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29 Free Things to do with Kids in Central Texas (Waco, Killeen, Temple, Belton)

It can be difficult to find inexpensive events and activities to keep your children occupied during school breaks or even on the weekends.You want to give them great experiences, but it’s not always feasible to spend money on theme parks and big attractions.

So….

Here is a list of FREE things to do with kids in Central Texas that will build lasting memories and keep you from going broke.  

 

Waco, TX  |  Killeen, TX  |

FREE THINGS TO DO IN WACO TX

If you're looking for family activities to do together, check out these free things to do with kids in Waco.

1. Hewitt Public Library (Hewitt, TX)

This state-of-the-art public library has children’s programs, free events and activities for kids in Hewitt and the surrounding areas, book clubs and thousands of books to check out.
If you're looking for family activities this weekend, check out the free things to do with kids in Waco!


2. Mayborn Museum Complex (Waco, TX)

This museum, located on Baylor University’s campus, is a great place for children and adults to explore, learn more about history and discover new exhibits. While it normally costs to get into the museum, the Mayborn offers several options to visit the museum for free or at a reduced price. Every couple of months, the museum hosts a Community Day, which offers free admission to patrons. If you have a library card for any of the Waco or Hewitt libraries, you can check out a one-time pass to use at the museum for you and your family. And if you or your children receive SNAP benefits, you can get into the museum for just $1 per person.

3. Carleen Bright Arboretum (Woodway, TX)

If your kids love nature, they will love the blooming oasis that is the Carleen Bright Arboretum. Not only does it have nature trails, a place for picnics, and gardens cultivated by McLennan County Master Gardeners, but the arboretum is also a certified Monarch butterfly waystation.


4. Waco Mammoth National Monument (Waco, TX)

The Waco Mammoth site became a national park in 2015 and is now a kid-friendly place to inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists. While it does normally cost to get into the park, each March, the monument hosts the Mammoths on the March Festival that is free to area kids. It includes egg hunts, spring flower planting, fossil identification, games and crafts, and more!

5. Bear Habitat (Waco, TX)

Whether you’re a Baylor fan or just an animal lover, your family will love getting the chance to see real North American black bears up close at the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat on Baylor University’s campus. You can learn a little about these powerful animals and get a great picture next to these living mascots.

6. Magnolia Market at the Silos (Waco, TX)

While there are several places at the market to spend a pretty penny, there are also some free options when it comes to visiting the home of the Fixer Upper empire. The two-block complex offers lots of places to take photos with your family, a green space for outdoor games, and a pristinely tended garden to explore.

7. Cameron Park (Waco, TX)
This park contains miles of trails that twist and turn into 100-foot bluffs that overlook the river. Whether you bike, hike or play a game of disc golf, there are endless possibilities for outdoor adventures.

8. Mother Neff Park (Moody, TX)
Mother Neff Park is named for Isabella Neff, who donated the original six acres of the park in 1921. Since then, it has grown exponentially, and is considered one of the earliest state parks in Texas. You can hike, picnic, camp and observe nature. The entrance fee is free for kids 12 and under, but adults do have to pay $2 a person. But for $2, it’s a pretty good deal. There is so much to explore in this Central Texas treasure.


9. Waco Suspension Bridge (Waco, TX)
This historic Waco landmark was built in 1870 and is still one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. It is flanked by two parks – Indian Spring Park and Martin Luther King, Jr.—and is the site of many festivals and events during the year. One of the best things about the bridge is the sculpture that is near its entrance. It’s called “Branding the Brazos,” and it looks as if a heard of longhorns is coming your way. It’s one of my kids’ favorite places to visit and take pictures.

10. Lake Waco Wetlands (Waco, TX)

The wetlands is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Central Texas, and offers many activities for nature lovers. There’s hiking, bird watching, and water quality education workshops. The wetlands is home to many animal and plant species including fox, deer, and over 185 species of birds.

11.
Waco Downtown Farmer’s Market (Waco, TX)
The Waco Downtown Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. near the McLennan County Courthouse and the iconic ALICO building. It features local agricultural producers and artisan vendors that provide the freshest produce and the most unique items in the area. Not only is it a fun experience, but it is also a great way to teach your children about where their food comes from and the benefits to eating healthy and local.

12. History of West Museum (West, TX)Just outside of Waco is the charming town of West, TX, that is full of Czech heritage. Now, you can explore all of the contributions of these proud people inside the History of West Museum. Exhibits include early ancestors, businesses, farming, military, and the impact the Czech culture had on the town. (This museum is only open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays)

13. Homestead Craft Village (Waco, TX)

Visiting this self-sustained homestead is like going back to simpler times. You and your children can explore all aspects of the farming experience and get to know where their food comes from. While it is free to visit the homestead, tours, crafts and dining do come with a fee.

