We bet you’d be itching to go to Waco after reading these 27 best & fun things to do in Waco.
Waco, Texas, has become one of the top tourist destinations over the past decade, thanks to the popularity of the TV show Fixer Upper.
Waco has enough features to keep you busy for days. Go mountain biking and hiking in Cameron Park, explore downtown Magnolia His Market, or browse his lovely antique shops and boutiques.
Waco has multiple attractions, five historic homes, seven recreational sites, and nine arts groups offering theatre and music.
Visit the Congress Visitor Information Center and the Waco Visitor Bureau; there’s plenty to do there.
From top attractions to Waco’s hidden gems, be sure to add them to your to-do list to make the most of your vacation.
Discover restaurants, museums, music venues, shopping, distilleries, tours, water activities, and more.
Waco is a beautiful city known for some of the wildest and most fascinating events in recent history, involving religious events and natural disasters.
Waco is also known for many fascinating attractions related to popular television, sports, and higher education.
Here are our picks for the best 27 things to do in Waco, Texas. Keep reading.
Fun Things to Do in Waco
1. Waco Tours
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Waco and want to experience the city in a more local style, Waco Tours is the place to go.
It’s a great way to be guided by a local who really knows the heart and soul of the city!
There are several tours to choose from. The Standard Tour is called the Classic Waco Tour. This tour lasts two and a half hours and visits the city’s most famous sights.
Perfect for sightseeing spots and restaurants. You will also receive a discount coupon after the tour ends.
Another popular tour is the Texas Experience Tour. Here you can ride horses and learn about cowboy history and culture. The river Cruise sails along the Brazos River at sunset, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
You can also bundle tours for more experience at a lower price.
Whatever you choose, it’s a great way to get a feel for the city.
2. Cotton Belt Trail
If you’re looking for a place to exercise in Waco, try the Cotton Belt Trail. A good option if you just want the trails and not the park.
It runs about two and a half miles (2.5 miles) and faces the scenic South Bosque River. The Cotton Belt Trail is one of Waco’s nature-centric attractions and is also home to breathtakingly beautiful locations, making it a prime spot for photographers.
Interestingly, the road is embedded in the route of an old railway line. This gives it a touch of whimsy and charm!
3. Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Sports fans in Waco should not miss the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. As the name suggests, it honors local athletes who have made significant achievements in the world of sports and athletics.
In fact, it’s the first state to have its own Sports Hall of Fame, so it’s a must-see attraction!
The Sports Hall of Fame was built in 1951 and created by Sports Editors. You must be nominated for voting and receive the most votes to be approved.
Nominees include those who have played for the Houston Astros, Baylor University, San Antonio Spurs, Texas A&M, and Dallas Cowboys.
Visitors to this famous gymnasium can see all kinds of fun, interactive exhibits featuring video clips of some of the greatest sporting moments in history and even exhibits that allow you to compare yourself to the sport’s greats.
Definitely a must-see spot in town for sports fans!
Things to Do in Waco at Night
1. Spice Village
Spice Village is located in downtown Waco, near the famous Magnolia market and a few blocks away.
Housed in the 1908 Waco Hardware Building, the hotel houses 60 unique boutiques. Each shop is charming and can sell modern or vintage items, including various accessories, homewares, clothing, gifts, home décor, homewares, and antiques.
Since its opening in 1997, Spice Village has welcomed quirky and curious shoppers of all kinds.
The diversity here is such that it’s fun to browse the quaint and friendly shops to find treasures and curiosities that tickle your fancy. The bold, vibrant colors throughout Spice Village also make it one of Waco’s most photogenic attractions.
2. Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute
Pepper is the nation’s oldest major manufacturer of syrups and concentrates. In fact, lemonade was first made in Waco, Texas, and sold in America.
It’s even considered the “national drink” of Texas, so the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute are must-see tourist attractions in Waco.
The Museum is housed in the former Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, which was opened to the public in 1991.
The Bottling Company was the first building Dr. used for bottling, and the structure has a lot of history, dating back to 1906 when it was built for Dr Pepper.
Believe it or not, the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute are actually operated or owned by their parent company, Dr Pepper or Dr Supported!
It is actually a private non-profit organization whose mission is entertainment and education.
The purpose is to acquaint visitors and the public with the economic and industrial history of the country.
The Museum Preserves, collects, displays, and interprets all kinds of objects related to the legacy and life of Dr Pepera.
Part of the United States National Register of Historic Places, it’s packed with fun features like a vintage soda fountain, a gift shop with souvenirs, and three floors of exhibits.
The Clements Free Enterprise Institute’s goal is to educate young people about the American economic system, using the soft drink industry as an example and model for production, development, marketing, and other steps of production and consumption.
