We hope Summer 2021 feels A LOT different than last summer. There is so much to do and see in and around Central Texas – even in the hot Texas temps!
Be sure and read until the end for your free family summer bucket list printable!
Thank you to Premier ER & Urgent Care and Anna Johnson with Camille Johnson Realtors for partnering with us and making the production of this guide possible for Waco families!
Splash Pads & Swimming Holes
Kids love to splash and swim in the summer. Click the link above for a list of local splash pads and swimming holes!
Mayborn Museum
The Mayborn is a kids dream! This is a must see. Rotating exhibits each semester keeps things new and exciting.
Paddle Board
Pura Vida Paddle offers kayaks, paddle boards, and SUP yoga. Kid friendly and guaranteed outdoor fun. Be sure and check out their summer camps as well.
NEW LOCATION :Brazos Park East; 3516 N M.L.K. Jr Blvd., Waco, TX 76702 South boat ramp. First entrance if coming from I35.
Bike at Lake Waco Dam during sunset
A hidden gem in Waco is Lake Waco Dam! Not only can you go fishing there, you can also walk and hike alongside the dam trail at sunset to get great photos alongside the entire length of the family. This is also a great place to walk your dog!
Grab paletas at Helados La Azteca
Cool off on a hot summer day by grabbing paletas for the entire fam at Helados La Azteca. Helados has two locations off Franklin or Colcord Avenue. Here you will find popsicles of all flavors, Mexican and Blue bell ice cream, Mangonada, and other delicious Mexican snacks! My personal favorite is the watermelon flavor – made with fresh watermelon juice! You can check out other easy and inexpensive ideas here.
Grab a Sweet Treat From A Local Business
Sno Cones, Lemy’s, and Pop’s Lemonade are local faves! Follow their page to check weekly pop up locations and store hours.
Home Depot
Home Depot has a free kids workshop on the 1st Saturday of the month (9 AM – 12 PM) and they hold workshops for adults, too.
Top Golf
That’s right- Top Golf Waco is now open! Golf, putt putt, dining, and more. You can even make reservations ahead of time to avoid a long wait time.
Dinner at The Minnow
The best and only restaurant on Lake Waco. Karaoke night, live music, and catfish. You can’t go wrong.
Summer Camps
Waco offers a variety of summer camps, from sports to academics, perfect for all ages. Here’s a list we’ve complied for you!
Roller Skating
Want to enjoy air conditioning, but still get some of that energy out? Here’s your solution!
Ice Ice Baby in West
The sno cone truck in West is worth the drive. They do a kolache sno cone which is what dreams are made of!
Hawaiian Falls
Hawaiian Falls is open for the season on May 29th. Perfect location for sunshine, swimming, and making memories.
Cameron Park
There is something for everyone here: Fish, canoe, or kayak on the river. Play disc golf, sand volleyball, or go hiking (check out the link above for hiking trail maps and conditions). Stroll through Texas native wildflowers on rock-lined paths at Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place. Most importantly, pack a picnic and bring the whole family!
Common Grounds
Order a Cowboy coffee and let the kids play on the stage in the backyard seating area. The second location in Woodway is possibly even better, because they share a building with Slow Rise Slice House pizza! A large outdoor area full of picnic tables and plenty of space for your kiddos to play.
Get out in nature
Check here for a list of hiking trails ranked by difficulty level, distance, and accessibility. Here is the place to go for fishing spots (some provide the equipment!), nearby state parks, and more!
Farmers Market
Bowling
Bowling is always a family favorite. . .and it’s air conditioned. Enough said.
Homestead Heritage
They are open year-round, Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 5PM. Tours, Activities, Learning Opportunities, Craft Shops, Furniture and Gifts, Dining and much more.
Day Trip to Austin
Austin is only a short drive away and makes for the perfect day trip. Check out our neighbors, Austin Moms, for lots of fun ideas here!
BSR Cable Park
Did someone say lazy river? The royal flush slides (only open Friday – Sunday) and cable park are for the thrill seeker and an absolute blast. Open daily 11 AM – 7 PM.
Easy Does It Farms
A full service equestrian center offering lessons for beginners and advanced riders alike. Custom lessons and clinics can be tailored to any need, so hop on with your littles and take a “Mom and Me” lesson! Reach them at 254-339-0012.
Baked Bliss
A true hidden treasure! You cannot go wrong with anything you order, but we can never turn down a homemade cinnamon roll.
Fabled Bookstore
Cameron Park Zoo
You can never go wrong with the zoo. Be sure and check out their upcoming events, like KidZoobilee, and grab your friends for a play date.
Visit a State Park
The Sweet Station
They are so friendly, small business owners, and bonus** Across the street from Magnolia Press…. mama gets her caffeine fix and kids get candy.
Cotton Belt Trail
Load up your bikes and take a 2.5 mile ride on Cotton Belt Trail. Enjoy the scenery and sunshine!
Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton
Photo Ops in front of murals
Here are the top 5 murals in Waco:
“City With A Soul” 501 S. 8th St On the backside of The Findery
“Dear Waco We Love You” 926 La SalleOn the side of Shades of Shabby
“WacoTown” 217 S. 4th St
“You Look Nice Today Waco” 115 N. 7th St
“Starry Night” 1000 Columbus Ave
Waco Pedal Tours
Waco Pedal Tours is Waco’s one and only pedal bike tour. We not only offer another thing to do in Waco, but we offer a unique activity that can cater to whatever your needs entail. Ride along one of our core packages, or schedule a private tour with the theme of your choice—the sky is the limit!
Antique Shopping In & Around Waco
Laverty’s, LaSalle Shoppes, Junque in the Trunk, and Cedar Chest just to name a few. Click the link above for our complete list.
Practically Pikasso
Waco’s only eclectic art studio. Fun for the whole family: painting, pottery, and more.
Waco Tours
The perfect way to see the best of Waco- via the Brazos river. Enjoy this luxurious outing as your Captain and Guide welcome you, entertain you, and share intriguing stories of this life-giving river, featuring Waco’s history and its people – past and present. You will see beautiful landscape and wildlife, as well as some of Waco’s iconic sights.
Magnolia Market
Year round at the Silos, there is a big green lawn equipped with a large lawn, whiffle ball field, a line of food trucks to choose from, and delicious cupcakes calling your name. We recommend checking the details here before you visit.
Lemonade Stand
A great way to get your kiddos in the kitchen and teach them the value of a dollar. Plus, it makes for some super cute photo ops.
Waco Lake Rentals
From pontoon boats to jet ski’s – Waco Lake Rentals have it all! Spend the entire day or a few hours on Lake Waco and soak up the sun. Perfect for a Summer date night or family fun day.
Print and fill in a Summer bucket list for your family – add in summer traditions YOU have and don’t forget to get your family’s input! Click the image above to open the pdf.