14. The Red Men Museum and Library (Waco, TX)

Discovering the native peoples of the Waco area is important to future generations. So, why not take your kids to The Red Men Museum and find out more about the Native Americans who impacted Waco. Some of the artifacts include a desk owned by Aaron Burr, a bugle found at the Battle of Gettysburg, Pocahontas artifacts and much more.

15. Waco Hispanic Museum (Waco, TX)

This museum contains photos, news articles, and clothing from residents of the Waco Hispanic community. It’s a great place to explore these artifacts and celebrate what the Hispanic community has done for the city.

16.Waco Street Art Tour (Waco, TX)

Downtown Waco is home to a vibrant artist community, and they have created beautiful pieces that you can enjoy for FREE! Visit the Public Art Map online and it will help you find where to go to find sculpture, murals, and public art.



Free Things to Do in Killeen, TX
If you're looking for free things to do in Killeen with kids, there's tons of fun activities for families. 

17. Junior Service League Spray Pad at Long Branch Park (Killeen, TX)

This zero-entry splash pad is special needs-friendly and has a variety of equipment to create hours of fun for those who are looking to cool off without the price tag of a water park. (Only open spring and summer)

18. Killeen Parks & Recreation Concerts in the Park (Killeen, TX)

Throughout the year, the city’s parks and recreation department hosts free concerts in their parks. All you have to do is show up with your picnic blanket or your folding chairs, and you get the chance to attend a musical performance for free.

19. Barnes & Noble Bookstore (Harker Heights, TX)
While you will have to purchase any book you take home, Barnes & Noble hosts several free kids’ events a month, including free story times. There’s even a train table that will help keep your little ones entertained while you catch up on your reading.

20. Dana Peak Park Trail (Harker Heights, TX)

Even though Central Texas doesn’t have mountain ranges to speak of, hikers and mountain bikers can get a taste of rocky, mountainous terrain when they hit the Dana Peak Park Trail near Harker Heights. You can even bring your dog or horse along for the trek.


21. 1st Cavalry Division Museum

If your kids love learning about military history, they will love visiting this museum. Not only will they learn about the history of this important military division, but they will also have the chance to go on a treasure hunt to find certain items in the museum. You can go on a self-guided tour or have a guided tour by calling in advance. Outside of the building, children can explore real military aircrafts on display.

22. Stewart C. Meyer Public Library (Harker Heights, TX)

Along with hundreds of volumes of best-selling books, this public library hosts programs and events for children, teens and adults. These events activities for kids are free to the public and occur on a regular basis.

free things to do in temple, tx

If you're looking for fun places to take your family, explore the free things to do in Temple, TX with kids & families.

 

23. Central Texas Bark Park (Temple, TX)
If you want a place to take your two and four-legged children to run off some steam, then the Central Texas Bark Park might just be the perfect place. It’s located inside of Lions Park in Temple, TX and offers fenced-in areas for large and small dogs.

24.
West Temple Park (Temple, TX)
Even if it’s not warm enough to use the elaborate splash pad at this park, you can still enjoy the basketball and volleyball courts, playground and duck pond. It’s a great place to fly a kite or have a picnic lunch.

25.
Whistle-Stop Park (Temple, TX)
If you have a train-loving kid, this the place for you. Not only can they play on a train-themed playground, but they will also get the chance to see and hear real trains that chug through town.


26. Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum (Temple, TX)
This museum is the perfect place for your little railroad enthusiasts! The museum is housed inside the historic Santa Fe Depot and offers visitors the chance to explore exhibits on the importance of railroads and local history relating to trains. Children can even get the chance to explore real train cars that are parked outside of the museum. And when you’re finished visiting the museum, you can have a picnic at Whistle-Stop Park. It does cost a few dollars for adults and older children, but kids 5 and under are free.


Free Things to do in Belton TX

Belton has fun activities for kids, so check them out below.

 

27. Live Oak Ridge Park (Belton, TX)
While it does cost money to camp or use electricity, if you’re just coming for the day, you can enjoy the park for free. The park has 136 miles of shoreline that includes picnic areas and nature trails. It is also a natural habitat for hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, the Rio Grande turkey and an occasional bald eagle.

 

28. Chalk Ridge Falls (Belton, TX)
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure and some water fun with your kids, then Chalk Ridge Falls might be the perfect location. The falls are located along the Lampasas River and this area includes 2.5 miles of hiking trails and a suspension bridge. It’s open all year and is a great spot to enjoy nature.


29. Bell County Museum (Belton, TX)
The museum is a great place to teach your kids about the history of the area. Many of the exhibits are kid-friendly and give children the chance to do everything from brush cotton to pump water from a real, old-fashioned water pump. And if you go to “Charley’s Page” before you go, you can print out a scavenger hunt for kids to complete during their visit.


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About the Author

Jessa McClure

Jessa McClure

Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects. 

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