Here are excellent ideas for a family getaway to Abilene, TX, the Storybook Capital of America.
Just over a 2-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth, Abilene is known for its Wild West cowboy charm, frontier heritage, vibrant art scene, and hospitality around every corner. While there, you’ll discover endless family fun. Also, Abilene Christian University is the college in town that every future theologian wants to attend. Here are some things the family can do in Abilene, Texas.
Road trips are always entertaining, whether on a school holiday, in the summer, or on a family getaway. But when you venture to Abilene in West Texas, you’ll find it can be educational, too! There are fun things to do, from unique museums, local events, art exhibits, good food, food trucks, and so much more. Texas towns with special titles are gaining more recognition for their outstanding achievements. Abilene, TX, is no different, as it is known as the Storybook Capital of America (not Texas).
Family Things To Do In Abilene, Texas
If you are traveling with children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, it will be easy to hold everyone’s attention with the activities in this town. After reading about all the activities families can enjoy in Abilene, I think you’ll agree that it’s a great place to learn more about Texas and an educational trip every child needs to experience.
The Storybook Capital Of America is Abilene, Texas
Do you know why Abilene holds the title of Storybook Capital of America?
Abilene, Texas, is home to America’s most extensive collection of storybook sculptures. And it’s all free to see!
Venture to downtown Abilene to see the larger-than-life storybook characters. You’ll see The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, Three Little Kittens, Stuart Little, Three Little Pigs, and more friends your kids will quickly recognize from their favorite children’s books at home.
More than 25 statues, including one that stands out (Jacob’s Dream Sculpture), can be found on a “goose chase” scavenger hunt through the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden.
Travel Tip: If you’re traveling to Abilene in the summer, note that the annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival is in June.
National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature
Nearby, you can visit the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, which features exhibits showcasing the works of celebrated children’s book artists, interactive exhibits, and children’s art galleries. During springtime, your kids can have fun making Easter eggs. You’ll love that your kids will be off their electronics to do these fun, hands-on activities!
Travel Tip: Be sure to download the Adventure Guide or pick one up for free at the T&P Depot.
Rockin’ Rollerz Craft Burger Co.
Rockin Rollerz was once a food truck serving cooked-to-order craft burgers using the freshest ingredients the owners could buy. After establishing a name for itself and winning several awards, the food truck business transitioned into a brick-and-mortar location. There’s good food here, so you’ll want to return and try something different.
You must eat here if you’re going for a weekend getaway to Abilene, TX. You’ll quickly learn that food is a passion at Rockin’ Rollerz and is the perfect place to please all your family members. The fun and relaxing environment, along with excellent customer service, will not disappoint.
Question: What does it mean to be a Rockin Rollerz? It means that you do things your way. It’s about being true to yourself – everyone should follow their own path through life. I genuinely love that, don’t you?
The Grace Museum
Head downtown to see one of Abilene’s most unique museums – The Grace Museum. It’s an AAM-accredited living museum inside a historic building. Changing exhibits feature the best Texas historical artifacts, past and present, within the context of American art.
The Children’s Museum, located on the 2nd floor, offers hands-on learning activities and various educational programs for all ages. There, you can make music, discover the systems in your body, perform on a theater stage, drive an ambulance, and so much more. The museum is a great way to release kids’ energy and gain educational insights.
On another floor of the museum, you can see a timeline of kitchens, which teenagers will find quite amusing. Don’t be alarmed if you’re unfamiliar with this era – it’s somewhat of a mystery to most. It’s great to see the changes and to understand how far technology has come.
12th Armored Division Memorial Museum
Another museum worth mentioning is the United States Twelfth Armored Division Memorial Museum. It serves as a teaching museum about World War II and its impact on the American people. The gift shop has fun educational items about the war.
Amission: $0-$5
Abilene Zoo
No trip to Abilene is complete without a visit to the zoo. With over 1,000 animals representing 250 species at the Abilene Zoo, your entire family will be excited to explore it all. Hope the weather is beautiful and the animals are out. Put this attraction on your weekend getaway to Abilene, Texas.
A favorite exhibit is the Giraffe Safari. Zoo-goers can feed the giraffes for a small fee. Be careful, though; the giraffes are very friendly (and hungry), and with their big, long tongues, they may get up close and personal, and you may find you’ve just gotten a wet, sloppy kiss!
Feed the fish and watch snakes hunt for lunch. Visit the reptile house to see the snakes slithering around their habitats! The petting zoo is also worth seeing.
If you visit the zoo, visit Abilene Zoological Gardens—a beauty!
The Historic Paramount Theatre
Before leaving the area, you may want to stop by the Paramount Theatre, located at 352 Cypress St. It opened in 1930, but since then, it has undergone a full restoration and features concerts, live theatre, touring shows, classic films, and more. Inside, you’ll see two grand staircases, artwork on the ceilings, a 1200-seat auditorium, and more! (Don’t miss the hand-blown chandeliers!)
Travel Tip: You can take a free, self-guided tour inside! If you’re around for the holidays, there are always a couple of shows about Christmas.
Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas is a history museum, gift shop, and the official visitor center for Abilene and the Texas Forts Trail Region.
Admission: $5-$10
Mill Wine Bar
The Mill Wine Bar is a family-friendly event venue featuring outdoor seating, fire pits, pickleball, and steak nights.
Closed Sunday through Wednesday.
Abilene State Park
Just 16 miles from Abilene is a world of adventure along the shady banks of Elm Creek at the Abilene State Park. Deer and other critters roam the park, and you’ll find many large trees that provide shade for picnics. The property features a swimming pool, a buffalo wallow pond where fishing is permitted, and camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Abilene is nearby, offering an excellent spot for fishing.
With so much to do on your weekend getaway in Abilene, TX, you may want to check out the Abilene Round-Up Pass if that still exists.
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