If you’re considering visiting Waco, TX with the entire family, you should read this guide first.
Waco is kid-friendly and is known for famous landmarks such as the majestic Waco Suspension Bridge.
Waco also has various cuisines to indulge in from scrumptious burgers to mouthwatering BBQ.
If you are ready to see everything that Waco has to offer for the entire family, continue reading.
You will have plenty of options to choose from for your kids from horseback riding to riverboat tours.
Contents
- 13 Things to Do in Waco With Kids
- 1. Classic Waco Tour
- 2. Sunset Horseback Ride
- 3. Cameron Park
- 4. Dr Pepper Museum
- 5. Amazing Brazos River Boat Adventure
- 6. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
- 7. Common Grounds
- 8. Mayborn Museum Complex
- 9. Hawaiian Falls Waco
- 10. Homestead Craft Village
- 11. Texas Sports Hall of Fame
- 12. Magnolia Market at the Silos
- 13. Cameron Park Zoo
- Waco Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
13 Things to Do in Waco With Kids
1. Classic Waco Tour
215 S University Parks Dr l Waco, TX 76701 l 254-300-8725
If you have younger children between the ages of 6 and 9, head on over to The Classic Waco Tour.
You will be guided by various tour guides to uncover hidden gems and famous landmarks.
It’s a great opportunity for the entire family to learn about Waco’s history, attractions, and culture.
Magnolia Market is just one of the many landmarks that you will visit.
You will also learn about local neighborhoods and hotspots alike.
It will give you a great appreciation of the town.
2. Sunset Horseback Ride
7007 Gholson Rd l Waco, TC 76705 l 254-722-9182
If you’re looking to take your kids to do a little horseback riding, check out Sunset Horseback Ride.
It is ideal for kids between the ages of 10 and 12.
It is an experience your kids won’t forget.
Your kids will take a ride through mesmerizing landscapes of Waco all while on the back of a horse.
It is a great way to bond with your kids and enjoy your surroundings.
It may not be suitable for children under 10 as this activity requires a lot of physical demands.
If your children aren’t used to horseback riding or aren’t physically fit, it may pose a challenge.
3. Cameron Park
2601 N University Parks Dr l Waco, TX 76708 l 254-750-5980
If you’re looking for a fun park to bring your kids to in Waco, head on over to Cameron Park.
It is named after William Cameron, a philanthropist.
It is also one of the largest parks in the entire state, measuring
about 416 acres. It’s a free and enjoyable way to let your kids enjoy themselves.
Go hiking at the Bosque River Trail or enjoy a picnic in the area.
There is also a playground for your kids to enjoy.
It is perfect for kids of all ages.
4. Dr Pepper Museum
300 South 5th St l Waco, TX 76701 l 254-757-1025
If you enjoy a nice glass of Dr. Pepper, head on over to the infamous Dr Pepper Museum in Waco.
It is home to one of the oldest drinks in the entire country.
It is also a popular destination for tourists who visit the area.
Here, you and your kids will enjoy a unique experience and tour where you will learn about the soft drink and how it originated.
Don’t forget the Paranormal Experience tour.
It last about 2 hours, and it is here where you will learn about various paranormal activities that happen inside the museum.
5. Amazing Brazos River Boat Adventure
808 N 15th St l Waco, TX 76707 l 254-870-1412
If you have younger kids and looking for somewhere to go to enjoy the waters, take them to Brazos River Boat Adventure.
But be careful, the boat road may twist, turn, and speed.
So, if you have kids that enjoy a nice thrill, this is a great experience for them.
It’s a journey that will take your breath away for sure.
It’s also a great opportunity to create memories and connect with your kiddos.
While you’re on the river, don’t forget to look for wildlife.
It is ideal for children 3 and older.
6. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
100 Texas Ranger Trail l Waco, TX 76707 l 254-750-8631
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is the perfect place to bring your kids to check out human-size replicas of rangers and horses on display.
If you’re curious about the history and culture of the city, there are various displays that you can check out that have facts, biographies, and memorabilia written on them.
There are also badges from different periods that you can check out.
It is ideal for toddler-aged children.
7. Common Grounds
1123 S 8TH ST l Waco, TX 76707 l 254-757-2957
Common Grounds has been a huge part of Waco since 1995.
