One of the most important things to see in Waco is the Waco Suspension Bridge that spans over the Brazos River.
Built-in 1870, it was the first suspension bridge in Texas and was a necessary addition. The bridge is located between Indian Spring Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park so, it is easily accessible.
The suspension bridge is now open for pedestrians only. Visitors can now head over to this bridge to enjoy a walk over the river. There are several other events and festivals held here as well that you can participate in.
And if you are looking for a romantic date idea, then one of the best things to do in Waco at night is to visit the suspension bridge. The bridge is lit up and looks magical over the Brazos River at night.
Waco Hippodrome
Do you love watching movies? If yes, then one of the best things to do in Waco is to watch a classic movie or performance at Waco Hippodrome.
Opened as a vaudeville theatre in 1914, this historic theatre has evolved a lot over the years. It is a movie theatre, a live event area, and one of the top places to visit in Waco.
Visitors can enjoy first-release movies, classic movies, live theatre, trivia night, concerts, and more here. They also offer a full-service in-theatre dining experience to the customers. After the event or movie, one can enjoy a view of Austin Avenue while nursing a drink at the full-service bar here.
So, if you are looking for things to do in Waco at night, then you can visit this theatre and catch a movie or a show here.
Lake Waco
Tired of spending money on famous attractions in the city? Well, one of the top free things to do in Waco is to relax at Lake Waco.
This man-made lake is one of the best things to see in Waco and offers a lot of fun and relaxing activities to the visitors. Boasting 7 boat ramps and a marina, this lake is a great place for boating.
With several hiking and walking trails, outdoor enthusiasts have a lot to explore around here. For those who wish to spend more time at the lake, there are campsites available with basic facilities.
Overall, Lake Waco is one of the best Waco attractions for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Waco Downtown Farmers Market
One of the best things to do in downtown Waco on a weekend is to visit the famous Waco Downtown Farmers Market. This farmers market has been operational since 2011 and is a great way to support the locals by buying their food and crafts.
Apart from the fresh produce, you will find live music, artisanal cheeses, alcoholic beverages, handicrafts, and a lot more here. This is one of the top Waco attractions to visit with family as you can enjoy a brunch here with the views of Brazos River or McLane Stadium.
There are 35 to 40 vendors every Saturday allowing you to enjoy the local food and the artists. It is one of the things to do in downtown Waco for a memorable trip.
Homestead Heritage Craft Village
Searching for some amazing things to do near Waco? Then, you should check out the Homestead Heritage Craft Village!
This place is 16 miles from the city and offers free access to visitors. You can do shopping, enjoy the beautiful scenery, or learn about the local art and craft.
Walk through the Homestead Heritage Craft Village to talk to the local artists and marvel at their artistry. From pottery to baskets, to handcrafter furniture, you will find a wide range of products here to take home.
Once you have bought your favorite things, you can taste the delicious food at Café Homestead. Trust me, a trip to this village is one of the best things to do near Waco.
Cameron Park
If you are looking for free things to do in Waco, then visit this amazing urban park in the city. Cameron Park is enormous and the perfect place in the city for nature enthusiasts.
The park has an area of 416 acres featuring playgrounds, rivers, splash pads, and more for the entire family to enjoy. One of the top Waco attractions, this place also has many hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore.
What’s even more fun is that Brazos Park East is also a part of this urban park. From a boat ramp to Frisbee-golf, the park features a lot of fun and unique activities for the visitors to enjoy.
You can choose to enjoy the river views, drive through the park, or enjoy a walk here. Trust me, this is one of the top things to see in Waco.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame
If you wish to learn about the lives of the Rangers, then one of the best things to do in Waco is to visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.
The official Texas Ranger’s museum since 1968, this attraction is quite popular among the tourists. It features a traditional hill country design and has a large collection of artifacts related to the Rangers.
The museum also acts as a historical archive and tells you the history of Rangers. You will also find the names of all the Rangers who died between 1823 and 2004 while on duty in the Hall of Museum.
Boating in Brazos River
If you are looking for fun things to do in Waco with kids, then boating in Brazos River could be right up your alley!
The longest river in Texas, the Brazos River passes through downtown Waco and offers a lot of recreational activities to the visitors. Paddling, canoeing, and kayaking are popular Waco activities to do here for the water junkies.
One can even enjoy sandbar camping at the river bed or can join the scout camps with different shore and water activities. From fishing to observing wildlife, there is a lot to do along the riverside.
For those traveling with family, there are many campsites at the lakes and the riverside to set up their tent. So, if you are looking for top things to do in Waco, then this is it!
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