3. Silo’s Magnolia Market
Anyone who has watched HGTV has heard of Silo’s Magnolia Market. For many, it is one of Waco’s top attractions, just for its fame and pop culture significance.
Magnolia Market at the Silos was founded by HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines.
It is a community space and product store with a unique concept meant to attract young people and lovers of pop music.
Things to Do in Waco For Couples
1. Earl Napier Kinnaird House
Earl Napier Kinnaird House dates back to 1868. At the time, this Texas town had only 700 people living in it, and at the time, it was just a village.
This house is a prime example of Greek Revival design with breathtaking architectural beauty. The pale pink brick façade, steel mullions, and handrails are actually wooden!
Earl Napier Kinnard House has much to enjoy, as much of the original furnishings are still inside.
By prior arrangement, you can join a 30-minute guided tour or pay the entrance fee and explore independently.
A historic outdoor children’s playroom was added to the home in 1881.
If you love architecture, history, and curiosity in general, add a trip to the Earl Napier Kinnaird House to your list of things to do in Waco.
2. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is the official museum of the Texas Rangers and has been designated by the State Department of Public Safety since 1968.
Sponsored by the City of Waco this year, it is now one of its top attractions in the state, welcoming more than 3 million guests since opening.
The Hall of Fame Museum sprawls over 30 acres and was named Fort Fisher after a ranger camp was established nearby.
Features a traditional mountain design in line with 19th-century state trends. The museum itself serves two purposes. It is to educate and evaluate the Rangers and serve as a historical archive of their history.
The Hall of Fame is a wonderful memorial to the rangers who have served this law enforcement agency.
There is also a plaque commemorating all Rangers who died in the line of duty between 1823 and 2004.
3. East Terrace Museum
The East Terrace Museum is another of his delightful museums in Waco, overlooking the wonderful Brazos River.
This historic mansion features beautiful Italian architecture and was once owned by a businessman named John Wesley Mann.
One of the reasons this is one of the most fascinating places to visit is that its design is rather unusual for the state.
The house retains much of its original furnishings, offering a reminder of the past and what life was like back then.
Some of the notable furnishings are Victorian-style pier mirrors and beautifully crafted wooden tables.
Private tours are by reservation only, but you can enter the museum on Sunday afternoons, so why not go this weekend?
Things to Do in Waco For Kids
1. Hawaiian Falls Water Park
If you’re looking for good vacation spots, Hawaiian Falls Water Park is easily one of the best things to do this weekend in Waco for fun!
It’s a great place for family and summertime excitement with your kids.
As one of Waco’s most famous water parks, it is known throughout the state and offers 10 acres of excitement!
Things to do at Hawaiian Falls Water Park include Keiki Kove for kids, two 65-foot free-fall slides, a high-speed coaster called the Pineapple Express, a Kona Kooler for floating and relaxing, and even Cabana rentals. !
2. Waco Downtown Farmers Market
This weekend in this Texas town? Don’t miss it!
Since 2011, this farmer’s market has provided locals and visitors with fresh produce and many other goods.
This includes plants, fresh and alcoholic beverages, gourmet treats, cheeses, produce, and more.
You can enjoy live music and shop while browsing. The area also has several great stalls where you can purchase lunch or brunch.
Lunch or brunch can be enjoyed at picnic tables overlooking McLean Stadium and the Brazos River.
Every Saturday, 35 to 40 vendors set up shop with local food trucks, artists, farmers, and other locals selling all kinds of unique goods.
There’s no denying that this downtown farmers market should be on your to-do list.
3. Cameron Park Zoo
The Cameron Park Zoo, located in the namesake Cameron Park, occupies 50 acres.
Founded in 1955, it is home to over 1,700 animals, comprising nearly 300 endemic species.
The Cameron Park Zoo is fondly visited by locals and tourists who want to get fascinated by the animals within the zoo.
In the zoo, you can hold out some bananas for Money and feed the hens with corn.
Indoor Activities to Do in Waco
1. Mayborne Museum Complex
Mayborne Museum Complex opened in 2004 on the Baylor University campus in Waco.
A family-friendly natural history museum that is fun and engaging for children while providing information and education for visitors of all ages.
Bustling with activities, the Maybourne Museum Complex features a permanent collection of dioramas, interactive exhibits, and hands-on attractions.
There are 16 Discovery Rooms, each with a unique theme for children.
It also features a 13-acre historic village as an outdoor attraction brought over from Liberty, Texas.
Other popular attractions at the Maybourne Museum Complex are the huge display cases, the Design Den, where you can touch all kinds of innovative and exciting work, and the Curiosity Cabinet filled with items brought from the Strecker Museum.
2. McCulloch House Museum
Owned by the Historic Waco Foundation, the McCulloch House Museum is one of the best ways to get a glimpse into the forgotten old life of this Texas town.
