10 Fun Things To Do In Waco, Texas (That Locals Actually Love)
If you’re planning a Texas road trip and wondering what to do in
Waco, Texas, you’re in the right place. This friendly city in
McLennan County sits right along I‑35 between Dallas and Austin, making it a perfect weekend stop or short getaway.
Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple looking for a chill escape, or a solo traveler exploring Central Texas, you’ll find plenty of things to do in and around Waco.
Below are
10 fun things to do near Waco, TX, written with U.S. travelers in mind and packed with practical tips.
1. Visit Magnolia Market at the Silos
Let’s start with the spot most people have heard about:
Magnolia Market at the Silos.
If you’re a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines from “Fixer Upper,” this place will feel like stepping onto the set of the show. Even if you’ve never seen it, the space is still worth a stop.
- What to do: Shop home décor, relax on the big lawn, grab food truck eats, and sample baked goods at Silos Baking Co.
- Why it’s fun: The whole area feels like a small town inside the city—string lights, lawn games, and cozy corners everywhere.
- Tip: Try to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and long lines.
I once visited on a Saturday afternoon in the fall, and the line for cupcakes wrapped around the building. The second time, I went on a Tuesday right after opening—totally different experience, and way more relaxed.
2. Stroll Across the Historic Waco Suspension Bridge & Riverwalk
For a classic Waco experience, head downtown to the
Waco Suspension Bridge and the nearby
Brazos Riverwalk.
- What it is: A historic pedestrian bridge that opened in the 1800s and was once the longest single-span bridge west of the Mississippi.
- What to do: Walk across the bridge, check out the famous cattle drive sculptures, then follow the paved trail along the Brazos River.
- Good for: Families with strollers, casual walkers, early morning jogs, and sunset photos.
On a nice evening, you’ll see people walking dogs, kids riding scooters, and couples taking photos with the river in the background. It’s one of the simplest, cheapest, and most “Waco” things you can do.
3. Discover History at the Dr Pepper Museum
Did you know
Dr Pepper was created in Waco? If you love soda or quirky museums, put the
Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute on your list.
- What to see: Old bottling equipment, vintage ads, and exhibits explaining how the drink was invented.
- Fun part: You can enjoy an ice‑cold Dr Pepper float at the soda fountain.
- Location: Right in downtown Waco, easy to pair with other nearby sights.
Even if you’re not a huge soda drinker, the museum is packed with fun throwback pieces and Texas history. Kids usually love the interactive areas and the chance to taste something at the end.
4. Explore the Waco Mammoth National Monument
If you’re traveling with kids or you enjoy natural history, you’ll want to see the
Waco Mammoth National Monument, managed by the National Park Service.
- What makes it special: It’s an active paleontological site where the remains of a herd of Columbian mammoths were discovered.
- What you’ll do: Take a guided tour, walk an easy path, and view mammoth fossils protected inside a climate‑controlled building.
- Good to know: The paths are fairly short and flat, so it’s manageable for most visitors.
Standing above the dig site and looking down at the massive bones is one of those “wow” moments that reminds you how old this land really is.
5. Spend a Day at Cameron Park & Cameron Park Zoo
Cameron Park is one of Waco’s most beloved green spaces and a great place to burn off some energy.
- Size: Over 400 acres of hills, cliffs, and wooded trails along the Brazos River.
- What to do: Hike, mountain bike, have a picnic, or enjoy playgrounds with the kids.
- Scenic stops: Lookouts like Lover’s Leap and Circle Point offer big views over the river.
Within the park, you’ll also find the
Cameron Park Zoo:
- Why visit the zoo: It’s not huge, but it’s well‑shaded, easy to walk, and has animals like giraffes, lions, and elephants.
- Family‑friendly: Short walking distances, plenty of benches, and good photo spots.
If you’re short on time, you can simply drive through parts of Cameron Park and stop at a couple of overlooks for quick photos.
6. Tour Baylor University’s Campus
Even if you’re not in college‑tour mode,
Baylor University is worth a walk‑through. The campus is beautiful and very walkable.
- Main highlights: Pat Neff Hall, the Baylor Bear habitat, and the fountains near the main quadrangle.
- Atmosphere: Lively on game days and during the school year; quieter in summer and holiday breaks.
- Tip: Pair a campus stroll with a stop at a nearby coffee shop or local restaurant along I‑35 or in downtown Waco.
If you time it right during football season, catching a game at
McLane Stadium along the river can be a memorable Texas sports experience.
7. Wander and Shop in Downtown Waco
Downtown Waco has been growing fast, thanks in part to Magnolia and a wave of new small businesses.
- What you’ll find: Boutiques, antique stores, coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants.
- Good for: A few hours of wandering, browsing unique gifts, and sampling local food.
- Food ideas: Try a local taco place, a Texas‑style burger, or one of the popular BBQ spots.
If you like to bring home something more personal than a T‑shirt, downtown shops offer plenty of locally made items and one‑of‑a‑kind finds.
8. Enjoy the Lake: Lake Waco & Outdoor Activities
If you’re visiting in warmer months—and in Texas, that can mean much of the year—head out to
Lake Waco for fresh air and water views.
- Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming in designated areas, kayaking, or just enjoying a lakeside picnic.
- Campgrounds: There are campgrounds and parks with picnic tables, grills, and space to spread out.
- Sunset tip: Find a spot along the shore in the evening; the sunsets can be stunning over the water.
If you’re driving an RV or love tent camping, Lake Waco can be a peaceful base while you explore the rest of McLennan County.
9. Check Out the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
For a taste of Old West history, visit the
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Focus: The story of the Texas Rangers, one of the oldest law enforcement organizations in North America.
- What you’ll see: Historic firearms, badges, uniforms, and exhibits telling the stories of famous Rangers.
- Who will like it: History buffs, Western movie fans, and anyone interested in Texas culture.
It’s an easy stop near downtown and pairs well with the Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk since they’re all relatively close together.
10. Take a Day Trip Around McLennan County
If you have extra time, use Waco as a base to explore more of
McLennan County and the surrounding Central Texas countryside.
Here are a few ideas within a short drive:
- Local wineries and breweries: Enjoy a tasting and relax on a patio just outside the city.
- Small towns nearby: Explore rural roads, small churches, and quiet communities that give you a feel for everyday Texas life.
- Scenic drives: Roll down the windows and cruise the back roads, especially in spring when wildflowers pop up along the highways.
You don’t need a packed schedule out here. Sometimes the best part of visiting Waco is slowing down a bit, grabbing a sweet tea, and enjoying the pace of Central Texas.
Planning Your Trip to Waco, Texas
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall usually offer the most comfortable weather. Summers can be hot, so plan more indoor activities mid‑day.
- Getting around: A car is the easiest way to see Waco and surrounding McLennan County, especially if you want to explore Lake Waco or nearby small towns.
- Trip length: You can see the main Waco attractions in 2–3 days, but it’s also an easy day trip from Dallas, Fort Worth, or Austin.
What Will You Do First in Waco?
From
Magnolia Market and the
Dr Pepper Museum to
Cameron Park and the
Waco Mammoth National Monument, this Central Texas city offers more than most people expect when they first roll off the highway.
Are you most excited about the food, the history, or the outdoor adventures?
- Have you been to Waco before? What was your favorite spot?
- Which of these 10 things to do in Waco, Texas would you put at the top of your list?
I’d love to hear from you.
Share this guide with a friend who’s planning a Texas road trip, and drop a comment with your own tips, questions, or Waco stories. Your experiences help other travelers make the most of their time in McLennan County!
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