Just so your vacation lives up to everything you want it to be, check out some of the best things to do in Abilene before taking that trip.
Abilene is a beautiful city in West Texas that embraces the spirit of the Frontier.
Because of the many tourist attractions, it is widely regarded as the “Official Storybook Capital of Texas.”
Whether visiting alone or with loved ones, you will discover amazing things you can do in this city, Abilene.
Although Abilene is a small town with a population of 125,000, it is still home to many interesting things, including historical sites, Wild West mysteries, parks, cinemas, museums, and more.
Here are some of the most exciting things to do in Abilene to make your vacation worth it:
Fun Things To Do In Abilene
1. Discovery Center Creation Emporium
The Discovery Center is a museum of creation/emporium that focuses primarily on providing historical and scientific evidence of the authenticity of God’s word and its relevance to evolution and evolution.
Also, it aims to expose the myth of evolution as anti-scientific and atheistic.
It aims to do this through various tourism events, classes, workshops, educational conferences, and sponsorship of special events.
The Discovery Center launches a daily radio program, ‘Minutes of Discovery.’
Also, it serves as the actual headquarters of Overflow Ministries, an organization formed by Tommy and Carolyn Walden to teach the Gospel.
Address: 810 Butternut St, Abilene, TX 79602, United States.
2. Abilene State Park
Abilene State Park is a beautiful park that covers an area of 1,612 hectares near Elm Creek. It was a resting place for the Comanche Indians.
It includes modern camping and recreation areas, hiking and nature reserves, picnic areas, and a children’s playground.
Not forgetting their large adult and children swimming pools, photo booths, wildlife sightings, etc.
Abilene State Park also offers recreational halls for various events and celebrations like family reunions, birthdays, marriage anniversaries, etc.
Address: 150 Park Rd 32, Tuscola, TX 79562, United States.
3. Abilene Zoological Gardens
The Abilene Zoological Gardens, also known as the Abilene Zoo, covers an area of more than 16 acres and has over 1,000 animals.
It is an attractive center full of surprises, fun, and excitement, especially for animal lovers of all ages.
It has a variety of habitats, including a giraffe habitat where visitors can play and feed giraffes, a herbarium containing reptiles of more than 80 species of reptiles, amphibians, and Elm Creek Backyard, home to cougars, bobcats, and armadillos.
Meanwhile, it also offers breathtaking views of the tropics and the wetlands. It also has a gift shop if you want souvenirs for yourself or your friends.
Address: 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX 79602, United States.
Also see: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Lufkin (TX)
Things To Do In Abilene At Night
1. Eat Dinner At Belle’s Chicken Dinner House
Belle’s Chicken Dinner House is a southern-inspired eatery in Abilene with great outdoor seating and a classic West Texas ambiance.
Belle’s interior decor literally prepares one for a delicious and authentic Southern meal.
It is a great place to dine when looking for a delicious family-style home-cooked meal.
The delicious food and incredibly friendly staff make Belle’s the perfect place to take out-of-town visitors for a great insight into southern food and hospitality.
Address: 2002 N, 2002 Clack St, Abilene, TX 79603, United States
2. Take a Walk Around the City
Abilene has plenty of parks around town with safe trails, and you can even go for a full hike at the Abilene State Park.
If the weather is cold or it’s allergy season, try visiting one or two of Abilene’s art or history museums for soothing indoor fun.
Whether indoors or outdoors, Abilene has a lot of exciting attractions to get and hold your attention all through your stay in the city.
Make sure you come along with a camera so you can capture beautiful moments with your partner
3. Make a Stop at the Hallows
The Hallows is an artisan cocktail or an ice-cold beer in Abilene with dual nature; a cafe during the day and a cocktail bar at night with a massive dance floor and an excellent disc jockey.
The Hallows features music from a variety of genres – from EDM to acoustic to live band.
Not forgetting their open mic and karaoke night every Sunday, where you get to try your hand at singing, meet new people, and generally have some fun before going home.
Address: 258 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601, United States States.
