Top 10 Things for Families To Do in Lubbock, Texas with Links!

If you're planning traveling to West Texas and looking for some fun things to do in Lubbock, Texas--  we've got your list of things to do!

Kent Hebison, local Lubbock Realtor, has 3 little girls who love to keep busy in the great Hub City! Here are some of Kent's family favorites and the places we take our guests when they make a stop in Lubbock!

Top 10 Family Things to Do in Lubbock, Texas:

Here are some of the best things for families to do in Lubbock, including a few surprising places:

1. Buddy Holly Center: "Oh Boy!" Immerse yourselves in the life and music of the rock and roll legend and Lubbock local, Buddy Holly. The center features exhibits about his life, career, and the Crickets. You can see his iconic glasses and learn about his influence on music history. Don't forget to see the Buddy Holly Statue and the West Texas Walk of Fame nearby. Learn more: https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/buddy-holly-center
2. Prairie Dog Town: A unique and free attraction located in Mackenzie Park. This fenced-off area is home to a large community of prairie dogs. Kids will love watching them pop in and out of their burrows and interact with each other. It's a fun and educational experience to see these creatures up close. Learn more: Prairie Dog Town Lubbock, TX
3. Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater: A fantastic place for hands-on learning and entertainment. The Science Spectrum features over 250 interactive exhibits covering various scientific principles, from dinosaurs to space. Catch an educational and visually stunning show at the OMNI Theater with its domed screen. It's a great way to make learning fun for all ages. ** Also, if you have the ASTC Passport Program Membership, Science Spectrum is one of the free museums you can enter for free! Learn more about this annual events and exhibits: https://sciencespectrum.org/
4. National Ranching Heritage Center: Step back in time at this outdoor museum showcasing the history of ranching in the American West. Explore nearly 50 historic structures, including homes, barns, and a schoolhouse, that have been relocated and preserved. It offers an immersive experience and a glimpse into the lives of early Texas ranchers. Keep an eye out for special family-friendly exhibits like the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center.
5. Silent Wings Museum: A surprising gem dedicated to the glider pilots of World War II. This museum tells the often-overlooked story of these brave pilots and their crucial role in the war effort through exhibits, restored gliders, and memorabilia. It's an educational and inspiring experience for all ages. https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/silent-wings-museum
6. Mackenzie Park: Lubbock's largest park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for families. Enjoy playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic trails for walking and biking. The park is also home to Prairie Dog Town and Meadowbrook Golf Course. Learn more: https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/parks-recreation/resources/mackenzie-park-lubbocks-must-see-park
7. American Windmill Museum: Discover the importance of windmills in settling the Great Plains. This museum features over 170 American-style windmills, both indoors and outdoors. It's a unique look at the technology that helped shape the region and the kids really get a fantastic look into the science and energy here in Lubbock, Texas. Learn more: https://windmill.com/
8. Adventure Park: The newest park in Lubbock, Texas for families seeking thrills, Adventure Park offers go-karts, mini-golf, a ropes course, zip lines and more. It's an action-packed destination with something for everyone to enjoy. Be a kid's superhero for the day & take them to Adventure Park: https://adventureparkfun.com/
9. Lubbock Memorial Arboretum: A beautiful 93-acre space within K.N. Clapp Park, perfect for a peaceful escape into nature. Enjoy walking trails, gardens, and diverse plant species. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic or Lubbock Photography locations! Learn more: http://www.lubbockarboretum.org/
10. Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre: For the perfect family night or a romantic date night in Lubbock, Texas, catch a movie at this nostalgic drive-in theater. Enjoy watching films from the comfort of your car with a unique experience for the whole family.  Learn more: https://driveinusa.com/lubbock/

Surprising Places & Events People Might Not Know About:

• Lubbock Lake Landmark: While mentioned in some lists, this archaeological and natural history preserve offers a look at the region's past dating back 12,000 years. It features trails and an interpretive center, offering a different kind of outdoor experience. Learn more: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/lll/
• Texas Tech Public Art Collection: The Texas Tech University campus is home to an impressive collection of public art. Taking a self-guided tour of these sculptures and installations can be a surprising and culturally enriching activity. Learn more: https://ttuspublicart.com/
• Lubbock Pumpkin Trail:  A special local Lubbock, Texas family even is the Great Pumpkin Trail! Every Halloween, you can bring your entire family for a lighted trail of carved pumpkins in Clapp Park in the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum donated from local children in Lubbock. Admission is free and they have treats and spooky scenes for pictures! It's definitely a kid favorite and it's stroller and wheelchair friendly! Learn more:  http://www.lubbockarboretum.org/
• Lubbock's Annual Santa Land: All of Lubbock Texas shows up for Christmas when Santaland opens! Walk through this festive holiday village complete with a 50-ft Christmas tree, animated displays, delicious local treats and hot chocolate and don't forget pictures with Santa.  Opened med December until December 22nd, this sweet family tradition is a Lubbock favorite! Did we mention it's completely FREE?  Learn more: https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/parks-recreation/events
• Lubbock's Annual Candlelight at the Ranch: Holiday scenes will be recreated in 15 historic structures such as the 1838 El Capote Log Cabin, 1886 XIT Ranch headquarters, 1888 Matador Half-Dugout, and 1909 Queen-Anne style Barton House. Visitors will have maps pointing the way to each structure presented by kind Lubbock volunteers that bring the ranch to life! There is live music, hot coca, make kettle corn, help Santa with his visitors and sing Christmas caroles like they did back in the early ranching days of Texas! It's one of those traditions you'll pass onto your kids and they'll relive the fun with their own children.  Learn more: Holiday scenes will be recreated in 15 historic structures such as the 1838 El Capote Log Cabin, 1886 XIT Ranch headquarters, 1888 Matador Half-Dugout, and 1909 Queen-Anne style Barton House. Visitors will have maps pointing the way to each structure and the festive Lubbock volunteers with bring the ranch to life! Stop by for live music, hot cocoa, make kettle corn, help Santa with hsi visitors, and sing Christmas caroles like they did in the Early Ranching Life in Texas! It's a tradition you'll share with your kids year after year, and they'll share this with their own children in years to come. Learn more: https://ranchingheritage.org/nrhc-events/
• Lubbock, Texas Hub City BBQ Cookoff:  Nothing says West Texas like the mouth-watering BBQ in the area! The Hub City BBQ Cookoff features over 100 cooking teams representing Chamber member businesses. Competing teams participate in multiple categories such as pork ribs, beans, desserts, and more! 1st – 9th place winners are announced in each category at the conclusion of the competition. After judging, the community is invited to head down to the fairgrounds to sample barbeque, listen to amazing live music, and interact with some of Lubbock's local businesses! Learn More: https://www.lubbockchamber.com/hub-city-bbq/

Still looking for more places to visit, here's a comprehensive list of all the sites you'll find in Lubbock, Texas: More Things To Do In Lubbock, Texas

If you're moving to Lubbock from out-of-state or simply looking for helpful tips while traveling, contact your Lubbock Realtor, Kent Hebison: (806) 340-7452 or visit SearchGreaterLubbockHomes.com

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