The house itself was built in 1866 by a local physician, Josiah Caldwell, as a home for himself, his wife, and his five children.
There have been many renovations to add space and architectural character over the years.
McCulloch House was an important part of the town’s social scene, locals, celebrities, and tourists found out about it and stopped by, and it is now a museum open to the public.
In addition to numerous family memorabilia, this home has other interesting items to add to your to-do list. An example is the Watercolour painting by a local artist, Charles H. Cox.
3. Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits
Whether you love coffee, spirits, or both, Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits is your go-to for crafts and spirits. One of the best places to be. Waco offers this kind of gourmet.
Popular with locals and visitors alike, this unique restaurant offers a selection of craft cocktails and delicious rare coffees.
Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits’ coffee menu features iced and hot drinks made with roasted American coffee beans.
This bar offers an impressive range of handcrafted cocktails and delicious spirits. It also frequently hosts special events, live music, and other activities.
Romantic Things to Do in Waco
1. History of the Civil War and World War II
If you like history, this is a spot you should visit at least once!
The building that houses the Redmen Museum and Library was specifically designed to resemble Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Plantation.
The National Museum has many fun and interesting exhibits from 1888 to the present, including the complete collection of Geographic magazines, a desk once owned by the famous former Vice President Aaron Burr, and a bugle found on the Gettysburg battlefield It contains.
2. Old Branch Davidian Swimming Pool
Branch The Davidian religion!
Although still present today, it reached its peak popularity and prominence in the 1990s.
Now known only as Branch due to the unfortunate legacy of one of its former leaders, David Koresh.
David Koresh is probably best known for his 51-day confrontation with the FBI at the location of the Old Branch Davidian Swimming Pool, now in Waco, Texas.
The pool is a remnant of a tragic incident, and this pool is one of the city’s most unusual.
In February 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms suspected the Davidians of collecting and illegally stockpiling guns.
When the FBI and local police attempted to enter the Davidian compound on Mount Carmel to investigate the allegations, Koresh and his followers opened fire on them.
The ATF and even the military were called for help.
It took 51 days to resolve the stalemate, and they had to throw tear gas into the compound to drive the Davidians out of hiding.
Shots, grenades, and armored vehicles were used, ultimately killing over 76 Davidians, including Koresh.
Combat fire eventually destroyed the entire complex, leaving only what is now called the Old Branch Davidian Bath.
Now almost empty, there is a memorial nearby with the name of the deceased
Cheap Things to Do in Waco
1. Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco Mammoth National Monument is perhaps the city’s most famous site.
This story is about the world’s first known and discovered colony of Colombian mammoths. The largest collection of conspecific mammoths found dead in a single natural disaster.
What natural disaster? A landslide 68,000 years ago!
Randomly two men made the discovery that led to the news publication!
These two men walked along the Bosque River in 1978, looking for arrowheads. A search of the area around uncovered an unusually large bone.
They took it to Baylor College near the river, leading to archaeological excavations that uncovered an astonishing collection of 24 Ice Age Colombian mammoths.
Flash floods and landslides are believed to have killed all these beautiful creatures at once.
A mammoth herd of 19 adult females and their offspring is believed to have been affected by the flood.
Given the fossil’s location, it is further speculated that the adult tried unsuccessfully to lift the cub onto the mud to save it.
Since its first appearance, other species of mammals have also been discovered at the site, including big cats and prehistoric camels.
Some are believed to have died in the first landslide, others later.
Some of these and his 16 mammoths were taken to Baylor to protect them from damage, but many fossils can still be seen at the site itself.
The pavilion housing the remaining fossils is air-conditioned and still contains unclean fossils underneath.
Opened in 2009, you can walk along the pavilions overlooking the glorious ruins.
The excavation site itself has been closed, and further excavations are underway as it is believed that more fossils will be found in this general area!
In 2015 this mammoth site was designated a National Monument.
2. Waco Racecourse
Waco Hippodrome first opened in 1914 as a variety theatre.
Today, it’s evolved into a cinema and live event venue, but one thing hasn’t changed. It’s still a popular place in Texas, and it’s one of the places to go when you’re in the mood for a show or party.
Over the past century, the Hippodrome has undergone a fair amount of alterations, renamings, and reconstructions, but its historical importance has only increased.
Its current repertoire includes live theatre, premieres, quiz nights, stand-up comedy shows, classic films, film festivals, dance performances, concerts, and more.
This hippodrome at Austin Avenue offers full theatre service. There is also a full-service bar and mezzanine restaurant with great street views.
3. Waco Suspension Bridge
The Waco Suspension Bridge spans the Brazos River and is one of the city’s most important landmarks.
Evolving from a small town to a bustling metropolis is one of the reasons why this city has grown and become so famous.
Before the river was formed, it was dangerous and difficult to cross, and ferries were the only practical way to get to the other side.