Things To Do In Abilene For Couples
1. Morgan Jones Planetarium
The Morgan Jones Planetarium is one of the few planets you can find in Texas.
It is a family-friendly planetary platform where you and your partner can explore the night sky and learn about the stars, planets, spacecraft, and various stations while discovering the Gemini system and watching cosmic castaways.
The planetarium foyer includes exhibitions such as large telescopes, chunky moonstones, and a space suit. Not forgetting their educational program, which is open to kids and adults, where you learn about cosmic interactions and much more.
Watching the stars through their large telescope is an experience you don’t want to be told about as it brings these distant bodies very close to you.
Address: 241 Pine Street | Abilene, TX 79601
2. Visit the Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theater is a national cinema, and theater history helps to remind the nation of its past.
It has a beautifully constructed roof that combines moving clouds with glowing stars and a Spanish-Moorish interior with 1,199 seats separating the path, giving a perfect experience.
The theatre hosts various events, such as films, music productions, live theater and opera concerts, dance, and private parties.
Some notable artists and bands to have performed at the theatre are the Abilene Ballet Theater, the Chameleon Performing Arts Company, the Abilene Opera Association, and the Abilene Classical Chorus.
Address: 352 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601, United States
3. Visit Taylor County Tap House
Taylor County Tap House is a local attraction that offers amazing food and great cocktails, beer, and wine.
Their menu offers authentic Texas cuisines ranging from tied pork tostadas; fried waffle rings with maple-tabasco glaze to Satan’s huevos.
Their delicious food is sometimes credited not only to their amazing recipe but also to their wonderful customer service and beautiful interior and floor patterns.
You should try having lunch or dinner here with your partner. You’ll love it.
Address: 4002 Catclaw Dr, Abilene, TX 79606, United States
Things To Do In Abilene For Kids
1. Let Them Play at Play Faire Park
Play Faire Park is a family outdoor recreation center that incorporates various entertainment for guests.
Some attractions here are a mini-operated golf course with 18-hole golf courses designed for players of all ages, an air castle, a large outdoor movie screen for starring movies, and a stage for live concerts and concerts.
Not forgetting, the park also offers amazing events, festivals, and fundraisers.
Faire Park is always open to visitors and is considered one of the top destinations in Texas for family picnics, birthday celebrations, etc.
Address: 2300 N 2nd St, Abilene, TX 79603, United States
2. SUP Abilene Lake Fort Phantom Kayak Rentals
SUP Abilene Lake Fort Phantom is a company that provides an excellent outdoor experience, from kayaking to paddleboarding and sand volleyball.
Fort Phantom guarantees a safe and fun experience. Their kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are all for rent, so you don’t have to bother if you don’t have any.
The beachside has spectacular views, including scenic views of sunrise and sunset. It can be used for numerous celebrations like birthdays, graduation, family reunion, or team building.
It also offers many exciting programs, like water-based tours of Lake Fort Phantom, led by experienced SUP instructors and directors. Feel free to visit their website or call for details and photos.
Address: 9 Cherokee Cir, Abilene, TX 79601, United States
3. Take Them to Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden
The Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is a beautiful, family-friendly park with sculptures aimed at your children’s delight.
It has facilities like ADA access points, petting areas, and various attractive sculptures. You should see them. This beautiful garden is a perfect backdrop for pictures because of its amazing aesthetics.
You can sit on a bench or walk with your dog while your kids explore themed sculptures throughout the park, like Charlotte’s Web, Good Night Dinosaur, Charlotte Web, the Three Little Pigs, and Stuart Little.
Your kids will thank you for a trip here.
Address: 1008-1098 N 6th St, Abilene, TX 79601, United States
Also see: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Waxahachie (TX)
Indoor Activities To Do In Abilene For Adults
1. Have a Drink at Pappy Slokum Brewery Co.
Pappy Slokum Brewing Co. offers hot, handy, delicious, and high-quality beverages.
At the moment, Pappy Slokum offers four to five-season releases every year with a share of sales revenue to various charities. Such a humanitarian gesture.
