7 Fantastic Things To Do With Your Kids In Abilene

Uncover the secrets of the Old West, go on a scavenger hunt for The Lorax and Yertle the Turtle, and come face-to-face with rhinos and giraffes. Located just over two hours west of Fort Worth, this frontier town is a fantastic place to create new family memories. Check out a few of the top things you can do with your kids in Abilene below.

Tip: Plan on sticking around for a while? Get the Abilene Round Up Pass and you’ll save on admission at the best attractions in town.

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Experience Life on the Frontier

Giddyup, partner! Put on your cowboy boots and a wide-brimmed hat and bring your kiddos to Frontier Texas!, where the wonders of the Old West live on. Your journey starts in the Blood & Treasure Theater, where guide (and Gunsmoke star) Buck Taylor readies you for your adventure. Ol' Buck isn't the only colorful character you'll meet along the way, as there are nine holographic spirit guides here to teach you a thing or two about the Wild West.

Explore the stories of "Blood & Treasure" at Frontier Texas!

Wander through the museum and you'll uncover thousands of years of history, aim down the barrel of a rifle just like the one you'd see on the prairie, and explore a frontier settlement. Along the way, you and your cowboys and cowgirls will get to know some of the people who helped shape the Old West. Frontier Texas! also is the headquarters for the Texas Forts Trail, and you may want to stroll the grounds of the nearby ruins of Fort Phantom Hill, an old U.S. Army post created to defend settlers from the Native Americans who lived in the area.

Relive the Old West through the magic of state-of-the-art technology at Frontier Texas!

Explore the Storybook Capital of America

Your kids have probably read about the zany antics of Cat in the Hat or the epic adventures of Stuart Little. Imagine how they'll feel when they see these larger-than-life characters standing right in front of them? Stroll through Downtown Abilene and you'll encounter 25 statues of characters from Dr. Seuss' timeless classics, as well as Dino Bob, Jack Frost, and The Three Little Kittens.

Find Nicholas St. North on Santa Calls Lane

Finding all these sculptures is the best kind of scavenger hunt, but that's not all you can do here. The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature features exhibits showcasing the works of celebrated children's book artists, as well as hands-on art activities every Saturday.

With so much to see and do, it's no wonder Abilene is the Storybook Capital of America.

Find characters: Stuart Little, Duck on a Bike and Man in the Moon in downtown Abilene.

See a World War II-Era Tank

Known by its enemies as the “Suicide Division” for its ferocity in battle, the Abilene-based 12th Armored Division carved out its own chapter of history during World War II. Along with its distinguished service against Nazi Germany in the European Theater of the war, the division was just one of a few to have African-American combat companies. The many stories of the Hellcats, and the men and woman who served in the division, are preserved in the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum. Besides getting an up-close look at a tank and other vintage vehicles, you and your family will check out artifacts, weapons, uniforms, and dioramas that show a new side of the war and the many sacrifices of those who fought in it.

Learn how the Hellcats became the “Suicide Division” at the 12th Armored Division WWII Memorial Museum.

Say “Howdy” to Macho, the Black Rhino

He's big, he's gray, and he wants to say hey. He’s Macho, a 2,500-pound black rhino and the Abilene Zoo's resident gentle giant. It's not every day you can introduce your kids to such a majestic creature, but that's exactly what you can do on an affordable behind-the-scenes up close encounters. Macho is just one of the animals your kids can interact with, as they can hand-feed giraffes and get up-close and personal with the many turtles and snakes that call the zoo home.

Macho, the Black Rhino. Photo by Abilene Zoo Facebook / Megan Baldree

Don't forget to explore the rest of the zoo to see lions, tigers, alligators, and an array of birds. Then go for a ride on the Safari Express or the Wildlife Carousel, and play in the splash pad and Fort Imagination playground (in the summer).

Slither into the Reptile House at Abilene Zoo

Play All Day at Free Play Arcade

Pin ball, Atari, arcade games, and all your kids' favorite food all under one roof. If this sounds too good to be true, you haven't been to Free Play Arcade yet. This one-stop-shop for family-friendly entertainment has something for kids (and adults) of all ages. Battle it out with Donkey Kong, put your pin ball skills to the test, and show off your dance move with Dance Dance Revolution. There's even a full bar for mom and dad and yummy snacks and drinks for kids. Don't miss out on the repertoire of retro cabinet games upstairs. When you need a break, hit up the restaurant for delicious pizza and sandwiches before heading out for more fun.

Free Play Arcade

Let your kids explore their imagination

Let your kids experience the joys of in-person play at Spark at The Grace. A dazzling playground of over 30 interactive stations where young explorers can draw, dance, paint, and build their way through Abilene’s rich history and boundless creativity. It’s a hands-on adventure designed to ignite curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning. From toddler-friendly play zones to STEAM-inspired experiences, every corner is crafted to engage curious minds and joyful hearts.

Putt your way through 18 holes

Bringing joy to West Texas since 1947 Play Faire Park is the oldest continuously operating miniature golf course in the state. But there’s more than just putting to do here. Under the twinkling lights, families make memories and live music fills the night air. Beyond the 18 holes, the park transforms into a festival of sound and celebration with concerts and community fundraisers. Whether you're aiming for a hole-in-one, dancing to local bands, or simply reliving a bit of childhood magic, Play Faire Park promises timeless fun with a whimsical twist.