About 3 million bricks were used to build the bridge in 1870. Due to the remote location of the construction site, the process was tedious and time-consuming.
The nearest town of skilled merchants was more than 200 miles away, and the nearest railroad was 100 miles away.
Despite the struggle, the work was eventually completed, making it the first suspension bridge in Texas.
More than a century later, in 1971, city officials decided it was time for a change, and the bridge was closed to cars and opened to pedestrians and pedestrians only.
This is due to the modernization of construction technology, making newer, more efficient, safer bridges an option.
Today, the suspension bridge is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Free Things to Do in Waco
1. McLain Stadium
McLain Stadium is Baylor University’s only football stadium and home to the famous Baylor Bears.
Watching a game at this stadium is a lot of fun. No one plays there, but it’s one of the places sports fans should visit, thanks to the tours on offer.
Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and takes you through areas such as dressing rooms, press rooms, and more.
You’ll also learn all sorts of insider stories and useful information about the history of McLean Stadium.
2. Lake Waco Wetland
Lake Waco Wetland is named for the effects of the aforementioned lake after it rose seven feet.
In 2001, a wetland was created in Texas to protect the surrounding land.
Essential habitat for many flora and fauna, including insects, these 180 acres of wetlands are home to all sorts of attractions.
The nursery, which occupies 6 hectares of land, is one of the habitats for aquatic plants such as water lilies, nettles, and duck potatoes. The rest of
Lake Waco Wetland is easily explored via elevated boardwalks and trails. An elevated birdwatching platform at ground level offers great views of the entire area.
Be sure to visit the Education and Research Center while in Wetland.
They teach guests all about the importance of wetland habitats and the different species that support them.
3. Waco Findery/Site
The Findery is one of many interesting places in Waco, Texas; most of its attractions are unique and interesting stores.
Findery on the corner of 8th and Webster sells all kinds of fun and interesting items.
Located in the nearly 100-year-old Percy Medicine Building! Several vendors sell merchandise at the Findery.
It is indeed an eclectic and whimsical network that combines classic, vintage, modern and handmade items
Cool Places to Visit in Waco
1. Armstrong Browning Library
Armstrong Browning Library is a hidden gem, but it’s also one of the top attractions in Waco, Texas.
Established to study the work, life, and legacy of two famous British authors, Robert Barrett Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Her poetry and writings are today studied as literary classics.
Armstrong Browning Library houses the world’s largest collection of Browning works.
Several exhibitions have been held to tell the stories of the prolific and talented couple and their loved ones.
The Armstrong-Browning Library hosts special exhibitions twice a year showcasing its rare books, artwork, and 19th-century stained glass collection.
The Armstrong Browning Library building is also fascinating. Its Italian Renaissance design has many royal gold accents and beautiful depictions of luxury.
Admission to the library is free and includes a gift shop and a relaxing garden.
This is a must-have for any Waco literature lover!
2. Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat
The Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat is one of the best tourist attractions in Texas for people who love bears – and animals in general!
It’s even home to Baylor University’s two black bear mascots, a pair of biological bear sisters named Lady and Joy!
They are Judge Sue “Lady” Sloan and Judge Joy Reynolds.
Lady is named after the wife of Baylor’s 12th president, Dr Robert B. Sloan (“First Lady,” and Joy is named after the wife of Baylor’s 11th president, Dr Herbert H. Reynolds, Joy. Bears in
Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat thrive in their natural environment of waterfalls, burrows, and trees.
Bill and the Eva Williams Bear Habitat are open from morning to evening most days due to special events and ever-changing weather.
3. Harp Design Co.
Waco, Texas, is home to HGTV’s Fixer Upper.
If you’re a fan of the Jo and Clint show, you know that Clint makes all sorts of pieces to match Jo’s designs – Harp Design
Clint’s work is exhibited, appreciated, and sold. One of the best places to visit if you like their talent! Custom-made items, woodwork, and new furniture will be on display.
All pieces are one-of-a-kind, made with exquisite craftsmanship and a unique perspective.
Next to the property is a house that is now a guest house. This was Clint’s house!
4. Carlene Bright Arboretum
Carlene Bright Arboretum is one of the most beautiful places near Waco, Texas, and one of the few natural places.
It is essentially a nature reserve with 16 hectares of land, 8 of which are beautiful botanical gardens.
Carleen Bright Arboretum has four zones: east gardens, west gardens, and a special wedding lawn with an arbor.
Various locations on the premises host events of all kinds throughout the year.
Conclusion
Waco is full of inspiring sights and places of all kinds, from artistic to historical, sporting to curiosity.
There is no shortage of things to enjoy and explore here.
With any luck, this list will help you determine the best and most fun things to do in Waco, Texas, to add to your next vacation plan!
Have a nice trip!