It has produced approximately 50 award-winning beers and five “Brewmaster of the Year” titles from Yella’s easy-to-black drink and McPappy’s 80 Shilling.
What better way would you want to relax with friends than sipping a glass of premium beer in a comfortable setting?
Address: 409 S Treadaway Blvd, Abilene, TX 79602, United States
2. Explore the Center for Contemporary Arts
It is known as the Center for Contemporary Arts because it contains five galleries featuring real, contemporary local artists and others from Texas in many media outlets.
The center aims to inspire and empower individuals in the arts professionally.
While the center prides itself on the quality and diversity of its exhibits, it also recognizes that providing gallery guests with enriching and educational information requires more than just hanging art on the walls.
Their exhibitions and educational programs are all free.
Address: 220 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601, United States
3. Go for Some Body Treatment at Serenity Massage
Serenity Massage Therapy offers day spa services at Abilene, including pain and relaxation, facials, massage for couples, prenatal massage, and walking.
It specializes in Couples Therapist, Pain Management, Deep Tissue, Therapeutic, Prenatal, Trigger Point Therapy, Hot Stone, Swedish, Medical, Hands, Feet, Head, Oncology Massage, Stress Relief & Relaxation.
Not leaving out deep tissue and hot stone massage without additional charge. You should try them out.
Address: 1290 S Willis St #222, Abilene, TX 79605, United States
Romantic Things To Do In Abilene
1. Go on a Shopping Spree at the Mall of Abilene
With over 80 stores, the Mall of Abilene is a regional shopping mall that has been operating for decades. Located easily on Highway 84 southwest of Abilene, the shopping district has various shopping and dining options, hotels, entertainment, apartment communities, and more.
The mall is also home to a 10-screen Premiere Cinema and a host of shops, restaurants, amenities, the Abilene Public Library branch, Jungle Adventure Kids Playground, and much more!
Some stores here include Dillard, Best Buy, Ulta, JC Penny, Books-a-Million, and more.
Address: 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX 79606, United States
2. Visit the Adventure Cove
The Adventure Cove is a public swimming pool and water park. It has a pool for toddlers, three fun water slides, a flowing river, and a covered picnic area.
Not forgetting its numerous sun-bathing lounge chairs, a brand new bathroom with & changing rooms, lounge, and drinks!
Also available near the Cove are the Abilene Tennis Center, the Abilene Community Theater, the Rose Park Senior Activity Center, Lytle Lake, Abilene Zoo in Grover Nelson Park, and the Cal Young Disc Golf Course.
With so many parks, resorts, and entertainment options throughout the city, you will never run out of things to do in Abilene!
Address: 2742 S 9th St, Abilene, TX 79605, United States
Free Things To Do In Abilene
1. Explore Jacob’s Dream Sculpture
Jacob’s Dream is a 40-foot-tall bronze sculpture on the campus of Abilene Christian University.
It features four 8-foot-tall angels ascending and descending a ladder reaching heaven, illustrating the biblical account of Jacob’s dream from Genesis 28.
The base of the sculpture has a beautiful arrangement of limestone with various inscriptions on them. The sculpture is perfect for pictures and a place to reminisce and enhance your religious life.
Address: Abilene, TX 79699, United States
2. Explore Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden
Located on the Abilene Convention Center grounds, the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is managed by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, an Abilene Chamber of Commerce division.
The garden is home to pieces of the council’s Storybook Sculpture Project, which are characters brought to life from the pages of children’s illustrated books.
The garden is free to explore and lit at night.
Address: 1008-1098 N 6th St, Abilene, TX 79601, United States
Also see: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bastrop (TX)
3. Visit the Fort Phantom Hill
Fort Phantom Hill, originally a base for both Confederate and U.S. forces, established in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, can be found in what is now Jones County and is among the most famous historical sites in Texas.
It consists of three original stone structures: a stone guardhouse, a stone powder magazine, a semi-tact commissary, and a stone foundation for the original fortress.
Most of the castle is still there for visitors to discover and explore the rich history of this amazing place. Both guided and non-guided tours are allowed.