Common Grounds is perfect for children and anyone who would like to relax with a nice beverage.
They also play live music here and is probably one of the best locations you can bring kids.
Enjoy some coffee to satisfy your cravings.
While kids cannot indulge in a cup of coffee with you, there are a couple of drinks suitable for them including the Mexican Hot Chocolate and the 254.
8. Mayborn Museum Complex
1300 S University Parks Dr l Waco, TX 76706 l 254-710-1110
The Mayborn Museum Complex has been a part of Waco since 2004.
It is full of culture, featuring various exhibits such as Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village, and Strecker’s Cabinets of Curiosities.
Here, you can learn all about archeology and paleontology.
This museum is perfect for children as there are many activities they can participate in.
Your children will enjoy playing music via the walk-on pianos and checking out dinosaurs.
There are two floors full of activities for the entire family to enjoy.
9. Hawaiian Falls Waco
900 Lake Shore Dr l Waco, TX 76708 l 254-892-0222
If your kids are ready to experience a full-blown water park, head on over to Hawaiian Falls Waco.
Your kids will enjoy the wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides.
There’s something ideal for every age level.
There are also water activities suitable for younger children.
This is the perfect place to be if you’re looking for a nice escape from the Waco heat.
You can cool off and enjoy a day full of water adventures.
10. Homestead Craft Village
608 Dry Creek Rd l Waco, TX 76705 l 254-754-9600
The Homestead Craft Village is the perfect one-stop attraction where you can enjoy plenty of activities including shopping, dining, and DIY crafts.
Here, you can also check out Potter’s House, which is a barn that’s 200 years old.
This is the perfect destination to catch a southern, country vibe.
Your kids will enjoy the hayrides that are offered here.
Kids can also play on the piles of hay as they watch the horses pull the wagons around.
11. Texas Sports Hall of Fame
1108 S University Parks Dr l Waco, TX 76706 L 254-756-1633
If you have kids that love sports, they will enjoy touring the many exhibits here at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
You will get the chance to see some of the most famous Texas sports players in both football and tennis history.
These exhibits are full of equipment, artifacts, and retired uniforms.
If your kids aren’t interested in sports, this is the perfect way to introduce them to them.
Aside from the players, there are team mascots on display.
Don’t leave without taking a few pictures.
It’s perfect for the entire family.
12. Magnolia Market at the Silos
601 Webster Ave l Waco, TX 76706 l 254-235-0603
The Magnolia Market at the Silos is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Waco.
They are well known for their food truck options and various retail shops.
If you have run out of options for things to do with your kids, bring them here for a couple of hours.
Grab a bite to eat at Guess Family BBQ, 900 Degrees Pizza, or decide from other options.
It’s ideal for children of all ages and is considered to be the perfect hangout spot in Waco.
13. Cameron Park Zoo
1701 N 4th St l Waco, Tx 76707 l 254-750-8400
Most kids love zoos and enjoy viewing animals.
Cameron Zoo will be an unforgettable experience for children of all ages.
It is 52 acres in size and is located right in the middle of Waco.
It is home to more than 1700 animals.
You will see every animal you can think of from elephants to lions.
Every animal is located in habitats that resemble their homes.
Don’t forget to check out the African Serengeti fish, located in a 50,000-gallon tank.
Waco Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Waco Safety Review
Safety Index:- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waco offer any outdoor activities for kids?
Yes, there are plenty of activities that kids can participate in outdoors.
Cameron Park allows kids to ride bikes and hike.
You can also check out the Brazos River for a little kayaking and paddleboarding.
Also, don’t forget to take your kids to Lake Waco.
Is Waco, Texas a family-friendly destination for tourists?
Waco is extremely family-friendly.
There are plenty of attractions for the entire family to take part in such as Cameron Park Zoo, Mayborn Museum Complex, and Waco Mammoth National Monument.
Are there indoor activities for kids in Waco?
Yes, there are many things for kids to do indoors in Waco.
Check out the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum or head on over to the Dr Pepper Museum where kids can take a tour and learn about the history of Dr Pepper.
Are there any free things to do with kids in Waco?
Believe it or not, there is a list of free things to do with kids in Waco.
Cameron Park is free.
It is also free to walk the grounds of the Waco Mammoth National Monument, but you must pay if you want to do anything there additional.