20 Things To Do In Abilene Texas On Your Next Visit

1. Stroll Through Abilene's Downtown Cultural District

This is a very active area that attracts people because of the art and entertainment sources within the region. One can gaze at the art and history museums like the Grace Museum and the numerous theaters and performing arts like the Paramount Theatre, which also has movies.

The district also houses Art Walk, a monthly affair highlighting artists, musicians, dancers, and other performers. There are special stores and outlets, good eating joints, and cafes spread all across the locality.

The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum are both good for education for all ages.

2. Experience The Interactive Audio-Visual Theater At Frontier Texas

It is an interesting museum in Abilene that makes one feel like they are part of the Old West. One of the main highlights of this place is the interactive audio-visual theater, which is one of its strengths.

This theater setup focuses on employing salient uses of sound and light to create the ambiance of life in the 1800s frontier. Tourists can see and hear detailed performances of various historical events and narratives, which makes the past quite tangible and believable.

The theater employs such aspects as special effects and buttons that trigger images and sounds to simulate frontier times.

3. Explore The Abilene Zoo

One of the activities that would be of interest to families and, of course, educational is the Abilene Zoo, found at 2070 Zoo Lane. This zoo hosts more than a thousand animals belonging to different classes, like lions, giraffes, penguins, and so on.

The geographical location of the zoo is spacious and well-developed, making visiting a wonderful and relaxing experience. Numerous diversions include various animal displays, picnic grounds, and special activities that are conducted from time to time.

If possible, it is recommended to get there early in the morning to reduce the number of people one comes across and have ample time touring the place.

4. Walk Through ArtWalk

ArtWalk is a monthly event that takes place in the downtown area of Abilene, in which the streets of the city are transformed into live art galleries, stages, and activities for the general public.

Of course, galleries present their collections during ArtWalk, and artists paint and exhibit on the sidewalks, and it is so beautiful in color. There are usually musicians who sing and play instruments to the enjoyment of the crowds that are present.

The museum has games, craftwork, and other things that make it interesting. This event is typically held on the second Thursday of every month, so add it to your list of things to do in Abilene TX.

5. Stop By Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden

If you are wondering what is there to do in Abilene Texas, then this garden could be your next stop. The Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is a children's park that depicts various books through storyline images and sculptures. 

Adjacent to the Abilene, Convention Center, the garden boasts fanciful statues representing popular book characters for kids, making it perfect for families.

Guests walk through garden paths, meeting sculptures telling stories from books like 'The Three Little Pigs' or 'Goodnight Moon,' aiming to encourage imagination and a passion for reading. The garden also provides an ideal environment for picnics with exotic birds, perfect for beautiful photographs.

6. Attend The West Texas Fair & Rodeo

This annual fair event takes place in Abilene from mid-August to mid-September. The fair takes place at the Taylor County Expo Center and knocks on the folklore of cowboy heritage with breathtaking events like rodeo shows, competitions, and music performances. It also features a Ferris wheel and face painting, along with food stalls.

Visitors can be thrilled by rodeo competitions, including bull riding and barrel racing—a fun fair for the family at the games. The fair usually takes approximately ten days, so check the calendar and the timings of various activities before visiting the place.

Tickets can be bought in advance, which is much cheaper.

7. Cool Off At Adventure Cove

Adventure Cove, one of the Abilene attractions, is a popular water park destination for families as well as tourists. The fun at this park includes a lazy river, water slides, a wave pool, and a water play area for young children.

It is excellent for taking a break and getting some adrenaline rush sports during the summer season. Situated at 14th Street, it is comprehensive with amenities such as provisions for birthday parties, picnic areas, the availability of cabanas for hire, and cabins that offer foods and beverages for sale.

The park is only open during the summer, which is from the last week of May to early September.

8. Participate In Tennis Camps At Rose Park Tennis Center

This neat complex provides different tennis camps during different times of the year for novices as well as professional players. The center can be found at 4501 Rose Park Drive, so people in the area and visitors do not have a problem finding the place.

The tennis camps enable one to learn from trainers, delight in competition, and even gain an extra technique at Rose Park. These camps are effectively for fun and educational use for children, and all tennis enthusiasts, whether you are a kid or an adult, would enjoy them.

9. Take Pictures With The Lorax Statue

The Lorax Statue is a cute monument located next to the Abilene Zoo entrance. It centers its main character on the famous character from one of the books by Dr. Suess, more specifically, “The Lorax," a book that raises consciousness about the need to take care of nature.

The statue is also listed as one of the famous shooting attractions because children who watched the cartoon are familiar with the figure and would want to take pictures at the site.

Do not touch the statue while taking pictures, and adhere to the recommended zoo etiquette for cleaning the area.

10. Spend A Relaxing Day At Texas Forts Trail

The Texas Forts Trail is best explored leisurely, and a whole day spent exploring the parks can be quite enjoyable. Located from Abilene to Buffalo Gap and beyond, the trail is filled with old forts such as Fort Phantom Hill, Fort Griffin, and Fort Concho, to mention but a few.

Each of them gives visitors a rather interesting view of the early settlement of the country and the lives of the soldiers who formed the frontier.

These are some of the well-preserved forts, where people can visit and walk through the buildings, see historical artifacts, and recreate what the frontier must have looked like. This is a perfect answer to your question on what to do in Abilene.

