In many places September means fall, brilliant colors of yellow and orange speckled into the trees and foliage, cool, crisp air, and a pumpkin latte to give us renewed energy to keep up with our kids. Texas is different.
IT.IS.STILL.HOT!
We may wait a little longer for the sweet relief of fall, but Waco has great ways to Beat the Heat while going outside to play.
Cameron Park
Cameron Park is a long time Waco favorite that sits along the Brazos River. Cameron Park is a haven with beautiful old trees that provide canopies of shade and relief from the Texas sun.
The 400-acre park has many points of interest that include three playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing obstacles. The Pecan Bottom Playground has a Splash Pad that is perfect for staying cool, The Anniversary Park is well equipped, and the Northern Gateway Playground offers Water Misters.
The Pecans Bottoms Playground is close to picnic tables and there is plenty of space to spread a blanket and picnic along the river. There is room for kids to run and play in the grass, throw frisbees, balls, and pets are also allowed on leashes.
Cameron Park is for families of all ages with walking and biking trails, disc golf, fishing, a beautiful overlook called Lovers Leap, and a stone staircase known as Jacobs Ladder.
Older kids and adults can enjoy the 18-hole Disc Golf Course for players of every skill level. The location is accessible and right next to downtown Waco with shops, restaurants, and food trucks when kids get hungry.
Cameron Park Zoo is a Waco favorite.
Wacoans love the accessibility and how easy it is to navigate the zoo with children. Inside the zoo is a playground shaded with trees so kids can play, and parents can take a break from the heat. The zoo is educational, interactive, and is set up as Natural Habitat for the wild life. Animal highlights include beautiful Siberian Tigers, Social Orangutans, Lions, Tigers, and a platform where you can feed the Giraffes.
Admission is a great value, and the zoo hosts ongoing events. The zoo offers interactive programs where families can Adopt an Animal, and showcases natural wildlife known to Central Texas.
Chapel Park Splash Pad
In Waco staying cool outdoors takes priority, which is why one of Waco’s favorite places to play outside is Chapel Park Splash Pad.
Located in a neighborhood next to a school and residential area makes this a convenient location for parents to let their kids play and enjoy being outdoors. There is a large grass area next to Splash Pad to play catch, sidewalks for bike riding and walking, and a small pavilion with picnic tables to sit, rest, and eat.
Hewitt Park
Hewitt Park is a large multi-purpose outdoor facility with two playgrounds. The park has something for everyone and is located next a school and several residential communities. The 32-acre park includes a concrete walking/running track with workout stations, horse shoe pits, volleyball courts, one baseball backstop, soccer fields, lighted basketball courts, two small pavilions, and a Disc Golf Course.
The pavilion can be reserved for parties and is large enough for private events or family reunions. Amenities include 11 picnic tables and include electrical outlets, lighting, and smokers for cooking.
Pogue Park
Nestled under the trees of Woodway is Pogue Park. It is a large park with thick shade and is great for younger children. There is a merry go round, swings for infants and older kids, picnic tables, and a gravel walking track. Pogue Park has additional shade with a large pavilion where reservations can be made for large parties or events.
Hawaiian Falls Waco
During the summer Hawaiian Falls is one of the best places to play outside in the city of Waco. It is set up for all age ranges from young to older children with a baby pool area and kiddie section to large water rides that will entertain kids for hours. The lazy river is a great way to relax and cool off while the kids still have fun. There is a wave pool, and a large portion of the park has covered tables and lounge chairs to provide shelter from the sun. Large parties can rent cabanas, large pavilions, or sheltered areas and joining the membership program offers affordable admission and discounts on food and amenities.
Hawaiian Falls is a great place for families to meet friends where kids can play with together and adults can enjoy interaction and relief from the heat.
Baylor Bear Habitat and Fountain Mall
Deep in the heart of Texas and Baylor University is the Bear Habitat and Fountain Mall. Taking the kids to see the black bear mascots is a great outdoor activity with big trees and heavy shade! Kids always enjoy watching the cute bears. The Bear Habitat sits next to the center of campus close to the Baylor Fountain and huge grassy area known as the Mall. Kids are not permitted to get in the fountain but can get their hands wet.
It is in a great location next to I-35. Once the kids have had a chance to see the bears and splash the water there are a wide range of restaurants, milk shakes, and ice cream eateries on the other side of the I-35. It makes for a great location and easy stop for lunch or a tasty cold treat to cool off from the heat.
