If you’re new to Waco, finding entertaining things to do can seem like a huge task. But rest assured, this little town has a lot to offer. From outdoor activities to live performances, here’s a list of places to check out around your new home.
1. Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N 4th St.
Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nestled in Cameron Park, the Cameron Park Zoo features dozens of animal exhibits year-round. Tickets are $9 for adults, $6 for children between 4 and 12, and free for children under 3. Special rates are available for senior citizens.
Phone: 254-750-8400
2. Lunar Mini Golf, 6001 W Waco Drive #314
The miniature golf attraction is located inside Richland Mall and features 18 holes illuminated by black lights. Guests can play 36 holes for $9 per person.
Phone: 254-548-7317
3. Downtown Farmers Market, 400 S University Parks Drive
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesdays; April to July, September to November, 3 – 7 p.m.
The bi-weekly market is located by the Brazos River and boasts live music and more than 30 vendors selling prepared foods, raw produce and handmade goods. Many vendors accept debit and credit cards.
4. Waco Mammoth Site, 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive
Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday and Monday, Closed
Guests can go on a 40-minute to one-hour tour of a local mammoth fossil site. Tickets are $5 for adults; $4 for students, military personnel and educators; $3 for children from pre-K to sixth grade; and free for children 3 and under. The site became a National Monument earlier this year.
Phone: 254-750-7946
5. Urban Air Trampoline Park, 5701 West Waco Drive — OPENING EARLY FALL
One of the newest attractions to Waco, the trampoline park features an indoor trampoline course with foam pits, basketball goals and dodgeball. Call for pricing and operating hours.
Phone: 800-960-4778
6. Dr Pepper Museum, 300 S 5th St.
Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
Just on other side of I-35 from campus, the museum chronicles the history of Dr Pepper, a soda that was created by Charles Alderton in 1880s Waco. Check online for pricing and hours.
7. Waco Hippodrome Theatre, 724 Austin Ave.
Although it regularly features motion pictures, the Hippodrome is also home to musical and theatrical performances throughout the month. Check online for showtimes and ticket prices.
Phone: 254-296-9000
8. BSR Cable Park, 5347 Old Mexia Road
Everyday, noon – 8 p.m.
The water sports park offers wake courses, a lazy river and a water slide that went viral on YouTube over summer. Check online for attraction and equipment prices.
Phone: 254-227-6388
9. Waco Civic Theatre, 1517 Lake Air Drive
In past years, local actors starred in productions like “Les Miserables” and “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” This year, the stage will be home to “The Great Gatsby,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Miss Nelson is Missing,” among other productions. Check online for schedule and ticket prices. Next show? “I Hate Hamlet,” starting Sept. 4.
Phone: 254-776-1591
10. Skate World, 401 Towne Oaks Drive
If you want to relive the best parts of your childhood, Skate World is the place for you. The rink is great for group activities, and skate rentals are only $3. Check online for operation times and admission prices.
Phone: 254-772-0042