11. Visit The Grace Museum

The museum is situated in a historical building from 1909 that was reconstructed in an excellent way. When entering its premises, one is greeted by a spectacle that encompasses several exhibits.

The Grace Museum houses art exhibitions, which change annually, and the pieces displayed are originals, which may originate from local or national artists. This gives the visitors a feel for a given period and style.

The museum presents the history of the city in a way that does not let the viewers remain indifferent to the presented heritage. There is a branch of science and a children's corridor that aim to ignite the flame of discovery and innovation.

12. Catch A Movie or A Live Performance At The Paramount Theatre

This landmark began its existence as an eye-popping piece of the town’s rich and diverse history and continues to be a thriving cultural center of contemporary Abilene.

Situated at 352 Cypress Street, it is a splendid theater that has been entertaining people since 1930, as it has an Art Deco style and elements. Paramount Theatre is one of the most popular and active venues for films, plays, and other performances, as well as city events, being a multifunctional and significant focus of Warwick’s entertainment life.

Guests will be pleasantly received by lovely decorated halls in the style of an old movie theater combined with the comfort of a contemporary restaurant.

13. Discover The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum

The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum provides a thrilling insight into the world’s second-deadliest war, WWII. This museum is situated at 1289 N 2nd St. and is dedicated to the great soldiers of the 12th Armored Division who fought in the war.

Upon entering the building, there are collections of military vehicles and personal items and multi-touch screens that tell the story of soldiers and their bravery.

Accentuating the same, the exhibition was attractive due to specimens that were once part of the division and helped qualify the general narrative with a human aspect.

14. Stay At Whistle Stop RV Resort

This is a cozy resort for guests who are touring Abilene and its environs since it is easily accessible by road and only a few minutes away from downtown Abilene. Its spacious sites for RVs, along with some comfortable extras, make the Whistle Stop feel like a comfortable home.

The beautiful physique of the place and the friendly environment of the resort make this place a standout location. Visitors can enjoy well-equipped RV sites with full hookups, clean restrooms, and a laundry facility.

The all-around impressive natural environment, which consists of many trees and an excellently landscaped compound, is wonderful for a relaxing stay.

15. See The Giant Buffalo Skull

While walking around the city, do not forget to notice the Giant Buffalo Skull, a symbol and an art piece with the actual feeling of a cowboy’s region. Standing at the intersection of U.S. Highway 84 and State Highway 351, this colossal skull, probably of a buffalo, is eye-catching and gives visitors a nice taste of history.

This sculpture is one of the regular Abilene points of interest, and tourists rarely skip it. The Giant Buffalo Skull is a symbol of the bison, which used to reside in the prairies of Texas as a huge herd.

It was constructed as a roadside attraction, and it has the added purpose of commemorating the Western legends of the past.

16. Walk Around Grover Nelson Park

The Park, situated in Abilene Texas United States, offers a break from the bustle of urban life. This is such a wonderful park that covers more than 85 acres, and serene visitors of all ages can engage in physical activities. 

While taking a walk on the paved pathways, you will, of course, be accompanied by greenery, ponds, and beautiful wildflowers. It may be a lovely place for relaxing or having a picnic with family or friends.

There are neat, clean children’s play areas, soccer fields, basketball courts, and even a fishing area where one can drop a line and spend some time fishing by the lake.

17. Water Skiing At Ft. Phantom Area

Families and individuals interested in water skiing and other exciting water activities should visit the Ft. Phantom Area, situated near Abilene. Set no more than forty-five minutes north of Abilene, this is a large lake with incredibly clear waters, perfect for water sports like water skiing, etc.

The area is well-bodied, where you might find necessary facilities like boat ramps, picnic areas, and restrooms. The flat and open water areas are best suited for learners to practice water skiing without the risk of collisions with other structures.

18. Have Fun At PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center

Situated at 201 Cypress Street, the Center is one of the most entertaining places for people. When a visitor walks into the PrimeTime entertainment facility, he or she is welcomed by a variety of choices.

Ranging from a fast car race on a challenging track to a round of mini golf, there is something for all the guests. There is also a great big arcade with only the newest and finest games a child or an adult can think of.

The premises are well suited for those who like some kind of rivalry. The bowling alley is perfect for the evenings, and the laser tag adds an extra layer of excitement with its high energy.

19. Try Great Food Options At Shirley Road Area

If you are in Abilene on a food expedition, be sure to locate the Shirley Road Region. Situated outside the central city area of Abilene, this is one of the better neighborhoods, well hidden but packed with interesting eateries for all kinds of palates.

The Shed, a small and warm restaurant, is famous for its delicious burgers and freshly made sandwiches. If you’re up for something a little different, then Ol’ South Pancake House serves breakfast 24/7 with a plethora of yummy options.

If Tex-Mex is what people are interested in, El Chico Café offers bold colors and ostentatious tastes in the form of fajitas and enchiladas.

20. Tour The Seelye Mansion

The Seelye Mansion remains one of the best attractions in Abilene TX, representing what early 20th-century homes looked like. This house is situated at 2030 N 3rd St. and was constructed in 1910 to be used as a residential building.

The mansion stands out by its classy design and several technological devices and furniture that give a glimpse at the style of the past ages. Some of the things that people may see inside the Seelye Mansion include elaborate and well-maintained rooms that are adorned with antiques and have astounding architectural designs.

The wooden work indicates the age of the house, and the old-fashioned fixtures are surely a delight for the eyes.