A visit to Fort Phantom Hill is worth adding to the to-do list in Abilene.
Address: Abilene, TX 79601, USA
Cheap Things To Do In Abilene
1. Explore the Ruins of Texas Frontier Forts
The Frontier Texas museum is the official Abilene tourist center where you can find every information about the Texas Forts Trail. It uses modern technology to restore the Old West.
The museum puts up shows about the Comanche Empire, Guns of the West, and Residences. It also has a theater where you can get a shot in the saloon or take a thunderstorm on the plain.
It stands on a remote grassy plain with structures nearby which are not just ghost views but a living part of history.
The Texas Forts Trail Regional Information Center is a place to get deeper into the history of the Abilene border.
Address: 10818 FM600, Abilene, TX 79601, United States
2. Embark on a Birding Adventure
The arrival of Spring means it’s time to grab your long-range telescope or lens and head to Abilene. The season comes with the arrival of singing birds and butterflies, and there is no shortage of places to see them near the city.
Visit Lake Fort Phantom Hill to see songbirds and butterflies like the fritillary and red admiral species attracted by the colorful local wildflowers.
Then the Abilene State Park to see black-chinned, ruby-throated, and rufous hummingbirds while you can appreciate the beauty of the American goldfinch at Will Hair Park.
Also, explore the trails at Lake Kirby Nature Park for more bird watching while learning about one or two local plants and animals. It is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
Address: 150 Park Rd 32, Tuscola, TX 79562, United States
3. Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Stay
The Sayles Ranch Guesthouse is a one, and four-bedroom apartment near Sayles Street furnished with attractive decor representing various eras and styles.
Living in any of these houses is a luxury, but bringing friends with whom you can break the bill makes it more affordable. They offer many services like a games room, a bar, a lounge, and a nightclub.
Not forgetting their beautiful golf course, which gives you a chance to try your hand at a new sport.
Whatever your budget may be, there’s certainly a hotel or guesthouse in Abilene that fits into it.
Address: 1001 Sayles Blvd, Abilene, TX 79605, United States
Cool Places To Visit In Abilene
1. Taylor County History Center
The Taylor County History Center is located within a 30-minute walk southwest of Abilene facilities include Abilene’s first Marshall, doctor’s office, old newspaper printing, schoolhouse, bank, post office, and train depot.
You will find great information on the artwork within each building that represents the West Texas material culture.
For first-timers, there’s a printed map of the Center that gives you information about each building and has arrows to guide you from start to finish.
Also, the Museum has a place where the artifacts are preserved during the rainy and snowy seasons.
Address: 133 William St, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508, United States
Also see: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Rockwall (TX)
2. The Grace Museum
The Grace Museum is home to an Abilene art gallery. It is designed to showcase many amazing art and artifacts from Abilene, Taylor County, and West Texas.
The Museum is located on the site of the magnificent Grace Hotel. Containing five art galleries with changing art exhibitions from the everlasting collection, discovered in the 1930s and 1940s.
Also, it contains a collaborative gallery for children and families, an old gallery with antique exhibitions featuring a few historical artifacts, an educational institution, and an art library.
Address: 102 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601, United States
3. The Town & Country Drive-In
Town & Country Drive-In covers an area of 2,300 hectares and has a magnificent rooftop garden above a permit-holding tent that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
It has a parking space that can comfortably accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles. It also features a large children’s playground with an electric Ferris wheel and two large movie screens to keep the kids busy.
It is open to the public with a cafeteria that sells a wide range of American snacks and dishes.
Address: 2902 Vogel St, Abilene, TX 79603, United States
Conclusion
Abilene is your best bet if you are looking for a place that is never short of fun. From drive-in theatres to parks, bars & nightclubs, this city has all you’ll need for premium fun and entertainment.
Trying out any of the activities listed will surely be worth your time. Let our checklist of things to do in Abilene be your guide as you do so.
Leave a comment for us below, and let us know which attraction you fancy the most. Happy travels!
